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

SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Filed by the Registrant ý

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

Check the appropriate box:

ý

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

o

 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

o

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

o

 

Definitive Additional Materials

o

 

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

o

 

No fee required.

ý

 

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

 

(1)

 

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
Depositary Units Representing Limited Partnership Interests
        

    (2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: 16,275,863
        

    (3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): $28.00 per unit determined solely for the purpose of calculating the filing fee in accordance with Rule 0-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, based on the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant's Depositary Units as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on May 3, 2005.
        

    (4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: $455,724,164
        

    (5)   Total fee paid: $53,639
        


o

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o

 

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

 

(1)

 

Amount Previously Paid:
        

    (2)   Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
        

    (3)   Filing Party:
        

    (4)   Date Filed:
        

Copies to:
Steven L. Wasserman, Esq.
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020-1104
Telephone: (212) 835-6000
Facsimile: (212) 835-6001



MAY    , 2005

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
100 SOUTH BEDFORD ROAD
MT. KISCO, NEW YORK 10549

PROXY STATEMENT
ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY WRITTEN CONSENT

To the holders of Depositary Units of American Real Estate Partners, L.P.:

        This proxy statement is being furnished by American Property Investors, which we refer to as API or the General Partner, to the holders of Depositary Units of American Real Estate Partners, L.P., or AREP, a Delaware limited partnership, in connection with the proposed approval of the following actions:

        1.     The issuance of up to 16,275,863 of AREP's Depositary Units representing limited partnership interests of AREP, or the Depositary Units, in connection with AREP's acquisitions from affiliates of Carl C. Icahn, the beneficial owner of approximately 86.5% of our Depositary Units, of:

        These transactions are referred to as the Acquisitions.

        2.     The amendment of our Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, dated May 12, 1987, as amended on February 22, 1995, August 16, 1996 and May 9, 2002, or the Partnership Agreement, to provide for amendments to (i) Section 3.01—Purposes and Business; (ii) Section 4.05(c)—Additional Issuance of Units; (iii) Section 6.18—Other Matters Concerning General Partner; (iv) Sections 5.03—Distributions; (v) Section 14.13—Action Without a Meeting; (vi) add new Section 4.13—Nevada Gaming Law Disposition; and (vii) other miscellaneous changes. We refer to this action as the LP Agreement Amendments.

        3.     The amendment of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, or AREH, dated May 21, 1987, as amended August 16, 1996 and June 14, 2002 to provide for amendments to (i) Section 3.01—Purpose and Business and (ii) Section 5.03—Distributions. We refer to this action as the OLP Agreement Amendments.

        4.     The issuance to Keith A. Meister, Chief Executive Officer of our General Partner, of options to purchase an aggregate of 700,000 Depositary Units. We refer to this action as the Grant of the Meister Option.


        In accordance with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, on which the Depositary Units are listed, the issuance of Depositary Units to affiliates of Mr. Icahn in connection with the Acquisitions and the Grant of the Meister Option require the approval of holders of our Depositary Units.

      Sincerely,

 

 

 

/s/  
KEITH A. MEISTER      
     
Keith A. Meister
Chief Executive Officer
of American Property Investors, Inc.,
the General Partner of American
Real Estate Partners, L.P.

        This proxy statement and the accompanying Unitholder Written Consent Card, or Consent Card, are being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of consents from holders of Depositary Units in lieu of a meeting of the holders of Depositary Units to approve the proposed matters. Only record owners of the Depositary Units at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to consent to the proposed matters. This proxy statement and the accompanying Unitholder Written Consent Card are being sent or given to the holders of Depositary Units commencing on or about                          , 2005.

        Any holder of Depositary Units executing a Consent Card has the power to revoke it at any time before June     , 2005 by delivering written notice of such revocation to the transfer agent, as indicated in the Consent Card.

ii



TABLE OF CONTENTS TO SCHEDULE 14A PROXY STATEMENT

 
   
  Page
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION   (iv )
SUMMARY TERM SHEET   1  
PROXY STATEMENT—CONSENT      
    Voting Securities, Record Date and Outstanding Units   6  
    Required Vote   6  
    Solicitation of Consents   6  
ITEM 1:   ACQUISITIONS      
    Background of the Acquisitions   6  
    AREP's Reasons for the Acquisitions   10  
    Opinion of Financial Advisor   12  
    Oil and Gas Reserve Reports   27  
    The Purchase Agreements   33  
    Additional Provisions applicable to the NEG Holding, Panaco and GB Holdings Agreement   36  
    Registration Rights Agreement   36  
    Information about AREP, NEG Holding, Panaco and GB Holdings   36  
    Pro Forma Financial Data   37  
    Financial Statements   37  
    Regulation   37  
    Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences   37  
    Accounting Treatment   38  
    The Depositary Units   38  
    Appraisal Rights   41  
ITEM 2:   AMENDMENT TO AREP'S LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT   41  
ITEM 3:   AMENDMENT TO AREH'S LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT   44  
ITEM 4:   GRANT OF OPTIONS TO KEITH MEISTER   44  
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION   45  
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT   47  
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN OR OPPOSITION TO MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS   48  
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   52  
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS   52  
APPENDIX A: AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS L.P.   A-1  
APPENDIX B: NEG HOLDING LLC   B-1  
APPENDIX C: PANACO, INC.   C-1  
APPENDIX D: GB HOLDINGS, INC.   D-1  
           

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APPENDIX E: UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA FOR AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.   E-1  
APPENDIX F: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   F-1  
EXHIBIT A: OPINION OF MORGAN JOSEPH & CO. INC.,
DATED JANUARY 21, 2005—NEG HOLDING
  EX-A-1  
EXHIBIT B: OPINION OF MORGAN JOSEPH & CO. INC.,
DATED JANUARY 21, 2005—PANACO
  EX-B-1  
EXHIBIT C: OPINION OF MORGAN JOSEPH & CO. INC.,
DATED JANUARY 21, 2005—GB HOLDINGS
  EX-C-1  
EXHIBIT D: NEG HOLDING ACQUISITION AGREEMENT   EX-D-1  
EXHIBIT E: PANACO MERGER AGREEMENT   EX-E-1  
EXHIBIT F: GB HOLDINGS ACQUISITION AGREEMENT   EX-F-1  
EXHIBIT G: FORM OF AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO AREP'S AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP   EX-G-1  
EXHIBIT H: FORM OF AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO AREH'S AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP   EX-H-1  

*****

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

        Statements included in this proxy statement which are not historical in nature, are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward looking statements" for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by Public Law 104-67.

        This proxy statement contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Foward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will" or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements about the expected future business and financial performance of AREP and its subsidiaries. Among these risks and uncertainties are changes in general economic conditions, the extent, duration and strength of any economic recovery, the extent of any tenant bankruptcies and insolvencies, our ability to maintain tenant occupancy at current levels, our ability to obtain, at reasonable costs, adequate insurance coverage, risks related to our hotel and casino operations, including the effect of regulation, substantial competition, rising operating costs and economic downturns, competition for investment properties, risks related to our oil and gas operations, including costs of drilling, completing and operating wells and the effects of regulation, and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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SUMMARY TERM SHEET

        This summary term sheet highlights important information about the Acquisitions discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary includes parenthetical references to pages in other portions of this proxy statement containing a more detailed description of the topics presented in this summary term sheet. This summary term sheet may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To more fully understand the Acquisitions discussed in this proxy statement, you should read carefully this entire document and the other documents to which we have referred you.

The Acquisitions (Page 36)   We are sending this proxy statement:
    To provide you with information about the Acquisitions, which are transactions with affiliates of Mr. Icahn, the beneficial owner of approximately 86.5% of our Depositary Units, pursuant to which we will acquire:
      The managing membership interest in NEG Holding which constitutes all of the membership interest other than the membership interest already owned by NEG, which is itself 50.01% owned by us;
      Panaco, pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger; and
      Approximately 41.2% of the common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of its subsidiary, Atlantic Holdings. Atlantic Holdings owns 100% of ACE Gaming, the owner and operator of The Sands.
The Parties to the Acquisition Agreements (Pages 33-35)   The Acquisitions are structured and were negotiated as three separate transactions among us, certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and affiliates of Mr. Icahn.
    The parties to the NEG Holding purchase agreement are:
      American Real Estate Partners, L.P. (a Delaware master limited partnership) — We are a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of businesses. Our primary business strategy is to continue to grow our core businesses, including real estate, gaming and entertainment, and oil and gas. In addition, we seek to acquire undervalued assets and companies that are distressed or in out of favor industries. Our businesses currently include rental real estate and real estate development; hotel and resort operations; hotel and casino operations; oil and gas exploration and production; and investments in equity and debt securities. We may also seek opportunities in other sectors, including energy, industrial manufacturing and insurance and asset management.
    Gascon Partners (a New York general partnership) — Gascon Partners, or Gascon, is controlled by Mr. Icahn. Its only material asset is its managing membership interest in NEG Holding.
         

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    The parties to the Panaco merger agreement are:
    AREP;
    National Offshore LP (a Delaware limited partnership) — National Offshore LP, or National Offshore, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AREP and was formed solely for the purpose of effecting the merger with Panaco;
    Highcrest Investors Corp. (a Delaware corporation) — Highcrest Investors is controlled by Mr. Icahn and is a stockholder of Panaco;
    Arnos Corp. (a Nevada corporation) — Arnos is controlled by Mr. Icahn and is a stockholder of Panaco; and
    Panaco, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) — Panaco is wholly owned by Highcrest Investors and Arnos, entities controlled by Mr. Icahn and is engaged in the exploration and production of oil and gas, primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Coast Region and, at December 31, 2004, owned interests in 147 wells.
    The parties to the purchase agreement for the securities of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings are:
    AREP;
    Cyprus, LLC (a Delaware limited liability company) — Cyprus, LLC, or Cyprus is controlled by Mr. Icahn and owns approximately 41.2% of the outstanding common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings.
    The address and phone number of our and our subsidiaries' principal executive offices are:
      American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
100 South Bedford Rd.
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
Telephone: (914) 242-7700
    The address and phone number of the executive offices of affiliates of Mr. Icahn other than Panaco that are parties to the Acquisitions are:
      c/o Icahn Associates Corp.
767 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4700
New York, NY 10153
Telephone: (212) 702-4300
    The address and phone number of the executive offices of Panaco are:
      1400 One Energy Square
4925 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75206
Telephone: (214) 692-9211
         

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Consideration (Pages 33-35)   Upon the closing of the Acquisitions:
    AREP will acquire the managing membership interest of NEG Holding owned by Gascon in consideration for up to 11,344,828 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of up to $329.0 million, based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005, of $29.00 per unit. NEG Holding owns NEG Operating LLC, which is engaged in the exploration and production of oil and gas, primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma.
    Panaco will merge with and into National Offshore in consideration for up to 4,310,345 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of up to $125.0 million, based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005, of $29.00 per unit.
    AREP will acquire approximately 41.2% of the outstanding common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings in consideration for 413,793 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of $12.0 million, based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005, of $29.00 per unit, plus up to an additional 206,897 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of up to $6.0 million, based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005, of $29.00 per unit, if Atlantic Holdings meets certain earnings targets during 2005 and 2006. GB Holdings owns Atlantic Holdings, which is the indirect owner of The Sands.
The Effects of the Acquisitions
(Page 6)
  As a result of the Acquisitions:
    We will own a managing membership interest in NEG Holding and NEG, of which we own 50.01% of the outstanding common stock, will continue to own the other membership interest in NEG Holding;
    We will own Panaco; and
    We will own approximately 77.5% of the common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 21.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings.
Determination of the Consideration (Page 33)   The number of Depositary Units to be issued in the Acquisitions was determined by reference to the closing market price of our Depositary Units on January 19, 2005, two days prior to the date on which we entered into the purchase agreements.
Reasons for the Acquisitions
(Pages 10-12)
  Among the matters considered by the Audit Committee of API, our General Partner, were the following material factors:
    The potential strategic benefits of the Acquisitions;
    The financial terms of the Acquisitions; and
    The terms and condition of the Acquisitions.
         

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    the opinions of Morgan Joseph & Co., Inc., or Morgan Joseph, as to the fairness to AREP of the consideration to be paid by AREP, from a financial point of view.
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences (Page 37)   Each of the Acquisitions is intended to qualify as a non-recognition transaction.
Accounting Treatment of Acquisitions (Page 38)   The Acquisitions will be treated for accounting purposes in a manner similar to a pooling-of-interests due to the common control by Mr. Icahn of both us and each of the companies to be acquired.
Conditions to Closing (Page 33)   The consummation of each of the Acquisitions depends on the approval by Depositary Unit holder action as required by the New York Stock Exchange and, for the acquisition of the membership interest of NEG Holding and Panaco, the receipt of oil and gas reserve reports as of January 21, 2005 and the satisfaction or waiver of a number of customary conditions to closing described in greater detail in this document. The conditions that reserve reports be received have been satisfied. The condition to the acquisition of GB Holdings common stock and Atlantic Holdings warrants, that a bank pledge encumbering the GB Holdings common stock be removed has been satisfied.
Termination of the Acquisition Agreements (Pages 33-35)   Each of the purchase agreements may be terminated:
    By either us or the sellers if the respective transaction contemplated by such agreement is not consummated by September 30, 2005; or
    By either us or the sellers if there shall have been a material breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other agreement of the other party which has not been remedied.
Financial Information (Pages A-i, F-i)   We have provided supplemental consolidated financial statements, selected financial data, and financial information included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to give effect to the acquisition by us in April 2005 of TransTexas Gas Corporation, or TransTexas, in a manner similar to a pooling-of-interest due to common control ownership. Upon consummation of the Acquisitions, we will restate our historical financial statements to account for the Acquisitions in a manner similar to a pooling-of-interest due to common control by Mr. Icahn of both us and each of the companies to be acquired. In addition, we have included, as Appendices to this Proxy Statement, historical financial statements for each of us, NEG Holding, Panaco and GB Holdings.
         

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Consent Required (Page 6)   As required by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Item 1 must be approved by a majority-in-interest of AREP's outstanding Depositary Units. Carl C. Icahn, the Chairman of the Board of the Directors of API, beneficially owns approximately 86.5% of the outstanding Depositary Units as of the date of this proxy statement. The written consent of affiliates of Mr. Icahn, as record owners of more than a majority-in-interest of the Depositary Units is sufficient to approve the Acquisitions. Mr. Icahn currently intends to have consents executed and delivered to approve Item 1. Mr. Icahn also currently intends to have executed and delivered the appropriate consents to approve Items 2-4. Upon receipt by AREP of such completed Consent Cards consenting to the approval of each of the Acquisitions, the LP Agreement Amendments, the OLP Agreement Amendments and the Grant of the Meister Option, AREP will have received written consents sufficient to approve each of the Items.
Consent Card (Page 6)   The Board of Directors of the General Partner requests that each record owner of Depositary Units on the Record Date complete, date, sign and mail the enclosed Consent Card promptly to the address indicated therein. A postage paid return envelope is enclosed for your convenience.
Revocation of Consents (Page 6)   Any consent executed and delivered by a record owner of Depositary Units on the Record Date may be revoked at any time provided that a written, dated revocation is executed and delivered to the Partnership on or prior to the effective date. A revocation may be in any written form validly signed by a record owner of Depositary Units on the Record Date as long as it clearly states that the consent previously given is no longer effective. The revocation should be sent to the place fixed for receipt of the Consent Cards.
Appraisal Rights (Page 41)   Holders of our Depositary Units do not have appraisal rights in connection with the Acquisitions and issuance of Depositary Units in connection with the Acquisitions.

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PROXY STATEMENT—CONSENT

Voting Securities, Record Date and Outstanding Units

        Under Delaware law and under AREP's Partnership Agreement, as amended, any action that may be taken at a meeting of holders of Depositary Units may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, are signed by the holders of outstanding Depositary Units having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all Depositary Units entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.

        On the Record Date, there were a total of    Depositary Units outstanding, which were held by approximately 9,000 recordholders.

Required Vote

        Items 1-4 each requires the approval of the recordholders of a majority of the outstanding Depositary Units as of the close of business on the Record Date.

        Carl C. Icahn, the Chairman of the Board of the Directors of API beneficially owned approximately 86.5% of the outstanding Depositary Units as of the Record Date and currently intends to have a Consent Form executed and delivered that approves Items 1-4 with respect to all such Depositary Units. Upon receipt by AREP of completed Consent Cards from affiliates of
Mr. Icahn, as record owners of more than a majority-in-interest of the Depositary Units, consenting to the approval of each of the Items, the Partnership will have received the written consents sufficient to approve of them.

        The Board of Directors of the General Partner requests that each record owner of Depositary Units on the Record Date complete, date, sign and mail the enclosed Consent Card promptly to the address indicated therein. A postage paid return envelope is enclosed for your convenience.

        Any consent executed and delivered by a record owner of Depositary Units on the Record Date may be revoked at any time provided that a written, dated revocation is executed and delivered to the Partnership on or prior to the effective date. A revocation may be in any written form validly signed by a record owner of Depositary Units on the Record Date as long as it clearly states that the consent previously given is no longer effective. The revocation should be sent to the place fixed for receipt of the Consent Cards.

Solicitation of Consents

        The cost of soliciting consents will be borne by AREP. AREP has not engaged any entity or made any arrangements to assist it in the solicitation of consents.


ITEM 1: ACQUISITIONS

        In accordance with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, before we can issue Depositary Units to affiliates of Mr. Icahn in connection with the Acquisitions, we must obtain the approval of holders of our Depositary Units. Each of the Acquisitions described below was separately considered and approved by the Audit Committee of API, AREP's general partner, or the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee was advised as to each transaction by its own independent legal counsel and independent financial advisor.

        The written consent of affiliates of Mr. Icahn, as record owners of more than a majority-in-interest of the Depositary Units, is sufficient to ensure approval of the Acquisitions. Mr. Icahn currently intends to have consents executed and delivered that approve the Acquisitions.

Background of the Acquisitions

        As part of its primary business strategy to grow its core businesses, including real estate, gaming and entertainment, and oil and gas, the management of AREP continually reviews investment opportunities in these businesses with the objective of making acquisitions or investments which will increase value for holders of our Depositary Units. Mr. Icahn has, from time to time, proposed that AREP acquire one or more of his businesses. At such times, and pursuant to Section 6.13 of the Partnership Agreement, the Audit Committee considers the proposed transaction and, if in AREP's

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best interest, negotiates the proposed transaction with Mr. Icahn. The Audit Committee consists of independent directors, and they are assisted by their own independent legal counsel and financial advisor.

        On October 15, 2004, Mr. Icahn sent a letter to Mr. Jack G. Wasserman, Chairman of the Audit Committee, which proposed that AREP (a) purchase the interest in NEG Holding held by Gascon, an entity owned by Mr. Icahn, and (b) purchase (1) 4,121,033 shares of GB Holdings common stock, (2) warrants, expiring July 22, 2011, to purchase an aggregate of 1,133,284 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings, and (3) $37,009,500 face value amount of 3% Notes due 2008 of Atlantic Holdings, which we refer to as the Atlantic Holdings Notes. Mr. Icahn's letter further proposed that in consideration of the forgoing, AREP issue to Mr. Icahn's entities a new class of convertible preferred units with a liquidation preference of $390.0 million, which would increase at a rate of 8% per annum, compounded semi-annually. Finally, Mr. Icahn's offer letter contemplated that AREP would make a capital contribution to NEG Holding and would receive an additional 1% ownership interest in NEG Holding.

        In late October and early November, 2004, the Audit Committee had several telephone meetings to discuss Mr. Icahn's proposals. During this period, the Audit Committee also interviewed potential financial advisors.

        In mid-November, 2004, Mr. Icahn and Mr. Wasserman had a telephone conversation during which Mr. Icahn proposed that AREP purchase from entities owned by Mr. Icahn (a) $38.0 million of the senior secured indebtedness of Panaco, and (b) $27.5 million face amount of 10% senior secured indebtedness of TransTexas. Panaco is and TransTexas was owned by entities owned by Mr. Icahn. At Mr. Wasserman's request, on November 18, 2004, Mr. Icahn sent a letter to Mr. Wasserman which confirmed this proposal. Mr. Wasserman circulated this letter to the other members of the Audit Committee and its counsel.

        On November 22, 2004, the Audit Committee, together with an attorney from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, or Debevoise, the Audit Committee's independent legal counsel, met to review in detail the terms of the various transactions proposed by Mr. Icahn's October 15 and November 18 letters. During this meeting, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of Morgan Joseph as financial advisor to the Audit Committee in connection with the proposed transactions.

        During the week of November 22, 2004, representatives of Morgan Joseph conducted a site visit of The Sands, which is the primary asset of Atlantic Holdings and GB Holdings, during which it met with senior management. During this week, representatives of Morgan Joseph also held a financial due diligence conference call with members of senior management of NEG, the entity which manages NEG Holding, Panaco and TransTexas.

        On November 30, 2004, the Audit Committee met at length with representatives of Morgan Joseph and Debevoise to continue the Audit Committee's consideration of the proposed transactions. Morgan Joseph updated the Audit Committee on the status of its business due diligence investigation and financial analyses of the proposed transactions.

        During late-November and early-December, 2004, it became the understanding of the parties that the acquisitions of Panaco and TransTexas debt, as well as the proposed acquisitions of Atlantic Holdings Notes would be negotiated before the other transactions. During this period, counsel for Mr. Icahn and the Audit Committee negotiated the agreements with respect to these transactions on behalf of their respective clients.

        On December 2nd and 3rd, 2004, a Debevoise attorney visited The Sands and performed a legal due diligence review of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings.

        On December 3, 2004, the Audit Committee met with representatives of Morgan Joseph and Debevoise to continue the Audit Committee's consideration of the proposal by Mr. Icahn set forth in his November 18, 2004 letter to have AREP purchase debt securities of TransTexas and Panaco. Representatives of Morgan Joseph reviewed with the Audit Committee the financial terms of the proposed transactions, including the terms of the securities to be acquired, the structure of the proposed transaction, and the histories of TransTexas and Panaco. After extensive discussion, the Audit Committee determined that Mr. Wasserman, acting on behalf of the Audit Committee, should continue discussions with Mr. Icahn.

7


        On December 6, 2004, the Audit Committee met to discuss (a) Mr. Icahn's proposal that AREP acquire interests in NEG Holding and GB Holdings, and (b) the acquisitions of the TransTexas and Panaco debt securities. At this meeting, Morgan Joseph delivered its opinions to the Audit Committee, with regard to the fairness of the proposed purchase price to be paid for the TransTexas and Panaco debt securities, from a financial point of view to AREP. The Audit Committee then approved those transactions and authorized the entering into of definitive agreements. Pursuant to the definitive agreements executed later that day, AREP (a) purchased $27.5 million aggregate principal amount of term notes issued by TransTexas for cash consideration of $28,245,890.41 from entities owned by Mr. Icahn, and (b) purchased all of the membership interests of Mid River LLC, or Mid River, for an aggregate purchase price of $38,125,998.63. The assets of Mid River consist of $38.0 million principal amount of term loans outstanding under the term loan and security agreement, dated as of November 16, 2004, among Panaco, as borrower, the lenders (as defined therein) and Mid River, as administrative agent, which we refer to as the Panaco Debt. Each of the sellers and Panaco is indirectly controlled by Mr. Icahn. We refer to these transactions as the December 2004 TransTexas and Panaco Debt Acquisitions.

        On December 8, 2004, Mr. Icahn sent a letter to Mr. Wasserman proposing that AREP or a subsidiary of AREH acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of Panaco and TransTexas from entities owned by Mr. Icahn for an aggregate purchase price equal to $500 million.

        On December 9 and 10, 2004, representatives of Debevoise and Morgan Joseph visited the offices of NEG and performed a legal and financial due diligence review, respectively, with respect to proposed transactions by AREP involving NEG Holding, TransTexas and Panaco.

        On December 13, 2004, the Audit Committee met to receive a preliminary report from Debevoise regarding its legal due diligence of NEG Holding, TransTexas and Panaco and to review the transactions in detail.

        On December 20, 2004, the Audit Committee met extensively with representatives of Morgan Joseph and Debevoise. At this meeting, the Audit Committee reviewed the prospects of The Sands, as well as the gaming industry in general and the gaming industry market of Atlantic City in particular. Representatives of Morgan Joseph also discussed with the Audit Committee its preliminary valuation analysis with respect to the Atlantic Holdings Notes.

        On December 27, 2004, the Audit Committee met to continue discussions of the transactions with Mr. Icahn. At this meeting, Morgan Joseph delivered its opinion to AREP, with regard to the fairness of the proposed purchase price to be paid for the Atlantic Holdings Notes, from a financial point of view. After extensive discussions, the Audit Committee authorized those transactions and authorized the entering into of a definitive agreement. Later that day, pursuant to a definitive agreement, AREP acquired $37,009,500 principal amount of Atlantic Holdings Notes for cash consideration of $36 million from entities owned by Mr. Icahn. We refer to this transaction as the December 2004 Atlantic Holdings Debt Acquisition.

        On December 29, 2004, the Audit Committee met and reviewed and considered in detail the proposed acquisitions of interests in NEG Holding, TransTexas and Panaco.

        During the week of January 3, 2005 representatives of Morgan Joseph again visited the offices of NEG and performed additional financial due diligence review with respect to proposed transactions by AREP involving NEG Holding, TransTexas and Panaco.

        On January 11, 2005, the Audit Committee met and discussed with representatives of Morgan Joseph its valuation analyses of NEG Holding, TransTexas, Panaco and the securities of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings. The Audit Committee then discussed with representatives of Morgan Joseph the impact of the issuance of AREP securities as consideration in the various transactions under consideration. The Audit Committee also discussed the possibility of a purchase price adjustment for each of the oil and gas properties based on a reserve report prepared by independent engineers.

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Following this meeting, Mr. Wasserman and Mr. Icahn continued negotiations regarding the various proposed transactions.

        On January 12, 2005, the Audit Committee met with representatives of Morgan Joseph and Debevoise and discussed in detail the status of negotiations with Mr. Icahn. Mr. Wasserman reported that through their extensive negotiations, the sides had made progress on an agreement with respect to the prices of the various entities but remained without an agreement on TransTexas. The Audit Committee again discussed the possibility and parameters of a purchase price adjustment for each of the oil and gas properties based on a reserve report prepared by independent engineers. Mr. Wasserman indicated that during their negotiations, Mr. Icahn had tentatively agreed to such an adjustment. The Audit Committee then discussed in detail the valuation of TransTexas with representatives of Morgan Joseph, as well as the appropriate terms for the preferred securities of AREP to be used as consideration.

        Over the course of the following week, Mr. Wasserman, on behalf of the Audit Committee, continued negotiations with Mr. Icahn, while Morgan Joseph refined its valuation analyses and Debevoise negotiated definitive purchase agreements on behalf of the Audit Committee with Mr. Icahn's legal representatives.

        On January 19, 2005, the Audit Committee met with representatives of Morgan Joseph and Debevoise and discussed the status of negotiations with Mr. Icahn. At this meeting, representatives of Morgan Joseph also updated the Audit Committee on the status of its valuation analyses of Panaco, TransTexas, NEG Holding, and the securities of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings. The Audit Committee also discussed the status of negotiations with respect to the preferred securities of AREP to be used as acquisition currency, as well as other terms of the transactions. Later that day, Mr. Icahn and Mr. Wasserman agreed to an "earn out" mechanism with respect to the purchase price of the securities of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings whereby certain of the consideration would be contingent on the future earnings of GB Holdings. Mr. Icahn and Mr. Wasserman further agreed that the securities used as consideration in the transactions would be Depositary Units, rather than a new class of preferred securities.

        On January 21, 2005, the Audit Committee met to discuss the transactions. At this meeting, representatives of Morgan Joseph delivered its opinions to AREP, with regard to the fairness to AREP of the proposed purchase price to be paid by AREP for the interests in NEG Holding, Panaco, TransTexas and the securities of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings, from a financial point of view. The Audit Committee then authorized these transactions and authorized the entering into of definitive agreements. Later that day, pursuant to definitive agreements, AREP and/or its wholly owned subsidiaries, agreed to acquire (a) Gascon's managing membership interest in NEG Holding for a purchase price of up to 11,344,828 of the Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of up to $329.0 million, based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units on January 19, 2005 of $29.00 per unit, (b) TransTexas for a purchase price of up to $180.0 million in cash, (c) Panaco, Inc. for a purchase price of up to 4,310,345 of the Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of up to $125.0 million based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units on January 19, 2005 of $29.00 per unit, and (d) 4,121,033 shares of common stock of GB Holdings and 4,121,033 warrants of Atlantic Holdings, which are exercisable for an aggregate of 1,133,284 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings, in each case from entities owned by Mr. Icahn, in consideration for 410,793 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of $12.0 million, based on the closing price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005, plus up to an additional 206,897 Depositary Units, based on the closing price of the Depositary Units on January 19, 2005, if Atlantic Holdings meets certain earnings targets during 2005 and 2006.

        The purchase agreements pursuant to which AREP agreed to acquire the interests in NEG Holding, Panaco, TransTexas, and the securities of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings were executed

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by the parties on January 21, 2005. Later that day, AREP issued a press release announcing the execution of the purchase agreements.

        In March, 2005, the independent engineering reports with respect to TransTexas were received and Mr. Icahn submitted the required closing statement which calculated the purchase price. On April 4, 2005, the TransTexas acquisition closed for a purchase price of $180.0 million in cash. Subsequently, independent engineering reports with respect to NEG Holding and Panaco have been received.

        The Audit Committee is composed of Mr. Wasserman, Mr. James L. Nelson and Mr. William A. Leidesdorf. The members of the Audit Committee each received a fee from AREP in connection with their work with respect to the Acquisitions and the other related transactions. Mr. Wasserman received a fee of $40,000, Mr. Nelson received a fee of $20,000, and Mr. Leidesdorf received a fee of $15,000.

Approval of the Audit Committee and its Reasons for the Acquisitions

        At a meeting held on January 21, 2005, the Audit Committee determined that the Acquisitions and the purchase agreements to be executed in connection with the Acquisitions, or the Purchase Agreements, are fair to, and in the best interests of, AREP and its Depositary Unit holders, and approved the three Purchase Agreements and the Acquisitions. Among the matters considered by the Audit Committee in its deliberations were the following material factors:

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        The Audit Committee also considered the following factors, uncertainties and risks in its deliberations concerning the acquisitions of the interest in NEG Holding and Panaco. However, the Audit Committee concluded that these risks were outweighed by the potential benefits:

11


        The Audit Committee also considered the following factors, uncertainties and risks in its deliberations concerning the acquisitions of the securities of Atlantic Holdings and GB Holdings. However, the Audit Committee concluded that these risks were outweighed by the potential benefits:

        It was not practical to, and thus the Audit Committee did not, quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the wide variety of factors it considered in evaluating the Acquisitions and the Purchase Agreements, nor did the Audit Committee determine that any one factor was of particular importance in deciding that the Purchase Agreements and associated transactions were in the best interests of AREP and its Depositary Unit holders. This discussion of information and material factors considered by the Audit Committee is intended to be a summary rather than an exhaustive list. In considering these factors, individual members of the Audit Committee may have given different weight to different factors. The Audit Committee conducted an overall analysis of the factors described above, and overall considered the factors to support its decision in favor of the Acquisitions and the Purchase Agreements. The decision of each member of the Audit Committee was based upon his own judgment, in light of all of the information presented, regarding the overall effect of the Purchase Agreements and associated transactions on AREP Depositary Unit holders as compared to any potential alternative transactions or courses of action. After considering this information, the Audit Committee unanimously approved the Purchase Agreements and the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreements, including the Acquisitions.

Opinion of Financial Advisor

        In connection with its review and analysis of the proposed acquisitions by AREP of (i) Gascon's 50% membership interest in NEG Holding for up to 11,344,828 Depositary Units, (ii) Panaco for up to 4,310,345 Depositary Units, as well as (iii) warrants to purchase 1,133,284 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings, or the Warrants, and 4,121,033 shares of common stock, or GB Shares, of GB Holdings for (a) 413,793 Depositary Units and (b) the contingent issuance of 206,897 Depositary Units

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upon achievement of certain thresholds in 2005 and 2006 related to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, from entities controlled by Mr. Icahn, the Audit Committee engaged Morgan Joseph to advise the Audit Committee and render written opinions to the Audit Committee as to the fairness to AREP from a financial point of view of the consideration to be paid by AREP in connection with each of the proposed Acquisitions. AREP selected Morgan Joseph to render such opinions because it has substantial experience in transactions similar to the proposed Acquisitions. Morgan Joseph regularly engages in the valuation of businesses and securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities and private placements. Morgan Joseph assisted the Audit Committee and rendered opinions with regard to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to AREP in connection with the consideration paid pursuant to the December 2004 TransTexas and Panaco Debt Acquisitions, the December 2004 Atlantic Holdings Debt Acquisition and the acquisition of TransTexas, and received customary fees for those services.

        At the meeting of the Audit Committee on January 21, 2005, Morgan Joseph rendered its opinions, or the Morgan Joseph Opinions, that, as of such date, and based upon the assumptions made, matters considered and limits of review set forth in its written opinions, the consideration to be paid by AREP in connection with each of the proposed Acquisitions was fair, from a financial point of view, to AREP.

        The full text of the Morgan Joseph Opinions are attached to this document as Exhibits A through C. The description of those opinions set forth in this section is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Morgan Joseph Opinions set forth in Exhibits A through C. You are urged to read the Morgan Joseph Opinions in their entirety for a description of the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the Morgan Joseph Opinions and the review undertaken by Morgan Joseph in rendering the Morgan Joseph Opinions.

        In furnishing the Morgan Joseph Opinions, Morgan Joseph did not admit that it is an expert within the meaning of the term "expert" as used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, nor did it admit that any of the Morgan Joseph Opinions constitute a report or valuation within the meaning of the Securities Act.

        THE MORGAN JOSEPH OPINIONS ARE DIRECTED TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND ADDRESS ONLY THE FAIRNESS FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW OF THE CONSIDERATION TO BE PAID BY AREP IN CONNECTION WITH EACH OF THE PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS. THEY DO NOT ADDRESS THE MERITS OF THE UNDERLYING BUSINESS DECISIONS OF AREP TO ENGAGE IN EACH OF THE PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY AREP UNITHOLDER AS TO HOW A UNITHOLDER SHOULD VOTE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS OR ANY OTHER MATTER IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS.

        In connection with rendering the Morgan Joseph Opinions, Morgan Joseph reviewed and analyzed, among other things, the following:

        (i)    drafts of the Purchase Agreements;

        (ii)   that certain operating agreement for NEG Holding dated as of May 1, 2001, or the Operating Agreement;

        (iii)  that certain First Amended and Restated Agreement of Partnership of Gascon, the seller of the 50% membership interest in NEG Holding;

        (iv)  the Fifth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Panaco dated August 25, 2004 and certain other documents related thereto;

        (v)   certain publicly available business and financial information concerning AREP, NEG (a publicly traded company which manages NEG Holding and Panaco and which owns the other 50%

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membership interest in NEG Holding), NEG Holding, Panaco, Atlantic Holdings, GB Holdings and ACE Gaming (a wholly subsidiary of Atlantic Holdings) as well as the industries in which they each respectively operate;

        (vi)  a draft of the audited consolidated financial statements for Panaco for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, unaudited financial information for Panaco for the ten months ended October 31, 2004, and an estimated pro forma balance sheet of Panaco as of October 31, 2004;

        (vii) certain internal information and other data relating to each of NEG Holding, Panaco, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming and their respective business and prospects, including their respective budgets and projections and in the cases of NEG Holding and Panaco, internal reserve reports which provide an evaluation of their respective oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2004, or the Internal Reserve Reports, all prepared and provided by the respective managements of NEG, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming to Morgan Joseph;

        (viii) in the case of NEG Holding, reserve reports prepared by (a) Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. dated February 19, 2004, (b) DeGolyer and MacNaughton dated February 17, 2004 and (c) Prator Bett, L.L.C. dated February 13, 2004, which provide an evaluation of NEG Holding's oil and natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2003, and in the case of Panaco, reserve reports prepared by (a) McCune Engineering dated January 22, 2004; (b) Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. dated March 2, 2004, (c) W.D. Von Gonten & Co. dated February 9, 2004 and (d) Ryder Scott Company dated February 24, 2004, which provide an evaluation of Panaco's oil and gas reserves as of January 1, 2004, or, collectively, with the Internal Reserve Reports, the Reserve Reports;

        (ix)  certain publicly available information concerning certain other companies and the trading markets for certain of such other companies' securities;

        (x)   the financial terms of certain recent business transactions which Morgan Joseph believed to be relevant;

        (xi)  a draft dated as of January 13, 2005 of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum relating to AREP's anticipated issuance of Senior Notes due 2013; and

        (xii) certain financial information regarding Barberry Corp., or Barberry, (an entity controlled by Mr. Icahn) as guarantor of the obligations of Cyprus (the seller of the GB Shares and the Warrants) under one of the Purchase Agreements.

        Morgan Joseph also met and had discussions with certain of the officers and employees of NEG, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming concerning each of their respective businesses and operations, assets, financial condition and prospects of NEG Holding, Panaco, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming and undertook other studies, analyses and investigations that it deemed appropriate.

        In performing its analyses, numerous assumptions were made with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Morgan Joseph, AREP, NEG, NEG Holding, Panaco, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming. Any estimates contained in the analyses performed by Morgan Joseph are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by those analyses. Additionally, estimates of the value of businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which those businesses or securities might actually be sold. Accordingly, the analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty.

        In preparing the Morgan Joseph Opinions, Morgan Joseph assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other information and data used by it and did not attempt independently to verify such information, nor did Morgan Joseph assume any responsibility to do so. Morgan Joseph also assumed and relied upon the assurances of NEG, Atlantic Holdings, ACE Gaming, GB Holdings, Barberry, Cyprus and other affiliates of Icahn, that no relevant information had been omitted or remained undisclosed to Morgan Joseph, including, without limitation, with respect to the

14



Reserve Reports or the respective financial conditions of NEG Holding, Panaco, Atlantic Holdings, ACE Gaming, Cyprus or Barberry and did not attempt independently to verify any such information, nor did Morgan Joseph assume any responsibility to do so. Morgan Joseph also assumed that there existed no facts as of January 21, 2005 that would give rise to a claim by AREP against Cyprus under the related Purchase Agreement. Morgan Joseph assumed that forecasts and projections of NEG Holding, Panaco, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming provided to or reviewed by it were reasonably prepared based on the best current estimates and judgments of the respective managements of such companies as to the future financial condition and results of operations of such companies. Morgan Joseph did not express an opinion related to the forecasts, the projections or the assumptions on which they were based. Morgan Joseph also assumed that there were no material changes in the assets, financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects of NEG Holding, Panaco, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming since the date of the last financial statements made available to Morgan Joseph. Morgan Joseph made no independent investigation of any legal, accounting or tax matters affecting NEG Holding, Panaco, Atlantic Holdings, ACE Gaming, Cyprus, Barberry or the 3% notes due 2008 of Atlantic Holdings, or the Atlantic Holdings Notes, and Morgan Joseph assumed the completeness of all legal, accounting and tax advice given to AREP and the Audit Committee. Morgan Joseph did not conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of any of the properties and facilities related to the proposed acquisitions, nor did it make or obtain any independent evaluation or appraisal of such properties and facilities except for the Reserve Reports. The Morgan Joseph Opinions relate solely to the consideration and do not address any other terms or aspects of the Purchase Agreements or the Atlantic Holdings Notes, including without limitation, the perfection and priority of the security interest with respect to the New Notes. Morgan Joseph also assumed that the Atlantic Holdings Notes were validly issued and are enforceable in accordance with their terms. Morgan Joseph also took into account its assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions and its experience in transactions that, in whole or in part, it deemed to be relevant for purposes of its analyses, as well as its experience in securities valuation in general. In each case, Morgan Joseph made the assumptions in the Morgan Joseph Opinions with the permission of the Audit Committee.

        The Morgan Joseph Opinions necessarily are based upon economic, market, financial and other conditions as they exist and can be evaluated on the date of those opinions and do not address the fairness of the proceeds proposed to be paid by AREP in connection with the proposed Acquisitions on any other date. Morgan Joseph expressed no opinion as to the price at which the Depositary Units or any other securities will trade at any future time.

        In connection with rendering the Morgan Joseph Opinions, Morgan Joseph performed a variety of financial analyses, including those summarized below. These analyses were presented to the Audit Committee at a meeting held on January 21, 2005. The summary set forth below does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Morgan Joseph in this regard. The preparation of opinions regarding fairness involves various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analyses and the application of these methods to the particular circumstances, and, therefore, such opinions are not readily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate analyses summarized below, Morgan Joseph believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors considered by it, without considering all of its analyses and factors, or attempting to ascribe relative weights to some or all of its analyses and factors, could create an incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying the Morgan Joseph Opinions.

        The financial forecasts furnished to Morgan Joseph and used by it in some of its analyses were prepared respectively by the managements of NEG (which manages NEG Holding and Panaco), Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming. NEG, NEG Holding, Panaco, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming do not publicly disclose financial forecasts of the type provided to Morgan Joseph in connection with its review of the proposed acquisitions, and, as a result, these financial forecasts were not prepared with a view towards public disclosure. The financial forecasts were based on numerous

15



variables and assumptions which are inherently uncertain, including, without limitation, factors related to general economic and competitive conditions, and, accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in such financial forecasts.

        No company or transaction used in the analyses described below is identical to AREP, Atlantic Holdings, ACE Gaming, GB Holdings, NEG, NEG Holding, Panaco or the proposed acquisitions. Accordingly, an analysis of the results thereof necessarily involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the proposed acquisitions or the public trading or other values of AREP, Atlantic Holdings, ACE Gaming, GB Holdings, NEG, NEG Holding, Panaco or companies to which they are being compared. Mathematical analysis (such as determining the average or median) is not in itself a meaningful method of using selected acquisition or company data. In addition, in performing such analyses, Morgan Joseph relied on projections prepared by research analysts at established securities firms and on the Reserve Reports, any of which may or may not prove to be accurate.

        The following is a summary of the material analyses performed by Morgan Joseph in connection with the Morgan Joseph Opinions.

Atlantic Holdings and GB Holdings

        The Sands is wholly owned by ACE Gaming, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Atlantic Holdings. On an undiluted basis (which assumes that the Atlantic Holdings Notes remain outstanding and are not converted and that none of the Atlantic Holdings warrants are exercised), Atlantic Holdings is wholly and directly owned by GB Holdings. The interest in Atlantic Holdings of GB Holdings is comprised of approximately 2.9 million shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock. Prior to the sale of the GB Shares by Cyprus to AREP, GB Holdings was owned approximately 41%, 36% and 23% by Cyprus, AREH (in which AREP owns a 99% limited partnership interest) and public stockholders, respectively. Prior to the sale of the Warrants by Cyprus to AREP, Cyprus, AREH and public stockholders of GB Holdings separately owned warrants to purchase approximately 1.1 million, 1.0 million and 0.6 million shares of common stock, respectively, of Atlantic Holdings. On a fully diluted basis (which assumes that the Atlantic Holdings Notes are converted and that all of the Atlantic Holdings warrants are exercised), GB Holdings would own approximately 29% of the common stock of Atlantic Holdings. In addition, after giving effect to the exercise of all of the Atlantic Holdings warrants and conversion of all of the Atlantic Holdings Notes, and prior to the sale of the GB Shares and the Warrants by Cyprus to AREP, Cyprus, AREH and public stockholders of GB Holdings would own approximately 11%, 52% and 8%, respectively, of the common stock of Atlantic Holdings in addition to their respective ownership interests in GB Holdings. The remaining 29% of the common stock of Atlantic Holdings would be owned by GB Holdings. The primary asset of GB Holdings is its ownership of approximately 2.9 million shares of Atlantic Holdings and GB Holdings has no revenues except for certain payments it is entitled to receive from Atlantic Holdings through September 2005. Atlantic Holdings is required to make payments to GB Holdings for the required interest payments of GB Holdings on approximately $43.7 million aggregate principal amount of 11% notes due September 2005, or the GB Notes, that were not exchanged in an exchange offer transaction of GB Holdings consummated on July 22, 2004. Given that any payment made by Atlantic Holdings to GB Holdings associated with principal payments on the GB Notes would be deemed restricted payments under the indenture pursuant to the New Notes and that the ability of GB Holdings to pay the principal amount of the GB Notes at maturity in September 2005 will depend upon its ability to refinance or restructure such notes, or to derive sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings common stock or from a borrowing, GB Holdings has disclosed that it may be required to seek bankruptcy protection unless the GB Notes are refinanced or restructured on or prior to their maturity. Accordingly, Morgan Joseph ascribed only nominal value to the GB Shares. As such, the valuation analysis set forth below relates solely to the Warrants.

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        Selected Acquisitions Analysis.    Using publicly available information, Morgan Joseph reviewed the purchase prices and multiples paid in the following selected small to medium size mergers, acquisitions and restructurings of gaming facilities in Atlantic City that have closed since 2000, or the Selected Gaming Transactions, presented in Acquiror/Target format with date of announcement:

        Of the Selected Gaming Transactions, Morgan Joseph considered the acquisitions of the Claridge Hotel & Casino and the Resorts Casino Hotel to be the more relevant transactions because they both compete directly with The Sands in the Atlantic City market. The financial information reviewed by Morgan Joseph included the purchase prices and multiples paid by the acquiring company of the acquired company's financial results over the twelve months preceding the acquisition, or LTM, and the expected financial performance of the acquired company over the twelve months subsequent to the acquisition, or NTM. The table below summarizes the results of this analysis:


Median Multiples Observed in the Selected Gaming Transactions

Transaction Value/LTM Net Sales   0.6 x
Transaction Value/LTM EBITDA   7.2 x
Transaction Value/LTM EBIT   10.7 x
Transaction Value/NTM Net Sales   NA  
Transaction Value/NTM EBITDA   8.1 x
Transaction Value/NTM EBIT   12.6 x

        Based on this analysis, Morgan Joseph derived a valuation range of 5.5x to 6.5x 2004 estimated EBITDA or 6.4x to 7.6x LTM EBITDA to arrive at an enterprise valuation for Atlantic Holdings. This enterprise valuation range implied a range of transaction values for the Warrants from approximately $9 million to approximately $13 million, assuming conversion of all of the Atlantic Holdings Notes, and approximately $12 million to $15 million, assuming no conversion of the Atlantic Holdings Notes.

        Selected Publicly Traded Companies Analysis.    Using publicly available information, Morgan Joseph reviewed the stock prices (as of January 19, 2005) and selected market trading multiples of the following companies, or the Selected Gaming Companies:

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        The financial information reviewed by Morgan Joseph included market trading multiples exhibited by the Selected Gaming Companies with respect to their LTM or 2004 estimated financial performance. The table below provides a summary of these comparisons:


Multiples Observed of the Selected Gaming Companies

 
  Median
  Mean
 
Enterprise Value/LTM EBITDA   10.7 x 11.3 x
Enterprise Value/2004E EBITDA   10.5 x 10.7 x

        Morgan Joseph gave little weight to this analysis because it determined that there were no publicly-traded companies that were reasonably comparable to Atlantic Holdings. Each of the Selected Gaming Companies, which it determined to be the most comparable in terms of line of business, are much larger companies with many facilities often in multiple gaming markets, while Atlantic Holdings has only one facility in the Atlantic City market.

NEG Holding

        Present Value Approach to Valuing NEG Holding's Reserves.    Morgan Joseph conducted a net asset valuation analysis to derive a range of values for Gascon's 50% membership interest in NEG Holding. Morgan Joseph performed its analysis based on a variety of data sources provided by the management of NEG. Using the Internal Reserve Reports, Morgan Joseph reviewed the present value of future cash flows associated with each category of proved reserves, probable reserves and possible reserves discounted at different discount rates in order to take into account the varying degrees of risk associated with the various classes of reserves as well as the rates of returns that could reasonably be expected in the acquisition of such reserves.

 
  Discount Rate Used in the Morgan Joseph
Calculation of the Present Value of the
Net Reserves' Cash Flows

 
 
  Low Case
  High Case
 
Proved Developed Producing Reserves   10 % 10 %
Proved Developed Non-Producing Reserves   15 % 10 %
Proved Undeveloped Reserves:          
  -    NEG other than Longfellow Ranch   20 % 15 %
  -    Longfellow Ranch   15 % 15 %
Probable Reserves:          
  -    NEG other than Longfellow Ranch   40 % 25 %
  -    Longfellow Ranch   25 % 20 %
Possible Reserves:          
  -    NEG other than Longfellow Ranch   60 % 40 %
  -    Longfellow Ranch   40 % 40 %

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        NEG estimated (i) the total quantity of reserves as of December 31, 2004, (ii) the future annual production of oil and gas from such reserves, (iii) the future oil and gas production (lifting) costs and other operating expenses, (iv) future production taxes, and (v) the capital expenditures necessary to develop the reserves. In its analysis of the present value of future cash flows from reserves, Morgan Joseph also reviewed recent "strip prices" of oil and gas futures prices for the period 2005-2007 plus, based on discussions with NEG management, estimated prices in 2008 and 2009 and all subsequent years which management used in the derivation of the estimated future cash flows in the Internal Reserve Reports. The strip prices approximate the prices at which NEG Holding could sell forward its oil and gas production in each year from 2005-2007 (based on the average of the monthly strip prices for each year).

 
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  2009
  After 2009
Oil ($/Bbl)   $ 44.36   $ 41.35   $ 39.57   $ 37.50   $ 35.00   $ 35.00
Gas ($/Mcf)   $ 6.18   $ 6.27   $ 5.92   $ 5.75   $ 5.50   $ 5.50

        To derive the range of net asset values for NEG Holding, Morgan Joseph first calculated the sum of the discounted future cash flows for each category of proved reserves, probable reserves and possible reserves. The estimated values of the following items were then added to (+) or subtracted from (-) the above reserve valuation range:

        Based on this analysis, Morgan Joseph estimated the net asset value of NEG Holding to range from approximately $491 million to $544 million.

        Pursuant to the Operating Agreement, a Priority Amount (as defined in the Operating Agreement), which had a balance of $148.6 million as of September 30, 2004, is to be paid to NEG on or before November 6, 2006. The Priority Amount includes all outstanding debt owed to entities owned or controlled by Icahn, including the amount of NEG's 10.75% senior notes. In addition, Guaranteed Payments (as defined in the Operating Agreement) of interest are to be paid by NEG on the outstanding Priority Amount. An amount equal to the Priority Amount and all Guaranteed Payments paid to NEG, plus any additional capital contributions made by Gascon, less any distribution previously made by NEG Holding to Gascon, is to be paid to Gascon. Management of NEG estimated such

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amount due to Gascon, or the Gascon Amount, to be approximately $278 million as of January 15, 2005.

        After the deduction of the above distributions to NEG and Gascon, one half of the remaining net asset value balance (the remaining amount attributable to Gascon based on its 50% membership interest in NEG Holding) was then added to the Gascon Amount to derive the range of values for Gascon's 50% membership interest in NEG Holding. The total amount attributable to Gascon was estimated to range from approximately $311 million to $337 million.

        Additionally, Morgan Joseph reviewed a number of financial ratios including enterprise value to estimated 2004 earnings before interest and taxes, or EBIT, enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, and exploration expenses, or EBITDAX, the implied market value of reserves, or IMVR, to the physical quantities of both proved and total reserves, and IMVR to pre-tax SEC PV-10 values. IMVR is calculated as enterprise value less the value of non-oil and gas assets. The ratio of IMVR to reserves is expressed on a $/mcfe basis. The term "mcfe" means thousand cubic feet equivalents. The SEC PV-10 value is an industry standard metric that represents the present value of estimated future revenues to be generated from the production of proved reserves calculated in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, net of estimated production and future development costs, using prices and costs as of the date of estimation without future escalation, without giving effect to non-property related expenses such as general and administrative expenses, debt service, future income tax expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization, and discounted using an annual discount rate of 10%.

        Selected Publicly Traded Companies Analysis.    Using publicly available information, Morgan Joseph reviewed the stock prices (as of January 11, 2005) and selected market trading multiples of the following companies, or the Selected Oil & Gas Companies:

        The financial information reviewed by Morgan Joseph included market trading multiples exhibited by the Selected Oil & Gas Companies with respect to their LTM financial performance and reserve information.

        Morgan Joseph compared the Selected Oil & Gas Companies' multiples to the multiples implied by the proposed acquisitions. The table below provides a summary of these comparisons:


Multiples Observed from the Selected Oil & Gas Companies

 
  25th Percentile
  50th Percentile
  75th Percentile
 
Multiple of Enterprise Value:                    
  /LTM EBIT     9.7   x   10.2   x   12.2   x
  /LTM EBITDAX     5.2   x   5.9   x   7.3   x
Multiple of IMVR:                    
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 2.37   $ 2.72   $ 3.34  
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     0.9   x   1.1   x   1.2   x

20



Multiples Implied by the Present Value Approach to Valuing NEG Holding Reserves

 
  Low
  High
 
Multiple of Enterprise Value:              
  /LTM EBIT     13.7   x   15.0   x
  /LTM EBITDAX     9.0   x   9.9   x

Multiple of IMVR:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 2.27   $ 2.45  
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     0.8   x   0.9   x

        Morgan Joseph compared the multiples implied by its present value approach of valuing NEG Holding's reserves to the multiples observed in the Selected Oil & Gas Companies taking into account a number of factors including, without limitation, the varying geographies, oil and gas mixes, and reserve lives of the Selected Oil & Gas Companies as compared to NEG Holding.

        Selected Acquisitions Analysis.    Using publicly available information, Morgan Joseph reviewed the purchase prices and multiples paid in selected mergers and acquisitions. Morgan Joseph reviewed the following acquisitions (in Target/Acquirer format, with date of announcement), or the Selected Oil & Gas Transactions:

21


        The financial information reviewed by Morgan Joseph included the purchase prices, IMVR and multiples paid by the acquiring company of the acquired company's financial results over the LTM. The operating statistics reviewed by Morgan Joseph included the quantity of reserves by category within the last fiscal year preceding the acquisition and the production of reserves for the last fiscal year preceding the acquisition. The table below summarizes the results of this analysis:


Multiples Observed from the Selected Oil & Gas Transactions

 
  25th Percentile
  50th Percentile
  75th Percentile
 
Multiple of IMVR of Proved Reserves:                    
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 1.03   $ 1.31   $ 1.77  
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     0.7   x   0.8   x   1.0   x

Multiple of IMVR:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 1.18   $ 1.46   $ 1.93  
  /Total Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 0.65   $ 0.87   $ 1.21  
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     0.7   x   0.9   x   1.0   x

Multiple of Enterprise Value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  /LTM EBITDAX     6.3   x   8.1   x   9.4   x
  /LTM EBIT     8.8   x   12.4   x   14.4   x


Multiples Implied by the Present Value Approach to Valuing NEG Holding Reserves

 
  Low
  High
 
Multiple of IMVR of Proved Reserves:              
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 1.90   $ 1.95  
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     0.7x     0.7x  

Multiple of IMVR:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 2.27   $ 2.45  
  /Total Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 1.67   $ 1.80  
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     0.8   x   0.9   x

Multiple of Enterprise Value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  /LTM EBITDAX     9.0   x   9.9   x
  /LTM EBIT     13.7   x   15.0   x

        Morgan Joseph compared the multiples implied by its present value approach to valuing NEG Holding's reserves to the multiples observed in the Selected Oil & Gas Transactions taking into account a number of factors including, without limitation, the varying geographies, oil and gas mixes, and reserve lives of the companies involved in the Selected Oil & Gas Transactions as compared to NEG Holding.

22


        Selected Local Asset M&A Transactions Analysis.    Using publicly available information, Morgan Joseph reviewed the purchase prices and multiples paid in selected 2004 acquisitions involving (i) oil and gas assets located at or around the geographic region of NEG Holding reserves or (ii) assets that produce a similar gas/oil ratio as that of NEG Holding. Morgan Joseph reviewed the following transactions (in Seller/Buyer format, with date of announcement), or the Selected Local Asset Transactions:

        The table below summarizes the results of this analysis:


Multiples Observed from the Selected Local Asset Transactions

 
  25th Percentile
  50th Percentile
  75th Percentile
Multiple of IMVR:                  
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 1.38   $ 1.52   $ 1.87


Multiples Implied by the Present Value Approach to Valuing NEG Holding Reserves

 
  Low
  High
Multiple of IMVR:            
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 2.27   $ 2.45

        Morgan Joseph compared the multiples implied by its present value approach to valuing NEG Holding's reserves to the multiples observed in the Selected Local Asset Transactions taking into account a number of factors including, without limitation, the varying geographies, oil and gas mixes, and reserve lives of the assets involved in the Selected Local Asset Transactions as compared to NEG Holding.

23


Panaco

        Present Value Approach to Valuing Panaco's Reserves.    Morgan Joseph conducted a net asset valuation analysis to derive a range of values for Panaco. Morgan Joseph performed its analysis based on a variety of data sources provided by the management of NEG. Using the Internal Reserve Reports, Morgan Joseph reviewed the present value of future cash flows associated with each category of proved reserves, probable reserves and possible reserves discounted at different discount rates in order to take into account the varying degrees of risk associated with the various classes of reserves as well as the rates of returns that could reasonably be expected in the acquisition of such reserves.

 
  Discount Rate Used in the Morgan Joseph
Calculation of the Present Value of the
Net Reserves' Cash Flows

 
 
  Low Case
  High Case
 
Proved Developed Producing Reserves   10 % 10 %
Proved Developed Non-Producing Reserves   15 % 10 %
Proved Undeveloped Reserves   20 % 15 %
Probable Reserves   50 % 40 %
Possible Reserves:   NA (1) NA (1)

(1)
Morgan Joseph did not assign any value to Panaco's Possible Reserves.

        NEG management estimated (i) the total quantity of reserves as of December 31, 2004, (ii) the future annual production of oil and gas from such reserves, (iii) the future oil and gas production (lifting) costs and other operating expenses, (iv) future production taxes, and (v) the capital expenditures necessary to develop the reserves. In its analysis of the present value of future cash flows from reserves, Morgan Joseph also reviewed recent "strip prices" of oil and gas futures prices for the period 2005-2007 plus, based on discussions with NEG management, estimated prices in 2008 and 2009 and all subsequent years which management used in the derivation of the estimated future cash flows in the Internal Reserve Reports. The strip prices approximate the prices at which Panaco could sell forward its oil and gas production in each year from 2005-2007 (based on the average of the monthly strip prices for each year).

 
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  2009
  After
2009

Oil ($/Bbl)   $ 44.36   $ 41.35   $ 39.57   $ 37.50   $ 35.00   $ 35.00
Gas ($/Mcf)   $ 6.18   $ 6.27   $ 5.92   $ 5.75   $ 5.50   $ 5.50

        To derive the range of net asset values for Panaco, Morgan Joseph first calculated the sum of the discounted future cash flows for each category of proved reserves, probable reserves and possible reserves. The estimated values of the following items were then added to (+) or subtracted from (-) the above reserve valuation range:

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        Based on this analysis, Morgan Joseph estimated the net asset value of Panaco to range from approximately $117 million to $139 million.

        Additionally, Morgan Joseph reviewed a number of financial ratios including enterprise value to estimated 2004 EBIT, enterprise value to EBITDAX, IMVR to the physical quantities of both proved and total reserves, and IMVR to pre-tax SEC PV-10 values.

        Selected Publicly Traded Companies Analysis.    Using publicly available information, Morgan Joseph reviewed the stock prices (as of January 11, 2005) and selected market trading multiples of the following companies, or the Other Selected Oil & Gas Companies:

        The financial information reviewed by Morgan Joseph included market trading multiples exhibited by the Other Selected Oil & Gas Companies with respect to their LTM financial performance and reserve information.

        Morgan Joseph compared the Other Selected Oil & Gas Companies' multiples to the multiples implied by the proposed acquisitions. The table below provides a summary of these comparisons:

Multiples Observed from by the Other Selected Oil & Gas Companies
 
  25th Percentile
  50th Percentile
  75th Percentile
Multiple of Enterprise Value:                  
  /LTM EBIT     7.6x     9.5x     10.1x
  /LTM EBITDAX     3.7x     3.8x     4.0x
Multiple of IMVR:                  
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 2.40   $ 2.75   $ 3.26
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     1.0x     1.1x     1.1x
Multiples Implied by the Present Value Approach to Valuing Panaco Reserves
 
  Low
  High
Multiple of Enterprise Value:            
  /LTM EBIT     9.2x     10.7x
  /LTM EBITDAX     4.1x     4.7x
Multiple of IMVR:            
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 2.64   $ 3.04
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     0.8x     0.9x

        Morgan Joseph compared the multiples implied by its present value approach of valuing Panaco's reserves to the multiples observed in the Other Selected Oil & Gas Companies taking into account a number of factors including, without limitation, the varying geographies, oil and gas mixes, and reserve lives of the Other Selected Oil & Gas Companies as compared to Panaco.

25



        Selected Acquisitions Analysis.    Using publicly available information, Morgan Joseph reviewed the purchase prices and multiples paid in the Selected Oil & Gas Transactions. The financial information reviewed by Morgan Joseph included the purchase prices, IMVR and multiples paid by the acquiring company of the acquired company's financial results over the LTM. The operating statistics reviewed by Morgan Joseph included the quantity of reserves by category (proved developed, proved undeveloped, estimated probable and possible) within the last fiscal year preceding the acquisition and the production of reserves for the last fiscal year preceding the acquisition. The table below summarizes the results of this analysis:

Multiples Implied by the Present Value Approach to Valuing Panaco Reserves
 
  Low
  High
Multiple of IMVR of Proved Reserves:            
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 2.07   $ 2.28
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     0.6x     0.7x
Multiple of IMVR:            
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 2.64   $ 3.04
  /Total Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 1.38   $ 1.59
  /Pre-tax SEC PV-10     0.8x     0.9x
Multiple of Enterprise Value:            
  /LTM EBITDAX     4.1x     4.7x
  /LTM EBIT     9.2x     10.7x

        Morgan Joseph compared the multiples implied by its present value approach to valuing Panaco's reserves to the multiples observed in the Selected Oil & Gas Transactions taking into account a number of factors including, without limitation, the varying geographies, oil and gas mixes, and reserve lives of the companies involved in the Selected Oil & Gas Transactions as compared to Panaco.

        Selected Local Asset M&A Transactions Analysis.    Using publicly available information, Morgan Joseph reviewed the purchase prices and multiples paid in selected mergers and acquisitions involving (i) oil and gas assets located at or around the geographic region of Panaco reserves (offshore Gulf of Mexico) or (ii) assets that produce a similar percentage of gas/oil as those of Panaco. Morgan Joseph reviewed the following transactions (in Seller/Buyer format, with date of announcement), or the Other Selected Local Asset Transactions:

        The table below summarizes the results of this analysis:

Multiples Observed from the Other Selected Local Asset Transactions
 
  25th Percentile
  50th Percentile
  75th Percentile
Multiple of IMVR:                  
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 1.33   $ 1.43   $ 1.50

26


Multiples Implied by the Present Value Approach to Valuing Panaco Reserves
 
  Low
  High
Multiple of IMVR:            
  /Proved Reserves ($/mcfe)   $ 2.64   $ 3.04

        Morgan Joseph compared the multiples implied by its present value approach to valuing Panaco's reserves to the multiples observed in the Other Selected Local Asset Transactions taking into account a number of factors including, without limitation, the varying geographies, oil and gas mixes, and reserve lives of the assets involved in the Other Selected Local Asset Transactions as compared to Panaco.

        AREP and Morgan Joseph entered into letter agreements dated October 22, 2004, December 6, 2004, December 6, 2004, December 27, 2004 and December 29, 2004 relating to the services to be provided by Morgan Joseph in connection with the December 2004 TransTexas and Panaco Debt Acquisitions, the December 2004 Atlantic Holdings Debt Acquisition, the acquisition of TransTexas, and the proposed Acquisitions. AREP paid Morgan Joseph a customary fee following the delivery of the Morgan Joseph Opinions. AREP also agreed to reimburse Morgan Joseph for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its engagement, including certain fees and disbursements of its legal counsel. Under a separate letter agreement, AREP agreed to indemnify Morgan Joseph against liabilities relating to or arising out of its engagements, including liabilities under the securities laws.

Oil and Gas Reserve Reports

        The following summarizes reports with respect to oil and gas reserves that were prepared in connection with the proposed acquisitions of NEG Operating and Panaco.

NEG Operating LLC

        In recommending the proposed purchase of the interest in NEG Holding from Cyprus and determining the consideration to be paid, the Audit Committee considered reports prepared by the engineering firms, Prator Bett, L.L.C., DeGolyer and MacNaughton and Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.

        Prator Bett is comprised of experienced engineers familiar with the subject properties. Prator Bett was selected to prepare the January 31, 2005 reserve report because of its expertise and NEG Holding's satisfaction with prior services provided to NEG Operating. During the past two years, NEG Operating paid approximately $57,000 to the firm as consideration for annual reserve reports. We intend to obtain future reports and evaluations from Prator Bett. Except for the provision of professional services on a fee basis, Prator Bett has no commercial arrangement with NEG Operating or any other person or company involved in the interests which are the subject of the report.

        The report provides an assessment of the Proved, Probable and Possible reserves of certain oil and gas properties owned by NEG Operating, as of January 31, 2005. The report was prepared as an independent assessment in connection with our purchase of the remaining interest in NEG Holding from Cyprus. Pursuant to the NEG Holding purchase agreement, the number of our Depositary Units to be issued in connection with the acquisition of the interest in NEG Holding was subject to reduction based in part on the results of the report.

        Since December 31, 2000, Prator Bett has prepared annual reports for NEG Operating covering Proved and Probable reserves and future net revenue of the properties reviewed in the January 31, 2005 report. The most recent report prepared by Prator Bett was as of December 31, 2004. The reserve estimate parameters used in the December 31, 2004 report are identical to those used in the January 31, 2005 report. Possible reserves were not considered in the December 31, 2004 report, but are included in the January 31, 2005 report.

27


        Prator Bett was instructed to generate a report as of January 31, 2005 of NEG Operating's reserves to enable Prator Bett to present the estimated value of NEG Operating's reserves. The scope of instructions for the January 31, 2005 report was not limited or varied as compared to the annual reports, except to request the inclusion of Possible reserves.

        In preparing the reserve report, Prator Bett projected production rates and timing of development expenditures and analyzed available geological, production and engineering data. Estimates of natural gas and oil reserves are inherently imprecise. The process requires various assumptions, including natural gas and oil prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes, and availability of funds. Actual future production, natural gas and oil prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable natural gas and oil reserves most likely will vary from estimates. Any significant variance could materially affect the estimated quantities and net present value of reserves.

        Extrapolation of performance history (production, water-cut, and/or pressure) was utilized for producing properties where sufficient history was available to suggest decline trends. Reserves assigned to the remaining producing properties, the nonproducing zones and the undeveloped locations were necessarily estimated utilizing volumetric calculations and analogy to nearby production. Estimates such as these are inherently subject to more variation than are estimates which are based on established decline trends.

        The Prator Bett reserve report concluded that NEG Operating's estimated net Proved and Unproved natural gas and oil reserves and the pre-tax net present value of its reserves at January 31, 2005 were as set forth in the following table. The pre-tax present value is not intended to represent the current market value of the estimated natural gas and oil reserves that NEG Operating owns. The pre-tax net present value of future cash flows attributable to its reserves was based upon specific oil and gas pricing schedules provided by AREP. These prices represent a specific five-year schedule of the Henry Hub cash price for gas and the Koch WTI posted price for oil. Adjustments were made to these pricing levels based on historical data on a property-by-property basis for items such as transportation, basis differentials, marketing, the quality and gravity of the crude oil, and the heating value of the gas. The Henry Hub cash price and Koch WTI posted price were forecasted to be $6.18 per Mcf of gas and $44.36 per barrel of oil in 2005. The cash pricing levels for the year 2009 of $35.00 per barrel and $5.50 per MMBtu were held constant throughout the remaining life of the properties.

 
  Total Proved Reserves as of January 31, 2005
 
  Developed
   
   
 
  Producing
  Nonproducing
  Undeveloped
  Total Proved
Natural Gas (MMcf)   4,723.3   1,567.0   1,083.4   7,373.7
Oil and condensate (bbls)   167,413   67,306   40,314   275,033
Total proved reserves (MMcfe)   5,727.8   1,970.8   1,325.3   9,023.9
Pre-tax net present value, Disc. at 10% ($)   13,366,507   3,787,811   2,736,602   19,890,920
 
  Total Unproved Reserves as of January 31, 2005
 
  Probable
  Possible
Natural Gas (MMcf)   2,672.4   640.9
Oil and condensate (bbls)   95,452   7,496
Total proved reserves (MMcfe)   3,245.1   685.9
Pre-tax net present value, Disc. at 10% ($)   5,088,559   457,426

28


        DeGolyer and MacNaughton is a leading international petroleum reservoir consultant and is familiar with the subject properties. DeGolyer and MacNaughton was selected to prepare the January 31, 2005 reserve report because of its expertise and NEG Operating's satisfaction with its prior services. During the past two years, NEG Operating paid approximately $96,173 to the firm as consideration for annual reserve reports. We intend to obtain future reports and evaluations from DeGolyer and MacNaughton. Except for the provision of professional services on a fee basis, DeGolyer and MacNaughton has no commercial arrangement with NEG Operating or any other person or company involved in the interests which are the subject of this report.

        The report provides an assessment of the Proved, Probable, and Possible reserves of certain oil and gas properties owned by NEG Operating as of January 31, 2005. The report was prepared as an independent assessment in connection with the purchase of the interest in NEG Holding from Cyprus. Pursuant to the NEG Holding purchase agreement, the number of our Depositary Units to be issued in connection with the acquisition of the interest in NEG Holding is subject to reduction based in part on the results of the reserve report.

        Since August 12, 2003, DeGolyer and MacNaughton has prepared semiannual and annual reserve reports, SEC compliant reserve evaluations and property appraisals for NEG Operating. The most recent annual report prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton is dated as of December 31, 2004. The reserve estimate parameters used in the December 31, 2004 report are identical to those used in the January 31, 2005 report. Possible reserves were not considered in the December 31, 2004 annual report, but are included in the January 31, 2005 report.

        DeGolyer and MacNaughton was instructed to generate a report as of January 31, 2005 of NEG Operating's reserves to enable DeGolyer and MacNaughton to present the estimated value of NEG Operating's reserves. The scope of the instructions for the January 31, 2005 report was not limited or varied as compared to the semiannual and annual reports, except to request the inclusion of Possible reserves.

        In preparing this reserve report, DeGolyer and MacNaughton projected production rates and timing of development expenditures and analyzed available geological, production and engineering data. The estimates for Proved Reserves used initial prices and costs and future price and cost assumptions specified by NEG Operating. Estimates of natural gas and oil reserves are inherently imprecise. The process requires various assumptions, including natural gas and oil prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes, and availability of funds. Actual future production, natural gas and oil prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable natural gas and oil reserves most likely will vary from estimates. Any significant variance could materially affect the estimated quantities and net present value of reserves.

        The DeGolyer and MacNaughton reserve report concluded that NEG Operating's estimated net Proved, Probable and Possible natural gas and oil reserves at January 31, 2005 were as set forth in the following table. Values for Proved and Probable reserves were based on projections of estimated future production and revenue prepared for these properties with no risk adjustment applied to the Probable

29



reserves. Probable reserves involve substantially higher risks than Proved reserves. Revenue values for Probable reserves have not been adjusted to account for such risks.

 
  Net Reserves
 
  Oil and Condensate (Mbbl)
  Sales Gas (MMcf)
Proved        
  Developed Producing   32   31,074
  Developed Nonproducing   47   12,528
   
 
Total Developed   79   43,602
    Undeveloped   539   83,890
   
 
Total Proved   618   127,492
Probable (Not Risk Adjusted)   570   32,011
Possible (Not Risk Adjusted)   1,513   100,918

        In the preparation of these reserves estimates, interest reversions indicated by NEG Operating were taken into account.

        Netherland, Sewell is a leading international petroleum reservoir consultant and is familiar with the subject properties. Netherland, Sewell was selected to prepare the February 1, 2005 reserve report because of its expertise and NEG Operating's satisfaction with its prior services. During the past two years, NEG Operating paid approximately $166,053 to the firm as consideration for annual reserve reports. We intend to obtain future reports and evaluations from Netherland, Sewell. Except for the provision of professional services on a fee basis, Netherland, Sewell has no commercial arrangement with NEG Operating or any other person or company involved in the interests which are the subject of this report.

        The report provides an assessment of the Proved, Probable, and Possible reserves of certain oil and gas properties owned by NEG Operating as of February 1, 2005. The report was prepared as an independent assessment in connection with our purchase of an interest in NEG Holding from Cyprus. Pursuant to the NEG Holding purchase agreement, the number of our Depositary Units to be issued in connection with the acquisition of the interest in NEG Holding was subject to reduction based in part on the results of the reserve report.

        Since 2001, Netherland, Sewell has prepared annual reserve reports, SEC compliant reserve evaluations and property appraisals for NEG Operating. The most recent annual report prepared by Netherland, Sewell was as of December 31, 2004. The reserve estimate parameters used in the December 31, 2004 report are identical to those used in the February 1, 2005 report. Possible reserves were not considered in the December 31, 2004 report, but are included in the February 1, 2005 report.

        Netherland, Sewell was instructed to generate a report of NEG Operating's reserves to enable Netherland, Sewell to present the estimated value of NEG Operating's reserves. The scope of the instructions for the February 1, 2005 report was not varied or limited as compared to the semiannual and annual reports, except to request the inclusion of Possible reserves.

        In preparing this reserve report, Netherland, Sewell projected production rates and timing of development expenditures and analyzed available geological, production and engineering data. The estimates for proved reserves used initial prices and costs and future price and cost assumptions specified by NEG Operating. Oil prices are based on NYMEX West Texas Intermediate process, and gas prices are based on NYMEX Henry Hub prices. Oil prices are adjusted by lease for quality, transportation fees, and regional price differentials. Gas prices are adjusted by lease for energy content, transportation fees, and regional price differentials. Estimates of natural gas and oil reserves are

30



inherently imprecise. The process requires various assumptions, including natural gas and oil prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes, and availability of funds. Actual future production, natural gas and oil prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable natural gas and oil reserves most likely will vary from estimates. Any significant variance could materially affect the estimated quantities and net present value of reserves.

        The Netherland, Sewell reserve report concluded that NEG Operating's estimated net Proved natural gas and oil reserves and future net revenue of NEG Operating's reserves at January 31, 2005 was as set forth in the following table. The oil reserves shown include crude oil and condensate. Oil volumes are expressed in barrels that are equivalent to 42 United States gallons. Gas volumes are expressed in thousands of standard cubic feet (MCF) at the contract temperature and pressure bases. Oil prices are adjusted for quality, transportation fees and regional price differentials. Gas prices are adjusted by lease for energy content, transportation fees and regional price differentials.

        The estimated reserves and future revenue shown are for Proved developed producing, Proved developed non-producing, Proved undeveloped, Probable, and Possible reserves. Any value which could be attributed to interests in undeveloped acreage beyond those tracts for which undeveloped reserves have been estimated was not included.

 
   
  Net Reserves
  Future Net Revenue ($)
Category

  Oil
(Barrels)

  Gas
(MCF)

  Total
  Present Worth
At 10%

Proved Developed                
Producing   3,040,278   54,826,203   304,542,500   188,680,500
Non-Producing   296,040   4,654,101   28,368,400   9,052,700
Proved Undeveloped   548,434   19,291,373   71,546,400   28,580,700
   
 
 
 
  Total Proved   3,884,752   78,771,677   404,457,300   226,313,900
Probable(1)   168,082   13,498,858   50,159,700   22,390,900
Possible(1)   434,928   10,186,215   66,020,500   38,085,400

(1)
These reserves and future revenue are not risk-weighted. Probable reserves are those reserves which geological and engineering data demonstrate to be potentially recoverable, but where some element of risk or insufficient data prevent classification as proved. Possible reserves are those speculative reserves estimated beyond proved and probable reserves where geologic and engineering data suggest the presence of additional reserves, but where the risk is relatively high.

Panaco

        Netherland, Sewell was selected to prepare the February 1, 2005 reserve report because of its expertise and Panaco's satisfaction with its prior services. During the past two years, Panaco paid approximately $29,759 to the firm as consideration for annual reserve reports. We intend to obtain future reports and evaluations from Netherland, Sewell. Except for the provision of professional services on a fee basis, Netherland, Sewell has no commercial arrangement with Panaco or any other person or company involved in the interests which are the subject of this report.

        The report provides an assessment of the Proved, Probable, and Possible reserves of certain oil and gas properties owned by Panaco, as of February 1, 2005. The report was prepared as an independent assessment in connection with the purchase of Panaco. Pursuant to the Panaco purchase agreement, the number of our Depositary Units to be issued in connection with our acquisition of Panaco is subject to reduction based in part on the results of the reserve report.

        Since 2004, Netherland, Sewell has prepared annual reserve reports, SEC compliant reserve evaluations and property appraisals for Panaco. The most recent annual report prepared by Netherland,

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Sewell was as of December 31, 2004. The reserve estimate parameters used in the December 31, 2004 report are identical to those used in the February 1, 2005 report. Probable and Possible reserves were not considered in the December 31, 2004 report, but are included in the February 1, 2005 report.

        Netherland, Sewell was instructed to generate a report of Panaco's reserves to enable us to present the estimated value of our reserves. The scope of the instructions for the February 1, 2005 report was not varied or limited as compared to the annual reports, except to request the inclusion of Probable and Possible reserves.

        In preparing this reserve report, Netherland, Sewell projected production rates and timing of development expenditures and analyzed available geological, production and engineering data. The estimates for Proved reserves used initial prices and costs and future price and cost assumptions that were specified by Panaco. Estimates of natural gas and oil reserves are inherently imprecise. The process requires various assumptions, including natural gas and oil prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes, and availability of funds. Actual future production, natural gas and oil prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable natural gas and oil reserves most likely will vary from estimates. Any significant variance could materially affect the estimated quantities and net present value of reserves.

        The Netherland, Sewell reserve report concluded that Panaco's estimated net Proved natural gas and oil reserves and the future net revenue of Panaco's reserves at February 1, 2005 were as set forth in the following table. The report was prepared using oil and gas price parameters specified by Panaco. The oil reserves shown include crude oil and condensate. Oil volumes are expressed in barrels that are equivalent to 42 United States gallons. Gas volumes are expressed in thousands of standard cubic feet (MCF) at the contract temperature and pressure bases. Oil prices are adjusted by lease for quality, transportation fees, and regional price differentials. Gas prices are adjusted by lease for energy content, transportation fees, and regional price differentials.

        The estimated reserves and future revenue shown are for proved developed producing, Proved developed non-producing, Proved undeveloped, Probable, and Possible reserves. Any value which could be attributed to interests in undeveloped acreage beyond those tracts for which undeveloped reserves have been estimated was not included.

 
   
  Net Reserves
  Future Net Revenue ($)
Category

  Oil
(Barrels)

  Gas
(MCF)

  Total
  Present Worth
At 10%

Proved Developed                
Producing   1,719,398   4,896,807   57,509,400   50,523,400
Non-Producing   634,910   8,320,946   43,444,300   31,111,600
Proved Undeveloped   2,273,942   11,614,761   78,124,300   45,835,900
Total Proved   4,628,250   24,832,514   179,078,000   127,470,900
Probable(1)   4,355,739   14,241,397   183,919,500   112,849,100
Possible(1)   19,225,750   19,640,851   701,345,500   334,742,700

(1)
These reserves and future revenue are not risk-weighted. Probable reserves are those reserves which geological and engineering data demonstrate to be potentially recoverable, but where some element of risk or insufficient data prevent classification as proved. Possible reserves are those speculative reserves estimated beyond proved and probable reserves where geologic and engineering data suggest the presence of additional reserves, but where the risk is relatively high.

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The Purchase Agreements

        The following describes the terms of the Acquisitions. None of the pending Acquisitions is conditioned upon the closing of the others. We may not complete all or any of the pending Acquisitions.

NEG Holding LLC

        On January 21, 2005, we entered into a purchase agreement with Gascon Partners, Cigas Corp. and Astral Gas Corp., the general partner of Gascon, or the NEG Agreement, pursuant to which we will purchase Gascon's managing membership interest in NEG Holding for a purchase price of up to 11,344,828 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of up to $329.0 million based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005 of $29.00 per unit. The number of Depositary Units to be issued is subject to reduction based upon NEG Holding's oil and gas reserve reports as of January 31, 2005, prepared by an independent reserve engineering firm. However, if the "Adjusted Purchase Amount" pursuant to the Panaco Agreement, described below, exceeds $125.0 million and/or the "Adjusted Purchase Amount" pursuant to our agreement to purchase TransTexas exceeds $180.0 million, the amounts of such excess will be applied to any reduction of the number of Depositary Units to be issued under the NEG Agreement. Upon the closing of the NEG Agreement, AREP will contribute the NEG Holding membership interest to American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, or AREH, and AREH will contribute the membership interest to AREP Oil & Gas LLC, a recently formed wholly-owned subsidiary. The other member of NEG Holding is NEG. The purchase agreement contains customary representations and warranties, indemnification provisions, covenants regarding the conduct of business prior to closing and conditions to closing.

        The closing of the NEG Agreement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, for each of the parties, no action or proceeding by any governmental authority or other person shall have been instituted or threatened which (1) might have a material adverse effect on NEG Holding or (2) could enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or could result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the NEG Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by it. The closing of the NEG Agreement is also subject to the approval by all Depositary Unit holder action required by the NYSE.

        For AREP, the closing of the NEG Agreement is also subject to (1) the satisfaction or waiver of the condition that no material adverse change with respect to NEG Holding shall have occurred and no event shall have occurred which, in the reasonable judgment of AREP, is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect and (2) the receipt of NEG Holding's oil and gas reserve reports. Affiliates of Mr. Icahn have agreed to indemnify AREP against, and agreed to hold it harmless from, any and all losses it incurs associated with any breach of, or any inaccuracy in, any representation or warranty made by Gascon in the purchase agreement, or any breach of or failure by Gascon to perform any of its respective covenants or obligations set out or contemplated in the NEG Agreement.

        The NEG Agreement may be terminated if the transaction is not consummated by September 30, 2005 or by either us or the sellers if there shall have been a material breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other agreement of the party which has not been remedied.

        The foregoing summary description of the NEG Agreement is subject in its entirety to the terms of the NEG Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D.

Panaco, Inc.

        On January 21, 2005, we and National Offshore LP, the 1% general partnership interest of which and the 99% limited partnership interest of which are owned, respectively, by two limited liability companies, each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AREP, entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Highcrest, Arnos and Panaco, or the Panaco Agreement, pursuant to which Panaco will merge with and into National Offshore and all of the common stock of Panaco will be canceled and

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cease to exist in exchange for up to 4,310,345 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of up to $125.0 million based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005, of $29.00 per unit. The number of Depositary Units to be issued is subject to reduction based upon Panaco's oil and gas reserve reports as of February 1, 2005, prepared by an independent reserve engineering firm. However, if the "Adjusted Purchase Amount," as defined, pursuant to the NEG Agreement exceeds $329.0 million and/or the "Adjusted Purchase Amount," pursuant to our agreement to purchase TransTexas exceeds $180.0 million, the amounts of such excess will be applied to reduce the reduction of the number of Depositary Units to be issued under the Panaco Agreement. Immediately following the merger, AREP will contribute each of the general partner and limited partner of National Offshore to AREH and AREH will contribute each of these limited liability companies to AREP Oil & Gas. The Panaco Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, indemnification provisions, covenants regarding the conduct of business prior to closing and conditions to closing.

        The closing of the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, for each of the parties, no action or proceeding by any governmental authority or other person shall have been instituted or threatened which (1) might have a material adverse effect on Panaco or (2) could enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or could result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the Panaco Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Panaco Agreement. The closing of the Panaco Agreement is also subject to the approval by all Depositary Unit holder action required by the NYSE.

        For National Offshore, the closing of the merger is also subject to (1) the satisfaction or waiver of the condition that no material adverse change with respect to Panaco shall have occurred and no event shall have occurred which, in the reasonable judgment of National Offshore, is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect and (2) the receipt of Panaco's oil and gas reserve reports. Highcrest and Arnos have agreed to indemnify National Offshore against, and agreed to hold it harmless from, any and all losses it incurs associated with any breach of or any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty made by Highcrest and Arnos in the Panaco Agreement, or any breach of or failure by Highcrest and Arnos to perform any of their covenants or obligations set out or contemplated in the merger agreement.

        The Panaco Agreement may be terminated if the transaction is not consummated by September 30, 2005 or by either us or the other parties to the agreement if there shall have been a material breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other agreement of the other party which has not been remedied.

        The foregoing summary description of the Panaco Agreement is subject in its entirety to the terms of the Panaco Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit E.

GB Holdings, Inc. and Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (The Sands)

        On January 21, 2005, we entered into a purchase agreement with Cyprus, or The Sands Agreement, pursuant to which we will purchase 4,121,033 shares of common stock of GB Holdings and 4,121,033 Atlantic Holdings warrants which are exercisable, upon the occurrence of certain events, for an aggregate of 1,133,284 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings. Upon the closing of this transaction, we will transfer all of these securities to AREP Sands Holding LLC, a recently formed wholly-owned subsidiary of AREH.

        The purchase price for these securities is 413,793 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of $12.0 million based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005, of $29.00 per unit, plus up to an additional 206,897 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of $6.0 million based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005, of $29.00 per unit, if for each of fiscal 2005 and 2006 the EBITDA for Atlantic Holdings is equal to or greater than $24 million.

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        EBITDA means, for any period, as certified by Atlantic Holdings' independent registered public accounting firm and its Chief Financial Officer, Consolidated Net Income for the period plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (1) Consolidated Interest Expense, (2) provision for all taxes based on income, profits or capital and (3) depreciation and amortization (including, but not limited to, amortization of goodwill and intangibles).

        For purposes of determining EBITDA, allocations of expenses will be made on a basis consistent with past practice. Consolidated Net Income means, for any period, the net income (loss) of Atlantic Holdings and its subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; provided that there will not be included in Consolidated Net Income: (1) any net income (loss) of any person acquired by Atlantic Holdings or a subsidiary in a transaction accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests for any period prior to the date of such acquisition; (2) any gain or loss realized upon the sale or other disposition of any asset of Atlantic Holdings or any subsidiary (including pursuant to any sale/leaseback transaction) that is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business; (3) any item classified as an extraordinary, unusual or nonrecurring gain, loss or charge; (4) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles; (5) any unrealized gains or losses in respect of any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement (including derivative agreements or arrangements); and (6) any unrealized foreign currency translation gains or losses in respect of indebtedness denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of such debtor.

        Consolidated Interest Expense means, for any period, the total interest expense of Atlantic Holdings and its subsidiaries to the extent deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income, net of any interest income of Atlantic Holdings and its subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, any such interest expense consisting of (a) interest expense attributable to an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP; (b) amortization of debt discount; (c) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation; and (d) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financing, as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that gross interest expense shall be determined after giving effect to any net payments made or received by Atlantic Holdings and its subsidiaries with respect to any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement (including derivative agreements or arrangements), and further provided that to avoid double counting, amortization of any item shall not be included in the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense if it is already to be included in the calculation of EBITDA.

        The Sands Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, indemnification provisions, covenants regarding the conduct of business prior to closing and conditions to closing. The closing of the Sands Agreement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, for each of the parties, no action or proceeding by any governmental authority or other person shall have been instituted or threatened which (1) might have a material adverse effect on GB Holdings or Atlantic Holdings or (2) could enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or could result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the purchase agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement. The closing of the Sands Agreement is also subject to the approval by all Depositary Unit holder action required by the NYSE.

        For AREP, the closing of the Sands Agreement is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the condition (1) that no material adverse change with respect to GB Holdings or Atlantic Holdings shall have occurred and no event shall have occurred which, in the reasonable judgment of AREP, is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect and (2) that the GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings securities are released from a bank pledge. Cyprus has agreed to indemnify us against, and agreed to

35



hold us harmless from, any and all losses we incur associated with any breach of or any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty made by Cyprus in the Sands Agreement, or any breach of or failure by Cyprus to perform any of its covenants or obligations set out or contemplated in the Sands Agreement.

        The Sands Agreement may be terminated if the transaction is not consummated by September 30, 2005 or by either us or the seller if there shall have been a material breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other agreement of the other party which has not been remedied.

        The foregoing summary description of the Sands Agreement is subject in its entirety to the terms of the Sands Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit F.

Additional Provisions applicable to the NEG Holding, Panaco and Sands Agreements

        The Panaco Agreement, the NEG Agreement and Sands Agreement each requires that AREP's Partnership Agreement be amended (1) as necessary to consummate the Acquisitions (including without limitation, modification of Section 4.5(c) of the Partnership Agreement to render such section inapplicable to any transactions approved by the Audit Committee of AREP), and (2) such that the general partner and the limited partners, as defined in the Partnership Agreement, may not cause AREP, or any successor entity of AREP, whether in its current form as a limited partnership or as converted to or succeeded by a corporation or other form of business association, to effect a merger or other business combination of AREP or such successor, in each case pursuant to Section 253 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, or any successor statute, or any similar short-form merger statute under the laws of Delaware or any other jurisdiction.

Registration Rights Agreement

        Upon the consummation of the Acquisitions, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Highcrest, Arnos, Cyprus and Gascon, each a Holder, and collectively the Holders, of Depositary Units.

        Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, we are required to notify in writing the Holders of our determination to register any of our equity securities or warrants to purchase equity securities, other than a registration statement on Form S-8 or on Form S-4 relating to Depositary Units to be issued solely in connection with any acquisition of any entity or business, and to use reasonable efforts to include, at our expense, in such registration statement all or any part of the Depositary Units any such Holder requests to be included in the registration statement. Our obligations to include Depositary Units in a registration statement with respect to an underwritten offering are subject to such limitations as are imposed by the managing underwriters of such offering.

        A Holder or Holders of at least a majority, determined by capital account balance, of the Depositary Units held by all Holders, upon written request, may cause us to use best efforts to file two registration statements, at our expense, as expeditiously as possible with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register the public sale of Depositary Units held by such Holders, provided that the request is with respect to at least 20% of the Depositary Units owned by all Holders. In addition, if the registration of Depositary Units can be effected on Form S-3, then, upon the request of Holders for the registration of at least 20% of the units held by all Holders, we will use our best efforts to, as expeditiously as possible, effect such registration.

        Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, we are required to use our best efforts to maintain the effectiveness for up to 90 days(or such shorter period of time as the underwriters, if any, of any offering need to complete the distribution of the registered offering), or one year in the case of a "shelf" registration on Form S-3, pursuant to which any of the Depositary Units are being offered. We have agreed to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder and each underwriter of Depositary Units from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them become subject to under the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or under any other statute or at common law and agree to reimburse them for any legal or other expenses

36



reasonably incurred by them or any of them in connection with investigating or defending such actions, subject to certain limitations described in the registration rights agreement.

Information about AREP, NEG Holding, Panaco and GB Holdings

        Appendices A, B, C and D set forth descriptions of our business and the businesses of each of NEG Holding, Panaco and GB Holdings. The Appendices also include "Selected Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for each of AREP, NEG Holding, Panaco and GB Holdings.

Pro Forma Financial Data

        Appendix E sets forth unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements presented to reflect the pro forma effects of the Acquisitions and the issuance of 16,068,966 Depositary Units with an aggregate valuation of $466.0 million based on the closing market price of the Depositary Units, on January 19, 2005, of $29.00 per unit and our issuance in February 2005 of $480.0 million principal amount of senior notes due 2013 with an interest rate of 71/8% per annum.

Financial Statements

        Financial information for each of us, on a historical and supplemental basis to give effect to the acquisition of TransTexas, American Property Investors, Inc., our general partner, NEG Holding, Panaco and GB Holdings are set forth in pages F-1 to F-177.

Regulation

        We are not required to obtain the consent or approval of any regulatory authority with respect to the Acquisitions.

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

        The following general discussion summarizes certain material United States federal income tax consequences of the Acquisitions. This summary does not consider state, local or foreign tax laws. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, and applicable Treasury Regulations, rulings, administrative pronouncements and decisions as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations at any time with possible retroactive effect. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in this summary, and there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will agree with such statements and conclusions. Each holder of Depositary Units is advised to consult the holder's tax advisor regarding specific federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax considerations in respect of the Acquisitions.

        The Acquisitions generally should not result in the recognition of gain or loss to AREP, the holders of Depositary Units, or the transferors of property acquired by AREP. AREP's initial tax basis in property acquired in an Acquisition should equal the transferor's adjusted tax basis in the property immediately prior to the Acquisition.

        In general, where property is acquired in an Acquisition with built-in gain or built-in loss (i.e., difference, if any, between the fair market value and adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of the Acquisition), such built-in gain or loss generally will be allocated to the transferor in accordance with section 704(c) of the Code when it is recognized. Where such built-in gain or loss property gives rise to depreciation, depletion or other cost-recovery deductions (as may be the case for property acquired in the merger of Panaco with and into National Offshore LP), the recognition of such built-in gain or built-in loss may effectively be accelerated. This is because the distributive share of such cost-recovery deductions allocated to the transferor may be required to be reduced in the case of built-in gain property or increased in the case of built-in loss property in accordance with section 704(c)

37



of the Code. The result to the other holders of Depositary Units is that they may be allocated more deductions than the transferor if there is built-in gain property or less deductions if there is built-in loss property.

        Further, in the case of the Acquisition of interests in NEG Holding, to the extent that Gascon previously contributed property to NEG Holding with built-in gain or loss, which built-in gain or loss has not been fully recognized by Gascon, any remaining amount of such built-in gain or loss will be allocated by NEG Holding under the above allocation rules to AREP as it would have been allocated to Gascon. Allocations by AREP of its distributive share of tax items allocated from NEG Holding with respect to such property will again be subject to the same allocation rules described in the above paragraph, with the result that such remaining amount of built-in gain or loss generally is allocated to Gascon.

        The character of the gross income that is likely to result from the property acquired in the Acquisitions should not adversely affect AREP's ability to continue to qualify as a partnership for tax purposes (and not be subject to tax as a corporation).

Accounting Treatment

        The Acquisitions will be treated for accounting purposes in a manner similar to a pooling-of-interest due to common control ownership.

The Depositary Units

        The following is a brief description of our Depositary Units which are proposed to be issued in the Acquisitions and certain provisions of the depositary agreement, as amended, or the Depositary Agreement, pursuant to which the Depositary Units have been issued, entered into among us, the Registrar and Transfer Company, as Depositary, and the Unitholders.

General

        The Depositary Units represent limited partner interests in AREP. The percentage interest in AREP represented by a Depositary Unit is equal to the ratio it bears at the time of such determination to the total number of Depositary Units in AREP (including any undeposited Depositary Units) outstanding, multiplied by 99%, which is the aggregate percentage interest in AREP of all holders of Depositary Units. Subject to the rights and preferences of any preferred units, each Depositary Unit evidences entitlement to a portion of AREP's distributed and an allocation of AREP's net income and net loss, as determined in accordance with our partnership agreement. The Depositary Units are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and AREP is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. We are required to file periodic reports containing financial and other information with the SEC. The Depositary Units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ACP."

        Depositary Units are evidenced by depositary receipts issued by the Depositary. We are authorized to issue additional Depositary Units or other securities, including, without limitation preferred units from time to time to unitholders or additional investors without the consent or approval of Unitholders. There is no limit to the number of Depositary Units or additional classes of units that may be issued. The Board of Directors of API, our General Partner has the power, without any further action by the unitholders, to issue units with such designations, preferences and relative, participating or other special rights, powers and duties, including rights, powers and duties senior to existing classes of Depositary Units or preferred units. The Depositary Units have no preemptive rights.

Transfer of Depositary Units

        Until a Depositary Unit has been transferred on the books of the Depositary, we and the Depositary will treat the record holder thereof as the absolute owner for all purposes. A transfer of

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Depositary Units will not be recognized by the Depositary or us unless and until the transferee of the Depositary Units, or a Subsequent Transferee, executes and delivers a transfer application to the Depositary. Transfer applications appear on the back of each depositary receipt and also will be furnished at no charge by the Depositary upon receipt of a request for the transfer application.

        By executing and delivering a Transfer Application to the Depositary, a Subsequent Transferee automatically requests admission as a substituted unitholder in the Partnership, agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of our partnership agreement and grants a power of attorney to our general partner. On a monthly basis, the Depositary will, on behalf of Subsequent Transferees who have submitted Transfer Applications, request the general partner to admit the Subsequent Transferees as substituted limited partners of AREP. If our general partner consents to a substitution, a Subsequent Transferee will be admitted to the partnership as a substituted limited partner upon the recordation of the Subsequent Transferee's name in our books and records. Upon admission, which is in the sole discretion of our general partner, the Subsequent Transferee will be entitled to all of the rights of a limited partner under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, or the Delaware Act, and pursuant to our partnership agreement.

        A Subsequent Transferee will, after submitting a Transfer Application to the Depositary but before being admitted to AREP as a substituted unitholder of record, have the rights of an assignee under the Delaware Act and our partnership agreement, including the right to receive his pro rata share of distributions. Subsequent Transferee who does not execute and deliver a Transfer Application to the Depositary will not be recognized as the record holder of Depositary Units and will only have the right to transfer or assign his Depositary Units to a purchaser or other transferee. Therefore, such Subsequent Transferee will not receive distributions from the partnership and will not be entitled to vote on partnership matters or any other rights to which record holders of Depositary Units are entitled under the Delaware Act or pursuant to our partnership agreement. Distributions made in respect of the Depositary Units held by such Subsequent Transferees will continue to be paid to the transferor of such Depositary Units.

        A Subsequent Transferee will be deemed to be a party to the Depositary Agreement and to be bound by its terms and conditions whether or not such Subsequent Transferee executes and delivers a Transfer Application to the Depositary. A transferor will have no duty to ensure the execution of a Transfer Application by a Subsequent Transferee and will have no liability or responsibility if such Subsequent Transferee neglects or chooses not to execute and deliver the Transfer Application to the Depositary.

        Whenever Depositary Units are transferred, the Transfer Application requires that a Subsequent Transferee answer a series of questions. The required information is designed to provide us with the information necessary to prepare our tax information return. If the Subsequent Transferee does not furnish the required information, we will make certain assumptions concerning this information, which may result in the transferee receiving a lesser amount of consideration.

Withdrawal of Depositary Units from Deposit

        A unitholder may withdraw from the Depositary the Depositary Units represented by his depositary receipts, upon written request and surrender of the depositary receipts evidencing the Depositary Units, and receive, in exchange, a certificate issued by us evidencing the same number of Depositary Units. A Subsequent Transferee is required to become a unitholder of record before being entitled to withdraw Depositary Units from the Depositary. Depositary Units which have been withdrawn from the Depositary, and are therefore not evidenced by depositary receipts, are not transferable except upon death, by operation of law, by transfer to us or redeposit with the Depositary. A holder of Depositary Units withdrawn from deposit will continue to receive his respective share of distributions and allocations of net income and losses pursuant to our Partnership Agreement. In order to transfer Depositary Units withdrawn from the Depositary other than upon death, by operation of

39



law or to the partnership, a unitholder must redeposit the certificate evidencing the withdrawn Depositary Units with the Depositary and request issuance of depositary receipts representing such Depositary Units, which depositary receipts then may be transferred. Any redeposit of the withdrawn Depositary Units with the Depositary requires 60 days' advance written notice and payment to the Depositary of a redeposit fee initially $5.00 per 100 Depositary Units or portion thereof, [confirm] and will be subject to the satisfaction of certain other procedural requirements under the Depositary Agreement.

Replacement of Lost Depositary Receipts and Certificates

        A unitholder or Subsequent Transferee who loses or has his or her certificate for Depositary Units or depositary receipts stolen or destroyed may obtain a replacement certificate or depositary receipt by furnishing an indemnity bond and by satisfying certain other procedural requirements under the Depositary Agreement.

Amendment of Depositary Agreement

        Subject to the restrictions described below, any provision of the Depositary Agreement, including the form of depositary receipt, may at any time and from time to time be amended by the mutual agreement of us and the Depositary in any respect deemed necessary or appropriate by them, without the approval of the holders of Depositary Units. No amendment to the Depositary Agreement, however, may impair the right of a holder of Depositary Units to surrender a depositary receipt and to withdraw any or all of the deposited Depositary Units evidenced thereby or to redeposit Depositary Units pursuant to the Depositary Agreement and receive a depositary receipt evidencing such redeposited Depositary Units.

        The Depositary will furnish notice to each record holder of a Depositary Unit, and to each securities exchange on which Depositary Units are listed for trading, of any material amendment made to the Depositary Agreement. Each record holder of a Depositary Unit at the time any amendment of the Depositary Agreement becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold such Depositary Unit, to consent and agree to the amendment and to be bound by the Depositary Agreement as so amended. The Depositary will give notice of the imposition of any fee or charge, other than fees and charges provided for in the Depositary Agreement, or change thereto, upon record holders of Depositary Units to any securities exchange on which the Depositary Units are listed for trading and to all record holders of Depositary Units. The imposition of any such fee or charge, or change thereto, will not be effective until the expiration of 30 days after the date of such notice, unless it becomes effective in the form of an amendment to the Depositary Agreement effected by us and the Depositary.

Termination of Depositary Agreement

        We may not terminate the Depositary Agreement unless the termination is (1) in connection with us entering into a similar agreement with a new depositary selected by the general partner, (2) as a result of our receipt of an opinion of counsel to the effect that the termination is necessary for us to avoid being treated as an "association" taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or to avoid being in violation of any applicable federal or state securities laws or (3) in connection with our dissolution. The Depositary will terminate the Depositary Agreement, when directed to do so by us, by mailing notice of such termination to the record holders of Depositary Units then outstanding at least 60 days before the date fixed for the termination in such notice. Termination will be effective on the date fixed in the notice, which date must be at least 60 days after it is mailed. Upon termination of the Depositary Agreement, the Depositary will discontinue the transfer of Depositary Units, suspend the distribution of reports, notices and disbursements and cease to perform any other acts under the Depositary Agreement, except in the event the Depositary Agreement is not being terminated in connection with us entering into a similar agreement with a new depositary, the Depositary will assist in

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the facilitation of the withdrawal of Depositary Units by holders who desire to surrender their depositary receipts.

Resignation or Removal of Depositary

        The Depositary may resign as Depositary and may be removed by us at any time upon 60 days' written notice. The resignation or removal of the Depositary becomes effective upon the appointment of a successor Depositary by us and written acceptance by the successor Depositary of such appointment. In the event a successor Depositary is not appointed within 75 days of notification of such resignation or removal, the general partner will act as Depositary until a successor Depositary is appointed. Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated will be the successor Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act.

Appraisal Rights

        Under Delaware law, no dissenter's rights, or rights of non-consenting security holders to exchange interests in us for payment of their fair value, are available to any holder of Depositary Units regardless of whether the holder has consented to any significant transactions or other actions. Further, the Partnership Agreement does not provide appraisal rights with respect to any of the partnership actions and therefore the holders of Depositary Units dissenting from significant actions passed by at least a majority-in-interest of Depositary Units would not be entitled to appraisal rights.

ITEM 2: AMENDMENT TO AREP'S LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

        The purpose of this proposal is to amend our Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as amended, as set forth in Amendment No.4 to the Partnership Agreement. These include changes to: (1) Section 3.01—Purposes and Business; (2) Section 4.05(c)—Additional Issuance of Units; (3) Section 6.18—Other Matters Concerning the General Partner; (4) Section 5.03—Distributions (prior to the Amendment, Distributions of Cash Flow and Capital Proceeds); (5) Section 14.13—Action Without a Meeting; and (6) add new Section 4.13—Nevada Gaming Law Disposition. We also propose to make other miscellaneous changes, as described below. All such amendments will be considered as a single proposal. The full text of Amendment No.4 to the Partnership Agreement is attached as Exhibit G to this proxy statement.

        Pursuant to Article XIV of the Partnership Agreement, the approval, including by written consent, by Record Holders, as defined, owning at least a majority-in-interest of the outstanding Depositary Units is sufficient for the adoption of an amendment to the Partnership Agreement, with certain exceptions (none of which is applicable to the proposed amendment). The written consent of affiliates of Mr. Icahn, as record owners of more than a majority-in-interest of the Depositary Units, is sufficient to ensure approval of this Amendment. Mr. Icahn currently intends to have consents executed and delivered that approve the Amendment.

        Under applicable law, no dissenter's rights (i.e. rights of non-consenting security holders to exchange interests in the Partnership for payment of fair value) are available to any holder of Depositary Units, regardless of whether such holder of Depositary Units has consented to the adoption of the Amendment.

Reasons and Effects of the Amendment

Section 3.01 Purposes and Business

        In 1996, the Partnership Agreement was amended to permit investments in companies that were not necessarily engaged as one of their principal activities in the ownership, development or management of real estate. As permitted by that amendment, we have developed into a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of businesses. Our current businesses include rental real estate; real estate development; hotel and resort operations; hotel and casino operations; oil and gas

41



exploration and production; and investments in equity and debt securities. Our primary business strategy is to continue to grow our core businesses. In addition, we seek to acquire undervalued assets that are distressed or in out of favor industries.

        We believe that Section 3.01, as proposed to be amended, provides us with added flexibility to pursue our strategy.

        The Partnership will continue to conduct its investment activities in such a manner so as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Generally, this means that the Partnership does not intend to enter the business of investing in securities and that no more than 40% of the Partnership's total assets will be invested in securities. While the Partnership intends to operate so as to not be treated as an investment company under the 1940 Act, if it did not meet the exclusions under the 1940 Act, the Partnership would be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act and would be subject to the reporting requirements and regulatory constraints of the 1940 Act.

        Under applicable tax laws, the Partnership will structure its investments so as to continue to be taxed as a partnership rather than as a corporation under the publicly-traded partnership rules of Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code. While the General Partner intends to structure investments in non-real estate assets to satisfy these rules, it is possible that using the Partnership's cash for investments not related to real estate could result in income.

Section 5.03.

        Section 5.03(a) currently provides for distributions in the discretion of the General Partner, from Cash Flow, as defined. Section 5.03(b) currently provides for distributions from Capital Transactions. Cash flow is defined as "Net Cash Flow" as defined in the registration statement filed by the Partnership in connection with its formation in 1987. "Net Cash Flow" was defined as consisting of "operating revenues (excluding proceeds from sales and refinancings) less (i) operating expense (excluding non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization but including any management, reinvestment incentive and other fees payable to the General Partner and its affiliates), (ii) debt service, (iii) provisions for such reserves from operating revenues as the General Partner, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, and (iv) capital transactions to the extent not made out of established revenues. Capital Transactions means "any (1) incurring of indebtedness secured by Partnership Assets, (2) refinancing of any indebtedness secured by Partnership Assets, (3) sale or exchange, liquidation or other disposition of any Partnership Assets, (4) net condemnation award or casualty loss recovery with respect to any Partnership Assets, (5) elimination of any funded reserve or (6) liquidation or dissolution of the Partnership."

        We believe that the proposed amendment to this provision will permit the Board of Directors greater flexibility in considering whether to make distributions from Partnership assets or otherwise, subject to the limitations under any of our debt or equity securities. The Board of Directors has commenced a review of the Partnership's distribution policy, and it is uncertain when the Board will conclude its review or whether the Board will authorize distributions.

        We also propose to change the definition of "Record Date" to conform to the changes to Section 5.04 and simplify the definition.

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Section 14.13—Action without a meeting

        We propose to add to Section 14.13, the following: "Notwithstanding the requirements of Section 14.02(b), if a consent in writing setting forth any action that may be taken at a meeting of Record Holders is signed by Record Holders owning not less than the number of Depositary Units or Units that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting, the General Partner shall not be required to seek the written consent of the Record Holders that have not signed such consent."

        The proposal will not change the provisions of the Partnership Agreement that govern amendments to the agreement or other matters for which Record Holders' approval is required or the vote required to approve any such matters. The proposal also will not affect requirements under the Partnership Agreement or otherwise that the Record Holders receive notice of action taken without meeting. The change to Section 14.13 would allow the Partnership to avoid the costs of soliciting consents from Record Holders that are not necessary to approve an action because the requisite votes already have been obtained.

Section 4.05(c) Additional Issuance of Units; Insurance of Securities. Section 6.18 Other Matters Concerning General Partner.

        In connection with the Acquisitions, our Audit Committee required that the Partnership Agreement be amended to restrict certain short-form merger transactions of AREP, or any successor of AREP, whether in its current form as a limited partnership or as converted to or succeeded by a corporation or other form of business combination of AREP or such successor, in each case pursuant to Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or any successor statute, or any similar short-form merger statute under the laws of Delaware or any other jurisdiction. Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law generally allows a holder of 90% or more of the voting securities of a corporation to cause that corporation to merge with another corporation without approval of the minority stockholder or of board of directors approval. This allows for the minority stockholders to be squeezed out in a cash out merger. There is not a similar provision in the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership.

        We propose to add a new subsection 6.18(c)(iii) to effect these restrictions. Section 6.18(c)(iii) also will require the unanimous vote of Record Holders to amend the proposed subsection 6.18(c)(iii), unless that amendment is approved by the Audit Committee.

        The amendment to Section 4.05(c) allows for the determination of the number of Depositary Units to be issued in exchange for property without the restrictions imposed by that section, including the issuance of the Units in the Acquisitions, if the consideration is approved by our Audit Committee. See "Item 1—The Acquisitions" for a description of the determinations of the consideration to be issued in the Acquisitions.

Section 4.13 Nevada Gaming Law Disposition

        We propose to add a provision applicable to any Limited Partner that is required to be licensed, qualified or found suitable under any Nevada Gaming Law and fails to apply for any license, qualification or finding of suitability within 30 days of being so required by an applicable Nevada Gaming Authority or is denied a license or qualification or not found suitable. The Partnership would have the right to require the Limited Partner to dispose of its interest or to redeem the interest. Upon a determination that a Limited Partner is not suitable or will not be licensed or qualified, the Limited Partner would not have the right to exercise any rights to which Limited Partners are entitled or to receive distributions. We also propose to add definitions related to this provision

        If the Nevada Gaming Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own any of our securities, then pursuant to the Nevada Gaming Control Act, we can be sanctioned, including the loss

43



of our approvals for our Nevada hotels and casinos. The Partnership Agreement already contains similar provisions with respect to New Jersey regulation of casinos.


ITEM 3: AMENDMENT TO AREH'S LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

        The purpose of this proposal is to amend the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREH (the "OLP Agreement"): (1) Section 3.01 Purposes and Business and (2) Section 5.03 Distributions. The amendments to the OLP Agreement is to conform these sections to the corresponding sections in the Partnership Agreement, as proposed to be amended in accordance with Item 3. The full text of Amendment No. 3 to the OLP Agreement is set forth as Exhibit H. The amendments will be considered as a single proposal.

        Section 6.08(b) of the Partnership Agreement provides that the General Partner of AREP shall have no authority to cause AREP, in its capacity as sole limited partnership AREH, to consent to any proposal submitted for the approval of the limited partners of AREH unless AREP's limited partners vote to approve the proposal in the same percentage as is required by the OLP Agreement for the approval of such proposal by the limited partners of AREH.

        Pursuant to Article XIV of the Partnership Agreement, the approval, including by written consent, by Record Holders, as defined, to an amendment to the OLP Partnership Agreement owning at least a majority-in-interest of the outstanding Depositary Units is sufficient for the adoption of an amendment to the OLP Agreement. The written consent of affiliates of Mr. Icahn, as record owners of more than a majority-in-interest of the Depositary Units, is sufficient to ensure approval of this amendment. Mr. Icahn currently intends to have consents executed and delivered that approve the OLP Agreement Amendments.


ITEM 4: GRANT OF OPTIONS TO KEITH MEISTER

        AREP proposes granting to Keith Meister, Chief Executive Officer of API, the General Partner, nonqualified unit options, which we refer to as the Options, pursuant to an option grant agreement, which we refer to as the Option Agreement. AREP would be providing these Options outside of an adopted equity incentive plan. The Options would be an inducement for the continuation of Mr. Meister's employment with the General Partner. In accordance with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, before we can issue the Options to Mr. Meister, we must obtain the approval of holders of our Depositary Units. The written consent of affiliates of Mr. Icahn, as record owners of more than a majority-in-interest of the Depositary Units, is sufficient to ensure approval of the Options. Mr. Icahn currently intends to have consents executed and delivered that approve the Options. The following is a summary of the Option Agreement as proposed.

        Number of Units, Consideration, Vesting and Expiration.    The Options would permit Mr. Meister to purchase up to 700,000 Depositary Units, or Units, at an exercise price of $35.00 per Unit. Mr. Meister must pay the exercise price for the Units by (i) money order or other cash equivalent or (ii) a broker-assisted cashless exercise.

        The Options would vest at a rate of 100,000 Units on the first seven anniversaries of the date on which the Options are granted, which we refer to as the Grant Date, such that the Options will become fully vested by the seventh anniversary of the Grant Date.

        The Options would vest sooner upon the occurrence of two events: (a) a change of control, as defined, in the Option Agreement or (b) if Mr. Meister is terminated by AREP or the General Partner without "cause" as defined in the Option Agreement.

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        The Options would expire as to 600,000 of the vested Units on the last business day preceding the seventh anniversary of the Grant Date. The Options for the remaining 100,000 vested Units would expire after the last business day prior to the eighth anniversary of the Grant Date.

        All unvested Options would terminate immediately if Mr. Meister otherwise ceases being employed by AREP or the General Partner.

        Exercise of Options After Termination    With regard to vested Options which have not expired, Mr. Meister would have 180 days after termination of his employment to exercise the vested Options.

        Adjustments to Options.    The Options will have the benefit of anti-dilution protections.

        Federal Income Tax Consequences to Mr. Meister and AREP.    Mr. Meister would not recognize any taxable income at the time he is granted the Options. Upon exercise, Mr. Meister would recognize taxable ordinary income generally equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Units at exercise over the exercise price. Any gain or loss recognized upon disposition of the Units in excess of the amount treated as ordinary income is treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period. Upon Mr. Meister's exercise of the Options, AREP may have to adjust or create capital accounts to reflect Mr. Meister's investment in AREP. In addition, AREP may recognize a deduction for the amount of ordinary income recognized by Mr. Meister.

Executive Compensation

        The following table sets forth information in respect of the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and each of the four most highly compensated other executive officers of AREP and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 for services in all capacities to AREP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.


SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 
  Annual Compensation(1)

Name and Principal Position
  Year
  Salary($)
  Bonus($)
  All Other
Compensation($)(3)

Keith A. Meister(2)
President and Chief Executive Officer
  2004
2003
2002
  227,308
73,150
 

 

Martin L. Hirsch(2)(3)
Executive Vice President and Director of Acquisitions and Development
  2004
2003
2002
  295,000
269,923
231,000
  200,000
50,000
24,500
  4,000
4,000
3,667

John P. Saldarelli(2)(3)
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

 

2004
2003
2002

 

191,100
182,200
182,000

 

22,932
18,200
8,400

 

3,819
4,000
3,666

Richard P. Brown
President and Chief Executive Officer, American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC

 

2004
2003
2002

 

461,155
316,154
274,988

 

250,000
20,000
20,000

 

8,335
8,315
6,459

Bob Alexander
President and Chief Executive Officer, National Energy Group, Inc.

 

2004
2003
2002

 

300,000
300,000
300,000

 

175,000
150,000

 




(1)
Pursuant to applicable regulations, certain columns of the Summary Compensation Table and each of the remaining tables required by such regulations have been omitted, as there has been no compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to any of the named executive officers by us, or by

45


(2)
On August 18, 2003, Keith A. Meister was elected President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Meister devotes approximately 50% of his time to the performance of services for AREP and its subsidiaries. Messrs. Saldarelli and Hirsch devote all of their time to the performance of services for AREP and its subsidiaries.

(3)
Represent matching contributions under AREP's 401(k) plan. In 2004, AREP made a matching contribution to the employee's individual plan account in the amount of one-third of the first six (6%) percent of gross salary contributed by the employee.

        Each of our executive officers may perform services for our affiliates which are reimbursed to us. However, Mr. Meister devotes approximately 50% of his time, to services for our businesses. He is compensated by affiliates of Mr. Icahn for the services he provides in connection with their businesses. His compensation from such affiliates includes a base salary and additional compensation, including incentive compensation.

Employment Agreements

        ACEP and Richard P. Brown, its President and Chief Executive Officer, entered into a two-year employment agreement effective April 1, 2004, or the Brown Agreement. The Brown agreement provides that Mr. Brown will be paid a base annual compensation of $500,000. The agreement also provides that Mr. Brown will receive an annual bonus of up to 50% of base compensation. The Brown Agreement further provides that if Mr. Brown is terminated without "Cause" (as defined in the Brown Agreement) or there is a "Change of Control" as defined in the Brown Agreement), then Mr. Brown will receive an immediate severance payment in the amount equal to the then current Base Salary. Mr. Brown was paid a bonus in 2004 for the year ended December 31, 2003 and a $250,000 bonus in 2005 for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Director Compensation

        Each executive officer and director will hold office until his successor is elected and qualified. Directors who are also audit committee members receive quarterly fees of $7,500 in 2004 and may receive additional compensation for special committee assignments. In 2004, Messrs. Wasserman, Nelson and Leidesdorf received audit and special committee fees of $50,030, $41,217 and $41,020, respectively. Mr. Icahn does not receive director's fees or other fees or compensation from us.


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        As of March 1, 2005, affiliates of Mr. Icahn, including High Coast Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, owned 39,896,836 Depositary Units, or approximately 86.5% of the outstanding Depositary Units, and 8,900,995 preferred units, or approximately 86.5% of the outstanding preferred units.

        The affirmative vote of unitholders holding more than 75% of the total number of all Depositary Units then outstanding, including Depositary Units held by API and its affiliates, is required to remove API as the general partner. Thus, since Mr. Icahn, through affiliates, holds approximately 86.5% of the Depositary Units outstanding, API will not be able to be removed pursuant to the terms of our partnership agreement without Mr. Icahn's consent. Moreover, under the partnership agreement, the affirmative vote of API and unitholders owning more than 50% of the total number of all outstanding Depositary Units then held by unitholders, including affiliates of Mr. Icahn, is required to approve, among other things, selling or otherwise disposing of all or substantially all of our assets in a single sale or in a related series of multiple sales, our dissolution or electing to continue our partnership in certain

46



instances, electing a successor general partner, making certain amendments to the partnership agreement or causing us, in our capacity as sole limited partner of AREH, to consent to certain proposals submitted for the approval of the limited partners of AREH. Accordingly, as affiliates of Mr. Icahn hold in excess of 50% of the Depositary Units outstanding, Mr. Icahn, through affiliates, has effective control over such approval rights.

        The following table provides information, as of March 1, 2005, as to the beneficial ownership of our Depositary Units and preferred units for (1) each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of either our Depositary Units and preferred units, (2) each director of API, and (3) all directors and executive officers of API as a group.

NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER

  BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP OF
DEPOSITARY
UNITS

  PERCENT
OF
CLASS

  BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP OF
PREFERRED
UNITS(2)

  PERCENT
OF
CLASS

 
Carl C. Icahn(1)   39,896,836   86.5 % 8,900,995   86.5 %
William A. Leidesdorf          
James L. Nelson          
Jack G. Wasserman          
Keith A. Meister          
Martin L. Hirsch          
John P. Saldarelli          
Bob Alexander          
Richard P. Brown          
All directors and executive officers as a group (nine persons)   39,896,836   86.5 % 8,900,995   86.5 %

(1)
Carl C. Icahn, through affiliates, is the beneficial owner of the 39,896,836 Depositary Units set forth above and may also be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the 700 Depositary Units owned of record by API Nominee Corp., which in accordance with state law are in the process of being turned over to the relevant state authorities as unclaimed property; however, Mr. Icahn disclaims such beneficial ownership. The foregoing is exclusive of a 1.99% ownership interest which API holds by virtue of its 1% general partner interest in each of us and AREH. Furthermore, pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into by affiliates of Mr. Icahn, we have agreed to pay any expenses incurred in connection with two demand and unlimited piggy-back registrations requested by affiliates of Mr. Icahn.

(2)
Upon the closing of the Acquisitions, AREP will issue an aggregate of up to 16,068,966 Depositary Units to affiliates of Mr. Icahn in consideration for the acquisition of the managing membership interest of NEG Holding, Panaco's equity and the securities of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings. The number of Depositary Units to be issued does not include up to an additional 206,897 Depositary Units that may be issued to affiliates of Mr. Icahn if Atlantic Holdings meets certain earnings targets during 2005 and 2006, as described above. Giving effect to the issuance of an additional 16,068,966 Depositary Units, Mr. Icahn would beneficially own approximately 90.1% of our Depositary Units.


INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN OR OPPOSITION TO MATTERS TO BE
ACTED UPON AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        As discussed above, affiliates of Mr. Icahn currently own approximately 86.5% of our Depositary Units and preferred units and, as a result of the Acquisitions, they will increase their holdings in us to up to approximately 90.1% of our Depositary Units. Please see above for more information about the current and post-Acquisitions holdings by affiliates of Mr. Icahn.

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Related Transactions with our General Partner and its Affiliates

Preferred and Depositary Units

        Mr. Icahn, in his capacity as majority unitholder, will not receive any additional benefit with respect to distributions and allocations of profits and losses not shared on a pro rata basis by all other unitholders. In addition, Mr. Icahn has confirmed to us that neither he nor any of his affiliates will receive any fees from us in consideration for services rendered in connection with non-real estate related investments by us. We may determine to make investments in which Mr. Icahn or his affiliates have independent investments in such assets. We may enter into other transactions with API and its affiliates, including, without limitation, buying and selling assets from or to API or its affiliates and participating in joint venture investments in assets with API or its affiliates, whether real estate or non-real estate related, provided the terms of all such transactions are fair and reasonable to us. Furthermore, it should be noted that our partnership agreement provides that API and its affiliates are permitted to have other business interests and may engage in other business ventures of any nature whatsoever, and may compete directly or indirectly with our business. Mr. Icahn and his affiliates currently invest in and perform investment management services with respect to assets that may be similar to those we may invest in and intend to continue to do so; pursuant to the partnership agreement, however, we shall not have any right to participate therein or receive or share in any income or profits derived therefrom. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement, Mr. Icahn has certain registration rights with regard to the preferred units.

        For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, we made no payments with respect to the Depositary Units owned by API. However, in 2004 and 2003, API was allocated approximately $3.3 million and approximately $1.2 million, respectively, of our net earnings (exclusive of the earnings of NEG, TransTexas Gas Corporation, or TransTexas, and Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder, or the Arizona Charlie's entities, allocated to API prior to the acquisitions of NEG, TransTexas and the Arizona Charlie's entities) as a result of its combined 1.99% general partner interests in us and AREH.

        On March 31, 2003, Mr. Icahn received 403,673 preferred units as part of our scheduled annual preferred unit distribution and received an additional 423,856 preferred units on March 31, 2004 as part of such scheduled annual preferred unit distribution.

        Pursuant to a registration rights agreement, Mr. Icahn has certain registration rights with regard to the Depositary Units.

Oil and Gas

Purchases of Debt

        On December 6, 2004, AREP Oil & Gas, which is our indirect subsidiary, pursuant to a purchase agreement and related assignment and assumption agreement, each dated as of that date, with Thornwood, purchased $27.5 million aggregate principal amount of the TransTexas Notes. The purchase price for the TransTexas Notes was $28.2 million, which equaled the principal amount of the TransTexas Notes plus accrued but unpaid interest. The TransTexas Notes are payable in five annual installments, the first four of which are of $5 million, with the final installment of the unpaid principal payable on August 28, 2008. Interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1, at the rate of 10% per annum. The TransTexas Notes are secured by a first priority lien on all of TransTexas' assets. Thornwood and TransTexas each is controlled by Mr. Icahn.

        On December 6, 2004, AREP Oil & Gas, pursuant to a membership interest purchase agreement and related assignment and assumption agreement, each dated as of that date, by and among AREP Oil & Gas, as purchaser, and Arnos, High River and Hopper Investments, as sellers, purchased all of

48



the membership interests of Mid River for an aggregate purchase price of $38.1 million. The assets of Mid River consisted of $38.0 million principal amount of the Panaco Debt. The purchase price for the membership interests in Mid River equaled the outstanding principal amount of the Panaco Debt, plus accrued but unpaid interest. The principal is payable in 27 equal quarterly installments of $1.4 million commencing on March 15, 2005, through and including September 15, 2011. Interest is payable quarterly at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR daily floating rate plus four percent. The term loan is secured by first priority liens on all of Panaco's assets. Each of the sellers and Panaco is controlled by Mr. Icahn.

        Each of the purchases described above was separately approved by our Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee was advised as to each transaction by its independent financial advisor and legal counsel. Our Audit Committee received an opinion as to the fairness to AREP of the consideration, from a financial point of view.

NEG Holding Ownership

        NEG owns a membership interest in NEG Holding. The other membership interest in NEG Holding is held by Gascon. Gascon is the managing member of NEG Holding. NEG Holding owns NEG Operating which is engaged in the business of oil and gas exploration and production with properties located on-shore in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. NEG Operating owns interests in wells managed by NEG. Under the Operating Agreement, NEG is to receive guaranteed payments of approximately $32.0 million and a priority distribution of approximately $148.6 million before Gascon receives any distributions. The Operating Agreement contains a provision that allows Gascon, or its successor, at any time, in its sole discretion, to redeem NEG's membership interest in NEG Holding at a price equal to the fair market value of the interest determined as if NEG Holding had sold all of its assets for fair market value and liquidated. A determination of the fair market value of such assets will be made by an independent third party jointly engaged by Gascon and NEG.

Management Agreements

        The management and operation of each of NEG Operating, TransTexas and Panaco is undertaken by NEG pursuant to a separate management agreement with each. In 2004, NEG recorded management fees of $6.2 million, $4.7 million and $0.7 million from NEG Operating, TransTexas and Panaco, respectively.

Purchase Agreements

        For a description of the purchase agreements, see Item 1—The Acquisitions, above.

Hotel and Casino Operations

        On January 5, 2004, ACEP, our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into an agreement to acquire two Las Vegas hotels and casinos, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder from Mr. Icahn and an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. The closing of the acquisition occurred on May 26, 2004. The terms of the acquisition were approved by the Audit Committee, which received an opinion from its financial advisor as to the fairness of the consideration to be paid from a financial point of view.

        As of May 26, 2004, we have entered into an intercompany services arrangement with Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc., the owner of The Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which is controlled by affiliates of Mr. Icahn. We are compensated based upon an allocation of salaries plus an overhead charge of 15% of the salary allocation, and reimbursement of reasonable

49



out-of-pocket expenses. During 2004, we billed for services provided in an amount equal to approximately $387,500.

        As of December 31, 2004, we were owed approximately $388,000 for reimbursable expenses from related parties.

        On December 27, 2004, AREP Sands, pursuant to a note purchase agreement, dated as of that date, with Barberry and Cyprus, purchased $37.0 million principal amount of 3% Notes due 2008 issued by Atlantic Holdings for cash consideration of $36.0 million. Interest on the notes is payable in kind, accreting annually at a rate of 3%. The notes are convertible, under certain circumstances, into 65.909 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings for each $1,000 of principal amount of such notes and are secured by all existing and future assets of Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming. Each of Cyprus and Barberry is controlled by Mr. Icahn.

        The purchase described above was approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee received advice from its independent financial advisor and legal counsel. Our Audit Committee received an opinion from its financial advisor as to the fairness of the consideration to be paid by AREP Sands for the notes from a financial point of view.

Partnership Provisions Concerning Property Management

        API and its affiliates may receive fees in connection with the acquisition, sale, financing, development, construction, marketing and management of new properties acquired by us. As development and other new properties are acquired, developed, constructed, operated, leased and financed, API or its affiliates may perform acquisition functions, including the review, verification and analysis of data and documentation with respect to potential acquisitions, and perform development and construction oversight and other land development services, property management and leasing services, either on a day-to-day basis or on an asset management basis, and may perform other services and be entitled to fees and reimbursement of expenses relating thereto, provided the terms of such transactions are fair and reasonable to us in accordance with our partnership agreement and customary to the industry. It is not possible to state precisely what role, if any, API or any of its affiliates may have in the acquisition, development or management of any new investments. Consequently, it is not possible to state the amount of the income, fees or commissions API or its affiliates might be paid in connection therewith since the amount thereof is dependent upon the specific circumstances of each investment, including the nature of the services provided, the location of the investment and the amount customarily paid in such locality for such services. Subject to the specific circumstances surrounding each transaction and the overall fairness and reasonableness thereof to us, the fees charged by API and its affiliates for the services described below generally will be within the ranges set forth below:

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        There were not any fees paid under these provisions during 2004, 2003 or 2002.

Other Related Transactions

        As of December, 2004, we owned approximately 443,000 shares, or 4.4%, of common stock of Philip Services Corporation and $0.1 million principal amount of unsecured, subordinated payment-in-kind debt. The debt matures December 31, 2010 and bears interest at 3.6% per annum. Philip is an affiliate of Mr. Icahn.

        For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, we paid approximately $325,000 and $273,000, respectively, to an affiliate, XO Communications, Inc. of API for telecommunication services.

        In 1997, we entered into a license agreement for a portion of office space from an affiliate of API. Pursuant to the license agreement, we have the non-exclusive use of approximately 2,275 square feet for which we pay monthly rent of $11,185 plus 10.77% of certain "additional rent." The agreement which expired in May 2004, has been extended on a month-to-month basis. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we paid an affiliate of API approximately $162,000, of rent in connection with this licensing agreement. The terms of such license agreement were reviewed and approved by our Audit Committee.

        We may also enter into other transactions with API and its affiliates, including, without limitation, buying and selling properties and borrowing and lending funds from or to API or its affiliates, joint venture developments and issuing securities to API or its affiliates in exchange for, among other things, assets that they now own or may acquire in the future, provided the terms of such transactions are fair and reasonable to us. API is also entitled to reimbursement by us for all allocable direct and indirect overhead expenses, including, but not limited to, salaries and rent, incurred in connection with the conduct of our business.

        In addition, our employees may, from time to time, provide services to affiliates of API, with us being reimbursed therefor. Reimbursement to us by such affiliates in respect of such services is subject to review and approval by our Audit Committee. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we received approximately $80,000 for such services. Also, an affiliate of API provided certain administrative services to us for the amount of approximately $82,000 in the year ended December 31, 2004.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. The Exchange Act file number for our SEC filings is 1-9516. You may read any document we file at the SEC's public reference rooms at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC toll free at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information about its public reference rooms. We file information electronically with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available from the SEC's Internet site at http: //www.sec.gov.

51



        Our internet address is www.areplp.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this proxy statement and is not incorporated by reference in this proxy statement.


DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS

        Only one copy of this proxy statement is being delivered to multiple unitholders sharing an address unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the unitholders. Upon written or oral request, we will promptly deliver a separate copy of the proxy statement to a unitholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was delivered. If you share an address and are now receiving multiple copies of our mailings to unitholders and would prefer to receive one copy, or, if you are receiving a single copy for several persons and wish to receive your own copy, please contact us by telephone at (914) 242-7700 or write to American Real Estate Partners, L.P., 100 South Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549, attention: John P. Saldarelli.

        , 2005   BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
/s/
KEITH A. MEISTER
Keith A. Meister
Chief Executive Officer
of American Property Investors, Inc.,
the general partner of American
Real Estate Partners, L.P.

52



INDEX TO APPENDICES

American Real Estate Partners, L.P.    
  Business Summary   A-1  
  Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data   A-5  
  Summary Supplemental and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data   A-7  
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   A-9  

NEG Holding LLC

 

 
  Business   B-1  
  Selected Financial Data   B-2  
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   B-4  

Panaco, Inc.

 

 
  Business   C-1  
  Selected Financial Data   C-1  
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   C-1  

GB Holdings, Inc.

 

 
  Overview   D-1  
  Selected Financial Data   D-12
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   D-15

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data for American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

 

E-1  
  Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004   E-2  
  Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2004   E-3  
  Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2003   E-4  
  Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2002   E-5  
  Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Data   E-6  

A-i



APPENDIX A: AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.

OUR COMPANY

        We are a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of businesses. Our primary business strategy is to continue to grow our core businesses, including real estate, gaming and entertainment, and oil and gas. In addition, we seek to acquire undervalued assets and companies that are distressed or in out of favor industries.

        Our businesses currently include rental real estate; real estate development; hotel and resort operations; hotel and casino operations; oil and gas exploration and production and investments in equity and debt securities. We may also seek opportunities in other sectors, including energy, industrial manufacturing and insurance and asset management.

        In continuation of our strategy to grow our core businesses, we have recently acquired, and have entered into agreements to acquire, additional gaming and entertainment and oil and gas assets from affiliates of Mr. Icahn. See "The Acquisitions."

A-1


        Rental Real Estate.    Our rental real estate operations consist primarily of retail, office and industrial properties leased to single corporate tenants. To capitalize on favorable real estate market conditions and the mature nature of our commercial real estate portfolio, we have offered for sale our rental real estate portfolio. During the year ended December 31, 2004, we sold 57 rental real estate properties for approximately $245.4 million. These properties were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $93.8 million that we repaid from the sale proceeds. As of December 31, 2004, we owned 71 rental real estate properties with a book value of approximately $196.3 million, individually encumbered by mortgage debt which aggregated approximately $91.9 million. As of December 31, 2004, we had entered into conditional sales contracts or letters of intent for 15 rental real estate properties. Selling prices for the properties covered by the contracts or letters of intent would total approximately $97.9 million. These properties are encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $36.0 million. We continue to seek opportunities to acquire and sell additional rental real estate properties.

        Real Estate Development.    Our real estate development operations focus primarily on the acquisition, development, construction and sale of single-family homes, custom-built homes, multi-family homes and lots in subdivisions and planned communities. We currently are developing seven residential subdivisions. Two subdivisions are in Westchester County, New York, one subdivision is in Putnam County, New York and one subdivision is in Naples, Florida. In addition, we are pursuing the development of our New Seabury property, a luxury second-home waterfront community in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor, waterfront communities in Vero Beach, Florida, which we acquired in July 2004 for approximately $75.0 million.

        Hotel and Resort Operations.    Our hotel and resort operations primarily consist of our New Seabury resort located in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The property currently includes a golf club with two 18 hole championship golf courses, the Popponesset Inn, which is a casual waterfront dining and wedding facility, a private beach club, a fitness center and a 16 court tennis facility.

        Hotel and Casino Operations.    Our hotel and casino operations currently consist of the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder, all in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, we own approximately 36.3% of the common stock of GB Holdings and approximately $63.9 million principal amount of the convertible debt of Atlantic Holdings, or approximately 96.4% of the principal amount outstanding. GB Holdings indirectly owns The Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. We also own warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 10.0% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. We have entered into an agreement with affiliates of Mr. Icahn to acquire an additional approximate 41.2% of the outstanding common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, an additional approximate 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. See "The Acquisitions."

        Oil and Gas.    Our oil and gas operations involve the exploration, development and acquisition of oil and gas properties and the production and sale of oil and gas. In addition to owning 50.01% of the outstanding common stock of NEG, we own all of its approximately $148.6 million principal amount of 103/4% senior notes due 2006, or the NEG Notes. NEG owns a 50% a membership interest in NEG Holding which owns 100% of NEG Operating. NEG Operating is engaged in the exploration and production of oil and gas and, at December 31, 2004, owned interests in approximately 700 wells located in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. We have entered into agreements with affiliates of Mr. Icahn to acquire the other membership interest in NEG Holding and 100% of the common stock of Panaco. Panaco is engaged in the exploration and production of oil and gas, primarily on the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Coast Region, and, at December 31, 2004, owned interests in 143 wells. On April 6, 2005, we acquired 100% of the equity of TransTexas. TransTexas is engaged in the exploration, production and transmission of oil and gas, primarily in South Texas, and, at December 31, 2004, owned interests in 45 wells. NEG manages the operations of NEG Operating, TransTexas and Panaco. See "The Acquisitions."

        Investments.    We seek to purchase undervalued securities to maximize our returns. Undervalued securities are those which we believe may have greater inherent value than indicated by their then current

A-2



trading price and may present the opportunity for "activist" bondholders or shareholders to act as catalysts to realize value. During 2004, our significant investment activity included:

        Additionally, we engage in real estate lending, including making second mortgage or secured mezzanine loans to developers for the purpose of developing single-family homes, luxury garden apartments or commercial properties.

Business Strategy

        We believe that we have developed significant management strength, industry relationships and expertise in our core real estate, gaming and entertainment and oil and gas businesses. The Acquisitions will increase our focus on our gaming and entertainment and gas businesses.

        We also believe that our core strengths include:

        The key elements of our business strategy include the following.

        Continue to Invest In and Grow Our Existing Operating Businesses.    We believe that we have developed a strong portfolio of businesses with experienced management teams. We may expand our existing businesses if appropriate opportunities are identified, as well as use our established businesses as a platform for additional Acquisitions in the same or other areas.

        Seek to Acquire Undervalued Assets.    We intend to continue to make investments in real estate and in companies or their securities which are undervalued. These may be undervalued due to market inefficiencies, may relate to opportunities in which economic or market trends have not been identified and reflected in market value, or may include investments in complex or not readily followed businesses or securities. Market inefficiencies and undervalued situations may arise from disappointing financial results, liquidity or capital needs, lowered credit ratings, revised industry forecasts or legal complications. We may acquire businesses or assets directly or we may establish an ownership position through the purchase of debt or equity securities of troubled entities and may then negotiate for the ownership or effective control of their assets.

        Actively Manage Our Businesses.    We believe that we can leverage off of our core businesses to better assess and increase the value of our Acquisitions. For instance, our homebuilding expertise allows us to appropriately assess the risks of a real estate development prior to making a mezzanine loan and also to complete a development if it is necessary or profitable to do so.

A-3



        Deploy Operating and Transaction Structuring Expertise of Existing Management Team into Related Fields.    Our management team has extensive experience in acquiring, developing and operating real estate, hotel and casino and oil and gas businesses and in identifying and acquiring undervalued assets. We believe there is significant opportunity to use this experience by acquiring or starting businesses in asset-intensive sectors, including other real estate development activities, industrial manufacturing, energy and insurance and asset management, in which we have had no or limited experience to date, but which may be undervalued and have potential for growth.

Reasons for the Acquisitions


Completed Acquisitions

        On December 6, 2004, AREP Oil & Gas LLC, pursuant to a membership interest purchase agreement and related assignment and assumption agreement with Arnos Corp., High River Limited Partnership and Hopper Investments LLC, purchased all of the membership interests of Mid River LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $38.1 million, which equaled the principal amount of the Panaco Debt plus accrued but unpaid interest. The assets of Mid River consisted of $38.0 million principal amount of the Panaco Debt. Arnos, High River and Hopper Investments are controlled by Mr. Icahn.

        On December 27, 2004, AREP Sands Holding LLC, our indirect subsidiary, pursuant to a note purchase agreement with Barberry Corp. and Cyprus, LLC, purchased $37.0 million principal amount of 3% notes due 2008 issued by Atlantic Holdings, or the Atlantic Holdings Notes. The purchase price was $36.0 million. The Atlantic Holdings notes are convertible, under certain circumstances, into 65.909 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings for each $1,000 of principal amount of such notes and are secured by all existing and future assets of Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming. Cyprus and Barberry are controlled by Mr. Icahn.

A-4



SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table summarizes certain selected historical consolidated financial data of AREP, which you should read in conjunction with its financial statements and the related notes contained in this Information Statement and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, have each been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements at those dates and for those periods, contained elsewhere in this report. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for the year ended December 31, 2001 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements at that date and for that period, not contained in this Information Statement. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2000 has been derived from our consolidated financial statements (unaudited) at that date and for that period.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (in $000's, except per unit amounts)

 
Total revenues   $ 453,581   $ 370,469   $ 435,729   $ 416,624   $ 378,957  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income   $ 87,814   $ 68,213   $ 78,817   $ 64,463   $ 65,175  
Other gains and (losses):                                
  Gain on sale of marketable equity and debt securities     40,159     2,607         6,749      
  Unrealized losses on securities sold short     (23,619 )                
  Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.     (15,600 )                
  Gain (loss) on sale of other assets         (1,503 )   (353 )   27      
  Gain on sales and disposition of real estate     5,262     7,121     8,990     1,737     6,763  
  Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments         (19,759 )   (8,476 )        
  Gain (loss) on limited partnership interests             (3,750 )       3,461  
  Minority interest             (1,943 )   (450 )   (2,747 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes     94,016     56,679     73,285     72,526     72,652  
Income tax (expense) benefit     (16,763 )   1,573     (10,096 )   25,664     379  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations     77,253     58,252     63,189     98,190     73,031  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Discontinued operations:                                
  Income from discontinued operations     8,523     8,419     7,507     7,419     7,441  
  Gain on sales and disposition of real estate     75,197     3,353              
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total income from discontinued operations     83,720     11,772     7,507     7,419     7,441  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings   $ 160,973   $ 70,024   $ 70,696   $ 105,609   $ 80,472  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings Attributable to:                                
  Limited partners   $ 152,507   $ 59,360   $ 63,168   $ 66,190   $ 72,225  
  General partner     8,466     10,664     7,528     39,419     8,247  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings   $ 160,973   $ 70,024   $ 70,696   $ 105,609   $ 80,472  
   
 
 
 
 
 

A-5


 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002(1)
  2001(1)
  2000(1)
 
  (in $000's except per unit amounts)

Net earnings per limited partnership unit:                              
  Basic earnings:                              
    Income from continuing operations   $ 1.53   $ 0.99   $ 1.11   $ 1.18   $ 1.32
    Income from discontinued operations     1.78     0.25     0.16     0.16     0.16
   
 
 
 
 
  Basic earnings per LP Unit   $ 3.31   $ 1.24   $ 1.27   $ 1.34   $ 1.48
   
 
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding     46,098,284     46,098,284     46,098,284     46,098,284     46,098,284
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings:                              
    Income from continuing operations   $ 1.46   $ 0.92   $ 0.99   $ 1.06   $ 1.16
    Income from discontinued operations     1.59     0.21     0.13     0.13     0.13
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings per LP Unit   $ 3.05   $ 1.13   $ 1.12   $ 1.19   $ 1.29
   
 
 
 
 

Weighted average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units outstanding

 

 

51,542,312

 

 

54,489,943

 

 

56,466,698

 

 

55,599,112

 

 

56,157,079
   
 
 
 
 

Other financial data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures (excluding property acquisitions)

 

$

16,221

 

$

33,324

 

$

21,896

 

$

68,199

 

$

52,598
 
  At December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002(1)
  2001(1)
  2000(1)
 
  (in $000's)

Balance Sheet Data:                              
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 762,708   $ 487,498   $ 79,540   $ 83,975   $ 172,621
Hotel, casino and resort operating properties     339,492     340,229     335,121     339,201     264,566
Investment in U.S. Government and Agency obligations     102,331     61,573     336,051     313,641     475,267
Other investments     245,948     50,328     54,216     10,529     4,289
Total assets     2,263,057     1,646,606     1,706,031     1,721,100     1,566,597
Mortgages payable     91,896     180,989     171,848     166,808     182,049
Senior secured note payable     215,000                
Senior unsecured note payable     350,598                
Liability for preferred limited partnership units(1)     106,731     101,649            
Partners' equity   $ 1,303,126   $ 1,270,214   $ 1,245,437   $ 1,136,452   $ 1,154,400

(1)
On July 1, 2003, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 (SFAS 150), Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS 150 requires that a financial instrument, which is an unconditional obligation, be classified as a liability. Previous guidance required an entity to include in equity financial instruments that the entity could redeem in either cash or stock. Pursuant to SFAS 150, our preferred units, which are an unconditional obligation, have been reclassified from "Partners' equity" to a liability account in the consolidated balance sheets and the preferred pay-in-kind distribution for the period from July 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003 of $2.4 million and all future distributions have been and will be recorded as "Interest expense" in the consolidated statements of earnings.

A-6



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
SUMMARY SUPPLEMENTAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table summarizes certain historical and unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data for AREP, to give effect to the acquisition of TransTexas accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests, which you should read in conjunction with AREP's supplemental financial statements and the related notes contained in this Information Statement and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The selected historical supplemental consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, have each been derived from our audited supplemental consolidated financial statements at those dates and for those periods, contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. The selected unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 should be read in conjunction with the pro forma consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this proxy statement.

 
  (in $000's, except per unit amounts)

 
 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2004
  2003
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (Supplemental)

  (Pro Forma)

  (Supplemental)

  (Pro Forma)

  (Pro Forma)

 
Total revenues   $ 507,765   $ 769,648   $ 390,189   $ 603,170   $ 623,185  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income   $ 86,136   $ 38,695   $ 61,182   $ 56,566   $ 52,019  
Other gains and (losses):                                
    Gain on sale of marketable equity and debt securities     40,159     40,159     2,607     1,653     8,712  
    Unrealized losses on securities sold short     (23,619 )   (23,619 )           (347 )
    Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.     (15,600 )   (15,600 )            
    Gain (loss) on sale of other assets     1,680     1,680     (1,503 )   (1,531 )   (538 )
    Gain on sales and disposition of real estate     5,262     5,034     7,121     7,121     8,990  
    Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments             (19,759 )   (19,759 )   (8,476 )
    Loss on limited partnership interests                     (3,750 )
    Debt restructuring/reorganization costs         (3,084 )       (1,843 )    
    Severance tax refund     4,468     4,468              
    Dividend expense                     (145 )
    Minority interest     (812 )   2,074     (1,266 )   2,721     (295 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes     97,674     49,807     48,382     44,928     56,170  
Income tax (expense) benefit     (17,326 )   4,565     16,750     15,792     (10,880 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations   $ 80,348   $ 54,372   $ 65,132   $ 60,720   $ 45,290  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Discontinued operations:                                
    Income from discontinued operations     8,523           8,419              
    Gain on sales and disposition of real estate     75,197           3,353              
   
       
             
Total income from discontinued operations     83,720           11,772              
   
       
             
Net earnings   $ 164,068         $ 76,904              
   
       
             
Net earnings attributable to:                                
  Limited partners   $ 152,507         $ 59,360              
  General partner     11,561           17,544              
   
       
             
Net earnings   $ 164,068         $ 76,904              
   
       
             
Net earnings per limited partnership unit:                                
  Basic earnings:                                
    Income from continuing operations   $ 1.53   $ 0.72   $ 0.99   $ 0.71   $ 0.58  
         
       
 
 
    Income from discontinued operations     1.78           0.25              
   
       
             
    Basic earnings per LP unit   $ 3.31         $ 1.24              
   
       
             
Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding     46,098,283     62,167,250     46,098,284     57,856,905     57,856,905  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings:                                
    Income from continuing operations   $ 1.46   $ 0.72   $ 0.92   $ 0.69   $ 0.56  
         
       
 
 
    Income from discontinued operations     1.59           0.21              
   
       
             
  Diluted earnings per LP unit   $ 3.05         $ 1.13              
   
       
             
Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding     51,542,312     62,167,250     54,489,942     66,248,564     68,225,319  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Other financial data:                                
  Capital expenditures (excluding property acquisitions)   $ 63,750   $ 150,854   $ 33,957   $ 86,841   $ 60,776  
  Book value per unit   $ 30.97   $ 23.76                    

A-7


 
  (in $000's)

 
  At December 31,
 
  2004
  2004
  2003
  2003
  2002
 
  (Supplemental)
  (Pro Forma)
  (Supplemental)
  (Pro Forma)
  (Pro Forma)
Balance Sheet Data:                          
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 768,918   $ 1,097,810   $ 504,369   N/A   N/A
Hotel, casino and resort operating properties     339,492     511,132     340,229   N/A   N/A
Oil and gas properties     168,136     506,900     168,921   N/A   N/A
Investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations     102,331     102,331     61,573   N/A   N/A
Other investments     245,948     245,948     50,328   N/A   N/A
Total assets     2,408,189     3,179,167     1,831,573   N/A   N/A
Mortgages payable     91,896     91,896     180,989   N/A   N/A
Senior secured note payable     215,000     215,000       N/A   N/A
Senior unsecured note payable     350,598     830,598       N/A   N/A
Liability for preferred limited partnership units     106,731     106,731     101,649   N/A   N/A
Partner's equity     1,427,435     1,477,355     1,393,347   N/A   N/A

Capital Expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
As reported   $ 63,750   $ 63,750   $ 33,957   N/A   N/A
Panaco     N/A     1,994     N/A   N/A   N/A
GB Holdings, Inc.     N/A     17,378     N/A   N/A   N/A
NEG Holding     N/A     67,732     N/A   N/A   N/A
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 63,750   $ 150,854   $ 33,957   N/A   N/A
   
 
 
 
 

A-8



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

        We are a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of businesses. Our primary business strategy is to continue to grow our core businesses, including real estate, gaming and entertainment, and oil and gas. In addition, we seek to acquire undervalued assets and companies that are distressed or in out of favor industries.

        Our businesses currently include rental real estate; real estate development; hotel and resort operations; hotel and casino operations; oil and gas exploration and production; and investments in equity and debt securities. We may also seek opportunities in other sectors, including energy, industrial manufacturing, insurance and asset management.

        In continuation of our strategy to grow our core businesses, we have recently acquired, and have entered into agreements to acquire, additional gaming and entertainment and oil and as assets from affiliates of Mr. Icahn. See "Pending Acquisitions."

        To capitalize on favorable real estate market conditions and the mature nature of our commercial real estate portfolio, we have offered our rental real estate portfolio for sale. During the year ended December 31, 2004, we sold 57 rental real estate properties for approximately $245.4 million. These properties were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $93.8 million that we repaid from the sale proceeds. As of December 31, 2004, we owned 71 rental real estate properties with a book value of approximately $196.3 million, individually encumbered by mortgage debt which aggregated approximately $91.9 million. As of December 31, 2004, we had entered into conditional sales contracts or letters of intent for 15 rental real estate properties. Selling prices for the properties covered by the contracts or letters of intent would total approximately $97.9 million. These properties are encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $36.0 million. Because of the conditional nature of sales contracts and letters of intent, we cannot be certain that these properties will be sold. We continue to seek purchasers for our remaining rental real estate portfolio. We cannot be certain that we will receive offers satisfactory to us or, if we receive offers, any of the properties will ultimately be sold at prices acceptable to us. From January 1, 2005 through March 1, 2005, we sold four of these rental real estate properties for approximately $46.5 million. These properties were encumbered by approximately $10.8 million of mortgage debt.

        Historically, substantially all of our real estate assets leased to others have been net-leased to single corporate tenants under long-term leases. With certain exceptions, these tenants are required to pay all expenses relating to the leased property and therefore we are not typically responsible for payment of expenses, such as maintenance, utilities, taxes and insurance associated with such properties.

        Expenses relating to environmental clean-up related to our development and rental real estate operations have not had a material effect on our earnings, capital expenditures or competitive position. We believe that substantially all such costs would be the responsibility of the tenants pursuant to lease terms. While most tenants have assumed responsibility for the environmental conditions existing on their leased property, there can be no assurance that we will not be deemed to be a responsible party or that the tenant will bear the costs of remediation. Also, as we acquire more operating properties, our exposure to environmental clean-up costs may increase. We have completed Phase I environmental site assessments on most of our properties through third-party consultants. Based on the results of these Phase I environmental site assessments, the environmental consultant has recommended that certain sites may have environmental conditions that should be further reviewed. We have notified each of the responsible tenants to attempt to ensure that they cause any required investigation and/or remediation to be performed and most tenants continue to take appropriate action. However, if the tenants fail to perform responsibilities under their leases referred to above, we could potentially be

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liable for these costs. Based on the limited number of Phase II environmental site assessments that have been conducted by the consultants, there can be no accurate estimate of the need for or extent of any required remediation, or the costs thereof. Phase I environmental site assessments will also be performed in connection with new acquisitions and with such property refinancings as we may deem necessary and appropriate. We are in the process of updating our Phase I environmental site assessments for certain of our environmentally sensitive properties. Approximately 75 updates were completed in 2003. No additional material environmental conditions were discovered. Although we conducted environmental investigations in 2004 for newly acquired properties and no environmental concerns were disclosed by such investigations, we did not conduct any updates to the Phase I environmental site assessments for our remaining portfolio in 2004.

        We have made investments in the gaming industry through our ownership of Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada and through our purchase of securities of the entity which owns The Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. One of our subsidiaries, formed for this purpose, entered into an agreement in January 2004 to acquire two Las Vegas hotels and casinos, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder, from Mr. Icahn and an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. Upon obtaining all approvals necessary under gaming laws, the acquisition was completed in May 2004. We have entered into an agreement with affiliates of Mr. Icahn pursuant to which we will acquire approximately 41.2% of the outstanding common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings, the indirect owner of The Sands Hotel and Casino. We are considering additional gaming industry investments. These investments may include acquisitions from, or be made in conjunction with, our affiliates, provided that the terms thereof are fair and reasonable to us.

        We have entered into agreements with affiliates of Mr. Icahn to purchase the other membership interest in NEG Holding and 100% of the equity of TransTexas and Panaco, each an oil and gas exploration and production company. On April 6, 2005, we completed the purchase of TransTexas for $180.0 million of cash. A Form 8-K was filed on May 10, 2005, which included AREP's supplemental consolidated historical financial statements to give effect to the acquisition of TransTexas. See "Item 1—Business—Pending Acquisitions." NEG Operating, TransTexas and Panaco are affected by extensive regulation through various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the exploration for and development, production, gathering and marketing of oil and gas. NEG Operating, TransTexas and Panaco are also subject to numerous environmental laws, including but not limited to, those governing management of waste, protection of water, air quality, the discharge of materials into the environment, and preservation of natural resources. Non-compliance with environmental laws and the discharge of oil, natural gas, or other materials into the air, soil or water may give rise to liabilities to the government and third parties, including civil and criminal penalties, and may require us to incur costs to remedy the discharge. Laws and regulations protecting the environment have become more stringent in recent years, and may in certain circumstances impose retroactive, strict, and joint and several liabilities rendering entities liable for environmental damage without regard to negligence or fault. We cannot assure you that new laws and regulations, or modifications of or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, will not substantially increase the cost of compliance or otherwise adversely affect our oil and gas operations and financial condition or that material indemnity claims will not arise with respect to properties that we acquire. While we do not anticipate incurring material costs in connection with environmental compliance and remediation, we cannot guarantee that material costs will not be incurred.

        In accordance with GAAP, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests and the financial statements of previously separate companies for periods prior to the acquisition are (and, in the case of the pending acquisitions, following the closing of the acquisitions, will be) restated on a combined basis.

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Supplemental Results of Operations

Calendar Year 2004 Compared to Calendar Year 2003

        Gross revenues increased by $117.6 million, or 30.1%, during 2004 as compared to 2003. This increase reflects increases of $37.5 million in oil and gas operating revenues, $37.1 million in hotel and casino operating revenues, $21.8 million in interest income on U.S. government and agency obligations and other investments, $13.3 million in land, house and condominium sales, $4.3 million in accretion of investment in NEG Holding LLC, $3.9 million in hotel and resort operating income, $0.3 million in NEG management fees, $1.4 million in equity in earnings of GB Holdings, $0.8 million in rental income, and $0.4 million in dividend and other income. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $3.2 million in interest income on financing leases. The increase in oil and gas operating income was due to a full year of income for TransTexas compared to four months in 2003. The increase in hotel and casino operating income is primarily due to an increase in casino, hotel, and food and beverage revenues. The increase in interest income on U.S. government and agency obligations and other investments is primarily due to the repayment of two mezzanine loans, on which interest was accruing, and increased interest income from other investments. The increase in land, house and condominium sales is primarily due to sales of higher priced units. The increase in NEG management fees is primarily due to management fees received from Panaco. NEG entered into a management agreement with Panaco in November 2004. The decrease in interest income on financing leases is primarily due to property sales and reclassifications.

        Expenses increased by $92.6 million, or 28.2%, during 2004, as compared to 2003. This increase reflects increases of $22.6 million in interest expense, $10.7 million in hotel and casino operating expenses, $9.3 million in cost of land, house and condominium sales, $8.8 million in oil and gas operating expenses, $6.9 million in general and administrative expenses, $27.9 million in depreciation, depletion and amortization, $4.1 million in hotel and resort operating expenses and $2.4 million in provision for loss on real estate. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.1 million in property expenses. The increase in interest expense is primarily attributable to interest on the $215 million principal amount of 7.85% senior secured notes issued by American Casino, the $353 million principal amount of 81/8% senior notes issued by us in May 2004 and interest expense pertaining to preferred limited partnership pay-in-kind distribution. The increase in hotel and casino operating expenses is primarily attributable to increased costs associated with increased revenues. The increase in the land, house and condominium expenses is primarily attributable to increased sales as discussed above. The increase in oil and gas operating expenses of $8.8 million was due to a full year of expenses in 2004 compared to four months in 2003. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to expenses incurred in connection with the increase in NEG management fees and as a result of the Grand Harbor acquisition in July 2004. The increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization is primarily due to increased depreciation and amortization with respect to American Casino and a full year of depletion with respect to TransTexas compared to four months in 2003.

        Operating income increased during 2004 by $25.0 million, or 40.8%, to $86.1 million from $61.2 million in 2003, as detailed above.

        Earnings from land, house and condominium operations increased by $4.0 million or 96.0% to $8.1 million in 2004 due to sales of higher priced units. Based on current information, sales are expected to decrease in early 2005. However, the Company currently expects that the effects of the acquisition of Grand Harbor, completed in July 2004, and the approval in March 2004 of a 35 unit sub-division in Westchester County, New York, should provide increased earnings from these operations in the second half of 2005.

        Earnings from hotel and casino operating properties increased by $26.4 million, or 57.5%, to $72.4 million during 2004 due to increased revenues at each of our three properties.

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        Earnings from oil and gas operating properties increased by $28.7 million, or 181.0% to $44.6 million.

        Gains on sales of property transactions and other assets from continuing operations increased by $1.3 million or 23.6%, to $6.9 million, in 2004.

        A gain on sale of marketable debt securities of $40.1 million was recorded in 2004, as compared to a gain of $2.6 million in 2003.

        A write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments of $19.8 million was recorded in 2003. There was no such write-down in 2004.

        Unrealized losses on securities sold short of $23.6 million was recorded in 2004. There were no such losses in 2003. At March 1, 2005, the $23.6 million of unrealized losses has been reversed and a net gain of $3 million recorded.

        An impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc. of $15.6 million was recorded in 2004. The impairment reflects the price, $12 million, subject to increases up to $6 million based upon Atlantic Holdings meeting earnings targets in 2005 and 2006, used in the agreement to purchase, from an affiliate of Mr. Icahn, shares of GB Holdings common stock representing approximately 41.2% of the outstanding GB Holdings common stock. The purchase price pursuant to the agreement was less than our carrying value, approximately $26.2 million, for the approximately 36.3% of the outstanding GB Holdings common stock that we own. There was no such loss in 2003.

        A severance tax refund of $4.5 million was received in 2004. No such refund was received in 2003.

        Minority interest in the net earnings of TransTexas was $0.8 million in 2004 as compared to $1.3 million during 2003.

        Income from continuing operations before income taxes increased by $49.3 million in 2004 as compared to 2003, as detailed above.

        Income tax expense of $17.3 million was recorded in 2004 as compared to a $16.8 million income tax benefit in 2003 due to a reduction in the tax valuation allowance in 2003. Income tax expense was recorded by our corporate subsidiaries NEG, TransTexas and American Casino.

        Income from continuing operations increased by $15.2 million, or 23.4%, to $80.3 million in 2004.

        Income from discontinued operations increased by $71.9 million to $83.7 million in 2004. This reflects our decision to capitalize on favorable real estate markets and the mature nature of our commercial real estate portfolio, which resulted in gains on property dispositions.

        Net earnings for 2004 increased by $87.2 million, or 113.3%, to $164.1 million. This primarily was attributable to increased income from discontinued operations ($71.9 million), increased gain on marketable debt securities ($37.6 million), increased net oil and gas operating income ($28.7 million), increased net hotel and casino operating income ($26.4 million) and increased interest income ($21.8 million). These gains were partially offset by increased depreciation, depletion and amortization ($27.9 million) increased interest expense ($22.6 million), increase in unrealized losses on securities sold short ($23.6 million), increased income tax expense ($34.1 million) and impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc. ($15.6 million). Net earnings in 2003 also was affected by a write down of other investments of $19.8 million.

        Upon completion of the acquisitions described in Note 29 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company will consolidate the financial statements of NEG Holding, Panaco, and GB Holdings. Certain intercompany transactions will be eliminated. As a result, certain intercompany transactions will be eliminated, including, along others, the equity interest in GB Holdings for which we recorded an impairment loss in 2004, and NEG management fees.

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Calendar Year 2003 Compared to Calendar Year 2002

        Gross revenues decreased by $45.5 million, or 10.5%, during 2003 as compared to 2002. This decrease reflects decreases of (1) $62.8 million in land, house and condominium sales, (2) $8.0 million in interest income on U.S. government and agency obligations and other investments, (3) $3.8 million in equity in earnings of GB Holdings, Inc., (4) $2.7 million in accretion of investment in NEG Holding, (5) $1.6 million in financing lease income and (6) $1.0 million in NEG management fee (7) $0.3 million in hotel and resort operating income, partially offset by increases of $20.9 million in oil and gas operating income, $12.8 million in hotel and casino operating income, $0.5 million in rental income, $0.5 million in dividend and other income. The decrease in land, house and condominium sales is primarily due to a decrease in the number of units sold, as the Grassy Hollow, Gracewood and Stone Ridge properties were depleted by sales. During 2003, Hammond Ridge received necessary approvals and, along with Penwood, have commenced lot sales. The decrease in interest income on U.S. government and agency obligations and other investments is primarily attributable to the prepayment of a loan to Mr. Icahn in 2003 and a decline in interest rates on U.S. Government and Agency obligations as higher rate bonds were called in 2002. The decrease in equity in earnings of GB Holdings, Inc. is due to decreased casino revenue primarily attributable to a reduction in the number of table games as new slot machines were added in 2002. This business strategy had a negative effect on casino operations and was changed in 2003 to focus on the mid to high-end slot customer with a balanced table game business. The decrease in accretion of investment in NEG Holding is primarily attributable to priority distributions received from NEG Holding in 2003. The decrease in financing lease income is the result of lease expirations, reclassifications of financing leases and normal financing lease amortization. The decrease in NEG management fee was due to a decrease in costs associated with NEG. The decrease in rental income is primarily attributable to property dispositions. The increase in hotel and casino operating income is primarily attributable to an increase in hotel, food and beverage revenues and a decrease in promotional allowances. The average daily room rate, or ADR, at the Stratosphere increased $3 to $51 and percentage occupancy increased approximately 0.2% to 89.8%. The ADR at Arizona Charlie's Decatur decreased $1 to $43 and percentage occupancy increased 10.9% to 85.3%. The ADR at Arizona Charlie's Boulder increased less than $1 to $43 and percentage occupancy increased 0.5% to 55.7%.

        Expenses decreased by $27.9 million, or 7.8%, during 2003 as compared to 2002. This decrease reflects decreases of $45.5 million in the cost of land, house and condominium sales, $1.4 million in hotel and resort operating expenses, $1.1 million in hotel and casino operating expenses and $2.5 million in provision for loss on real estate, partially offset by increases of $5.0 million in oil and gas operating expenses, $0.9 million in rental property expenses and $16.9 million in depreciation, depletion and amortization. The decrease in the cost of land, house and condominium sales is due to decreased sales. Costs as a percentage of sales decreased from 72% in 2002 to 69% in 2003. The decrease in hotel and resort operating expenses is due to a decrease in payroll and related expenses. The decrease in hotel and casino operating expenses is primarily attributable to a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses. Costs as a percentage of sales decreased from 87% in 2002 to 83% in 2003. A provision for loss on real estate of $0.8 million was recorded in 2003 as compared to $3.2 million in 2002. In 2002, there were more properties vacated due to tenant bankruptcies than in 2003. The increase in oil and gas operating expenses was due to no activity during 2002. The increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization was due to the inclusion of TransTexas in our operating results for four months in 2003.

        Operating income decreased during 2003 by $17.6 million compared to 2002 as detailed above.

        Earnings from land, house and condominium operations decreased significantly in 2003 compared to 2002 due to a decline in inventory of completed units available for sale. Based on current information, sales will increase moderately during 2004. However, municipal approval of land inventory or the purchase of approved land is required to continue this upward trend into 2005 and beyond.

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        Earnings from hotel, casino and resort properties could be constrained by recessionary pressures, international tensions and competition.

        Earnings from oil and gas operations were $45.4 million in 2003 as compared to $33.4 million in 2002. The increase was due to the inclusion of TransTexas in our operating results in 2003.

        Gain on property transactions from continuing operations decreased by $1.9 million during 2003 as compared to 2002 due to the size and number of transactions.

        A loss on sale of other assets of $1.5 million was recorded in 2003 as compared to $0.4 million loss in 2002.

        A write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments of $19.8 million, pertaining to our investment in the Philip notes, was recorded in 2003 as compared to a write-down of $8.5 million in 2002. These write downs relate to our investment in Philip Services Corp., which filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2003.

        A write-down of a limited partnership investment of $3.8 million was recorded in 2002. There was no such write-down in 2003.

        A gain on sale of marketable equity securities of $2.6 million was recorded in 2003. There was no such gain in 2002.

        Minority interest in the net earnings of Stratosphere Corporation was $1.9 million during 2002. As a result of the acquisition of the minority interest in December 2002, there was no minority interest in Stratosphere in 2003 or thereafter. Minority interest in the net earnings of TransTexas was $1.3 million during 2003.

        Income from continuing operations before income taxes decreased by $24.9 million in 2003 as compared to 2002, as detailed above.

        An income tax benefit of $16.8 million was recorded in 2003 as compared to an expense of $10.1 million in 2002. The effective tax rate on earnings of taxable subsidiaries was positively affected in 2003 by a reduction in the valuation allowance in deferred tax assets. We expect our effective tax rate on earnings of taxable subsidiaries to increase significantly in 2004.

        Income from continuing operations increased by $1.9 million in 2003 as compared to 2002, as detailed above.

        Income from discontinued operations increased by $4.3 million in 2003 as compared to 2002, primarily due to gains on property dispositions.

        Net earnings for 2003 increased by $6.2 million as compared to 2002 primarily due to oil and gas net operating income of $15.9 million in 2003, decreased income tax expense of $26.8 million, decreased write-down of limited partnership interests of $3.8 million, increased earnings from hotel and casino operations of $13.9 million, increased gain on the sale of marketable equity securities of $2.6 million and an increase in income from discontinued operations of $4.3 million which was partially offset by an increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization of $16.9 million, an increase in the write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments of $11.3 million, decreased earnings from land, house and condominium operations of $17.2 million, decreased interest income of $8.0 million and decreased equity in earnings of GB Holdings of $3.8 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Net cash provided by operating activities was $98.0 million for 2004 as compared to $32.9 million for 2003. This increase of $65.1 million was primarily due to an increase in oil and gas operations ($28.7 million), hotel and casino operations ($26.4 million), an increase in interest income ($21.8 million), repayment of accounts payable and accrued expenses in 2003 and increased accounts payable and accrued expenses in 2004 ($134.6 million) and an increase in cash flow from other

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operations ($10.0 million), partially offset by an increase in interest expense ($22.6 million), an increase in due from brokers ($123.0 million) and an increase in receivables and other assets ($14.2 million).

        The following table reflects our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2004, due over the indicated periods and when they come due (in $ millions):

 
  Less than
1 Year

  1-3 Years
  3-5 Years
  After
5 Years

  Total
Mortgages payable   $ 4.8   $ 40.9   $ 9.3   $ 36.9   $ 91.9
Senior secured notes payable                 215.0     215.0
Senior unsecured notes payable                 353.0     353.0
Senior debt interest     78.3     159.5     159.5     211.3     608.6
Acquisition of TransTexas Gas Corp.     180.0                 180.0
Construction and development obligations     55.0                 55.0
Other debt     1.8     1.6             3.4
   
 
 
 
 
  Total   $ 319.9   $ 202.0   $ 168.8   $ 816.2   $ 1,506.9
   
 
 
 
 

Mortgages

        During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $5.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively, of mortgage principal payments were repaid. These amounts do not include mortgage debt repaid in connection with sales of real estate. In 2004, mortgage financing proceeds were $10.0 million on commercial condo units located New York City. In May 2003, we obtained mortgage financing in the principal amount of $20.0 million on a distribution facility located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. We intend to use asset sale, financing and refinancing proceeds for new investments.

Long-Term Debt

        In January 2004, ACEP issued senior secured notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $215.0 million, bear interest at the rate of 7.85% per annum. ACEP used the proceeds of the offering for the Arizona Charlie's acquisitions, to repay intercompany indebtedness and for distributions to AREH. ACEP also has a $20.0 million credit facility. At December 31, 2004, there were no borrowings under the credit facility. The restrictions imposed by ACEP's senior secured notes and the credit facility likely will preclude our receiving payments from the operations of our principal hotel and gaming properties. ACEP accounted for 67% of our revenues and 34% of our operating income in 2004.

        ACEP's 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 restrict the payment of cash dividends or distributions by ACEP, the purchase of its equity interests, the purchase, redemption, defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated to ACEP's notes and investments as "restricted payments." ACEP's notes also prohibit the incurrence of debt, or the issuance of disqualified or preferred stock, as defined by ACEP, with certain exceptions, provided that ACEP may incur debt or issue disqualified stock if, immediately after such incurrence or issuance, the ratio of consolidated cash flow to fixed charges (each as defined) for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional indebtedness is incurred or disqualified stock or preferred stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis giving effect to the debt incurrence or issuance. As of December 31, 2004, such ratio was 3.9 to 1.0. The ACEP notes also restrict the creation of liens, the sale of assets, mergers, consolidations or sales of substantially all of its assets, the lease or grant of a license, concession, other agreements to occupy, manage or use our assets, the issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries and certain related party transactions. The ACEP notes allow it to incur indebtedness, among other things, of up to $50 million under credit facilities, non-recourse financing of up to $15 million to finance the construction, purchase or lease of personal or real property used in its business, permitted affiliate subordinated indebtedness (as defined), the issuance of additional 7.85%

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senior secured notes due 2012 in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 2.0 times net cash proceeds received from equity offerings and permitted affiliate subordinated debt, and additional indebtedness of up to $10.0 million.

        Additionally, ACEP's senior secured revolving credit facility allows for borrowings of up to $20.0 million, including the issuance of letters of credit of up to $10.0 million. Loans made under the senior secured revolving facility will mature and the commitments under them will terminate in January 2008. At December 31, 2004, there were not any borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the facility. The facility contains restrictive covenants similar to those contained in the 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012. In addition, the facility requires that, as of the last date of each fiscal quarter, ACEP's ratio of net property, plant and equipment for key properties, as defined, to consolidated first lien debt be not less than 5.0 to 1.0 and ACEP's ratio of consolidated first lien debt to consolidated cash flow not be more than 1.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2004, these ratios were 83.9 to 1.0 and 0.1 to 1.0, respectively.

        On May 12, 2004, we and AREP Finance issued senior notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $353.0 million, and priced at 99.266% of principal amount, bear interest at a rate of 81/8% per annum. The notes are guaranteed by AREH. Net proceeds from the offering have been and will continue to be used for general business purposes, including to pursue our primary business strategy of acquiring undervalued assets in either our existing lines of business or other businesses and to provide additional capital to grow our existing businesses.

        On February 7, 2005, we and AREP Finance issued senior notes due 2013. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $480 million, bear interest at a rate of 71/8% per annum. The notes are guaranteed by AREH. Net proceeds from the offering will be used to fund the acquisition of TransTexas, to pay related fees and expenses, and for general business purposes, including to pursue our primary business strategy of acquiring undervalued assets in either our existing lines of business or other businesses and to provide additional capital to grow our existing businesses.

        Our 81/8% senior notes due 2012 and 71/8% notes due 2013 restrict the payment of cash dividends or distributions, the purchase of equity interests or the purchase, redemption, defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated to the 81/8% senior notes due 2012 and 71/8% notes due 2013. The notes also restrict the incurrence of debt, or the issuance of disqualified stock, as defined, with certain exceptions, provided that we may incur debt or issue disqualified stock if, immediately after such incurrence or issuance, the ratio of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding indebtedness of AREP and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to the tangible net worth of AREP and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would have been less than 1.75 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2004, such ratio was 0.46 to 1.0, and 0.79 to 1.0 giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the 71/8% notes due 2013. In addition, both issues of notes require that on each quarterly determination date that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of us and the guarantor of the notes (currently only AREH) for the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently completed prior to such quarterly determination date be at least 1.5 to 1.0. For the four quarters ended December 31, 2004, such ratio was 2.99 to 1.0. If the ratio is less than 1.5 to 1.0, we will be deemed to have satisfied this test if there is deposited cash, which together with cash previously deposited for such purpose and not released, equal to the amount of interest payable on the notes for one year. If at any subsequent quarterly determination date, the ratio is at least 1.5 to 1.0, such deposited funds will be released to us. The notes also require, on each quarterly determination date, that the ratio of total unencumbered assets, as defined, to the principal amount of unsecured indebtedness, as defined, be greater than 1.5 to 1.0 as of the last day of the most recently completed fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2004, such ratio was 5.38 to 1.0, and 2.27 to 1.0, giving pro forma effect to the issuance of the 71/8% notes due 2013. The notes also restrict the creation of liens, mergers, consolidations and sales of substantially all of our assets, and transactions with affiliates. As of December 31, 2004, based upon these tests, on a pro forma basis, giving effect to the issuance of the 71/8% notes due 2013, we and AREH could have incurred up to approximately $1.1 billion of additional indebtedness.

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        Notes issued by GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings also contain restrictions on dividends and distributions and loans to us, as well as other transactions with us. The operating subsidiary of NEG Holding, of which we have agreed to acquire a membership interest, has a credit agreement which contains covenants that have the effect of restricting dividends or distributions. These, together with the ACEP indenture and the indenture governing the notes, likely will preclude our receiving payments from the operations of our principal hotel and casino and certain of our oil and gas properties.

Asset Sales and Purchases

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, we sold 57 rental real estate properties for approximately $245.4 million, which were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $93.8 million which was repaid from the sales proceeds. As of December 31, 2004, we had entered into conditional sales contracts or letters of intent for 15 additional rental real estate properties, all of which contracts or letters of intent are subject to purchaser's due diligence and other closing conditions. Selling prices for the properties covered by the contracts or letters of intent would total approximately $97.9 million. These properties are encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $36.0 million.

        Net proceeds from the sale or disposal of portfolio properties totaled approximately $151.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2004. During 2003, net sales proceeds totaled approximately $20.6 million.

        The types of assets we are pursuing, including assets that may not be readily financeable or generate positive cash flow, such as development properties, non-performing mortgage loans or securities of companies which may be undergoing restructuring, require significant capital investment or require us to maintain a strong capital base in order to own, develop and reposition these assets.

Capital Expenditures

        Capital expenditures for real estate, oil and gas operations, hotel and casino and hotel and resort operations were approximately $63.8 million and $34.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2004, we acquired a property for approximately $14.6 million, a hotel and resort property for approximately $16.5 million and development property for approximately $62.2 million, the latter two acquired in the Grand Harbor acquisition. We anticipate that, for 2005, capital expenditures for our current real estate and hotel and casino and hotel and resort operations will be approximately $28.1 million.

Leases

        In 2003, 17 leases covering 17 rental real estate properties and representing approximately $2.2 million in annual rentals expired. Twelve leases originally representing $1.6 million in annual rental income were renewed for $1.4 million in annual rentals. Such renewals are generally for a term of five years. Five properties with annual rental income of $0.6 million were not renewed.

        In 2004, 11 leases covering 11 rental real estate properties and representing approximately $1.8 million in annual rentals expired. Eight leases representing $1.5 million in annual rental income were renewed for $1.5 million in annual rentals. Such renewals are generally for a term of five years. Three properties with annual rentals of $0.3 million were not renewed.

        In 2005, 14 leases covering 24 rental real estate properties representing approximately $3.6 million in annual rentals are scheduled to expire. Six leases representing approximately $2.9 million in annual rentals were renewed for approximately $2.9 million. Such renewals are generally for a term of 10 years. Three properties with annual rentals of approximately $0.2 million have not been renewed. The status of five properties with annual rentals of approximately $0.5 million has not yet been determined.

Distributions

        We are continuing to pursue assets, including assets that may not generate positive cash flow, are difficult to finance or may require additional capital, such as properties for development, non-

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performing loans, securities of companies that are undergoing or that may undergo restructuring, and companies that are in need of capital. We are also continuing to identify shorter-term investments. All of these activities require us to maintain a strong capital base and liquidity. It has been our policy to hold our cash rather than to make distributions to partners. The Board of Directors has commenced a review of our distribution policy, and it is uncertain when the Board will conclude its review or whether the Board will authorize distributions.

        On March 31, 2004, we distributed to holders of record of our preferred units as of March 12, 2004, 489,657 additional preferred units. Pursuant to the terms of the preferred units, on March 4, 2005, we declared our scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional preferred units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $10.00. The distribution is payable on March 31, 2005 to holders of record as of March 15, 2005. In March 2005, the number of authorized preferred units was increased to 10,900,000.

        Our preferred units are subject to redemption at our option on any payment date, and the preferred units must be redeemed by us on or before March 31, 2010. The redemption price is payable, at our option, subject to the indenture, either all in cash or by the issuance of depositary units, in either case, in an amount equal to the liquidation preference of the preferred units plus any accrued but unpaid distributions thereon.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Our cash and cash equivalents and investment in U.S. government and agency obligations increased by $305.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2004 primarily due to proceeds from the issuance of our 81/8% senior notes due 2012 and ACEP's 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 in the aggregate ($565.4 million), property sales proceeds ($151.6 million), proceeds from the sale of marketable equity in the aggregate and debt securities ($90.6 million), repayment of mezzanine loans ($49.1 million), cash provided by operations ($98.0 million), guaranteed payment from NEG Holding ($16.0 million), proceeds from mortgages payable ($10.0 million) and proceeds from the sale of other assets ($3.8 million) partially offset by the purchase of debt securities ($245.2 million), purchase of the Arizona Charlies' ($125.9 million), the Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor acquisition ($78.6 million), purchase of debt securities of affiliates ($65.5 million), purchase of Atlantic Holdings debt ($36 million), repayment of affiliate debt ($25.0 million), capital expenditures ($63.8 million), rental real estate acquisitions ($14.6 million), periodic principal payments ($14.6 million) and other ($10.0 million).

        Of our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2004, approximately $75.2 million is at ACEP. The terms of ACEP's 7.85% senior secured notes and its revolving credit facility restrict dividends and distributions to us, as well as redemptions of equity interests and other transactions that would make the cash available to AREP and its other subsidiaries.

        We received net proceeds of approximately $474 million from the issuance, in February 2005, of our 71/8% senior notes due 2013. Our cash will be used to fund the $180 million acquisition of TransTexas, and for general business purposes, including to pursue our primary business strategy of acquiring undervalued assets in either our existing lines of business or other businesses and to provide additional capital to grow our businesses.

Acquisitions

        On April 6, 2005, we acquired 100% of the equity of TransTexas, on oil and gas exploration and production company, for a purchase price of $180.0 million in cash.

        During December 2004, we acquired the following:

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        On May 26, 2004, ACEP acquired two Las Vegas hotels and casinos, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder, from Mr. Icahn and an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. At the closing of those acquisitions, AREH transferred 100% of the common stock of Stratosphere to ACEP. As a result, ACEP owns and operates three gaming and entertainment properties in the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

        In October 2003, pursuant to a purchase agreement dated as of May 16, 2003, we acquired all of the debt and 50% of the equity securities of NEG from entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn for an aggregate consideration of approximately $148.1 million plus approximately $6.7 million of accrued interest on the debt securities.

        In July 2004, we acquired Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor, two waterfront communities in Vero Beach, Florida. The communities include three golf courses, a tennis complex, fitness center, beach club and an assisted living facility. In addition, we acquired approximately 400 acres of land to the north of Grand Harbor which currently has entitlements to build approximately 600 homes and an 18 hole golf course. The total purchase price was approximately $75.0 million.

        In January 2004, we purchased a 34,422 square foot commercial condominium unit in New York City for approximately $14.5 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Among others, estimates are used when accounting for valuation of investments, recognition of casino revenues and promotional allowances and estimated costs to complete its land, house and condominium developments. Estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates may form the basis of the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities and may not be readily apparent from other sources. Actual results, under conditions and circumstances different from those assumed, may differ from estimates.

        We accounted for our acquisitions of NEG, TransTexas and the Arizona Charlie's hotels and casinos as assets transferred between entities under common control which requires that they be accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests. NEG's investment in NEG Holding constitutes a variable interest entity. In accordance with GAAP, we have determined that NEG is not the primary beneficiary of NEG Holding and therefore we do not consolidate NEG Holding in our consolidated financial statements.

        We believe the following accounting policies are critical to our business operations and the understanding of results of operations and affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of

        Long-lived assets held and used by us and long-lived assets to be disposed of, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as vacancies and rejected leases, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

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        In performing the review for recoverability, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest charges, is less than the carrying amount of the asset an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that we expect to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Commitments and Contingencies—Litigation

        On an ongoing basis, we assess the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims brought against us. While it is typically very difficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of such actions, we use our best judgment to determine if it is probable that we will incur an expense related to the settlement or final adjudication of such matters and whether a reasonable estimation of such probable loss, if any, can be made. In assessing probable losses, we make estimates of the amount of insurance recoveries, if any. We accrue a liability when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent uncertainties related to the eventual outcome of litigation and potential insurance recovery, it is possible that certain matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from any provisions or disclosures that we have previously made.

Marketable Equity and Debt Securities and Investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

        Investments in equity and debt securities are classified as either held-to-maturity or available for sale for accounting purposes. Investment in U.S. government and agency obligations are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value on our balance sheet. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of partners' equity. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost.

        A decline in the market value of any held-to-maturity security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. Dividend income is recorded when declared and interest income is recognized when earned.

Mortgages and Notes Receivable

        We have generally not recognized any profit in connection with the property sales in which certain purchase money mortgages receivable were taken back. Such profits are being deferred and will be recognized when the principal balances on the purchase money mortgages are received.

        We engage in real estate lending, including making second mortgage or secured mezzanine loans to developers for the purpose of developing single-family homes, luxury garden apartments or commercial properties. These loans are subordinate to construction financing and we target an interest rate in excess of 20% per annum. However interest is not paid periodically and is due at maturity or earlier from unit sales or refinancing proceeds. We defer recognition of interest income on mezzanine loans pending receipt of principal and interest payments.

Revenue Recognition

        Revenue from real estate sales and related costs are recognized at the time of closing primarily by specific identification. We follow the guidelines for profit recognition set forth by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.

Casino Revenues and Promotional Allowances

        We recognize revenues in accordance with industry practice. Casino revenue is recorded as the net win from gaming activities, the difference between gaming wins and losses. Casino revenues are net of accruals for anticipated payouts of progressive and certain other slot machine jackpots. Revenues include the retail value of rooms, food and beverage and other items that are provided to customers on a complimentary basis. A corresponding amount is deducted as promotional allowances. The cost of

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such complimentaries is included in "Hotel and casino operating expenses." We also reward customers, through the use of loyalty programs, with points based on amounts wagered, that can be redeemed for a specified period of time for cash. We deduct the cash incentive amounts from casino revenue.

Natural Gas Production Imbalances

        We account for natural gas production imbalances using the sales method, whereby we recognize revenue on all natural gas sold to our customers notwithstanding the fact its ownership may be less than 100% of the natural gas sold. We record liabilities for imbalances greater than our proportionate share of remaining natural gas reserves.

Hedging Agreements

        From time to time, we enter into commodity price swap agreements (the Hedge Agreements) to reduce our exposure to price risk in the spot market for natural gas. We follow Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS 133), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which was amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities. These pronouncements established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities, which generally require recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative and its resulting designation. We elected not to designate these instruments as hedges for accounting purposes, accordingly both realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in oil and natural gas sales.

Oil and Natural Gas Properties

        The Company utilizes the full cost method of accounting for its crude oil and natural gas properties. Under the full cost method, all productive and nonproductive costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas reserves are capitalized and amortized on the units-of-production method based upon total proved reserves. The costs of unproven properties are excluded from the amortization calculation until the individual properties are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether reserves exist. Conveyances of properties, including gains or losses on abandonments of properties, are treated as adjustments to the cost of crude oil and natural gas properties, with no gain or loss recognized.

        Under the full cost method, the net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed the estimated after-tax future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas properties, discounted at 10% per year (the ceiling limitation). In arriving at estimated future net revenues, estimated lease operating expenses, development costs, abandonment costs, and certain production related and ad-valorem taxes are deducted. In calculating future net revenues, prices and costs in effect at the time of the calculation are held constant indefinitely, except for changes, which are fixed and determinable by existing contracts. The net book value is compared to the ceiling limitation on a quarterly basis.

Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations

        We account for our asset retirement obligation under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 (SFAS 143), Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143 provides accounting requirements for costs associated with legal obligations to retire tangible, long-lived assets. Under SFAS 143, an asset retirement obligation is needed at fair value in the period in which it is incurred by increasing the carrying amount for the related long-lived asset. In each subsequent period, the liability is accreted to its present value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.

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Income Taxes

        No provision has been made for federal, state or local income taxes on the results of operations generated by partnership activities as such taxes are the responsibility of the partners. Stratosphere Corporation, National Energy Group, Inc. and TransTexas Gas Corporation, our corporate subsidiaries, account for their income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

        Management periodically evaluates all evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets is still needed. In 2004 and 2003, we concluded, based on the projected allocations of taxable income, that our corporate subsidiaries, NEG, Stratosphere and TransTexas, more likely than not will realize a partial benefit from their deferred tax assets and loss carryforwards. Ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon, among other factors, our corporate subsidiaries' ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods and is subject to change depending on the tax laws in effect in the years in which the carryforwards are used.

Properties

        Properties held for investment, other than those accounted for under the financing method, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation unless declines in the value of the properties are considered other than temporary at which time the property is written down to net realizable value. Properties held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Such properties are no longer depreciated and their operations are included in discontinued operations. A property is classified as held for sale at the time we determine that the criteria in SFAS 144 have been met.

Trends and Other Uncertainties

General

        Certain of the individuals who conduct the affairs of API, including our chairman, Carl C. Icahn, and our president and chief executive officer, Keith A. Meister, are and will in the future be committed to the management of other businesses owned or controlled by Mr. Icahn and his affiliates. Accordingly, these individuals will not be devoting all of their professional time to the management of us, and conflicts may arise between our interests and the other entities or business activities in which such individuals are involved. Conflicts of interest may arise in the future as such affiliates and we may compete for the same assets, purchasers and sellers of assets or financings.

        Mr. Icahn, through certain affiliates, currently owns 100% of API and approximately 86.5% of our outstanding depositary units and preferred units. Applicable pension and tax laws make each member of a "controlled group" of entities, generally defined as entities in which there is at least an 80% common ownership interest, jointly and severally liable for certain pension plan obligations of any member of the controlled group. These pension obligations include ongoing contributions to fund the plan, as well as liability for any unfunded liabilities that may exist at the time the plan is terminated. In addition, the failure to pay these pension obligations when due may result in the creation of liens in favor of the pension plan or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or the PBGC, against the assets of each member of the controlled group.

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        As a result of the more than 80% ownership interest in us by Mr. Icahn's affiliates, we and our subsidiaries, are subject to the pension liabilities of all entities in which Mr. Icahn has a direct or indirect ownership interest of at least 80%. One such entity, ACF Industries LLC, is the sponsor of several pension plans which are underfunded by a total of approximately $33.0 million on an ongoing actuarial basis and $149.0 million if those plans were terminated, as most recently reported by the plans' actuaries. These liabilities could increase or decrease, depending on a number of factors, including future changes in promised benefits, investment returns, and the assumptions used to calculate the liability. As members of the ACF controlled group, we would be liable for any failure of ACF to make ongoing pension contributions or to pay the unfunded liabilities upon a termination of the ACF pension plans. In addition, other entities now or in the future within the controlled group that includes us may have pension plan obligations that are, or may become, underfunded and we would be liable for any failure of such entities to make ongoing pension contributions or to pay the unfunded liabilities upon a termination of such plans.

        The current underfunded status of the ACF pension plans requires ACF to notify the PBGC of certain "reportable events," such as if we cease to be a member of the ACF controlled group, or if we make certain extraordinary dividends or stock redemptions. The obligation to report could cause us to seek to delay or reconsider the occurrence of such reportable events.

        Starfire Holding Corporation, which is 100% owned by Mr. Icahn, has undertaken to indemnify us and our subsidiaries from losses resulting from any imposition of pension funding or termination liabilities that may be imposed on us and our subsidiaries or our assets as a result of being a member of the Icahn controlled group. The Starfire indemnity provides, among other things, that so long as such contingent liabilities exist and could be imposed on us, Starfire will not make any distributions to its stockholders that would reduce its net worth to below $250.0 million. Nonetheless, Starfire may not be able to fund its indemnification obligations to us.

        Because we are a holding company and a significant portion of our assets consists of investments in companies in which we own less than a 50% interest, we run the risk of inadvertently becoming an investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Registered investment companies are subject to extensive, restrictive and potentially adverse regulation relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, dividends and transactions with affiliates. Registered investment companies are not permitted to operate their business in the manner in which we operate our business, nor are registered investment companies permitted to have many of the relationships that we have with our affiliated companies.

        To avoid regulation under the Investment Company Act, we monitor the value of our investments and structure transactions with an eye toward the Investment Company Act. As a result, we may structure transactions in a less advantageous manner than if we did not have Investment Company Act concerns, or we may avoid otherwise economically desirable transactions due to those concerns. In addition, events beyond our control, including significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings, could result in our inadvertently becoming an investment company.

        If it were established that we were an investment company, there would be a risk, among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, in an action brought by the SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties or that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company.

        We operate as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. This allows us to pass through our income and deductions to our partners. We believe that we have been and are properly treated as a

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partnership for federal income tax purposes. However, the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, could challenge our partnership status and we could fail to qualify as a partnership for past years as well as future years. Qualification as a partnership involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. For example, a publicly traded partnership is generally taxable as a corporation unless 90% or more of its gross income is "qualifying" income, which includes interest, dividends, real property rents, gains from the sale or other disposition of real property, gain from the sale or other disposition of capital assets held for the production of interest or dividends, and certain other items. We believe that in all prior years of our existence at least 90% of our gross income was qualifying income and we intend to structure our business in a manner such that at least 90% of our gross income will constitute qualifying income this year and in the future. However, there can be no assurance that such structuring will be effective in all events to avoid the receipt of more than 10% of non-qualifying income. If less than 90% of our gross income constitutes qualifying income, we may be subject to corporate tax on our net income at regular corporate tax rates. Further, if less than 90% of our gross income constituted qualifying income for past years, we may be subject to corporate level tax plus interest and possibly penalties. In addition, if we register under the Investment Company Act of 1940, it is likely that we would be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and subject to corporate tax on our net income at regular corporate tax rates. The cost of paying federal and possibly state income tax, either for past years or going forward, would be a significant liability and would reduce our funds available to make interest and principal payments on the notes.

Real Estate Operations

        We have invested and expect to continue to invest in unentitled land, undeveloped land and distressed development properties. These properties involve more risk than properties on which development has been completed. Unentitled land may not be approved for development. Undeveloped land and distressed development properties do not generate any operating revenue, while costs are incurred to develop the properties. In addition, undeveloped land and development properties incur expenditures prior to completion, including property taxes and development costs. Also, construction may not be completed within budget or as scheduled and projected rental levels or sales prices may not be achieved and other unpredictable contingencies beyond our control could occur. We will not be able to recoup any of such costs until such time as these properties, or parcels thereof, are either disposed of or developed into income-producing assets.

        We seek to acquire investments that are undervalued. Acquisition opportunities in the real estate market for value-added investors have become competitive to source and the increased competition may negatively impact the spreads and the ability to find quality assets that provide returns that we seek. These investments may not be readily financeable and may not generate immediate positive cash flow for us. There can be no assurance that any asset we acquire, whether in the real estate sector or otherwise, will increase in value or generate positive cash flow.

        We are currently marketing for sale our rental real estate portfolio. As of December 31, 2004, we owned 71 rental real estate properties with a book value of approximately $196.3 million, individually encumbered by mortgage debt which aggregated approximately $91.9 million. As of December 31, 2004, we had entered into conditional sales contracts or letters of intent for 15 rental real estate properties. Selling prices for the properties covered by the contracts or letters of intent would total approximately $97.9 million. These properties are encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $36.0 million. Generally, these contracts and letters of intent may be terminated by the buyer with little or no

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penalty. We may not be successful in obtaining purchase offers for our remaining properties at acceptable prices and sales may not be consummated. Many of our properties are net-leased to single corporate tenants, it may be difficult to sell those properties that existing tenants decline to re-let. Our attempt to market the real estate portfolio may not be successful. Even if our efforts are successful, we cannot be certain that the proceeds from the sales can be used to acquire businesses and investments at prices or at projected returns which are deemed favorable. From January 1, 2005 through March 1, 2005, we sold four of these rental real estate properties for approximately $46.5 million. These properties were encumbered by approximately $10.8 million of mortgage debt.

        The bankruptcy or insolvency of our tenants may adversely affect the income produced by our properties. If a tenant defaults, we may experience delays and incur substantial costs in enforcing our rights as landlord. If a tenant files for bankruptcy, we cannot evict the tenant solely because of such bankruptcy. A court, however, may authorize a tenant to reject or terminate its lease with us.

        We continue to pursue the approval and development of our New Seabury property in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The development plans have been opposed by the Cape Cod Commission. We have appealed its administrative decision asserting jurisdiction over the development and a Massachusetts Superior Court ruled that a development proposal for up to 278 residential units was exempt from the commission's jurisdiction. However, the court has not ruled with respect to our initial proposal to build up to 675 residential/hotel units. We are currently in settlement discussions with the commission but these discussions may not be successful. We cannot predict the effect on our development of the property if we are unable to settle with the commission, if we lose any appeal from the court's decision or if the commission is ultimately successful in asserting jurisdiction over any of the development proposals.

        Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants released on, under, in or from its property. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such substances. To the extent any such substances are found in or on any property invested in by us, we could be exposed to liability and be required to incur substantial remediation costs. The presence of such substances or the failure to undertake proper remediation may adversely affect the ability to finance, refinance or dispose of such property. We generally conduct a Phase I environmental site assessment on properties in which we are considering investing. A Phase I environmental site assessment involves record review, visual site assessment and personnel interviews, but does not typically include invasive testing procedures such as air, soil or groundwater sampling or other tests performed as part of a Phase II environmental site assessment. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that these assessments will disclose all potential liabilities or that future property uses or conditions or changes in applicable environmental laws and regulations or activities at nearby properties will not result in the creation of environmental liabilities with respect to a property.

Hotel and Casino Operations

        Our properties currently conduct licensed gaming operations in Nevada. In addition, we have entered in an agreement to acquire shares of GB Holdings that together with shares we currently own, will result in our owning approximately 77.5% of the common stock to GB Holdings and warrants to

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purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, 21.3% of the fully diluted of its subsidiary, Atlantic Holdings, which owns and operates The Sands Hotel and Casino. Various regulatory authorities, including the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, Nevada Gaming Commission and the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, require our properties and The Sands Hotel and Casino to hold various licenses and registrations, findings of suitability, permits and approvals to engage in gaming operations and to meet requirements of suitability. These gaming authorities also control approval of ownership interests in gaming operations. These gaming authorities may deny, limit, condition, suspend or revoke our gaming licenses, registrations, findings of suitability or the approval of any of our current or proposed ownership interests in any of the licensed gaming operations conducted in Nevada and New Jersey, any of which could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, for any cause they may deem reasonable. If we violate gaming laws or regulations that are applicable to us, we may have to pay substantial fines or forfeit assets. If, in the future, we operate or have an ownership interest in casino gaming facilities located outside of Nevada or New Jersey, we may also be subject to the gaming laws and regulations of those other jurisdictions.

        The sale of alcoholic beverages at our Nevada properties is subject to licensing and regulation by the City of Las Vegas and Clark County, Nevada. The City of Las Vegas and Clark County have full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any such license, and any such disciplinary action may, and revocation would, reduce the number of visitors to our Nevada casinos to the extent the availability of alcoholic beverages is important to them. If our alcohol licenses become in any way impaired, it would reduce the number of visitors. Any reduction in our number of visitors will reduce our revenue and cash flow.

        The operating expenses associated with our gaming and entertainment properties could increase due to some of the following factors:


        The hotel and casino industry in general, and the markets in which we compete in particular, are highly competitive.

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        Many of our competitors have greater financial, selling and marketing, technical and other resources than we do. We may not be able to compete effectively with our competitors and we may lose market share, which could reduce our revenue and cash flow.

        The strength and profitability of our business depends on consumer demand for hotel-casino resorts and gaming in general and for the type of amenities we offer. Changes in consumer preferences or discretionary consumer spending could harm our business.

        During periods of economic contraction, our revenues may decrease while some of our costs remain fixed, resulting in decreased earnings, because the gaming and other leisure activities we offer at our properties are discretionary expenditures, and participation in these activities may decline during economic downturns because consumers have less disposable income. Even an uncertain economic outlook may adversely affect consumer spending in our gaming operations and related facilities, as consumers spend less in anticipation of a potential economic downturn. Additionally, rising gas prices could deter non-local visitors from traveling to our properties.

        The terrorist attacks which occurred on September 11, 2001, the potential for future terrorist attacks and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have had a negative impact on travel and leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming and tourism. Leisure and business travel, especially travel by air, remain particularly susceptible to global geopolitical events. Many of the customers of our properties travel by air, and the cost and availability of air service can affect our business. Furthermore, insurance coverage against loss or business interruption resulting from war and some forms of terrorism may be unavailable or not available on terms that we consider reasonable. We cannot predict the extent to which war, future security alerts or additional terrorist attacks may interfere with our operations.

        Capital expenditures, such as room refurbishments, amenity upgrades and new gaming equipment, may be necessary from time to time to preserve the competitiveness of our hotels and casinos. The gaming industry market is very competitive and is expected to become more competitive in the future. If cash from operations is insufficient to provide for needed levels of capital expenditures, the competitive position of our hotels and casinos could deteriorate if our hotels and casinos are unable to raise funds for such purposes.

        The casino industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate. Gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes. Future changes in state taxation of casino gaming companies cannot be predicted and any such changes could adversely affect the operating results of our hotels and casino.

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Oil and Gas

        The exploration for and production of oil and gas involves numerous risks. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells for oil or gas is often uncertain, and a number of factors can delay or prevent drilling operations or production, including:

        The operations that we expect to acquire are affected by extensive regulation through various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the exploration for and development, production, gathering and marketing of oil and gas. Matters subject to regulation include discharge permits for drilling operations, drilling and abandonment bonds or other financial responsibility requirements, reports concerning operations, the spacing of wells, unitization and pooling of properties, and taxation. From time to time, regulatory agencies have imposed price controls and limitations on production by restricting the rate of flow of oil and gas wells below actual production capacity in order to conserve supplies of oil and gas.

        The operations that we expect to acquire are also subject to numerous environmental laws, including but not limited to, those governing management of waste, protection of water, air quality, the discharge of materials into the environment, and preservation of natural resources. Non-compliance with environmental laws and the discharge of oil, natural gas, or other materials into the air, soil or water may give rise to liabilities to the government and third parties, including civil and criminal penalties, and may require us to incur costs to remedy the discharge. Oil and gas may be discharged in many ways, including from a well or drilling equipment at a drill site, leakage from pipelines or other gathering and transportation facilities, leakage from storage tanks, and sudden discharges from oil and gas wells or explosion at processing plants. Hydrocarbons tend to degrade slowly in soil and water, which makes remediation costly, and discharged hydrocarbons may migrate through soil and water supplies or adjoining property, giving rise to additional liabilities. Laws and regulations protecting the environment have become more stringent in recent years, and may in certain circumstances impose retroactive, strict, and joint and several liabilities rendering entities liable for environmental damage without regard to negligence or fault. In the past, we have agreed to indemnify sellers of producing properties against certain liabilities for environmental claims associated with those properties. We cannot assure you that new laws or regulations, or modifications of or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, will not substantially increase the cost of compliance or otherwise adversely affect our oil and gas operations and financial condition or that material indemnity claims will not arise with respect to properties that we acquire. While we do not anticipate incurring material costs in connection with environmental compliance and remediation, we cannot guarantee that material costs will not be incurred.

        The operations that we expect to acquire depend upon financing or acquiring additional reserves.

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        The future success and growth of the operations that we expect to acquire depend upon the ability to find or acquire additional oil and gas reserves that are economically recoverable. Except to the extent that we conduct successful exploration or development activities or acquire properties containing proved reserves, our proved reserves will generally decline as they are produced. The decline rate varies depending upon reservoir characteristics and other factors. Future oil and gas reserves and production, and, therefore, cash flow and income will be highly dependent upon the level of success in exploiting current reserves and acquiring or finding additional reserves. The business of exploring for, developing or acquiring reserves is capital intensive. To the extent cash flow from operations is reduced and external sources of capital become limited or unavailable, the ability to make the necessary capital investments to maintain or expand this asset base of oil and gas reserves could be impaired. Development projects and acquisition activities may not result in additional reserves. We may not have success drilling productive wells at economic returns sufficient to replace our current and future production. We may acquire reserves which contain undetected problems or issues that did not initially appear to be significant to us.

        The costs of drilling all types of wells are uncertain, as are the quantity of reserves to be found, the prices that NEG Holding, TransTexas or Panaco will receive for the oil or natural gas, and the costs to operate the well. While each has successfully drilled wells, you should know that there are inherent risks in doing so, and, if we complete the acquisitions, those difficulties could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations. Also, just because we complete a well and begin producing oil or natural gas, we cannot assure you that we will recover our investment or make a profit.

        The revenues, profitability and the carrying value of oil and gas properties that we have agreed to acquire are substantially dependent upon prevailing prices of, and demand for, oil and gas and the costs of acquiring, finding, developing and producing reserves. Historically, the markets for oil and gas have been volatile. Markets for oil and gas likely will continue to be volatile in the future. Prices for oil and gas are subject to wide fluctuations in response to: (1) relatively minor changes in the supply of, and demand for, oil and gas; (2) market uncertainty; and (3) a variety of additional factors, all of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among others:

        The production of each of NEG Holding, TransTexas and Panaco is weighted toward natural gas, making earnings and cash flow more sensitive to natural gas price fluctuations.

        The oil and gas business involves a variety of operating risks, including, but not limited to, unexpected formations or pressures, uncontrollable flows of oil, natural gas, brine or well fluids into the environment (including groundwater contamination), blowouts, fires, explosions, pollution and other risks, any of which could result in personal injuries, loss of life, damage to properties and substantial

A-29


losses. Although NEG Holding, TransTexas and Panaco carry insurance at levels we believe are reasonable, they are not fully insured against all risks. Losses and liabilities arising from uninsured or under-insured events could have a material adverse effect on their and our financial condition and operations.

        NEG Holding and TransTexas typically hedge a portion of oil and gas production during periods when market prices for products are higher than historical average prices. During 2004, NEG Holding and TransTexas hedged 61% and 57%, respectively, of annual natural gas production and NEG Holding and TransTexas hedged 96% and 81%, respectively, of annual oil production.

        Typically, NEG Holding, TransTexas and Panaco have used swaps, cost-free collars and options to put products to a purchaser at a specified price, or floor. In these transactions, NEG Holding, TransTexas and Panaco will usually have the option to receive from the counterparty to the hedge a specified price or the excess of a specified price over a floating market price. If the floating price exceeds the fixed price, the hedging party is required to pay the counterparty all or a portion of this difference multiplied by the quantity hedged.

        There are many companies and individuals engaged in the exploration for and development of oil and gas properties. Competition is particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of oil and gas producing properties and securing experienced personnel. We encounter competition from various oil and gas companies in raising capital and in acquiring producing properties. Many of our competitors have financial and other resources considerably larger than ours.

Investments

        Our partnership agreement allows us to take advantage of investment opportunities we believe exist outside of the real estate market. The equity securities in which we may invest may include common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, as well as warrants to purchase these securities. The debt securities in which we may invest may include bonds, debentures, notes, or non-rated mortgage-related securities, municipal obligations, bank debt and mezzanine loans. Certain of these securities may include lower rated or non-rated securities which may provide the potential for higher yields and therefore may entail higher risk and may include the securities of bankrupt or distressed companies. In addition, we may engage in various investment techniques, including derivatives, options and futures transactions, foreign currency transactions, "short" sales and leveraging for either hedging or other purposes. We may concentrate our activities by owning one or a few businesses or holdings, which would increase our risk. We may not be successful in finding suitable opportunities to invest our cash and our strategy of investing in undervalued assets may expose us to numerous risks.

        Our investments may not be successful for many reasons including, but not limited to:

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

        The United States Securities and Exchange Commission requires that registrants include information about primary market risk exposures relating to financial instruments. Through our operating and investment activities, we are exposed to market, credit and related risks, including those described elsewhere herein. We may invest in debt or equity securities of companies undergoing restructuring or undervalued by the market, these securities are subject to inherent risks due to price fluctuations, and risks relating to the issuer and its industry, and the market for these securities may be less liquid and more volatile than that of higher rated or more widely followed securities.

        Other related risks include liquidity risks, which arise in the course of our general funding activities and the management of our balance sheet. This includes both risks relating to the raising of funding with appropriate maturity and interest rate characteristics and the risk of being unable to liquidate an asset in a timely manner at an acceptable price. Real estate investments by their nature are often difficult or time-consuming to liquidate. Also, buyers of minority interests may be difficult to secure, while transfers of large block positions may be subject to legal, contractual or market restrictions. Other operating risks for us include lease terminations, whether scheduled terminations or due to tenant defaults or bankruptcies, development risks, and environmental and capital expenditure matters, as described elsewhere herein. Our mortgages payable are primarily fixed-rate debt and, therefore, are not subject to market risk.

        We invest in U.S. Government and Agency obligations which are subject to interest rate risk. As interest rates fluctuate, we will experience changes in the fair value of these investments with maturities greater than one year. If interest rates increased 100 basis points, the fair value of these investments at December 31, 2004, would decline by approximately $200,000.

        At December 31, 2004, we had a short position with respect to 2.5 million shares of common stock of a company in bankruptcy. If the price of the common stock increased by 10% from the price at that date, we would have incurred an additional loss of approximately $10.0 million with respect to that position.

        Whenever practical, we employ internal strategies to mitigate exposure to these and other risks. We perform, on a case by case basis with respect to new investments, internal analyses of risk identification, assessment and control. We review credit exposures, and seek to mitigate counterparty credit exposure through various techniques, including obtaining and maintaining collateral, and assessing the creditworthiness of counterparties and issuers. Where appropriate, an analysis is made of political, economic and financial conditions, including those of foreign countries. Operating risk is managed through the use of experienced personnel. We seek to achieve adequate returns commensurate with the risk it assumes. We utilize qualitative as well as quantitative information in managing risk.

        The Company is exposed to market risk from adverse changes in prices for oil and natural gas.

        The Company's revenues, profitability, access to capital and future rate of growth are substantially dependent upon the prevailing prices of oil and natural gas. These prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand and a variety of additional factors beyond the Company's control. From time to time, the Company has utilized hedging transactions with respect to a portion of its oil and gas production to achieve a more predictable cash flow, as well as to reduce exposure to price fluctuations. While hedging limits the downside risk of adverse price movements, it may also limit future revenues from favorable price movements. Because

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gains or losses associated with hedging transactions are included in oil and gas revenues when the hedged volumes are delivered, such gains and losses are generally offset by similar changes in the realized prices of commodities.

        From time to time, TransTexas enters into commodity price swap agreements (the Hedge Agreements) to reduce its exposure to price risk in the spot market for natural gas. The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS 133), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which was amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities. These pronouncements established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities, which generally require recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative and its resulting designation.

        The following is a summary of natural gas and oil contracts entered into with Shell Trading (US) Company in January and November of 2004.

Type contract

  Production Month
  Volume per month
  Fixed
price

  Floor
  Ceiling
Fixed price   Feb–March 2004   300,000 MMBTU   $ 6.76        
Fixed price   April–June 2004   300,000 MMBTU   $ 5.44        
Fixed price   July–Sept 2004   300,000 MMBTU   $ 5.34        
No cost collars   Oct–Dec 2004   300,000 MMBTU       $ 5.25   $ 5.90
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2004   25,000 Bbls       $ 28.72   $ 31.90
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2005   15,000 Bbls       $ 42.50   $ 46.00
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2005   400,000 MMBTU       $ 6.00   $ 8.35

        The Company has elected not to designate these instruments as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, both realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in oil and natural gas sales. The following summarizes the Company's realized and unrealized gains and losses.

Realized (cash payments)   $ 3,906,326
Valuation loss     1,658,808
   
    $ 5,565,134
   

        A liability of $1,658,808 was recorded at December 31, 2004 representing the market value of the Company's derivatives.

        Subsequent to December 31, 2004, the Company entered into the following natural gas and oil contracts with Shell Trading (US) Company:

Type contract

  Production Month
  Volume per month
  Fixed
price

  Floor
  Ceiling
No cost collars   March–Dec 2005   9,000 Bbls     $ 44.50   $ 48.00
No cost collars   March–Dec 2005   210,000 MMBTU     $ 6.05   $ 7.30
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2006   14,000 Bbls     $ 41.65   $ 45.25
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2006   430,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00   $ 7.25

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APPENDIX B: NEG HOLDING LLC

BUSINESS

        We currently beneficially own 50.01% of the outstanding common stock of NEG. NEG owns a membership interest in NEG Holding. The other membership interest in NEG Holding is held by Gascon, an affiliate of Mr. Icahn. Gascon is the managing member of NEG Holding. NEG Holding owns NEG Operating which is engaged in the business of oil and gas exploration and production with properties located on-shore in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. NEG Operating's oil and gas properties are managed by NEG. Under the Operating Agreement between NEG and Gascon, NEG is to receive, as of December 31, 2004, guaranteed payments of approximately $39.9 million and a priority distribution of approximately $148.6 million before Gascon receives any distributions. The Operating Agreement contains a provision that allows Gascon, or its successor, at any time, in its sole discretion, to redeem NEG's membership interest in NEG Holding at a price equal to the fair market value of the interest determined as if NEG Holding had sold all of its assets for fair market value and liquidated. A determination of the fair market value of such assets shall be made by an independent third party jointly engaged by Gascon and NEG.

        NEG Holding is developing and exploiting existing properties by drilling development and exploratory wells, and recompleting and reworking existing wells. NEG Holding anticipates that it will continue its drilling operations on existing properties and will selectively participate in drilling opportunities generated by third parties. NEG Holding also seeks to acquire existing producing properties or interests in them. In November 2002, NEG Holding completed the acquisition of producing oil and gas properties in Pecos County, Texas known as Longfellow Ranch Field for $45.4 million in cash. In December 2002, NEG Holding completed the acquisition of an additional interest in Longfellow Ranch Field for $2.9 million in cash.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table sets forth NEG Holdings' selected historical financial and operating data as of and for each of the four years in the period ended December 31, 2004. The financial data was derived from its historical financial statements and is not necessarily indicative of our future performance. NEG Holdings was formed in August 2000. The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and NEG Holdings' consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere herein. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, have each been derived from NEG Holding's audited consolidated financial statements at those dates and for those periods, contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2001 and for the year ended December 31, 2001 has been derived from NEG Holding's audited consolidated financial statements at that date and for that period, not contained in this proxy statement.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001(1)(3)
 
 
  (In thousands, except for ratios and per unit data)

 
Statement of Operations Data:                          
Oil and natural gas sales   $ 76,677   $ 75,740   $ 35,320   $ 7,786  
Field and plant operations     2,050     1,866     581     203  
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenue     78,727     77,606     35,901     7,989  
Costs and expenses:                          
  Lease operating     13,505     11,501     8,509     2,687  
  Field and plant operations     1,015     975     489     124  
  Oil and natural gas production taxes     5,732     5,771     1,875     721  
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization     21,386     23,443     15,509     4,349  
  Accretion of asset retirement obligation     261     243          
  Amortization of loan costs     494              
  General and administration     4,920     4,833     5,683     2,107  
   
 
 
 
 
  Total costs and expenses     47,313     46,766     32,065     9,988  
   
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)     31,414     30,840     3,836     (1,999 )
Other income:                          
  Interest expense     (2,222 )   (1,538 )   (96 )   (64 )
  Interest income     449     712     1,966     772  
Gain (loss) on sale of securities         (954 )   8,712      
Other     (518 )   (102 )   (492 )    
   
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     29,123     28,958     13,926     (1,291 )
          1,912          
   
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)     29,123     30,870     13,926     (1,291 )
Cash Flow Data:                          
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     61,630     52,792     26,641     16,169  
Net cash used in investing activities     (67,730 )   (36,548 )   (68,278 )   (8,832 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (8,418 )   (15,853 )   (21,653 )   70,964  
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):                          
Cash and cash equivalents     883     15,401     15,010     78,300  
Working capital (deficit)                          
Total assets     260,273     223,804     222,737     216,721  
Long-term debt                          
Members' equity     174,181     161,037     199,841     207,568  

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  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004(4)
  2003(4)
  2002(4)
  2001(3)
Operating Data:                        
Production:                        
  Oil (Mbls)     565     629     629     246
  Natural gas (Mmcf)     13,106     13,437     7,827     2,713
  Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe)     16,496     17,211     11,602     4,189
Average sales price:                        
  Oil (per Bbl)   $ 23.37   $ 26.54   $ 28.93   $ 20.81
  Natural gas (per Mcf)     5.21     4.39     3.06     2.63
Unit economics (per Mcfe):                        
  Average sales price   $ 5.11   $ 4.40   $ 3.36   $ 2.97
  Lease operating expenses     0.82     0.66     0.73     0.64
  Oil and natural gas production taxes (net of refunds in 2002)     0.35     0.34     0.16     0.17
  Depreciation, rate     1.28     1.25     1.29     1.00
  General and administrative     0.25     0.28     0.50     0.50

(1)
As mandated by NEG's Plan of Reorganization it contributed all of its assets and liabilities, except for $4.3 million in cash, to NEG Holding in exchange for a 50% membership interest and certain guaranteed amounts and priority distributions. The contribution was recorded as of September 1, 2001.

(2)
Accrual of interest on the NEG's Senior Notes was discontinued during the bankruptcy proceeding. Approximately $10.5 million of additional interest expense would have been recognized NEG during 2000, if not for the discontinuation of the interest accrual. As part of the Plan of Reorganization, $35.3 million of interest on the senior notes was reinstated.

(3)
Operating data is included only from August 31, 2001 when the oil and natural gas assets were contributed to Holding LLC.

(4)
See note 9 of notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

2004 Compared to 2003

        Revenues.    Total revenues increased by $1.1 million, or 1.2%, to $78.7 million for 2004 from $77.6 million for 2003. The increase was due to increased oil and natural gas prices. Average natural gas prices increased $0.82 per Mcf to $5.21 per Mcf for 2004 from $4.39 per Mcf for 2003, and average oil prices increased $1.83 per barrel to $28.37 per barrel for 2004 from $26.54 per barrel for 2003.

        In 2004, NEG Holding produced 565 Mbbls of oil, a decrease compared to 629 Mbbls in 2003 and NEG Holdings produced 13,106 Mmcf of natural gas, a decrease from 13,437 Mmcf in 2003.

        Cost and Expenses.    Lease operating expenses increased by $2.0 million, or 13.3%, to $13.5 million for 2004 from $11.5 million for 2003. This increase was the result of rising prices in the service industries.

        Oil and natural gas production taxes were essentially stable at $5.7 million in 2004 and $5.8 million in 2003, reflecting the approximate 1.2% increase in oil and natural gas sales in 2004, offset in part by slightly lower production.

        Depletion, depreciation and amortization decreased $2.1 million, or 8.8%, to $21.4 million in 2004 from $23.4 million in 2003. The decrease was attributable to a lower rate due to increased reserves.

        General and administrative costs were essentially stable at $4.9 million in 2004 and $4.8 million in 2003. NEG Holding capitalized internal costs of $1.0 million and $0.65 million in 2004 and 2003, as costs of oil and gas natural gas properties. Such capitalized costs include salaries and related benefits of individuals directly involved in NEG Holding's, acquisition, exploration and development activities based on a percentage of their salaries.

        Other income (expenses).    Interest expense increased by $0.68 million, or 44.5%, to $2.2 million in 2004 from $1.5 million in 2003. Increased interest expense reflects increased average borrowings under the credit facility incurred to fund drilling and development costs. Equity in loss from an investment increased to $518,892 in 2004 from $102,000 in 2003. This is an investment in a CO2 recovery and sales venture. The high cost of natural gas has been a detriment to the development of this venture and resulted in losses.

        Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle essentially was unchanged in 2004, at $29.1 million, and $29.0 million in 2003. In 2003, NEG Holding recognized a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $1.9 million related to the adoption of SFAS 143 "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations", which resulted in net income of $30.9 million in 2003, compared to net income of $29.1 million in 2004.

2003 Compared to 2002

        Revenues.    Total revenues increased by $41.7 million, or 116%, to $77.6 million for 2003 from $35.9 million for 2002. The increase was due to increased oil and natural gas prices and an increase in production. Average natural gas prices increased $1.33 per Mcf to $4.39 per Mcf for 2003 from $3.06 per Mcf for 2002, and average oil prices increased $2.61 per barrel to $26.54 per barrel for 2003 from $23.93 per barrel for 2002.

        In 2003, NEG Holding produced 629 MBbls of oil, compared to the same volume for 2002, and NEG Holding produced 13,437 Mmcf of natural gas in 2003, a increase from 7,827 Mmcf in 2002. This

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increase was due to the acquisition of Longfellow Ranch in December 2002 and increased drilling activity.

        Cost and expenses.    Lease operating expenses increased by $3.0 million, or 3.5%, to $11.5 million in 2003 from $8.5 million for 2002. This increase is due to the acquisition of Longfellow Ranch in 2002 and additional wells added from drilling.

        Oil and gas production taxes increased by $3.9 million, or 209%, to $5.8 million in 2003 from $1.9 million in 2002. The increase directly resulted from increased oil and gas revenue in 2003.

        Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $7.9 million, or 51.5%, to $23.4 million in 2003 from $15.5 million in 2002. The increase resulted from additional production in 2003.

        Despite the increase in revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.85 million, or 15%, to $4.8 million in 2003 from $5.7 million in 2002. This resulted from the management agreement with TransTexas Gas in 2003 with less G&A allocated to NEG Holding. NEG Holding capitalized internal costs of $0.65 million in 2003 and $0.6 million in 2002.

        Other income (expense).    Interest expense increased by $1.4 million to $1.5 million in 2003 from $0.1 million in 2002 as a result of borrowing under the Mizuho Credit Facility to pay off long term debt. In 2002, NEG Holding had interest income of $1.2 million as a result of cash deposits compared to interest income of $0.5 million in 2003. In addition, in 2002, NEG Holding had interest income from affiliate of $0.5 million, as a result of a loan to National Energy Group, compared to $.1 million of such income in 2003. In 2002, NEG Holding had a gain on sale of securities of $8.7 million, compared to a loss of $1.0 million in 2002, as a result of sales of securities held for investment purposes.

        Net income.    Net income of $13.9 million was recognized for 2002, compared to net income of $30.0 million in 2003. Net income for 2003 included cumulative effect of accounting change of $1.9 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flows

        NEG Holding expects that its primary sources of cash in 2005 will be funds generated from operations and borrowings under its credit facility. Based on its current level of operations, NEG Holding believes that its cash flow from operations and available borrowings under the credit agreement will be adequate to meet its future liquidity needs for 2005.

        NEG Holding's operating activities provided cash flows of $61.6 million in 2004 compared to $52.8 million in 2003. The increase was primarily due to increases in change in fair value of derivative contracts by $4.5 million from $3.0 million at December 31, 2003 to $7.5 million at December 31, 2004 and in accounts payable and accrued liabilities by $7.5 million from $.5 million at December 31, 2003 to $8.0 million at December 31, 2004. These were offset by decrease in accounts receivable by $3.0 million and in other current assets by $2.0 million.

Capital Expenditures

        During the first two months of 2005, NEG Holding invested approximately $13.3 million in drilling activity. For the remainder of 2005, NEG Holding expects to expend approximately $57.6 million on additional drilling and leasing activities.

Credit Facility

        On December 29, 2003, NEG Holding's subsidiary, NEG Operating LLC, entered into a credit agreement with certain commercial lending institutions, including Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. as the

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Administrative Agent and the Bank of Texas, N.A. and the Bank of Nova Scotia as Co-Agents. The credit agreement provides for a loan commitment amount of up to $120 million and a letter of credit commitment of up to $15 million (provided the outstanding aggregate amount of the unpaid borrowings plus the aggregate undrawn face amount of all outstanding letters of credit may not exceed the borrowing base under the credit agreement). The credit agreement provides further that the amount available to NEG Holding at any time is subject to certain restrictions, covenants, conditions and changes in the borrowing base calculation. In partial consideration of the loan commitment amount, NEG Holding has pledged a continuing security interest in all of its oil and natural gas properties and its equipment, inventory, contracts, fixtures and proceeds related to its oil and natural gas business.

        At Operating LLC's option, interest on borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at a rate based upon either the prime rate or the LIBOR rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin that, in the case of prime rate loans, can fluctuate from 0.75% to 1.50% per annum, and, in the case of LIBOR rate loans, can fluctuate from 1.75% to 2.50% per annum. Fluctuations in the applicable interest rate margins are based upon Operating LLC's total usage of the amount of credit available under the credit agreement, with the applicable margins increasing as Operating LLC's total usage of the amount of credit available under the credit agreement increases. The credit agreement expires on September 1, 2006.

        At the closing of the credit agreement, Operating LLC borrowed $43.8 million to repay $42.9 million owed under an existing secured loan arrangement, which was then terminated, and to pay administrative fees in connection with this borrowing. The Company has capitalized $1.4 million of loan issuance costs in connection with the closing of this transaction. These costs will be amortized over the life of the loan using the interest method.

        As a condition to the lenders' obligations under the credit agreement, the lenders required that Operating LLC, NEG Holding and the members of NEG Holding, National Energy Group, Inc. and Gascon, execute and deliver at the closing a pledge agreement and irrevocable proxy in favor of Bank of Texas, N.A., its successors and assigns. Pursuant to the terms of the pledge agreement, in order to secure the performance of the obligations of Operating LLC (i) each of NEG and Gascon pledged their 50% membership interest in NEG Holding (such interests constituting 100% of the outstanding equity membership interest of NEG Holding); (ii) NEG Holding pledged its 100% equity membership interest in Operating LLC; and (iii) Operating LLC pledged its 100% equity membership interest in its subsidiary, Shana National LLC. The Pledge Agreement also provides for a continuing security interest in such collateral and that Bank of Texas, N.A. as the collateral agent, is the duly appointed attorney-in-fact of Operating LLC. The collateral agent may take all action deemed reasonably necessary for the maintenance, preservation and protection of the collateral and the security interest in it until such time that all of Operating LLC's obligations under the credit agreement are fulfilled, terminated or otherwise expired. If under the credit agreement an event of default shall have occurred and is continuing, the collateral agent may enforce certain rights and remedies, including, but not limited to, the sale of the collateral, the transfer of all or part of the collateral to the collateral agent or its nominee and/or the execution of all endorsements.

        Draws made under the credit facility are normally made to fund working capital requirements, acquisitions and capital expenditures. During 2004, outstanding balances under the credit facility have ranged from a low of $44 million to a high of $52 million. As of December 31, 2004 the outstanding balance under the credit facility was $52 million.

        The credit agreement requires, among other things, semiannual engineering reports covering oil and natural gas properties, and maintenance of certain financial ratios, including the maintenance of minimum interest coverage, a current ratio, and a minimum tangible net worth. Operating LLC was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2003. Operating LLC was not in compliance with the

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minimum interest coverage ratio covenant at December 31, 2004. Operating LLC obtained a waiver of compliance with respect to this covenant for the period ended December 31, 2004. Operating LLC was in compliance with all other covenants at December 31, 2004.

Derivative Instruments

        NEG Holding's financial results and cash flows can be significantly impacted as commodity prices fluctuate in response to changing market conditions. To manage its exposure to natural gas or oil price volatility, NEG Holding may enter into various derivative instruments consisting principally of collar options and swaps.

        While the use of derivative contracts can limit the downside risk of adverse price movements, it may also limit future gains from favorable movements. NEG Holding addresses market risk by selecting instruments whose value fluctuations correlate strongly with the underlying commodity. Credit risk related to derivative activities is managed by requiring minimum credit standards for counterparties, periodic settlements, and mark to market valuations.

        The following is a summary of the oil and natural gas no-cost commodity price collars entered into with Shell Trading company:

Date of Contract

  Volume/Month
  Production Month
  Floor
  Ceiling
August 2002   30,000 Bbls   2003   $ 23.55   $ 26.60
August 2002   300,000 MMBTU   2003   $ 3.25   $ 4.62
November 2002   300,000 MMBTU   2003   $ 3.50   $ 4.74
November 2002   300,000 MMBTU   2004   $ 3.35   $ 4.65
November 2002   300,000 MMBTU   2005   $ 3.35   $ 4.60
November 2003   45,000 Bbls   2004   $ 26.63   $ 29.85
February 2005   16,000 Bbls   2006   $ 41.75   $ 45.40
February 2005   120,000 MMBTU   2006   $ 6.00   $ 7.28

        On January 28, 2003, NEG Holding entered into an eleven month fixed price swap agreement with Plains Marketing, L.P., consisting of a contract for 28,000 barrels of oil per month at a fixed price of $28.35 effective February 2003 through December 2003.

        The following is a summary of oil and natural gas contracts entered into with Bank of Oklahoma on January 6, 2004 and November 15, 2004.

Type Contract

  Production Month
  Volume per Month
  Fixed Price
  Floor
  Ceiling
Fixed price   February—March 2004   400,000 MMBTU   $ 6.915   $ -   $ -
Fixed price   April—June 2004   400,000 MMBTU   $ 5.48   $ -   $ -
Fixed price   July—September 2004   400,000 MMBTU   $ 5.38   $ -   $ -
No Cost Collars   October—December 2004   400,000 MMBTU   $ -   $ 5.25   $ 5.85
No Cost Collars   2005   300,000 MMBTU   $ -   $ 4.75   $ 5.45
No Cost Collars   2006   500,000 MMBTU   $ -   $ 4.50   $ 5.00
No Cost Collars   2005   250,000 MMBTU   $ -   $ 6.00   $ 8.70
No Cost Collars   2005   25,000 Bbls   $ -   $ 43.60   $ 45.80

        A liability of $6.6 million and $14.1 million ($6.3 million as current, $7.8 million as long-term) was recorded by NEG Holding as of December 31, 2003 and 2004 respectively, in connection with these contracts. NEG Holding had $1.7 and $0.0 million on deposit with Shell Trading as of December 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively, to collateralize the contracts. As of December 31, 2004, NEG Holding had issued $11.0 million in letters of credit to Shell for this purpose

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Inflation and Prices

        The average price of NEG Holding's natural gas increased from $3.06 per Mcf in 2002 to $4.39 per Mcf in 2003, and $5.21 per Mcf in 2004. The average price of NEG Holding's oil increase from $23.93 per barrel in 2002 to $26.54 per barrel in 2003 and $28.37 in 2004. These prices reflect average prices for oil and gas sales of NEG Holding's continuing operations. The oil and natural gas prices include the effect of NEG Holding's hedging activity.

        The price of oil and natural gas has a significant impact on NEG Holding's results of operations. Oil and natural gas prices fluctuate based on market conditions and, accordingly, cannot be predicted. Costs to drill, complete and service wells can fluctuate based on demand for these services, which is generally influenced by high or low commodity prices. NEG Holding's costs and expenses may be subject to inflationary pressures if oil and gas prices are favorable.

        A large portion of NEG Holding's natural gas is sold subject to market sensitive contracts. Natural gas price risk has historically been mitigated (hedged) by the utilization of swaps, options or collars. Natural gas price hedging decisions have historically been made in the context of NEG Holding's strategic objectives, taking into account the changing fundamentals of the natural gas marketplace.

Contractual Obligations

        NEG Holding has various commitments primarily related to leases for office space, vehicles, natural gas compressors and computer equipment. NEG Holding expects to fund these commitments with cash generated from operations. NEG Holding has no off-balance sheet debt or other such unrecorded obligations, and has not guaranteed the debt of any other party.

        The Company is obligated to make semi-annual payments to NEG "Guaranteed Payments" as defined in the Holding LLC Operating Agreement referred herein. Two payments totaling $21.7 million were made in 2002, three payments totaling $18.2 million were made in 2003 and two payments totaling $16.0 million were made in 2004 under this obligation. In March 2003, the Company made a distribution of Priority Amount of $51.4 million to NEG.

        The following table summarizes NEG Holding's contractual obligations at December 31, 2004:

 
  Payment Due By Period
Contractual Obligations at December 31, 2004

  Total
  Less than 1
Year

  1-3 Years
  4-5 Years
  After 5 Years
 
  (in thousands)

Long-term debt   $ 51,917   $ 83   $ 51,834   $   $
   
 
 
 
 
Total contractual cash obligations   $ 51,917   $ 83   $ 51,834   $   $
   
 
 
 
 

        NEG Holding has entered into joint operating agreements, area of mutual interest agreements and joint venture agreements with other companies. These agreements may include drilling commitments or other obligations in the normal course of business.

        In the normal course of business, NEG Holding has performance obligations which are supported by surety bonds or letters of credit. These obligations are primarily site restoration and dismantlement, royalty payments and exploration programs where governmental organizations require such support. NEG Holding also has letters of credit with its hedging counterparty.

        NEG Holding has certain other commitments and uncertainties related to its normal operations, including obligations to plug wells.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        Among other risks, NEG Holding is exposed to interest rate and commodity price risks.

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        The interest rate risk relates to the debt under NEG Holding's credit facility. If market interest rates for short-term borrowings increased 1%, the increase in NEG Holdings' annual interest expense would be approximately $0.5 million.

        NEG Holding's financial results can be significantly impacted as commodity prices fluctuate in response to changing market forces. From time to time NEG Holding may enter into various derivative instruments to manage its exposure to price volatility. NEG Holding employs a policy of hedging oil and gas production. These contracts may take the form of swaps or options. If gas prices decreased $0.50 per Mcf, NEG Holding's gas sales revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004 would have decreased by $6.5 million, after considering the effects of the derivative contracts in place at December 31, 2004. If the price of crude oil decreased $1.00 per Bbl, NEG Holding's oil sales revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004 would have decreased by $.6 million.

Critical Accounting Policies

        NEG Holding prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and SEC guidance. See the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" elsewhere in this information statement for a more comprehensive discussion of NEG Holding's significant accounting policies. GAAP requires information in financial statements about the accounting principles and methods used and the risks and uncertainties inherent in significant estimates including choices between acceptable methods. Following is a discussion of NEG Holding's most critical accounting policies:

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        NEG Holding does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Derivatives

        NEG Holding follows SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities" and SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activity, an Amendment of SFAS 133" which require that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their respective fair value.

Oil and Natural Gas Properties

        NEG Holding utilizes the full cost method of accounting for its crude oil and natural gas properties. Under the full cost method, all productive and nonproductive costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, exploration, and development of crude oil and natural gas reserves are capitalized and amortized on the units-of-production method based upon total proved reserves. The costs of unproven properties are excluded from the amortization calculation until the individual properties are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether reserves exist. Conveyances of properties, including gains or losses on abandonments of properties, are treated as adjustments to the cost of crude oil and natural gas properties, with no gain or loss recognized.

        Under the full cost method, the net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed the estimated after-tax future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas properties, discounted at 10% per year (the ceiling limitation). In arriving at estimated future net revenues, estimated lease operating expenses, development costs, abandonment costs, and certain production related and ad-valorem taxes are deducted. In calculating future net revenues, prices and costs in effect at the time of the calculation are held constant indefinitely, except for changes which are fixed and determinable by existing contracts. The net book value is compared to the ceiling limitation on a quarterly basis. The excess, if any, of the net book value above the ceiling limitation is required to be written off as a non-cash expense. NEG Holding did not incur a ceiling writedown in

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2002, 2003 and 2004. There can be no assurance that there will not be writedowns in future periods under the full cost method of accounting as a result of sustained decreases in oil and natural gas prices or other factors.

        NEG Holding has capitalized internal costs of $1.0 million, $0.65 million and $0.60 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, as costs of oil and natural gas properties. Such capitalized costs include salaries and related benefits of individuals directly involved in the Company's acquisition, exploration, and development activities based on a percentage of their salaries.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        On September 28, 2004, the SEC released Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 106 regarding the application of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations ("AROs")," by oil and gas producing companies following the full cost accounting method. Pursuant to SAB 106, oil and gas producing companies that have adopted SFAS 143 should exclude the future cash outflows associated with settling AROs (ARO liabilities) from the computation of the present value of estimated future net revenues for the purposes of the full cost ceiling calculation. In addition, estimated dismantlement and abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage values, that have been capitalized (ARO assets) should be included in the amortization base for computing depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. Disclosures are required to include discussion of how a company's ceiling test and depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations are impacted by the adoption of SFAS 143. SAB 106 is effective prospectively as of the beginning of the first fiscal quarter beginning after October 4, 2004. The adoption of SAB 106 is not expected to have a material impact on either the ceiling test calculation or depreciation, depletion and amortization.

        On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued Statement 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" that will require compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions (e.g., issuance of stock options and restricted stock) to be recognized in the financial statements. With limited exceptions, the amount of compensation cost will be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. In addition, liability awards will be remeasured each reporting period. Compensation cost will be recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. Statement 123(R) replaces SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and supersedes Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." For NEG Holdings, SFAS 123(R) is effective for the first reporting period after June 15, 2005. Entities that use the fair-value-based method for either recognition or disclosure under SFAS 123 are required to apply SFAS 123(R) using a modified version of prospective application. Under this method, an entity records compensation expense for all awards it grants after the date of adoption. In addition, the entity is required to record compensation expense for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption. In addition, entities may elect to adopt SFAS 123(R) using a modified retrospective method where by previously issued financial statements are restated based on the expense previously calculated and reported in their pro forma footnote disclosures. The company had no share based payments subject to this standard.

        On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued Statement 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets," an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, to clarify the accounting for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets. SFAS 153 provides a general exception from fair value measurement for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The Statement will be applied prospectively and is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. NEG Holdings does not have any nonmonetary transactions for any period presented that this Statement would apply.

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        On March 30, 2005, FASB issued FASB FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations." FIN 47 clarifies that the term conditional asset retirement obligation as used in SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and (or) method of settlement. Uncertainty about the timing and or method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonable estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. FIN 47 is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 20005 (December 31, 2005 for calendar year-end companies). Retrospective application of interim financial information is permitted but not required and early adoption is encouraged. The adoption of FIN 47 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

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APPENDIX C: PANACO, INC.

BUSINESS

        Panaco is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company focused primarily on opportunities in the Gulf Coast Region and offshore opportunities on the Gulf of Mexico. Panaco is in the business of selling oil and gas, produced on properties it leases, to third party purchasers. It obtains reserves of crude oil and gas by either buying them from others or drilling developmental and exploratory wells on acquired properties. It acquires producing properties with a view toward further exploitation and development, capitalizing on 3-D seismic and advanced directional drilling technology to recover reserves that were bypassed or previously overlooked.


SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

        The following historical data is derived from Panaco's financial statements and the notes thereto.

 
  For the Years Ending December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (amounts in thousands)

 
Oil and natural gas sales   $ 51,234   $ 50,160   $ 39,065   $ 76,246   $ 88,550  
Gain (loss) on sale of assets     (76 )           3,967     1,938  
Lawsuit recoveries                     2,575  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues     51,158     50,160     39,065     80,213     93,063  
Total costs and expenses before income taxes and extraordinary item (1)     40,235     35,936     79,684     99,784     76,591  
Total other expense     1,785     2,655     8,798          
Reorganization costs (gains)     (56,408 )   2,898     2,258          
Income tax expense (benefit) (2)     (22,877 )           22,734     (22,683 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change         12,149              
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) (3)   $ 88,423   $ (3,478 ) $ (51,675 ) $ (42,305 ) $ 39,155  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share         $ (0.14 ) $ (2.12 ) $ (1.74 ) $ 1.61  
Total assets   $ 157,608   $ 125,814   $ 96,268   $ 146,064   $ 174,079  
Long-term debt   $ 32,571   $ 100,000   $ 102,249   $ 135,120   $ 121,693  
Stockholders' equity (deficit)   $ 55,290   $ (84,937 ) $ (81,459 ) $ (29,784 ) $ 12,408  

(1)
Results for the years ended December 31, 2001, include impairments of oil and gas properties of $9.1 million.

(2)
During 2001 Panaco re-established a deferred tax valuation allowance that had been eliminated in 2000. The change in the valuation allowance was primarily due to lower volumes and market prices for oil and natural gas, resulting in lower estimates of future net income, see "Panaco Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2004 Reorganization Overview

        On July 16, 2002, Panaco filed a Voluntary Petition for Relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of Texas. The filing was made primarily due to the Company's inability to pay its debts as they became due, including the existence of a significant working capital deficit and continuing lack of compliance with certain financial and technical covenants of the Company's various debt obligations.

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        An order of relief was entered by the Bankruptcy Court, placing Panaco under protection of the Bankruptcy Court, which precluded payment of the interest on the Senior Notes. In addition, payment of liabilities existing as of July 15, 2002 to certain unsecured creditors and pending litigation were stayed during the Bankruptcy proceeding. Panaco has been operating as a debtor-in-possession and continued to operate, conduct business and manage the company's assets in the ordinary course of business during the Chapter 11 proceeding. On November 3, 2004, the Court entered a confirmation order for the Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"). The Plan became effective November 16, 2004 and Panaco began operating as a reorganized entity.

        In aggregate, approximately 55% or $63.8 million of liabilities were forgiven as part of the reorganization comprised of $51.3 million of unsecured Senior Notes and $12.5 million of unsecured creditors. Approximately, $52 million was converted into 100% or 1,000 shares of Panaco new common stock. Overall, at December 31, 2004, Panaco's debt obligations were reduced by 67% to $38 million. Panaco also had unrestricted cash of $23.8 million, working capital of $19.1 million and total equity of $32.2 million.

        Also as a requirement of the confirmation order for our Plan of Reorganization, Panaco entered into a management contract with National Energy Group, Inc. ("NEG") to manage and operate the Company's oil and gas operations, including but not limited to, all land, well, engineering, geological and geophysical, acquisition and divestiture, marketing, operations, contract and compliance functions. NEG also provide all management, administrative and accounting services and maintain insurance coverage usual and customary for companies in the oil and gas industry and consistent with the requirements of our agreements. Under the agreement, all services will be done in compliance with the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Panaco to the extent allowed by the agreements, applicable laws and approval by the Board of Directors. NEG is an affiliate company, as defined in the agreement, and is to be compensated on a monthly basis an amount equal to 115% of the actual direct and indirect administrative overhead costs incurred by NEG in operating and/or administrating the Company's properties. The calculation of the costs will be provided to and approved by the Board of Directors.

Results of Operations

2004 Compared to 2003

        Total revenues increased by $1.0 million, or 2.0%, to $51.2 million for 2004 from $50.2 million for 2003. The increase was due to increased oil and natural gas prices, offset by lower gas and oil production. Average natural gas prices increased $0.45 per Mcf to $5.99 per Mcf for 2004 from $5.54 per Mcf for 2003, and average oil prices increased $9.73 per barrel to $40.61 per barrel for 2004 from $30.88 per barrel for 2003.

        In 2004, Panaco produced 643 Mbbls of oil, a 6.7% decrease compared to 689 Mbbls in 2003 and Panaco produced 3,938 Mmcf of natural gas, a 21.9% decrease from 5,044 Mmcf in 2003. The production decreases were primarily attributable to major storms in the gulf of Mexico, the Company's primary operating area. The Gulf of Mexico had seven named hurricanes in late summer and fall of 2004. Several properties were shut-in due to these storms and weather in general, for as many as three to four months. During this time, the Company also performed necessary maintenance on tangible property to enhance future production levels which delayed the production start up of several properties. In addition, the planned work over of several wells did not prove to be successful in enhancing production levels.

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        Lease operating expenses decreased by $3.2 million, or 18.6%, to $14.0 million for 2004 from $17.2 million for 2003. During mid 2004, Panaco signed agreements with several operators to utilize Panaco's platforms and production facilities to process natural gas and facilitate pipeline transportation of the operator's gas. The arrangements specify a minimum monthly charge for the use of the Panaco facilities, which reduced the company's lease operating costs. In addition, weather conditions did not allow for some maintenance activities to be performed in 2004. In 2003, an extensive amount of maintenance was performed to get the properties up to full production standards and maximum marketability post bankruptcy.

        Oil and natural gas production taxes decreased 30.4% or $.3 million to $0.7 million in 2004. The decrease is primary attributable to the 21.9% decrease in natural gas production.

        Geological and geophysical expenditures were essentially unchanged at $0.1 million.

        Depletion, depreciation and amortization increased $6.2 million, or 48.4%, to $19.0 million in 2004 from $12.8 million in 2003. The decrease was attributable to a higher rate due to a 33% decline in natural gas reserves.

        General and administrative costs, including management fees paid to related parties increased $0.9 million to $3.2 million in 2004 to $2.3 million in 2003. The increase was attributable to the management fees paid to National Energy Group pursuant to the management agreement entered into with NEG following the bankruptcy plan confirmation in November, 2003.

        Bad debt expense decreased $1.8 million to $0.1 million in 2004 from $1.9 million in 2003. The decrease was attributable to several large receivables from non-operators that were unable to pay their operating expenses in 2003.

        The Company recorded a $2.2 million gain on production payment during 2003 due to the unexpected cessation of production from certain wells associated with a non-recourse production payment. The Company's obligations to a former lender were payable solely from the production from certain oil and gas properties. During 2003, the wells associated with the production payment ceased production, thus canceling any further obligation of the Company.

        Interest income increased $0.4 million to $0.7 million due to higher average cash balances in 2004 compared to 2003. Interest expense, including interest expense from related parties, decreased $0.4 million, or 13.8%, to $2.5 million in 2004 from $2.9 million in 2003. Decreased interest expense reflects the lower debt balances since confirmation of the Bankruptcy plan.

        Income before reorganization costs, income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle essentially decreased $2.5 million from $11.6 million in 2003 to $9.1 million in 2004. The decrease is principally due the increased depletion, depreciation and amortization expense incurred in 2004

        Reorganization costs reflect the confirmation of Panaco's Bankruptcy plan and the forgiveness of $63.8 million of liabilities comprising $51.3 million of unsecured Senior Notes and $12.5 million of unsecured creditors. Approximately, $52 million was converted into 100% or 1,000 shares of Panaco new common stock. In addition, the Company incurred $3.8 million in professional fees associated with the bankruptcy proceedings in 2004 compared to $2.9 million in 2003. The fees are primarily comprised of legal fees.

        Deferred tax benefit increased $22.9 million in 2004 from nil in 2003. The 2004 benefit is primarily attributable to the reversal of the valuation allowance for the deferred tax asset. Following the

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confirmation of the bankruptcy plan and, based on projected future taxable income, management determined that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax asset would be realized.

        Panaco recognized a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $12.1 million related to the adoption of SFAS 143 "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations".

2003 Compared to 2002

        Total revenues increased by $11.1 million, or 28.4%, to $50.2 million for 2003 from $39.1 million for 2002. The increase was due to increased oil and natural gas prices and an increase in production. Average natural gas prices increased $0.64 per Mcf to $5.54 per Mcf for 2003 from $4.90 per Mcf for 2002, and average oil prices increased $6.36 per barrel to $30.88 per barrel for 2003 from $24.52 per barrel for 2002.

        In 2003, Panaco produced 689 MBbls of oil, compared to 916 MBbls in 2002, and Panaco produced 5,044 Mmcf of natural gas in 2003, a decrease from 5,622 Mmcf in 2002. This decrease was due to normal production declines.

        Lease operating expenses increased by $2.7 million, or 18.6%, to $17.2 million in 2003 from $14.5 million for 2002. In 2003, an extensive amount of maintenance was performed to get the properties up to full production standards and maximum marketability post bankruptcy.

        Oil and gas production taxes increased by $0.3 million, or 42.8%, to $1.0 million in 2003 from $0.7 million in 2002. The increase directly resulted from increased gas revenue in 2003.

        Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased $24.2 million, or 65.4%, to $12.8 million in 2003 from $37.0 million in 2002. The decrease resulted from the property impairment of $23.3 million recorded in 2002. The 2002 impairment was primarily due to lower estimated of future net revenues from the Company's proved reserves caused mainly by an increase in the estimate of future obligations to plug and abandon the company's oil and gas properties.

        General and administrative expenses decreased $1.3 million, or 36%, to $2.3 million in 2003 from $3.6 million in 2002. This resulted from staff reductions in 2002.

        Interest expense decreased by $6.4 million to $2.9 million in 2003 from $9.3 million in 2002 as a result of the suspension of interest in the senior notes during bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, approximately $1.0 million of debt issuance costs was expensed when the company filed for bankruptcy protection.

        Net loss of $51.7 million was recognized for 2002, compared to net loss of $3.5 in 2003. Net loss 2003 included cumulative effect of accounting change of $12.1million. The 2002 net loss included an impairment expense of $23.2 million and higher depreciation, depletion and amortization in 2002.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

2005 Outlook

        Following the confirmation of the bankruptcy plan in November 2004, the Company has been concentrating on the development and growth of oil and natural gas assets. In early 2005, the company

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sold interests in West Delta properties and transferred the corresponding plugging and abandonment escrow funds and associated environmental, general, plugging and abandonment and other liabilities.

        Panaco expects that its primary sources of cash in 2005 will be cash on hand and funds generated from operations. Based on its current level of operations, Panaco believes that its cash on hand ($23.8 million at December 31, 2004) and cash flow from operations will be adequate to meet its future liquidity needs for 2005.

        Panaco's operating activities provided cash flows of $19.4 million in 2004 compared to $16.4 million in 2003. The increase was primarily due to changes in operating assets and liabilities, primarily driven by lower operating cost.

Capital Expenditures

        During the first two months of 2005, Panaco invested approximately $1.7 million in drilling activity. For the remainder of 2005, Panaco expects to expend approximately $20.9 million on additional drilling and leasing activities.

Derivative Instruments

        During late 2004, the company entered into some large hedging agreements to achieve managed cash flow and reduce exposure to downward price fluctuations.

        Panaco's financial results and cash flows can be significantly impacted as commodity prices fluctuate in response to changing market conditions. To manage its exposure to natural gas or oil price volatility, Panaco may enter into various derivative instruments consisting principally of collar options and swaps.

        While the use of derivative contracts can limit the downside risk of adverse price movements, it may also limit future gains from favorable movements. Panaco addresses market risk by selecting instruments whose value fluctuations correlate strongly with the underlying commodity. Credit risk related to derivative activities is managed by requiring minimum credit standards for counterparties, periodic settlements, and mark to market valuations.

        The following is a summary of the oil and natural gas no-cost commodity price collars entered into with Shell Trading company:

Date of Contract

  Volume/Month
  Production Month
  Floor
  Ceiling
November 2004   25,000 Bbls   2005   $ 42.50   $ 46.00
November 2004   150,000 MMBTU   2005   $ 6.00   $ 8.35

        A liability of $0.9 million was recorded by Panaco as of December 31, 2004 in connection with these contracts.

Inflation and Prices

        The average price of Panaco's natural gas increased from $4.90 per Mcf in 2002 to $5.54 per Mcf in 2003, and $5.99 per Mcf in 2004. The average price of Panaco's oil increase from $24.52 per barrel in 2002 to $30.88 per barrel in 2003, and $40.61 in 2004. These prices reflect average prices for oil and gas sales of the company's continuing operations. The oil and natural gas prices include the effect of Panaco's hedging activity.

        The price of oil and natural gas has a significant impact on Panaco's results of operations. Oil and natural gas prices fluctuate based on market conditions and, accordingly, cannot be predicted. Costs to

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drill, complete and service wells can fluctuate based on demand for these services, which is generally influenced by high or low commodity prices. Panaco's costs and expenses may be subject to inflationary pressures if oil and gas prices are favorable.

        A large portion of Panaco's natural gas is sold subject to market sensitive contracts. Natural gas price risk has historically been mitigated (hedged) by the utilization of swaps, options or collars. Natural gas price hedging decisions have historically been made in the context of Panaco's strategic objectives, taking into account the changing fundamentals of the natural gas marketplace.

Contractual Obligations

        Panaco has various commitments primarily related to funding escrow accounts that are required as collateral for Panaco's offshore retirement obligations. Panaco expects to fund these commitments with cash generated from operations. Panaco has no off-balance sheet debt or other such unrecorded obligations, and has not guaranteed the debt of any other party.

        The following table summarizes Panaco's contractual obligations at December 31, 2004:

 
  Payment Due By Period
Contractual Obligations at
December 31, 2004

  Total
  Less than
1 Year

  1-3 Years
  4-5 Years
  After 5
Years

 
  (in thousands)

Long-term debt   $ 38,000,000   $ 5,429,000   $ 16,287,000   $ 10,858,000   $ 5,426,000
Escrow funding   $ 18,000,000   $ 3,200,000   $ 9,600,000   $ 5,200,000   $
   
 
 
 
 
Total contractual cash obligations   $ 56,000,000   $ 8,629,000   $ 25,887,000   $ 16,058,000   $ 5,426,000
   
 
 
 
 

        Panaco has entered into joint operating agreements, area of mutual interest agreements and joint venture agreements with other companies. These agreements may include drilling commitments or other obligations in the normal course of business.

        In the normal course of business, Panaco has performance obligations which are supported by surety bonds or letters of credit. These obligations are primarily site restoration and dismantlement, royalty payments and exploration programs where governmental organizations require such support.

        Panaco has certain other commitments and uncertainties related to its normal operations, including obligations to plug wells.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        Among other risks, Panaco is exposed to interest rate and commodity price risks.

        The interest rate risk relates to the debt under Panaco's term loan. If market interest rates for short-term borrowings increased 1%, the increase in Panaco's annual interest expense would be approximately $0.4 million.

        Panaco's financial results can be significantly impacted as commodity prices fluctuate in response to changing market forces. From time to time Panaco may enter into various derivative instruments to manage its exposure to price volatility. Panaco employs a policy of hedging oil and gas production. These contracts may take the form of swaps or options. If gas prices decreased $0.50 per Mcf, Panaco's gas sales revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004 would have decreased by $2.5 million, after considering the effects of the derivative contracts in place at December 31, 2004. If the price of crude oil decreased $1.00 per Bbl, Panaco's oil sales revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004 would have decreased by $0.6 million.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        Panaco does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements

Critical Accounting Policies

        Panaco prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and SEC guidance. See the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" elsewhere in this information statement for a more comprehensive discussion of Panaco's significant accounting policies. GAAP requires information in financial statements about the accounting principles and methods used and the risks and uncertainties inherent in significant estimates including choices between acceptable methods. Following is a discussion of Panaco's most critical accounting policies:

Derivatives

        Panaco follows SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities" and SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activity, an Amendment of SFAS 133" which require that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their respective fair value.

        Proved Reserves—Our estimates of proved reserves are based on quantities of oil and natural gas reserves which current geological and engineering data demonstrate are recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. However, there are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in projecting future revenues, rates of production and timing of development expenditures, including many factors beyond our control. The estimation process relies on assumptions and interpretations of available geologic, geophysical, engineering and production data and, the accuracy of reserve estimates is a function of the quality and quantity of available data, engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. In addition, as a result of changing market conditions, commodity prices and future development costs will change from year to year, causing estimates of proved reserves to also change. For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, we revised our proved reserves downward by approximately 17.5 and 7.8 Bcfe, respectively, due to proved undeveloped reserves that were depleted or otherwise not recoverable, or from production performance indicating less oil and gas in place or smaller reservoir size than initially estimated. Estimates of proved reserves are key components of our most significant financial estimates involving our unevaluated properties, our rate for recording depreciation, depletion and amortization. Our reserves are fully engineered on an annual basis by independent petroleum engineers (See Note 12—"Supplemental Information Related to Oil and natural Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)").

        Oil and Natural Gas Properties—We utilize the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and natural gas properties. Under this method, lease acquisition costs and exploratory drilling costs are initially capitalized. If proved reserves are not discovered related to these costs, they are expensed. All development costs are capitalized, while all non-drilling exploratory costs, including seismic and rentals are expensed as incurred. We assess periodically on a property by property basis unproved leaseholds with significant acquisitions cost and recognize a loss to the extent that the cost of the property has been impaired. For those unproved leaseholds that are not individually significant, we aggregate such costs and amortized them over an average holding period. In all cases, as unproved leaseholds are determined to be productive, the related costs are transferred to proved leaseholds and depleted on a unit basis. The depletion rates per Mcfe for December 31, 2004 and 2003 were $2.44and $1.95, respectively with the increase due to a decrease in reserves. We also review our properties quarterly when circumstances suggest the need and for impairment. During 2004 and 2003 no impairment was recorded. We did record a $23.3 million oil and natural gas impairment in 2002 due to lower estimates

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of future net cash flow from our proved reserves caused mainly be an increase in the estimate of future obligations to plug and abandon the wells and platforms used on its properties and a negative

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued Statement 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" that will require compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions (e.g., issuance of stock options and restricted stock) to be recognized in the financial statements. With limited exceptions, the amount of compensation cost will be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. In addition, liability awards will be remeasured each reporting period. Compensation cost will be recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. Statement 123(R) replaces SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and supersedes Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." For NEG Holdings, SFAS 123(R) is effective for the first annual reporting period after December 15, 2005. Entities that use the fair-value-based method for either recognition or disclosure under SFAS 123 are required to apply SFAS 123(R) using a modified version of prospective application. Under this method, an entity records compensation expense for all awards it grants after the date of adoption. In addition, the entity is required to record compensation expense for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption. In addition, entities may elect to adopt SFAS 123(R) using a modified retrospective method where by previously issued financial statements are restated based on the expense previously calculated and reported in their pro forma footnote disclosures. The company had no share based payments subject to this standard.

        On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued Statement 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets," an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, to clarify the accounting for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets. SFAS 153 provides a general exception from fair value measurement for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The Statement will be applied prospectively and is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Panaco does not have any nonmonetary transactions for any period presented that this Statement would apply.

        On March 30, 2005, FASB issued FASB FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations." FIN 47 clarifies that the term conditional asset retirement obligation as used in SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and (or) method of settlement. Uncertainty about the timing and or method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonable estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. FIN 47 is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 20005 (December 31, 2005 for calendar year-end companies). Retrospective application of interim financial information is permitted but not required and early adoption is encouraged. The adoption of FIN 47 to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

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APPENDIX D: GB HOLDINGS, INC.

        The information included in this Appendix is taken from the GB Holdings, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.


OVERVIEW

        GB Holdings is a Delaware corporation and was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pratt Casino Corporation, or PCC, through December 31, 1998. PCC, a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in September 1993 and was wholly-owned by PPI Corporation, a New Jersey corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greate Bay Casino Corporation, or GBCC. Effective after December 31, 1998, PCC transferred 21% of the stock ownership in GB Holdings to PBV, Inc., a newly formed entity controlled by certain stockholders of GBCC. As a result of a certain confirmed plan of reorganization of PCC and others in October 1999, the remaining 79% stock interest of PCC in GB Holdings was transferred to Greate Bay Holdings, LLC, or GBLLC, whose sole member as a result of the same reorganization was PPI. In February 1994, GB Holdings acquired Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc., or GBHC, a New Jersey corporation, through a capital contribution by its then parent. From its creation until July 22, 2004, GBHC's principal business activity was its ownership of The Sands Hotel and Casino located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. GB Property Funding Corp., or Property, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GB Holdings, was incorporated in September 1993 as a special purpose subsidiary of GB Holdings for the purpose of borrowing funds for the benefit of GBHC.

        On January 5, 1998, GB Holdings, and its then existing subsidiaries, filed petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. On August 14, 2000, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order, or the Confirmation Order, confirming the Modified Fifth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code Proposed by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and High River Limited Partnership and its affiliates, or the Plan, for GB Holdings and its then existing subsidiaries. High River is an entity controlled by Mr. Icahn. On September 13, 2000, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, or NJCCC, approved the Plan. On September 29, 2000, the Plan became effective. All material conditions precedent to the Plan becoming effective were satisfied on or before September 29, 2000. In addition, as a result of the Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the effective date of the Plan, and in accordance with Statement of Position No. 90-7, "Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code", or SOP 90-7, GB Holdings has adopted "fresh start reporting" in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. GB Holdings' emergence from Chapter 11 resulted in a new reporting entity with no retained earnings or accumulated deficit as of September 30, 2000.

        On the effective date of the Plan, Property's existing debt securities, consisting of its 107/8% First Mortgage Notes due January 15, 2004, or the Old Notes, and all of GB Holdings' issued and outstanding shares of common stock owned by PBV and GBLLC, or the Old Common Stock, were cancelled. As of the effective date of the Plan, an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of new common stock, par value $.01 per share, of GB Holdings were issued and outstanding, and $110,000,000 of 11% Notes were issued by Property. Holders of the Old Notes received a distribution of their pro rata shares of (i) the 11% Notes and (ii) 5,375,000 shares of the GB Holdings' common stock, or the Stock Distribution.

        In October 2003, Atlantic Holdings, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GBHC, was formed. ACE Gaming, a New Jersey limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Holdings, was formed in November 2003. Atlantic Holdings and ACE were formed in connection with a transaction, which included a Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange in which holders of $110 million of 11% Notes due 2005, issued by Property, were given the

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opportunity to exchange such notes, on a dollar for dollar basis, for $110 million of 3% Notes due 2008, issued by Atlantic Holdings. The transaction was consummated on July 22, 2004, and holders of approximately $66.3 million of 11% Notes exchanged such notes for approximately $66.3 million of 3% Notes. Also on July 22, 2004, in connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, the indenture governing the 11% Notes was amended to eliminate certain covenants and to release the liens on the collateral securing such notes. The transaction included, among other things, the transfer of substantially all of the assets of GB Holdings to Atlantic Holdings. The transfer of assets has been accounted for as an exchange of net assets between entities under common control, whereby the entity receiving the assets shall initially recognize the assets and liabilities transferred at their historical carrying amount in the accounts of the transferring entity at the date of transfer. No gain or loss was recorded relating to the transfer. Also on July 22, 2004, in connection with the consummation of the transaction, GBHC and Property merged into GB Holdings with GB Holdings as the surviving entity. Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming own and operate The Sands and prior to July 22, 2004, Atlantic Holdings and its subsidiary, ACE Gaming, had limited operating activities. GB Holdings has no operating activities and it has no income. GB Holdings' only significant asset is its investment in Atlantic Holdings.

        In connection with the transfer of the assets and certain liabilities of GB Holdings, including the assets and certain liabilities of GBHC, Atlantic Holdings issued 2,882,938 shares of common stock to GBHC which, following the merger of GBHC, became the sole asset of GB Holdings. Substantially all of the assets and liabilities of GB Holdings and GBHC, with the exception of the remaining 11% Notes and accrued interest thereon, the Atlantic Holdings common stock, and the related pro rata share of deferred financing costs were transferred to Atlantic Holdings or ACE Gaming. As part of the transaction, an aggregate of 10,000,000 warrants issued by Atlantic Holdings were distributed on a pro rata basis to the stockholders of GB Holdings upon the consummation of the transaction. These warrants allow the holders to purchase from Atlantic Holdings, at an exercise price of $.01 per share, an aggregate of 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock and are only exercisable following the earlier of (1) either the 3% Notes being paid in cash or upon conversion, in whole or in part, into Atlantic Holdings common stock, (2) payment in full of the outstanding principal of the 11% Notes exchanged, or (3) a determination by a majority of the board of directors of Atlantic Holdings, including at least one independent director of Atlantic Holdings, that the warrants may be exercised. The Sands' New Jersey gaming license was transferred to ACE Gaming in accordance with the approval of the NJCCC.

        GB Holdings owns 2,882,938 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock, which, on a non-diluted basis, represents 100% of the outstanding Atlantic Holdings common stock. At the election of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the 3% Notes outstanding, which they may exercise at any time in their sole discretion, the notes are convertible into 4,367,062 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock. Also, as set forth above, if such holders so elect, the warrants will become exercisable for 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock. Currently, affiliates of Mr. Icahn own approximately 96% of the 3% Notes and have the ability, which they may exercise prior to the maturity of the 11% Notes or at any other time in their sole discretion, to determine when and whether the 3% Notes will be paid in or convertible into Atlantic Holdings common stock at, or prior to, maturity, thereby making the warrants exercisable. If the 3% Notes are converted into Atlantic Holdings common stock and if the warrants are exercised, GB Holdings will own 28.8% of the Atlantic Holdings common stock and affiliates of Mr. Icahn will beneficially own approximately 63.4% of the Atlantic Holdings common stock (without giving effect to the affiliates of Mr. Icahn's interest in Atlantic Holdings common stock which is owned by GB Holdings). Affiliates of Mr. Icahn currently own approximately 77.5% of GB Holdings common stock.

        The consolidated financial statements included in GB Holdings' financial statements include the accounts and operations of GB Holdings and its subsidiaries, Atlantic Holdings and ACE, and also

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Property and GBHC until July 22, 2004. All references to GB Holdings, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming refer to such entities as they existed following the consummation of the transaction. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

        GB Holdings and Property listed the GB Holdings' Common Stock and 11% Notes, respectively, on the American Stock Exchange, or AMEX, on March 27, 2001. On January 13, 2004, the SEC granted GB Holdings application to delist the 11% Notes from trading on the AMEX. On January 14, 2004, AMEX halted trading on the 11% Notes and on February 2, 2004 trading resumed. On April 12, 2004, the SEC granted GB Holdings application to delist the 11% Notes from trading on the AMEX. On April 19, 2004 the AMEX delisted the 11% Notes. On September 2, 2004, the SEC granted GB Holdings' application to delist the GB Holdings' common stock from trading on the AMEX effective at the opening of business on September 3, 2004. On September 4, 2004, the AMEX delisted the GB Holdings common stock.

        GB Holdings primarily generates revenues from gaming operations in its Atlantic City facility. GB Holdings' other business activities, including rooms, entertainment, retail store and food and beverage operations, also generate revenues, which are nominal in comparison to the casino operations. The non-casino operations primarily support the casino operation by providing complimentary goods and services to deserving casino customers. The Company competes in a capital intensive industry that requires continual reinvestment in its facility and technology.

The Sands

        The Sands has segregated its gaming customers into three broad segments:

Business Strategy

        Traditionally, The Sands' marketing strategy in the highly competitive Atlantic City market has consisted of seeking premium category patrons. In the past, The Sands has been successful in its marketing efforts towards these premium patrons through its offering of private, limited-access facilities, related amenities and use of information technology to monitor patron play, control certain casino operating costs and target marketing efforts toward frequent visitors with above average gaming budgets. While The Sands strived to maintain market share within this category, competition within the industry for the premium category (both table and slot) reduced The Sands' ability to retain or attract this type of player on a profitable basis.

        In the second quarter of 2002, The Sands changed its marketing strategy to reduce its focus on the lower profit margin premium table games and slot business segments and focus almost exclusively on the mass slot machine segment. In the process, The Sands reduced the number of table games from 69 to 26 and increased its number of slot machines by 400. Towards the end of 2002, it had become apparent that the gain in slot machine revenue could not offset the loss of table game revenue. In addition, the volume required from the mass slot player segment, to make up the loss of the middle to premium slot player segments, could not be accommodated in a property with the physical constraints of The Sands. Subsequent review of marketing data revealed that the loss in table game play had a direct effect on the loss in some slot machine play, as many slot patrons who frequented The Sands with family and friends were forced to patronize competitors to find the variety of gaming experience

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they desired. As a result, by the end of the fourth quarter of 2002, The Sands had redirected its marketing strategy to focus more on the middle to premium categories of slot players and try to recapture the table game segment. The Sands continues to direct its marketing strategy to both the middle and premium slot and table game segments and is aggressively focused on the recovery of inactive players, those specific players who have had prior play at The Sands and are not current customers, and the acquisition of new players with a strong program to generate repeat visits. There will be a significant emphasis to grow the player database through an aggressive attraction program and the redistribution of events, entertainment and promotion expenditures to target the defined customer segments.

        GB Holdings has recognized that the "Sands" name has a strong brand recognition and a rich heritage in gaming that went back to the original property in Las Vegas, Nevada, of the 1950's. Beginning in 2003, GB Holdings began to leverage the heritage of The Sands and promote the property as a boutique casino hotel that provides outstanding value and service that exceeds expectations. The tagline "The Players Place," was developed and encapsulates the benefits of playing slots and tables, as well as communicating the promise that The Sands provide personalized service to its players in an intimate atmosphere offering outstanding gaming odds, highest table game limits, more liberal player rewards towards the avid customer and unparalleled, personal boutique service.

        During the prior three years, The Sands has continued to invest in improvements and upgrades to the casino hotel complex that support this theme. These improvements included new slot machines, renovations to the first floor casino, the showroom, two private lounges for casino guests and hotel room and suite renovations to both The Sands and the Madison House Hotel.

        The first floor casino renovation included the addition of a high limit pit and The Swingers lounge was constructed in the center of the casino to provide a multi-faceted state-of-the-art entertainment experience. The Swingers lounge includes bartop slot machines and is staffed by "Flair Bartenders", part mixologist, part performance artist. In addition, further renovations to the bus lobby entrance, the promotions center and the Platinum Club improved the customer experience by providing easier access to facilities. The slot product has continually been upgraded including converting a majority of all slot machines to ticket-in/ticket-out technology. These slots accept paper cash, coin or coupons and allow the player an option to return winnings or cash-outs in the form of redeemable tickets.

        This technology has gained customer acceptance at competitors and management believes it will enhance profitability by reducing labor intensive slot transactions while providing greater customer service and more uninterrupted player time on machines.

        The Sands uses a player tracking system to record and rate patrons' play through the use of identification cards, which it issues to patrons, or "casino players' cards". All Sands' slot machines are connected with, and information with respect to table games activity can be input into, a computer network. When patrons insert their casino players' card into slot machines or present them to supervisors at table games, meaningful information, including amounts wagered and duration of play, is transmitted in real-time to a casino management database. The information contained in the database facilitates the implementation of targeted and cost effective marketing programs, which appropriately recognize and reward patrons during current and future visits to The Sands. Certain of these marketing programs allow patrons to obtain complimentaries based on levels of play. Such complimentaries include free meals, hotel accommodations, entertainment, retail merchandise, parking, and sweepstakes giveaways. Management believes that its ability to reward its customers on a "same-visit" basis is valuable in encouraging the loyalty of repeat visits. The computer systems also allow The Sands to monitor, analyze and control the granting of gaming credit, promotional expenses and other marketing costs.

        Management primarily focuses its marketing efforts on patrons who have been identified by its casino management computer system as profitable patrons. Management believes that its philosophy of

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encouraging participation in its casino players' card program, using the information obtained thereby to identify the relative playing patterns of patrons and tailoring specific marketing programs and property amenities to this market category enhances profitability of The Sands.

        The Sands also markets to the mass casino patron market through various forms of direct and indirect advertising, and group and bus tour programs. Once new patrons are introduced to The Sands' players' card program, management uses its information technology capabilities to directly market to these patrons to encourage repeat patronage.

Competition.

        The Sands faces intense competition from the eleven other Atlantic City casinos, including the Borgata which opened in July 2003. According to reports of the NJCCC, the twelve Atlantic City casinos currently offer approximately 1.4 million square feet of gaming space.

        On July 3, 2003, The Borgata, a joint venture of Boyd Gaming Corporation and MGM Mirage, opened in the marina district of Atlantic City. The Borgata features a 40-story tower with 2,010 rooms and suites, as well as a 135,000 square-foot casino, restaurants, retail shops, a spa and pool, and entertainment venues. This project represents a significant increase to capacity in the market. In addition, other of The Sands' competitors in Atlantic City have recently completed expansions of their hotels or have announced expansion projects. For example, Resorts Casino opened a 399-room hotel tower addition in July 2004 and the Tropicana Atlantic City has completed a significant expansion which included a 502-room hotel tower, a 25-room conference center, a 2,400 space parking garage, an expanded casino floor and a 200,000 square foot themed shopping, dining and entertainment complex called The Quarter. During 2003, Showboat Atlantic City opened a new 544-room hotel tower and expanded its gaming space to 101,000 square feet and increased its slot machines to 3,972 and has recently announced an expansion and affiliation with House of Blues. The business of the Company may be adversely impacted (1) by the additional gaming and room capacity generated by this increased competition in Atlantic City and/or (2) by other projects not yet announced in New Jersey or in other markets, including Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland. Accordingly, the existing and future competing forces could have a materially adverse impact on the operations of The Sands.

        After the announced acquisition of Caesars Entertainment Corp. by Harrahs Entertainment, Inc. and the related divestiture of the Atlantic City Hilton, of the twelve Atlantic City casinos, Harrahs Entertainment will control four casinos and Colony Capital will control two. Harrahs Entertainment will also control the so-called Traymore site located between the boardwalk and The Sands and has acquired a property contiguous to The Sands' parking garage that formerly contained the Continental Motel property. The Trump Organization controls three of the twelve Atlantic City casinos. The gaming industry is highly competitive and the Company's competitors may have greater resources than the Company. If other properties operate more successfully, if existing properties are enhanced or expanded, or if additional hotels and casinos are established in and around the location in which the Company conducts business, the Company may lose market share. In particular, expansion of gaming in or near the geographic area from which The Sands attracts or expects to attract a significant number of customers could have a significant adverse effect on GB Holdings' business, financial condition and results of operations. The Sands competes, and will in the future compete, with all forms of existing legalized gaming and with any new forms of gaming that may be legalized in the future. Additionally, GB Holdings faces competition from all other types of entertainment.

        The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, or CRDA, is a governmental agency that administers the statutorily mandated investments required to be funded by casino licensees. Legislation enacted during 1993 and 1996 allocated an aggregate of $175 million of CRDA funds and credits to subsidize and encourage the construction of additional hotel rooms by Atlantic City casino licensees. Competitors of The Sands that have the financial resources to construct hotel rooms can take

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advantage of such credits more readily than The Sands. The Sands has an approved hotel expansion program with the CRDA and a retail entertainment development project. Plans have been announced by other casino operators to complete expansions within the required subsidy period. The expansion of existing gaming facilities and the addition of new casinos will continue to increase competition within the Atlantic City market.

        In April 2004, the casino industry, the CRDA and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority agreed to a plan regarding New Jersey video lottery terminals, or VLTs. Under the plan, casinos will pay a total of $96 million over a period of four years, of which $10 million will fund, through project grants, North Jersey CRDA projects and $86 million will be paid to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority who will then subsidize certain New Jersey horse tracks to increase purses and attract higher-quality races that would allow them to compete with horse tracks in neighboring states. In return, the race tracks and New Jersey have committed to postpone any attempts to install VLTs for at least four years. $52 million of the $86 million would be donated by the CRDA from the casinos' North Jersey obligations and $34 million would be paid by the casinos directly. It is currently estimated that The Sands' current CRDA deposits for North Jersey projects are sufficient to fund The Sands' proportionate obligations with respect to the $10 million and $52 million commitments. The Sands' proportionate obligation with respect to the $34 million commitment is estimated to be approximately $1.3 million payable over a four year period. The Sands' proportionate obligation with respect to the combined $10 million and $52 million commitment is estimated to be approximately $2.5 million payable over a four year period.

        On March 1, 2005, the Acting Governor of the State of New Jersey proposed a state budget for the 2005-2006 fiscal year which includes as a revenue source the proceeds from installation and operation of 1,500 to 2,000 VLTs at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This location in Northern New Jersey would be in direct competition for gamblers who now frequent the Atlantic City casinos. At this time, there is no certainty that the Legislature of New Jersey will enact the necessary legislation to permit the installation and operation of these VLTs.

        The Sands also competes with legalized gaming from casinos located on Native American tribal lands. In July 2004, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York unanimously ruled that Native American owned casinos could legally be operated in New York under the New York State law passed in October 2001. That law permits three casinos in Western New York, all of which would be owned by the Seneca Indian Nation. The law also permits up to three casinos in the Catskills in Ulster and Sullivan Counties, also to be owned by Native American Tribes. In addition, the legislation allows slot machines to be placed in Native American-owned casinos. The court also ruled that New York could participate in the Multi-State Mega Millions Lottery Game.

        The New York law had also permitted the installation of VLTs at five racetracks situated across the State of New York. In the July 2004 ruling, the Appellate Division ruled that a portion of the law was unconstitutional because it required a portion of the VLTs revenues to go to horse-racing, breeding funds and track purses. It is anticipated that ruling will be appealed.

        The Pennsylvania legislature passed and the governor signed a bill in July 2004 that will allow for up to 61,000 slot machines state wide in up to 14 different locations, seven or eight of which would be racetracks plus four or five slot parlors in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and two small resorts.

        Maryland is among the other states contemplating some form of gaming legislation. Maryland's proposed legislation would authorize VLTs at some of Maryland's racing facilities. The Maryland Legislature did not enact any legalized gaming legislation during their 2004 legislative sessions.

        In this highly competitive environment, each property's relative success is affected by a great many factors that relate to its location and facilities. These include the number of parking spaces and hotel rooms it possesses, close proximity to Pacific Avenue, the Boardwalk and to other casino/hotels and

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access to the main expressway entering Atlantic City. During 2003, the Pacific Avenue front entrance was redesigned and refurbished as an exclusive entrance for Sands bus patrons, complete with a new and expanded bus waiting lounge. Also during 2003, the porte cochere was renovated and expanded in order to make The Sands more easily accessible to the drive-in customer. In 2004, The Sands renovated an entire floor of standard rooms into suites providing a competitive resource to attract and retain customers in the Middle and Premium Segments. The Sands continued to invest in its slot product by purchasing new slot machines, most of which included ticket-in/ticket-out technology. The ticket-in/ticket-out slot machines are less labor intensive in operation than traditional slot machines.

Industry Developments.

        On July 1, 2003, the State of New Jersey amended the NJCCA to impose various tax increases on Atlantic City casinos, including The Sands. Among other things, the amendments to the NJCCA include the following new tax provisions: (1) a new 4.25% tax on casino complimentaries, with proceeds deposited to the Casino Revenue Fund; (2) an 8% tax on casino service industry multi-casino progressive slot machine revenue, with the proceeds deposited to the Casino Revenue Fund; (3) a 7.5% tax on adjusted net income of licensed casinos, or the Casino Net Income Tax, in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, with the proceeds deposited to the Casino Revenue Fund; (4) a fee of $3.00 per day on each hotel room in a casino hotel facility that is occupied by a guest, for consideration or as a complimentary item, with the proceeds deposited into the Casino Revenue Fund in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, and beginning in State fiscal year 2007, $2.00 of the fee deposited into the Casino Revenue Fund and $1.00 to be transferred to the CRDA; (5) an increase of the minimum casino hotel parking fee from $1.50 to $3.00, with $1.50 of the fee to be deposited into the Casino Revenue Fund in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, and beginning in State fiscal year 2007, $0.50 to be deposited into the Casino Revenue Fund and $1.00 to be transferred to the CRDA for its purposes pursuant to law, and for use by the CRDA to post a bond for $30 million for deposit into the Casino Capital Construction Fund, which was also created by the July 1, 2003 Act; and (6) the elimination of the deduction from casino licensee calculation of gross revenue for uncollectible gaming debt. These changes to the NJCCA, and the new taxes imposed on The Sands and other Atlantic City casinos, will reduce GB Holdings' profitability. For the year ended December 31, 2004, these new and increased taxes have cost The Sands approximately $1.9 million annually in additional net expenses.

        Slot machines continue to be more popular than table games particularly with frequent patrons and with recreational and other casual visitors. Casino operators have been catering increasingly to slot patrons through new forms of promotions and incentives such as slot machines that are linked among the various casinos enabling the pay out of large pooled jackpots, and through more attractive and entertaining gaming machines with secondary jackpots. Various competitors have committed efforts to provide ticket-in/ticket-out technology in their slot product, which appears to be an industry trend for the future. Slot machines generally produce higher margins and profitability than table games because they require less labor and have lower operating costs. As a result, slot machine revenue growth has outpaced table game revenue growth in recent years. In 2004, according to Commission filings, slot win accounted for approximately 73.8% of total Atlantic City gaming win. However, table games remain important to a select category of gaming patrons and industry table game drop has shown two consecutive years of growth in 2004 and 2003 after three straight years of decline. Management believes the availability of table games provides a varied gaming experience that benefits both slot and table game revenues.

Casino Credit.

        Casino operations are conducted on both a credit and a cash basis. Patron gaming debts incurred in accordance with the NJCCA are enforceable under New Jersey law. For the year ended December 31, 2004, gaming credit extended to The Sands' table game patrons accounted for

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approximately 21.8% of overall table game wagering, and table game wagering accounted for approximately 12.1% of overall casino wagering during the period. At December 31, 2004, gaming receivables amounted to $7.8 million before an allowance for uncollectible gaming receivables of $3.5 million. Management believes that such allowance is adequate.

Seasonality.

        Historically, The Sands' operations have been highly seasonal in nature, with the peak activity occurring from May to September. Consequently, the results of operations for the first and fourth quarters are traditionally less profitable than the other quarters of the fiscal year. Such seasonality and fluctuations may materially affect casino revenues and profitability.

Environmental Matters.

        We are subject to various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations that (1) govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water or (2) may impose liability for the costs of cleaning up and certain damages resulting from sites of past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes. We endeavor to maintain compliance with environmental laws, but from time to time, current or historical operations on, or adjacent to, our property may have resulted or may result in noncompliance or liability for cleanup pursuant to environmental laws. In that regard, we may incur costs for cleaning up contamination relating to historical uses of certain of our properties.

License Agreement.

        GB Holdings' rights to the trade name "The Sands" were derived from a license agreement with an unaffiliated third party. Amounts payable by GB Holdings for these rights were equal to the amounts paid to the unaffiliated third party. On September 29, 2000, High River assigned GB Holdings the rights under a certain agreement with the owner of the trade name to use the trade name as of September 29, 2000 through May 19, 2086, subject to termination rights for a fee after a certain minimum term. High River received no payments for its assignment of these rights. Payment is made directly to the owner of the trade name. On or about July 14, 2004, GB Holdings entered into a license agreement with the Las Vegas Sands, Inc., for the use of the trade name "Sands" through May 19, 2086, subject to termination rights for a fee after a certain minimum term. This new license agreement superseded and replaced the above-mentioned trade name rights assigned to GB Holdings by High River. In connection with the transaction discussed above, the July 14, 2004 license agreement was assigned to ACE Gaming as of July 22, 2004. The payments made to the licensor in connection with the trade name amounts to $259,000, $263,000 and $272,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

Employees and Labor Relations.

        In Atlantic City, all employees, except certain hotel employees, must be licensed under the NJCAA. Due to the seasonality of the operations of The Sands, the number of employees varies during the course of the year. At December 31, 2004, The Sands had approximately 1,938 employees. The Sands has collective bargaining agreements with three unions that represent approximately 804 employees. Management considers its labor relations to be good.

Casino Regulation

        Casino gaming is strictly regulated in Atlantic City under the NJCCA and the regulations of the NJCCC, which affect virtually all aspects of the operations of The Sands. The NJCCA and regulations affecting Atlantic City casino licensees concern primarily the financial stability, integrity and character

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of casino operators, their employees, their debt and equity security holders and others financially interested in casino operations; the nature of casino/hotel facilities; the operation methods (including rules of games and credit granting procedures) and financial and accounting practices used in connection with casino operations. A number of these regulations require practices that are different from those in casinos in Nevada and elsewhere, and some of these regulations result in casino operating costs greater than those in comparable facilities in Nevada and elsewhere.

Casino Licenses.

        NJCCA requires that all casino owners and management contractors be licensed by the NJCCC and that all employees, except for certain non-casino related job positions, major shareholders and other persons or entities financially interested in the casino operation be either licensed or approved by the NJCCC. A license is not transferable and may be revoked or suspended under certain circumstances by the NJCCC. A plenary license authorizes the operation of a casino with the games authorized in an operation certificate issued by the NJCCC, and the operation certificate may be issued only on a finding that the casino conforms to the requirements of the NJCCA and applicable regulations and that the casino is prepared to entertain the public. Under such determination, ACE Gaming has been issued a plenary casino license. The plenary license issued to The Sands was renewed by the NJCCC in September 2004 for a period of four years.

        In order to renew The Sands' casino license, the NJCCC determined that Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming are financially stable. In order to be found "financially stable" under the NJCCA, Atlantic Holdings and ACE Gaming must demonstrate, among other things, their ability to pay, exchange, or refinance debts that mature or otherwise become due and payable during the license term, or to otherwise manage such debts. During July 2004, The Sands filed a timely renewal application of its casino license for a four year term. The NJCCC approved The Sands casino license renewal application for a four year term on September 29, 2004 with certain conditions, including monthly written reports on the status of the 11% Notes, and a definitive plan to address the maturity of the 11% Notes to be submitted no later than August 1, 2005 as well as other standard industry reporting requirements.

        The NJCCA provides for a casino license fee of not less than $200,000 based upon the cost of the investigation and consideration of the license application, and a renewal fee of not less than $100,000 or $200,000 for a one year or four year renewal, respectively, based upon the cost of maintaining control and regulatory activities. In addition, a licensee must pay annual taxes of 8% of casino win, as defined in the NJCCA.

        The NJCCA also requires casino licensees to pay an investment alternative tax of 2.5% of Gross Revenue, or the 2.5% Tax, or, in lieu thereof, to make quarterly deposits of 1.25% of quarterly Gross Revenue with the CRDA, or the Deposits. The Deposits are then used to purchase bonds at below-market interest rates from the CRDA or to make qualified investments approved by the CRDA. The CRDA administers the statutorily mandated investments required to be funded by casino licensees and is required to expend the monies received by it for eligible projects as defined in the NJCCA. The Sands has elected to make the Deposits with the CRDA rather than pay the 2.5% Tax.

        The NJCCA also imposes certain restrictions upon the ownership of securities issued by a corporation that holds a casino license or is a holding company of a corporate licensee. Among other restrictions, the sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition of any security issued by a corporate licensee or holding company is subject to the regulation of the NJCCC. The NJCCC may require divestiture of any security held by a disqualified holder such as an officer, director or controlling stockholder who is required to be qualified under the NJCCA.

        Note holders are also subject to the qualification provisions of the NJCCA and may, in the sole discretion of the NJCCC, be required to make filings, submit to regulatory proceedings and qualify

D-9



under the NJCCA. If an investor is an "Institutional Investor" such as a retirement fund for governmental employees, a registered investment company or adviser, a collective investment trust, or an insurance company, then, in the absence of a prima facie showing by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement that the "Institutional Investor" may be found unqualified, the NJCCC shall grant a waiver of this qualification requirement with respect to publicly traded debt or equity securities of parent companies or affiliates if the investor will own (i) less than 10% of the common stock of the company in question on a fully diluted basis, or (ii) less than 20% of such company's overall indebtedness provided the investor owns less than 50% of an outstanding issue of indebtedness of such company; the NJCCC, upon a showing of good cause, may, in its sole discretion, grant a waiver of qualification to an "Institutional Investor" not satisfying the above percentage criteria. An "Institutional Investor" must also purchase securities for investment and have no intent to influence the management or operations of such company. The NJCCC may, in its sole discretion, grant a waiver of the qualification requirement to investors not qualifying as "Institutional Investors" under the NJCCA if such investors will own less than 5% of the publicly traded common stock of such company on a fully diluted basis or less than 15% of the publicly traded outstanding indebtedness of such company.

Properties

        The Sands is located in Atlantic City, New Jersey on approximately 6.1 acres of land one-half block from the Boardwalk at Brighton Park between Indiana Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The Sands' facility currently consists of a casino and simulcasting facility with approximately 78,000 square feet of gaming space containing approximately 2,205 slot machines and approximately 73 table games; 2 hotels (see discussion on the Madison House Hotel immediately below) with an overall total of 620 rooms (including 187 suites); five restaurants; two cocktail lounges; two private lounges for invited guests; an 800-seat cabaret theater; retail space; an adjacent nine-story office building with approximately 77,000 square feet of office space for its executive, financial and administrative personnel; the "People Mover", an elevated, enclosed, one-way moving sidewalk connecting The Sands to the Boardwalk using air rights granted by an easement from the City of Atlantic City and a garage and surface parking for approximately 1,684 vehicles.

        The Sands entered into a long-term lease of the Madison House Hotel. The initial lease period is from December 2000 to December 2012 with lease payments ranging from $1.8 million per year to $2.2 million per year. The Madison House is physically connected at two floors to the existing Sands casino-hotel complex. The Sands completed renovations in 2002 to upgrade and combine the rooms of the Madison House into a total of 113 suites and 13 single rooms. It is the intention of The Sands to maintain and operate the Madison House at the same quality level as The Sands.

        With the exception of the land over which the People Mover is constructed and the Madison House Hotel land, The Sands owns the land and improvements comprising The Sands' facility. The Sands owns and operates the casino, the hotel, all of the restaurants, the cocktail lounge, the private lounges, the theatre and a retail gift shop. In addition, The Sands has licensed certain space within the hotel building to unrelated third parties who operate a beauty shop, a peanut shop, a game room and a coffee stand.

Legal Proceedings

        GB Holdings is, from time to time, party to various legal proceedings arising out of its businesses. Management of GB Holdings believes, however, that other than the proceedings discussed below, there are no proceedings pending or threatened against it, which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect upon its business, financial conditions, results of operations or liquidity.

        Tax appeals on behalf of ACE and the City of Atlantic City challenging the amount of ACE's real property assessments for tax years 1996 through 2003 are pending before the NJ Tax Court.

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        By letter dated January 23, 2004, Sheffield Enterprises, Inc. asserted potential claims against The Sands under the Lanham Act for permitting a show entitled The Main Event, to run at The Sands during 2001. Sheffield also asserts certain copyright infringement claims growing out of the Main Event performances. This matter was concluded by a confidential settlement entered in to by the parties in January 2005. Under the settlement, The Sands was fully indemnified by Main Event's insurer for the amount of the stipulated damages. The Sands was responsible for payment of its own legal fees, which were not material.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table summarizes certain selected historical consolidated financial data of GB Holdings, and is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with GB Holdings' consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto contained elsewhere herein. The data as of December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of GB Holdings at those dates and for those periods.

        All references herein to GB Holdings are on a consolidated basis and all operating assets, including cash, are owned by GB Holdings' subsidiaries, Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings Inc. and ACE Gaming LLC, and GB Holdings' sole asset is 2,882,938 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock.

        GB Holdings implemented Statement of Position No. 90-7 "Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code" and, therefore, adopted "fresh start reporting" as of September 30, 2000. The Company's emergence from its Chapter 11 proceedings resulted in a new reporting entity with no retained earnings or accumulated deficit as of September 30, 2000. Accordingly, GB Holdings' consolidated financial statements for periods prior to September 30, 2000 are not comparable to consolidated financial statements presented on or subsequent to September 30, 2000. Column headings have been included on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations data to distinguish between the pre-reorganization and post-reorganization entities.

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GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

Statements of Operations Data:

 
  Post-reorganization
  Pre-
Reorganization

 
 
  Year
Ended
12/31/04

  Year
Ended
12/31/03

  Year
Ended
12/31/02

  Year
Ended
12/31/01

  10/01/00
through
12/31/00

  01/01/00
through
09/30/00

 
Total Revenues   $ 194,389   $ 191,683   $ 213,273   $ 237,463   $ 47,910   $ 168,634  
Promotional Allowances     (23,146 )   (23,934 )   (23,356 )   (29,298 )   (7,099 )   (20,922 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues     171,243     167,749     189,917     208,165     40,811     147,712  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:                                      
  Departmental     153,087     155,122     169,046     189,393     41,702     124,897  
  Depreciation and amortization     14,898     14,123     13,292     10,511     2,756     8,561  
  Provision for obligatory investments     1,165     1,434     1,521     1,238     1,068     853  
  Loss on impairment of assets             1,282              
  Loss on disposal of fixed assets     152     28     185     20     11     10  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total Expenses     169,302     170,707     185,326     201,162     45,537     134,321  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) from operations     1,941     (2,958 )   4,591     7,003     (4,726 )   13,391  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-operating income (expense):                                      
  Interest income     422     627     1,067     2,671     1,338     518  
  Interest expense     (11,115 )   (12,581 )   (12,195 )   (11,453 )   (3,143 )   (366 )
  Debt restructuring costs     (3,084 )   (1,843 )                
  Reorganization costs                     34     (2,807 )
  Gain on prepetition debt discharge                         14,795  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total non-operating expense, net     (13,777 )   (13,797 )   (11,128 )   (8,782 )   (1,771 )   12,140  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes     (11,836 )   (16,755 )   (6,537 )   (1,779 )   (6,497 )   25,531  
Income tax provision     (986 )   (958 )   (784 )   (55 )        
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income   $ (12,822 ) $ (17,713 ) $ (7,321 ) $ (1,834 ) $ (6,497 ) $ 25,531  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic/diluted (loss) income per common share:   $ (1.28 ) $ (1.77 ) $ (0.73 ) $ (0.18 ) $ (0.65 ) $ 2.55 (1 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding     10,000,000     10,000,000     10,000,000     10,000,000     10,000,000     10,000,000  

Other Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Capital Expenditures   $ 17,378   $ 12,825   $ 14,058   $ 23,095   $ 2,934   $ 14,422  
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(3)     0.0x     (0.2 )x   0.5x     0.9x     5.9x (2)      
Deficiency of less than one-to-one ratio   $ 11,483   $ 16,452   $ 6,300   $ 1,779   $        

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Balance Sheet Data:

 
  As of
12/31/04

  As of
12/31/03

  As of
12/31/02

  As of
12/31/01

  As of
12/31/00

Total assets   $ 216,958   $ 227,563   $ 244,712   $ 255,922   $ 264,247
Total current capital leases     248                
Total current portion long-term debt     43,741                
Total non-current capital leases     432                
Total long-term debt     66,259     110,000     110,000     110,371     110,838
Shareholder's equity     35,226     91,635     109,348     116,669     118,503

(1)
Income (loss) per share information is presented on a pro forma basis for periods presented prior to the September 30, 2000.

(2)
Includes $14,795 of gain on pre-petition debt discharge and is presented for combined full year 2000.

(3)
For purposes of calculating this ratio, earnings consist of the sum of (a) pretax income, (b) fixed charges and (c) amortization of capitalized interest, less the sum of interest capitalized. Fixed charges consists of (a) interest expensed and capitalized, (b) amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness, and (c) our estimate of the interest within rental expense.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        In connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange described above, holders of $66,258,970 of 11% Notes exchanged such notes for an equal principal amount of 3% Notes. As a result, $43,741,030 of principal amount of the 11% Notes remain outstanding and will mature on September 29, 2005. GB Holdings' ability to pay the interest and principal amount of the remaining 11% Notes at maturity in September 2005 will depend upon its ability to refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings Common Stock or from a borrowing. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the interest and principal due on the remaining 11% Notes at maturity it could result in, among other things, the possibility of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy protection or being forced into bankruptcy or reorganization. The status of the 11% Notes due September 2005 is currently being reviewed by the Company and various alternatives are being evaluated.

        GB Holdings management believes that cash flows generated from operations of its subsidiaries during 2005, as well as available cash reserves, will be sufficient to meet their operating plan. Based upon expected cash flow generated from operations, GB Holdings' management determined that it would be prudent for GB Holdings' subsidiaries to obtain a line of credit to provide additional cash availability, to meet the working capital needs of the subsidiaries, in the event that anticipated cash flow is less than expected or expenses exceed those anticipated. As a result of this determination, on November 12, 2004, Atlantic Holdings and ACE entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility, with Fortress Credit Corp, or Fortress, which provides for working capital loans of up to $10 million to be used for working capital purposes, in the operation of The Sands. The loan agreement and the loans thereunder have been designated by the Board of Directors of Atlantic Holdings and Atlantic Holdings, as manager of ACE, as Working Capital Indebtedness (as that term is defined in the Indenture, dated as of July 22, 2004, among Atlantic Holdings, as issuer, ACE, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee). As of December 31, 2004, Atlantic Holdings had not borrowed any funds available under the $10 million credit facility.

        Atlantic Holdings and ACE are currently exploring various plans for potential expansion and improvements. If they decide to expand and improve the facilities, they will need to obtain additional financing since internally generated funds and amounts available for borrowing under existing facilities would not be sufficient. They may not be able to obtain the required consents or additional financing.

Operating Activities

        At December 31, 2004, GB Holdings had cash and cash equivalents of $12.8 million. GB Holdings generated $4.4 million of net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $2.3 million used in operating activities and $9.7 million provided by operating activities during the years ending December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Investing Activities

        Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2004 amounted to $17.4 million compared to $12.8 million and $14.1 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The 2004 expenditures primarily included the 15th floor suite renovations, new slot machines and refurbishing premium slot and table game areas of the casino. In order to enhance its competitive position in the market place, The Company may determine to incur additional substantial costs and expenses to maintain, improve and expand its facilities and operations depending on availability of cash flow.

        GB Holdings is required by the NJCCA to make certain quarterly deposits based on gross revenue with the CRDA in lieu of a certain investment alternative tax. Deposits for the years ended

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December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $2.3 million, $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Financing Activities

        In connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange described above, holders of approximately $66,259,000 of 11% Notes exchanged such notes for an equal principal amount of 3% Notes. As a result, approximately $43,741,000 of principal amount of the 11% Notes remain outstanding and mature on September 29, 2005. GB Holdings' ability to pay the interest and principal amount of the remaining 11% Notes at maturity on September 29, 2005 will depend upon its ability to refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings Common Stock or from a borrowing. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the interest and principal due on the remaining 11% Notes at maturity it could result in, among other things, the possibility of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy protection or being forced into bankruptcy or reorganization. The 3% Notes mature on July 22, 2008.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, accrued interest on the 11% Notes was $1,216,000 and $3,092,000, respectively. Interest on the 11% Notes is due semi-annually on March 29th and September 29th. Accrued interest on the 3% Notes was $883,000 at December 31, 2004. Interest on the 3% Notes is due at maturity, on July 22, 2008.

        On November 12, 2004, Atlantic Holdings and ACE entered into a Loan and Security Agreement or the Loan Agreement, by and among Atlantic Holdings, as borrower, ACE, as guarantor, and Fortress Credit Corp., as lender, and certain related ancillary documents, pursuant to which, Fortress agreed to make available to Atlantic Holdings a senior secured revolving credit line providing for working capital loans of up to $10 million or the Loans, to be used for working capital purposes in the operation of The Sands. The Loan Agreement and the Loans thereunder have been designated by the Board of Directors of Atlantic Holdings and Atlantic Holdings, as manager of ACE, as Working Capital Indebtedness (as that term is defined in the Indenture) or the Indenture, dated as of July 22, 2004, among Atlantic Holdings, as issuer, ACE, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee or the Trustee.

        The aggregate amount of the Loans shall not exceed $10 million plus interest. All Loans under the Loan Agreement are payable in full by no later than the day immediately prior to the one-year anniversary of the Loan Agreement, or any earlier date on which the Loans are required to be paid in full, by acceleration or otherwise, pursuant to the Loan Agreement.

        The outstanding principal balance of the Loan Agreement will accrue interest at a fixed rate to be set monthly which is equal to one month LIBOR (but not less than 1.5%), plus 8% per annum. In addition to interest payable on the principal balance outstanding from time to time under the Loan Agreement, Atlantic Holdings is required to pay to Fortress an unused line fee for each preceding three-month period during the term of the Loan Agreement in an amount equal to .35% of the excess of the available commitment over the average outstanding monthly balance during such preceding three-month period.

        The Loans are secured by a first lien and security interest on all of Atlantic Holdings' and ACE's personal property and a first mortgage on The Sands. Fortress entered into an Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2004, with the Trustee pursuant to the Loan Agreement. The Liens (as that term is defined in the Indenture) of the Trustee on the Collateral (as that term is defined in the Indenture), are subject and inferior to Liens which secure Working Capital Indebtedness such as the Loans.

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        Fortress may terminate its obligation to advance and declare the unpaid balance of the Loans, or any part thereof, immediately due and payable upon the occurrence and during the continuance of customary defaults which include payment default, covenant defaults, bankruptcy type defaults, attachments, judgments, the occurrence of certain material adverse events, criminal proceedings, and defaults by Atlantic Holdings or ACE under certain other agreements.

        The Borrower and Guarantor on the Loan Agreement are required to maintain the following financial covenants; (1) a minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Loan Agreement) of $12.5 million, which shall be measured and confirmed as of the twelve month period ended each respective January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year until the full and final satisfaction of the loan and (2) a Minimum Leverage Ratio of which the Borrower shall not permit its ratio of defined Total Debt to EBITDA, as measured and confirmed annually on a trailing twelve month basis to exceed 6.25:1. As of December 31, 2004, GB Holdings is in compliance with these covenants.

        Pursuant to New Jersey law, the corporate owner of The Sands is required to maintain a casino license in order to operate The Sands. The gaming licenses required to own and operate The Sands were required to be renewed in 2004, which required that the CCC determine that among other things, Atlantic Holdings and ACE are financially stable. In order to be found "financially stable" under NJCCA, Atlantic Holdings and ACE had to demonstrate among other things, its ability to pay, exchange, or refinance debts that mature or otherwise become due and payable during the license term, or to otherwise manage such debts. During July 2004, The Sands filed a timely renewal application of its casino license for a four year term. The CCC approved The Sands' casino license renewal application on September 29, 2004 with certain conditions, including monthly written reports on the status of the 11% Notes, a definitive plan to address the maturity of the 11% Notes, to be submitted no later than August 1, 2005 as well as other standard industry reporting requirements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        GB Holdings' discussion and analysis of its results of operations and financial condition are based upon its consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles or US GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates may form the basis of the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities and may not be readily apparent from other sources. Actual results, under conditions and circumstances different from those assumed, may differ from estimates. The impact and any associated risks related to estimates, assumptions, and accounting policies are discussed within Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, if applicable, where such estimates, assumptions, and accounting policies affect GB Holdings' reported and expected financial results.

        GB Holdings believes the following accounting policies are critical to its business operations and the understanding of results of operations and affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements:

        Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—GB Holdings maintains accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The adequacy of the allowance is determined by management based on a periodic review of the receivable portfolio. Additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of GB Holdings' customers deteriorates.

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        Commitments and Contingencies—Litigation—On an ongoing basis, GB Holdings assesses the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits or claims brought against GB Holdings. While it is typically very difficult to determine the timing and ultimate outcome of such actions, GB Holdings uses its best judgment to determine if it is probable that it will incur an expense related to the settlement or final adjudication of such matters and whether a reasonable estimation of such probable loss, if any, can be made. In assessing probable losses, GB Holdings makes estimates of the amount of insurance recoveries, if any. GB Holdings accrues a liability when it believes a loss is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent uncertainties related to the eventual outcome of litigation and potential insurance recovery, it is possible that certain matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from any provisions or disclosures that GB Holdings has previously made.

        Long-Lived Assets—GB Holdings periodically reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Assumptions and estimates used in the determination of impairment losses, such as future cash flows and disposition costs, may affect the carrying value of long-lived assets and possible impairment expense in GB Holdings' consolidated financial statements.

        Self-Insurance—GB Holdings retains the obligation for certain losses related to customer's claims of personal injuries incurred while on GB Holdings property as well as workers compensation claims beginning in 2002 and major medical claims for non-union employees beginning in 2003. GB Holdings accrues for outstanding reported claims, claims that have been incurred but not reported and projected claims based upon management's estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims using historical experience, and adjusting company's estimates and the estimated trends in claim values. Although management believes it has the ability to adequately project and record estimated claim payments, it is possible that actual results could differ significantly from the recorded liabilities.

        Income Taxes—GB Holdings accounts for income tax assets and liabilities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, Accounting for Income Taxes, or SFAS No. 109. SFAS No. 109 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. GB Holdings maintains valuation allowances where it is determined more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, Management takes into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax planning strategies. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits of certain future deductible temporary differences will be realized based on the reversal of existing temporary differences, and therefore, a valuation allowance has not been provided for these deferred tax assets. Additionally, management has determined that the realization of certain of GB Holdings' deferred tax assets is not more likely than not and, as such, has provided a valuation allowance against those deferred tax assets at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

        Allowance for Obligatory Investments—GB Holdings obligatory investment allowances for its investments made in satisfaction of its CRDA obligation. The obligatory investments may ultimately take the form of CRDA issued bonds, which bear interest at below market rates, direct investments or donations. CRDA bonds bear interest at approximately one-third below market rates. Management bases its reserves on the type of investments the obligation has taken or is expected to take. Donations of The Sands' quarterly deposits to the CRDA have historically yielded a 51% future credit or refund of obligations. Therefore, management has reserved the predominant balance of its obligatory investments at between 33% and 49%.

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Results of Operations

Gaming Operations

        Information contained herein, regarding Atlantic City casinos other than The Sands, was obtained from reports filed with the Commission.

        Table game drop increased by $30.0 million (13.8%) during 2004 compared with 2003 and decreased by $24.7 million (10.2%) in 2003 compared to 2002. By comparison, according to Commission reports, table game drop at all other Atlantic City casinos increased 10.3% in 2004 compared to 2003 and by 2.6% in 2003 compared to 2002. During 2004, The Sands has gradually increased its number of table games to 83 units at December 31, 2004 after increasing to 73 units in 2003 from 40 units at the end of 2002. The table game product was supported by marketing, player development and customer service programs that focused on attracting premium and middle category table game players.

        Slot machine handle decreased $124.0 million (6.5%) during 2004, compared with 2003 and $307.5 million (13.8%) in 2003 compared to 2002. By comparison, according to Commission reports, the percentage increase in slot machine handle for all other Atlantic City casinos for the same periods was 6.7% and 2.1%, respectively. The decreased Sands slot handle during 2004 and 2003 can be attributed to an increase in competitive capacity of both gaming space and hotel rooms in the Atlantic City Market. The number of slot machines increased slightly at The Sands to 2,205 at December 31, 2004 compared to 2,202 at December 31, 2003. For all other Atlantic City casinos, the number of slot machines decreased 1.9% in 2004 compared to 2003.

        Casino revenues at The Sands increased by $2.8 million (1.8%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and decreased by $20.3 million (11.5%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 increase was due to the $7.0 million increase in table game revenues, which was a result of the $30.0 million (13.8%) increase in table game drop and a 1.0% increase in table hold percentage. An increase in slot hold percentage from 7.78% in 2003 to 8.15% in 2004 slightly offset the impact of the decrease in slot handle. The 2003 decrease was due to the $19.3 million decline in slot revenues, which was a result of the $307.5 million (13.8%) decrease in slot handle. The decrease in slot handle was primarily due to an increase in competitive capacity in the Atlantic City market.

        Room revenues decreased by $86,000 (0.8%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and by $149,000 (1.3%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is due to a decrease in occupied room nights offset slightly by an increase in average room rates. The 2004 decrease in occupied room nights was due to the continuing increased rooms inventory in the Atlantic City market and a conscious decision to reduce the number of complimentary rooms allotted to lower rated customers as compared to the prior year. The 2003 decrease is due to a decrease in occupied room nights while average room rates remained flat. This was a result of a decrease in occupied room nights for cash sales, offset slightly by an increase in occupied room nights for complimentary rooms. The 2003 decline in occupied room nights for cash sales is primarily due to the increased rooms inventory in the Atlantic City market as a result of the Borgata, which opened in July 2003, as well as room additions at existing competitors.

        Food and beverage revenues decreased $64,000 (0.3%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and decreased by $1.4 million (5.8%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is due to a $662,000 decrease in food revenue offset by a $598,000 increase in beverage revenues. The decrease in food revenue is primarily due to a decrease in cash sales and covers in the Boardwalk Buffet. The increase in beverage revenue is due to increased sales (cash and complimentary) in Swingers Lounge. The 2003 decrease is due to a decrease in food revenue ($2.2 million) partially offset by an increase in beverage revenues

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($841,000). The decrease in food revenue occurred predominantly in the high volume outlets (Boardwalk Buffet and Food Factory). The Food Factory has been closed since December 2002. In 2002, these outlets were the preferred choice of and marketed to the mass category slot player. The 2003 increase in beverage revenue is primarily due to the new Swingers lounge, which opened in July 2003, as well as increases in room service and casino service bars.

        Other revenues increased $26,000 in 2004 compared to 2003 and by $179,000 (4.8%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 increase is due to increased revenue from outlet rentals, parking and commissions offset by decreases in entertainment and retail sales. The 2003 increase is due to increased revenue in entertainment, lobby store sales and parking. These increases were primarily from complimentaries provided to customers in the middle and premium segments.

        Promotional allowances are comprised of the estimated retail value of complimentary goods and services provided to the casino customers under various marketing programs. As a percentage of casino revenues, promotional allowances decreased to 14.7% during 2004 compared to 15.5% during 2003 and increased from 13.3% in 2002. The 2004 decrease is primarily attributable to a Company emphasis to provide increased profitability of customers and less reliance on lower rated room customers. The 2003 increase is a result of the marketing, player development and customer service programs implemented to maintain and recapture lost market share in the middle and premium player segments due to the reduction in table games and the marketing program during the summer of 2002 that focused on the mass slot player segments.

        Casino expenses at The Sands decreased by $2.2 million (4.2%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and by $7.3 million (12.2%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is primarily due to reduced payroll and benefits costs ($1.9 million) as a result of the increased utilization of ticket-in/ticket-out slot technology, which reduces related slot and cashier labor. The 2003 decrease is primarily due to a reduction in casino payroll and employee benefits ($2.4 million) as a result of a full year of lower employment levels related to a series of layoffs and job eliminations beginning in 2001. Other favorable casino expense variances in 2003 were directly related to the lower casino revenues, including gaming taxes ($1.8 million). The 2002 decrease in casino expenses is primarily due to the reduction of complimentary costs associated with food and beverage and decreased Casino payroll expenses due to the reduction in table games. The decrease in the provision for doubtful accounts expense was caused by a reduction in credit issuance due to lower table game activity. Lower costs for customer transportation were a result of reduced volume in air travel and ground transportation. Reductions in advertising expense and gaming revenue tax also contributed significantly to the decreases in casino expenses in 2002.

        Rooms expenses increased by $720,000 (26.9%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and decreased by $962,000 (26.4%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 increase is primarily due to less allocable cost related to a decrease in complimentary rooms utilization by Casino and Marketing departments ($849,000). The 2003 decrease is primarily due to reductions in staffing, which reduced payroll and employee benefits. Linen usage and laundry expense decreased as a result of fewer occupied rooms in 2003 compared to 2002.

        Food and beverage expenses decreased by $551,000 (6.5%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and by $1.9 million (18.0%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is primarily due to lower payroll and employee benefits ($1.2 million) and cost of food sales ($139,000) offset by increased costs as a result of lower allocable costs for complimentaries ($366,000) and employee meals ($240,000). Cost of beverage sales increased also ($203,000) as a direct result of increased sales. The 2003 decrease is due

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to a decrease in payroll and employee benefits as a result of staffing reductions. Food cost of sales decreased as a result of lower food costs in the Boardwalk Buffet and the closing of the Food Factory in 2002. These favorable variances were offset slightly by lower allocable food and beverage costs transferred to other departments.

        Other expenses decreased by $427,000 (32.9%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and increased by $75,000 (6.1%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is due to lower costs for headline entertainment and allocable cost of complimentaries as a result of fewer headline shows in 2004 than 2003. The 2003 increase was due to increased entertainment costs as the theatre was open more often with headliner entertainers than it was in 2002.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $413,000 (0.5%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and decreased by $3.9 million (4.1%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 increase is due to increases in utilities ($443,000), advertising and payroll taxes ($362,000) partially offset by decreases in allocated cost of complimentaries ($1.0 million). The 2003 decrease was primarily due to lower payroll and benefits costs ($2.1 million) as a result of continued labor efficiencies. Also contributing to the decrease in 2003, was lower severance payouts ($1.6 million) than in 2002 as a result of smaller adjustments in staffing levels than in the prior year. These favorable variances were offset somewhat by increases in insurance premiums and reserves due to market conditions and higher payouts and more significant claims in 2003.

        Depreciation and amortization increased by $775,000 (5.5%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and by $831,000 (5.7%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 and 2003 increase is due to increased depreciation expense ($773,000 and $826,000, respectively) resulting from further renovations and upgrades to infrastructure and public areas such as the replacement of slot machines, the 15th floor suite renovations, Swingers Lounge, Platinum Club and the new bus entrance and waiting area.

        Interest income decreased by $205,000 (32.7%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and by $440,000 (41.2%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 and 2003 decreases were due to lower invested cash reserves, which were used to fund capital expenditures, debt restructuring costs and consent fees during those years.

        Interest expense decreased by $1.5 million (11.7%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and increased by $386,000 (3.2%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 decrease is primarily due to the modification of debt resulting in the exchange of approximately $66.3 million in notes accruing interest at 11% for an equal amount at 3% interest. The increase in 2003 is due to lower levels of capitalized interest than in 2002.

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        Income tax provision increased $28,000 (2.9%) in 2004 compared to 2003 and $174,000 (22.2%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 increase is primarily due to the increase in net revenues, which is the basis for the New Jersey Alternative Minimum Assessment. The 2003 increase is predominantly due to the newly enacted New Jersey Casino Net Income Tax ($175,000), which became effective in July 2003.

Contractual Obligations

        The following table sets forth the contractual obligations of GB Holdings at December 31, 2004.

 
  Payments Due By Period
Contractual Obligations

  Total
  Less Than
1 Year

  1-3
Years

  3-5
Years

  More Than
5 Years

Long-Term Debt   $ 110,000,000   $ $43,741,000   $   $ 66,259,000   $
Capital Lease Obligations     760,000     286,000     474,000        
Obligatory Contributions:                              
  CRDA Obligation     4,736,000     74,000     154,000     2,244,000     2,264,000
  VLT Agreement     2,860,000     953,000     1,907,000        
Operating Leases:                              
  Madison House     16,226,000     1,800,000     3,996,000     3,996,000     6,434,000
  Equipment     167,000     167,000            
   
 
 
 
 
  Total Contractual Obligations   $ 134,749,000   $ $47,021,000   $ 6,531,000   $ 72,499,000   $ 8,698,000
   
 
 
 
 

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

        The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this Form 10-K and other materials filed or to be filed by GB Holdings, with the SEC (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made by such companies) contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to future expansion plans, future construction costs and other business development activities including other capital spending, economic conditions, financing sources, competition and the effects of tax regulation and state regulations applicable to the gaming industry in general or GB Holdings in particular. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of GB Holdings. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to development and construction activities, dependence on existing management, leverage and debt service (including sensitivity to fluctuations in interest rates), domestic or global economic conditions, activities of competitors and the presence of new or additional competition, fluctuations and changes in customer preference and attitudes, changes in federal or state tax laws or the administration of such laws and changes in gaming laws or regulations (including the legalization of gaming in certain jurisdictions).

Risk Factors Related to the Business of GB Holdings

GB Holdings may be unable to pay the interest or principal on the 11% Notes at maturity which may impact our ability to continue as a going concern.

        GB Holdings' ability to pay the interest and principal amount of the remaining 11% Notes at maturity on September 29, 2005 will depend upon its ability to refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings Common Stock or from a borrowing. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the interest and principal due on the remaining 11% Notes

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at maturity it could result in, among other things, the possibility of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy protection or being forced into bankruptcy or reorganization.

The Sands must maintain its casino license in order to operate.

        Pursuant to New Jersey law, the corporate owner of The Sands is required to maintain a casino license in order to operate The Sands. The gaming licenses required to own and operate The Sands were required to be renewed in 2004, which required that the CCC determine that among other things, Atlantic Holdings and ACE are financially stable. In order to be found "financially stable" under the NJCCA, Atlantic Holdings and ACE must demonstrate among other things, their ability to pay, exchange, or refinance debts that mature or otherwise become due and payable during the license term, or to otherwise manage such debts. During July 2004, a timely renewal application of its casino license for a four year term was filed. The CCC approved the casino license renewal application for a four year term on September 29, 2004 with certain conditions, including monthly written reports on the status of the 11% Notes, a definitive plan by GB Holdings to address the maturity of the 11% Notes, to be submitted no later than August 1, 2005 as well as other standard industry reporting requirements.

Going Concern Consideration.

        GB Holdings consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming it will continue as a going concern. Its independent registered public accounting firm's report on our consolidated financial statements, includes an explanatory paragraph relating to substantial doubt as to the ability of GB Holdings to continue as a going concern, due to GB Holdings' recurring net losses, net working capital deficiency and significant current debt obligations. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. On September 29, 2005, the 11% Notes will mature and GB Holdings will owe approximately $46.1 million in interest and principal payments. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the interest and principal due at maturity it will be in default on the 11% Notes.

GB Holdings may need to increase capital expenditures to compete effectively.

        Capital expenditures, such as room refurbishments, amenity upgrades and new gaming equipment, are necessary from time to time to preserve the competitiveness of GB Holdings. The gaming industry is very competitive and is expected to become more competitive in the future. If cash from operations is insufficient to provide for needed levels of capital expenditures, The Sands' competitive position could deteriorate if GB Holdings is unable to borrow funds for such purposes.

If GB Holdings fails to offer competitive products and services or maintain the loyalty of The Sands' patrons, its business will be adversely affected.

        In addition to capital expenditures, GB Holdings is required to anticipate the changing tastes of The Sands' patrons and offer both competitive and innovative products and services to ensure that repeat patrons return and new patrons visit The Sands. The demands of meeting GB Holdings' debt service payments and the need to make capital expenditures limits the available cash to finance such products and services. In addition, the consequences of incorrect strategic decisions may be difficult or impossible to anticipate or correct in a timely manner.

GB Holdings' quarterly operating results are subject to fluctuations and seasonality, and if GB Holdings fails to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors, GB Holdings' share price may decrease significantly.

        GB Holdings' quarterly operating results are highly volatile and subject to unpredictable fluctuations due to unexpectedly high or low losses, changing customer tastes and trends, unpredictable

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patron gaming volume, the proportion of table game revenues to slot game revenues, weather and discretionary decisions by The Sands' patrons regarding frequency of visits and spending amounts. GB Holdings' operating results for any given quarter may not meet analyst expectations or conform to the operating results of GB Holdings' local, regional or national competitors. If GB Holdings' operating results do not conform to such expectations our share price may be adversely affected. Conversely, favorable operating results in any given quarter may be followed by an unexpected downturn in subsequent quarters.

Increased state taxation of gaming and hospitality revenues could adversely affect GB Holdings' results of operations.

        The casino industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate. Gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes. For example, casinos in Atlantic City pay for licenses as well as special taxes to the city and state. New Jersey taxes annual gaming revenues at the rate of 8.0%. New Jersey also levies an annual investment alternative tax of 2.5% on annual gaming revenues in addition to normal federal and state income taxes. This 2.5% obligation, however, can be satisfied by purchasing certain bonds or making certain investments in the amount of 1.25% of annual gaming revenues. On July 3, 2002, the State of New Jersey passed the New Jersey Business Tax Reform Act, which, among other things, suspended the use of the New Jersey net operating loss carryforwards for two years and introduced a new alternative minimum assessment under the New Jersey corporate business tax based on gross receipts or gross profits. For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, there was a charge to income tax provision of $636,000 and $778,000, respectively, related to the impact of the New Jersey Business Tax Reform Act.

        On July 1, 2003, the State of New Jersey amended the NJCCA to impose various tax increases on Atlantic City casinos, including The Sands. Among other things, the amendments to the NJCCA include the following new tax provisions: (i) a new 4.25% tax on casino complimentaries, with proceeds deposited to the Casino Revenue Fund; (ii) an 8% tax on casino service industry multi-casino progressive slot machine revenue, with the proceeds deposited to the Casino Revenue Fund; (iii) a 7.5% tax on adjusted net income of licensed casinos or the Casino Net Income Tax in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, with the proceeds deposited to the Casino Revenue Fund; (iv) a fee of $3.00 per day on each hotel room in a casino hotel facility that is occupied by a guest, for consideration or as a complimentary item, with the proceeds deposited into the Casino Revenue Fund in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, and beginning in State fiscal year 2007 $2.00 of the fee deposited into the Casino Revenue Fund and $1.00 transferred to the CRDA; (v) an increase of the minimum casino hotel parking charge from $2 to $3, with $1.50 of the fee to be deposited into the Casino Revenue Fund in State fiscal years 2004 through 2006, and beginning in State fiscal year 2007, $0.50 to be deposited into the Casino Revenue Fund and $1.00 to be transferred to the CRDA for its purposes pursuant to law, and for use by the CRDA to post a bond for $30 million for deposit into the Casino Capital Construction Fund, which was also created by the July 1, 2003 Act; and (vi) the elimination of the deduction from casino licensee calculation of gross revenue for uncollectible gaming debt. These changes to the NJCCA, and the new taxes imposed on The Sands and other Atlantic City casinos, has reduced the Company's profitability.

        Future changes in New Jersey state taxation of casino gaming companies cannot be predicted and any such changes could adversely affect The Company's profitability.

Energy price increases may adversely affect GB Holdings' costs of operations and revenues of The Sands.

        The Sands uses significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy. While no shortages of energy have been experienced, substantial increases in the cost of forms of energy in the U.S. will negatively affect GB Holdings' operating results. The extent of the impact is subject to the

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magnitude and duration of the energy price increases, but this impact could be material. In addition, higher energy and gasoline prices which affect The Sands' customers may result in reduced visitation to The Sands' property and a reduction in revenues.

A downturn in general economic conditions may adversely affect GB Holdings' results of operations.

        GB Holdings' business operations are affected by international, national and local economic conditions. A recession or downturn in the general economy, or in a region constituting a significant source of customers for The Sands' property, could result in fewer customers visiting GB Holdings' property and a reduction in spending by customers who do visit GB Holdings' property, which would adversely affect the Company's revenues while some of its costs remain fixed, resulting in decreased earnings.

        A majority of The Sands' patrons are from automobile travel and bus tours. Higher gasoline prices could reduce automobile travel to The Sands' location and could increase bus fares to The Sands. In addition, adverse winter weather conditions could reduce automobile travel to The Sands' location and could reduce bus travel. Accordingly, GB Holdings' business, assets, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by a weakening of regional economic conditions and higher gasoline prices or adverse winter weather conditions.

Acts of terrorism and the uncertainty of the outcome and duration of the activity in Iraq and elsewhere, as well as other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, have impacted the gaming industry and may harm GB Holdings' operating results and GB Holdings' ability to insure against certain risks.

        The potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and international responses to terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility have created many economic and political uncertainties which could adversely affect GB Holdings' business and results of operations. Future acts of terror in the U.S. or an outbreak of hostilities involving the United States, may again reduce The Sands' guests' willingness to travel with the result that GB Holdings' operations will suffer.

GB Holding may incur losses that would not be covered by insurance and the cost of insurance will increase.

        Although GB Holdings is required to maintain insurance customary and appropriate for its business GB Holding cannot assure you that insurance will be available or adequate to cover all loss and damage to which GB Holdings' business or GB Holdings' assets might be subjected. In connection with insurance renewals subsequent to September 11, 2001, the insurance coverage for certain types of damages or occurrences has been diminished substantially and is unavailable at commercial rates. GB Holdings is self-insured for certain risks. The lack of insurance for certain types or levels of risk could expose GB Holding to significant losses in the event that an uninsured catastrophe occurred. Any losses GB Holding incurs that are not covered by insurance may decrease its future operating income, require it to find replacements or repairs for destroyed property and reduce the funds available for payments of its obligations on the 11% Notes and 3% Notes.

There are risks related to the creditworthiness of patrons of the casinos.

        GB Holding is exposed to certain risks related to the creditworthiness of its patrons. Historically The Sands has extended credit on a discretionary basis to certain qualified patrons. For the year ended December 31, 2004, gaming credit extended to The Sands' table game patrons accounted for approximately 21.8% of overall table game wagering, and table game wagering accounted for approximately 12.1% of overall casino wagering during the period. At December 31, 2004, gaming receivables amount to $7.8 million before an allowance for uncollectible gaming receivables of $3.5 million. There can be no assurance that defaults in the repayment of credit by patrons of The

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Sands would not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations of The Sands and, consequently GB Holding.

GB Holdings' success depends in part on the availability of qualified management and personnel and on GB Holdings' ability to retain such employees.

        The quality of individuals hired for positions in the hotel and gaming operations will be critical to the success of GB Holdings' business. It may be difficult to attract, retain and train qualified employees due to the competition for employees with other gaming companies and their facilities in GB Holdings' jurisdiction and nationwide. The Borgata opening and other Atlantic City casino expansions has aggravated this problem. Future expansions, in Atlantic City or other neighboring jurisdictions, could further exacerbate this situation. There can be no assurance that GB Holdings will be successful in retaining current personnel or in hiring or retaining qualified personnel in the future. A failure to attract or retain qualified management and personnel at all levels or the loss of any of GB Holdings' or Operating's key executives could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Risk Factors Related to the Gaming Industry

The gaming industry is highly competitive.

        The gaming industry is highly competitive and GB Holdings' competitors may have greater resources than GB Holdings. If other properties operate more successfully, if existing properties are enhanced or expanded, or if additional hotels and casinos are established in and around the location in which GB Holdings conducts business, GB Holding may lose market share. In particular, expansion of gaming in or near the geographic area from which GB Holding attracts or expects to attract a significant number of customers could have a significant adverse effect on GB Holdings' business, financial condition and results of operations. The Sands competes, and will in the future compete, with all forms of existing legalized gaming and with any new forms of gaming that may be legalized in the future. Additionally, GB Holdings faces competition from all other types of entertainment.

Pending and enacted gaming legislation from neighboring States and New Jersey may harm The Sands.

        In the summer of 2003, the State of New Jersey considered approving VLTs at the racetracks in the state and on July 1, 2003, the NJCCA was amended to impose various new and increased taxes on casino license revenues. There is no guarantee that New Jersey will not consider approving VLTs in the future, and if VLTs are approved, it could adversely affect GB Holdings' operations, and an increase in the gross gaming tax without a significant simultaneous increase in revenue would adversely affect GB Holdings' results of operations.

        In April 2004, the casino industry, the CRDA and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority agreed to a plan regarding New Jersey VLTs. Under the plan, casinos will pay a total of $96 million over a period of four years, of which $10 million will fund, through project grants, North Jersey CRDA projects and $86 million will be paid to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority who will then subsidize certain New Jersey horse tracks to increase purses and attract higher-quality races that would allow them to compete with horse tracks in neighboring states. In return, the race tracks and New Jersey have committed to postpone any attempts to install VLTs for at least four years. $52 million of the $86 million would be donated by the CRDA from the casinos' North Jersey obligations and $34 million would be paid by the casinos directly. It is currently estimated that The Sands' current CRDA deposits for North Jersey projects are sufficient to fund The Sands' proportionate obligations with respect to the $10 million and $52 million commitments. The Sands' proportionate obligation with respect to the $34 million commitment is estimated to be approximately $1.3 million payable over a

D-26



four year period. The Sands' proportionate obligation with respect to the combined $10 million and $52 million commitment is estimated to be approximately $2.5 million payable over a four year period.

        The Sands also competes with legalized gaming from casinos located on Native American tribal lands. In July 2004, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York unanimously ruled that Native American owned casinos could legally be operated in New York under the New York State law passed in October 2001. That law permits three casinos in Western New York, all of which would be owned by the Seneca Indian Nation. The law also permits up to three casinos in the Catskills in Ulster and Sullivan Counties, also to be owned by Native American Tribes. In addition, the legislation allows slot machines to be placed in Native American-owned casinos. The court also ruled that New York could participate in the Multi-State Mega Millions Lottery Game.

        The New York law had also permitted the installation of VLTs at five racetracks situated across the State of New York. In the July 2004 ruling, the Appellate Division ruled that a portion of the law was unconstitutional because it required a portion of the VLTs revenues to go to horse-racing, breeding funds and track purses. It is anticipated that ruling will be appealed.

        The Pennsylvania legislature passed and the governor signed a bill in July 2004 that will allow for up to 61,000 slot machines state wide in up to 14 different locations, seven or eight of which would be racetracks plus four or five slot parlors in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and two small resorts.

        Maryland is among the other states contemplating some form of gaming legislation. Maryland's proposed legislation would authorize VLTs at some of Maryland's racing facilities. The Maryland Legislature did not enact any legalized gaming legislation during their 2004 legislative sessions which ended September 30, 2004.

        The Sands' market is primarily a drive-to market, and legalized gambling in Pennsylvania, the Catskills and any other neighboring state within close proximity to New Jersey could have a material adverse effect on the Atlantic City gaming industry overall, including The Sands.

        On March 1, 2005, the Acting Governor of the State of New Jersey proposed a state budget for the 2005-2006 fiscal year which includes as a revenue source the proceeds from installation and operation of 1,500 to 2,000 VLTs at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This location in Northern New Jersey would be in direct competition for gamblers who now frequent the Atlantic City casinos. At this time, there is no certainty that the Legislature of New Jersey will enact the necessary legislation to permit the installation and operation of these VLTs.

Holders of the Company's securities are subject to the CCC and the NJCCA.

        The holders of the GB Holding common stock, the 11% Notes and the 3% Notes are subject to certain regulatory restrictions on ownership. While holders of publicly traded obligations such as the 11% Notes and the 3% Notes are generally not required to be investigated and found suitable to hold such securities, the CCC has the discretionary authority to (i) require holders of securities of corporations governed by New Jersey gaming law to file applications; (ii) investigate such holders; and (iii) require such holders to be found suitable or qualified to be an owner or operator of a gaming establishment. Pursuant to the regulations of the CCC such gaming corporations may be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if, without prior approval of the CCC, it (i) pays to the unsuitable or unqualified person any dividend, interest or any distribution whatsoever; (ii) recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable or unqualified person in connection with the securities; (iii) pays the unsuitable or unqualified person remuneration in any form; or (iv) makes any payments to the unsuitable or unqualified person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar transaction. If GB Holdings is served with notice of disqualification of any holder, such holder will be prohibited by the NJCCA from receiving any payments on, or exercising any rights connected to, the GB Holdings' Common Stock, the 11% Notes, or the 3% Notes as applicable.

D-27



Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        Market risk is the risk of loss arising from changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. GB Holdings does not have securities subject to interest rate fluctuations and has not invested in derivative-based financial instruments. The note entitled "Long-Term Debt" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of GB Holdings included in this information statement outlines the principal amounts, interest rates, fair values and other terms required to evaluate the expected sensitivity of interest rate changes on the fair value of GB Holdings' long-term debt.

        No market exists for GB Holdings' 11% notes since April 16, 2004, the last full trading day prior to the delisting of the 11% notes from trading on the American Stock Exchange, therefore the fair market value of GB Holdings' fixed rate debt was $35.4 million compared with its carrying amount of $43.7 million at December 31, 2004.

D-28



APPENDIX E: UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
FOR AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statement information set forth below is presented to reflect the pro forma effects of the following transactions as if they occurred on the dates indicated as discussed below:

        (i)    The Acquisitions; and

        (ii)   The issuance of $480.0 million of Senior Notes due 2013 at an interest rate of 71/8% per annum in February 2005.

        The Acquisitions will be accounted for as a combination of entities under common control and are recorded at the historical basis of the entities as of the date acquired by AREP. AREP will prepare restated financial statements to include the historical financial position and results of operations up to the date of the Acquisitions for periods that the entities were under common control. The unaudited condensed historical combined balance sheet at December 31, 2004 included herein includes the combination of NEG Holding, GB Holdings and Panaco, which presentation AREP anticipates will be materially consistent with AREP's presentation of its actual consolidated balance sheet after the consummation of the Acquisitions.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet has been prepared as if the Acquisitions and the other transactions described above had occurred on December 31, 2004. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004 gives effect to the unaudited pro forma adjustments necessary to account for the Acquisitions and the other transactions described above.

        The unaudited condensed historical combined statements of earnings for each of the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (1) combine the historical consolidated statements of earnings of NEG Holding and GB Holdings for each such year, which financial statements are included elsewhere in this information statement, and (2) reflects the combination of such companies during a period of common control, which presentation AREP anticipates will be materially consistent with AREP's presentation of restated consolidated statements of earnings after the consummation of the Acquisitions.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statement information is based on, and should be read together with, (1) AREP's consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 of each; (2) AREP's supplemental consolidated financial statements filing on Form 8-K, dated May 10, 2005, giving effect to the acquisition of TransTexas on April 6, 2005 for $180.0 million of cash and included herein; (3) the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 of each of NEG Holding and GB Holdings and (4) Panaco's financial statement as of December 31, 2004 and for the year ended December 31, 2004.

E-1


AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2004
(In thousands)

 
  HISTORICAL(1)
   
   
   
   
 
 
  PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
   
   
 
 
  AREP
(RESTATED)(2)

  NEG
HOLDING

   
  GB
HOLDINGS

  INTERCOMPANY
ADJUSTMENTS

  HISTORICAL
COMBINED

  PRO FORMA INTERCOMPANY ADJUSTMENTS (4)
   
 
 
  PANACO
  ACQUISITIONS(1)(2)
  DEBT OFFERING(3)
  PRO FORMA
 
ASSETS                                                              
Current Assets                                                              
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 768,918   $ 883   $ 23,753   $ 12,756   $     $ 806,310   $ (180,000 ) $ 471,500   $     $ 1,097,810  
Investment in U.S. Government and Agency obligations     96,840                             96,840                       96,840  
Marketable equity and debt securities     2,248                             2,248                       2,248  
Due from brokers     123,001                             123,001                       123,001  
Restricted cash     19,856                             19,856                       19,856  
Receivables and other assets     59,274     22,263     15,134     14,688     (3,724 )   107,635                       107,635  
Real estate leased to others:                                                              
  Accounted for under the financing method     3,912                             3,912                       3,912  
Properties held for sale     58,021                             58,021                       58,021  
Current portion of investment in debt securities of affiliates     5,429                       (5,429 )                          
Current portion of deferred tax asset     2,685           1,943                 4,628                       4,628  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total current assets     1,140,184     23,146     40,830     27,444     (9,153 )   1,222,451     (180,000 )   471,500         1,513,951  
Investment in U.S. Government and Agency obligations     5,491                             5,491                       5,491  
Other investments     245,948                             245,948     466,000           (466,000 )   245,948  
Land and construction-in-progress     106,537                             106,537                       106,537  
Real estate leased to others:                                                              
  Accounted for under the financing method     85,281                             85,281                       85,281  
  Accounted for under the operating method, net     49,118                             49,118                       49,118  
Oil and gas properties, net     168,136     230,576     108,188                 506,900                       506,900  
Hotel, casino and resort operating properties, net:                                                              
  Hotel and Casino     289,360                 171,640           461,000                       461,000  
  Hotel and resorts     50,132                             50,132                       50,132  
Deferred finance costs and other assets     21,200     4,172     23,519     17,874           66,765           8,500           75,265  
Long-term portion of investment in debt securities of affiliates     92,575                       (92,575 )                          
Investment in NEG Holding LLC     87,800                       (87,800 )                          
Equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.     10,603                       (10,603 )                          
Equity investment         2,379                       2,379                       2,379  
Deferred tax asset     55,824           21,341                 77,165                       77,165  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total   $ 2,408,189   $ 260,273   $ 193,878   $ 216,958   $ (200,131 ) $ 2,879,167   $ 286,000   $ 480,000   $ (466,000 ) $ 3,179,167  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS'/SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                              
Current Liabilities                                                              
Current portion of mortgages payable   $ 3,700   $     $     $     $     $ 3,700   $     $     $     $ 3,700  
Mortgages on properties held for sale     27,477                             27,477                       27,477  
Current portion note payable                     43,741           43,741                       43,741  
Current portion of long-term debt               5,429           (5,429 )                          
Accounts payable and other liabilities     95,877     22,456     14,517     22,793     (282 )   155,361                       155,361  
Securities sold not yet purchased     90,674                             90,674                       90,674  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total current liabilities     217,728     22,456     19,946     66,534     (5,711 )   320,953                 320,953  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities     26,048     8,747     263     5,352     (1,031 )   39,379                       39,379  
Mortgages payable:                                                              
  Real estate leased to others     60,719                             60,719                       60,719  
Senior secured notes payable and credit facility     215,000                             215,000                       215,000  
Senior unsecured notes payable, net     350,598                             350,598           480,000           830,598  
Long-term debt, net         51,834     32,571     66,259     (96,495 )   54,169                       54,169  
Asset retirement obligation     3,930     3,055     49,538                 56,523                       56,523  
Preferred limited partnership units     106,731                             106,731                       106,731  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total long-term liabilities     763,026     63,636     82,372     71,611     (97,526 )   883,119         480,000         1,363,119  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants in Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc.                     43,587     (43,587 )                          
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies                                                              
Minority interests                           17,740     17,740                       17,740  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited partners' equity     1,328,031                             1,328,031     466,000           (1,157 )   1,792,874  
General partner's equity     111,325                             111,325                 (414,923 )   (303,598 )
Treasury units at cost     (11,921 )                           (11,921 )                     (11,921 )
Shareholders' equity/deficit         174,181     91,560     35,226     (71,047 )   229,920     (180,000 )         (49,920 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Partners'/Shareholders' equity     1,427,435     174,181     91,560     35,226     (71,047 )   1,657,355     286,000         (466,000 )   1,477,355  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total   $ 2,408,189   $ 260,273   $ 193,878   $ 216,958   $ (200,131 ) $ 2,879,167   $ 286,000   $ 480,000   $ (466,000 ) $ 3,179,167  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

E-2


AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
Year Ended December 31, 2004
(In $000's, except unit and per unit data)

 
  HISTORICAL(1)
  OTHER PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
   
 
 
  AREP (RESTATED)(2)
  NEG HOLDING
  GB HOLDINGS
  INTERCOMPANY ADJUSTMENTS
  HISTORICAL COMBINED
  PANACO(1)
  PANACO INTERCOMPANY AND BANKRUPTCY ADJUSTMENT(5)
  DEBT OFFERING(6)
  PRIOR DEBT OFFERING(7)
  PRO FORMA
 
Revenues:                                                              
  Hotel and casino operating income   $ 299,981   $     $ 171,243   $ (359 ) $ 470,865   $     $     $     $     $ 470,865  
  Land, house and condominium sales     26,591                       26,591                             26,591  
  Interest income on financing leases     9,880                       9,880                             9,880  
  Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments     44,376     449     422     (156 )   45,091     684     (684 )               45,091  
  Rental income     7,219                       7,219                             7,219  
  Hotel and resort operating income     18,477                       18,477                             18,477  
  Oil and gas operating income     58,419     78,727                 137,146     51,234                       188,380  
  Accretion of investment in NEG Holding LLC     34,432                 (34,432 )                                
  NEG management fee     6,887                 (6,887 )                                
  Dividend and other income     3,616                       3,616     48                       3,664  
  Equity in losses of equity method investees     (2,113 )   (519 )         2,113     (519 )                           (519 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      507,765     78,657     171,665     (39,721 )   718,366     51,966     (684 )               769,648  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:                                                              
  Hotel and casino operating expenses     227,603           154,252     (639 )   381,216                             381,216  
  Cost of land, house and condominium sales     18,486                       18,486                             18,486  
  Hotel and resort operating expenses     15,234                       15,234                             15,234  
  Oil and gas operating expenses     13,816     25,172           (6,162 )   32,826     18,095     (725 )               50,196  
  Interest expense     49,669     2,716     11,115     (4,754 )   58,746     2,517     (2,321 )   35,263     12,285     106,490  
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization     68,431     21,647     14,898           104,976     25,965                       130,941  
  General and administrative expenses     20,952                       20,952                             20,952  
  Property expenses     4,288                       4,288                             4,288  
  Provision for loss on real estate     3,150                       3,150                             3,150  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      421,629     49,535     180,265     (11,555 )   639,874     46,577     (3,046 )   35,263     12,285     730,953  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Operating income(loss)     86,136     29,122     (8,600 )   (28,166 )   78,492     5,389     2,362     (35,263 )   (12,285 )   38,695  
  Other gains and (losses):                                                              
    Gain on sale of other assets     1,680                       1,680                             1,680  
    Gain on sale of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments     40,159                       40,159                             40,159  
    Unrealized losses on securities sold short     (23,619 )                     (23,619 )                           (23,619 )
    Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.     (15,600 )                     (15,600 )                           (15,600 )
    Gain on retirement/restructuring of debt                               51,268     (51,268 )                
    Gain on restructuring of payables                               12,495     (12,495 )                
    Gain on sale and disposition of real estate and other assets     5,262           (152 )         5,110     (76 )                     5,034  
    Severance tax refund     4,468                       4,468                             4,468  
    Debt restructuring/reorganization costs               (3,084 )         (3,084 )   (7,355 )   7,355                 (3,084 )
    Minority interest     (812 )               2,886     2,074                             2,074  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Income(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     97,674     29,122     (11,836 )   (25,280 )   89,680     61,721     (54,046 )   (35,263 )   (12,285 )   49,807  
    Income tax(expense) benefit     (17,326 )         (986 )         (18,312 )   22,877                       4,565  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Income(loss) from continuing operations   $ 80,348   $ 29,122   $ (12,822 ) $ (25,280 ) $ 71,368   $ 84,598   $ (54,046 ) $ (35,263 ) $ (12,285 ) $ 54,372  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Income from continuing operations attributable to:                                                              
    Limited partners   $ 70,453                                                   $ 44,994  
    General partner     9,895                                                     9,378  
   
                                                 
 
    $ 80,348                                                   $ 54,372  
   
                                                 
 
  Income from contiunuing operations per LP unit:                                                              
    Basic earnings:                                                              
      Income from continuing operations per LP unit   $ 1.53                                                     0.72  
   
                                                 
 
  Weighted average units outstanding     46,098,284                                                     62,167,250  
   
                                                 
 
    Diluted earnings:                                                              
      Income from continuing operations per LP unit   $ 1.46                                                   $ 0.72  
   
                                                 
 
  Weighted average units and equivalent partnership units outstanding     51,542,312                                                     62,167,250  
   
                                                 
 

E-3



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.

PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

Year Ended December 31, 2003

(In $000's, except unit and per unit data)

 
  HISTORICAL(1)
   
   
 
 
  AREP
(SUPPLEMENTAL)(2)

  NEG HOLDING
  GB HOLDINGS
  INTERCOMPANY ADJUSTMENTS
  PRO FORMA
 
Revenues:                                
  Hotel and casino operating income   $ 262,811   $     $ 167,749   $ (191 ) $ 430,369  
  Land, house and condominium sales     13,265                       13,265  
  Interest income on financing leases     13,115                       13,115  
  Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency                                
  obligations and other investments     22,592     587     627     (115 )   23,691  
  Rental income     6,399                       6,399  
  Hotel and resort operating income     14,592                       14,592  
  Oil and gas operating income     20,899     77,606                 98,505  
  Accretion of investment in NEG Holding LLC     30,142                 (30,142 )    
  NEG management fee     6,629                 (6,629 )    
  Dividend and other income     3,211     125                 3,336  
  Equity in losses of equity method investees     (3,466 )   (102 )         3,466     (102 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
      390,189     78,216     168,376     (33,611 )   603,170  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:                                
  Hotel and casino operating expenses     216,857           156,556     (191 )   373,222  
  Cost of land, house and condominium sales     9,129                       9,129  
  Hotel and resort operating expenses     11,138                       11,138  
  Oil and gas operating expenses     5,028     23,080           (6,629 )   21,479  
  Interest expense     27,057     1,538     12,581     (7,147 )   34,029  
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization     40,533     23,686     14,123           78,342  
  General and administrative expenses     14,081                       14,081  
  Property expenses     4,434                       4,434  
  Provision for loss on real estate     750                       750  
   
 
 
 
 
 
      329,007     48,304     183,260     (13,967 )   546,604  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Operating income (loss)     61,182     29,912     (14,884 )   (19,644 )   56,566  
  Other gains and (losses):                                
    Gain (loss) on sale of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments     2,607     (954 )               1,653  
    Loss on sale of other assets     (1,503 )         (28 )         (1,531 )
    Write-down of equity securities available for sale     (19,759 )                     (19,759 )
    Gain on sale and disposition of real estate     7,121                       7,121  
    Debt restructuring/reorganization costs               (1,843 )         (1,843 )
    Minority interest     (1,266 )               3,987     2,721  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     48,382     28,958     (16,755 )   (15,657 )   44,928  
  Income tax benefit     16,750           (958 )         15,792  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 65,132   $ 28,958   $ (17,713 ) $ (15,657 ) $ 60,720  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Income from continuing operations attributable to:                                
    Limited partners   $ 47,822                     $ 43,498  
    General partner     17,310                       17,222  
   
                   
 
      $ 65,132                     $ 60,720  
   
                   
 
  Income from continuing operations per LP unit:                                
    Basic earnings:                                
      Income from continuing operations per LP unit   $ 0.99                     $ 0.71  
   
                   
 
  Weighted average units outstanding     46,098,284                       57,856,905  
   
                   
 
  Diluted earnings:                                
    Income from continuing operations per LP unit   $ 0.92                     $ 0.69  
   
                   
 
  Weighted average units and equivalent partnership units outstanding     54,489,943                       66,248,564  
   
                   
 

E-4



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.

PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

Year Ended December 31, 2002

(In $000's, except unit and per unit data)

 
  HISTORICAL(1)
   
   
 
 
  AREP
  NEG HOLDING
  GB HOLDINGS
  INTERCOMPANY ADJUSTMENTS
  PRO FORMA
 
Revenues:                                
  Hotel and casino operating income   $ 250,023   $     $ 189,917   $ (28 )   439,912  
  Land, house and condominium sales     76,024                       76,024  
  Interest income on financing leases     14,722                       14,722  
  Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments     30,569     1,791     1,067     (546 )   32,881  
  Rental income     5,932                       5,932  
  Hotel and resort operating income     14,918                       14,918  
  Oil and gas operating income         35,901                 35,901  
  Accretion of investment in NEG Holding LLC     32,879                 (32,879 )    
  NEG management fee     7,637                 (7,637 )    
  Dividend and other income     2,720     175                 2,895  
  Equity in earnings of equity method investees     305                 (305 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
      435,729     37,867     190,984     (41,395 )   623,185  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses:                                
  Hotel and casino operating expenses     217,938           170,567     (28 )   388,477  
  Cost of land, house and condominium sales     54,640                       54,640  
  Hotel and resort operating expenses     12,553                       12,553  
  Oil and gas operating expenses         16,556           (7,637 )   8,919  
  Interest expense     27,297     96     12,195     (7,578 )   32,010  
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization     23,589     15,509     13,292           52,390  
  General and administrative expenses     14,134                       14,134  
  Property expenses     3,549                       3,549  
  Provision for loss on real estate     3,212                       3,212  
  Loss on impairment of fixed assets               1,282           1,282  
   
 
 
 
 
 
      356,912     32,161     197,336     (15,243 )   571,166  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Operating income (loss)     78,817     5,706     (6,352 )   (26,152 )   52,019  
  Other gains and (losses):                                
    Gain on sale of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments         8,712                 8,712  
    Loss on sale of other assets     (353 )         (185 )         (538 )
    Write-down of equity securities available for sale     (8,476 )                     (8,476 )
    Gain on sale and disposition of real estate     8,990                       8,990  
    Unrealized loss on financial instruments/short sale         (347 )               (347 )
    Loss on limited partnership interests     (3,750 )                     (3,750 )
    Dividend expense     —(145 )                     (145 )
    Minority interest     (1,943 )               1,648     (295 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     73,285     13,926     (6,537 )   (24,504 )   56,170  
    Income tax expense     (10,096 )         (784 )         (10,880 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 63,189   $ 13,926   $ (7,321 ) $ (24,504 ) $ 45,290  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to:                                
    Limited partners   $ 55,810                     $ 38,267  
    General partner     7,379                       7,023  
   
                   
 
    $ 63,189                     $ 45,290  
   
                   
 
  Income (loss) from continuing operations per LP unit:                                
    Basic earnings:                                
      Income from continuing operations   $ 1.11                     $ 0.58  
   
                   
 
  Weighted average units outstanding     46,098,284                       57,856,905  
   
                   
 
    Diluted earnings:                                
      Income (loss) from continuing operations per LP unit   $ 0.99                     $ 0.56  
   
                   
 
  Weighted average units and equivalent partnership units outstanding     56,466,698                       68,225,319  
   
                   
 

E-5



NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

(1)
Gives effect to the following pending transactions:

        We have entered into purchase agreements with affiliates of Mr. Icahn to acquire the following:

        The Acquisitions will be accounted for as a combination of entities under common control and are recorded at the historical basis of the entities being acquired as of and for the periods for which the entities were under common control.

        Although Panaco emerged from bankruptcy on November 16, 2004, the six weeks of operations during this period were not material. For purposes of the pro forma financial statements, Panaco was considered effective December 31, 2004.

        None of the pending Acquisitions is conditioned upon the closing of the others. We may not complete all or any of the pending Acquisitions. For purposes of the pro forma presentations, we have assumed the closing of all pending Acquisitions.

        The intercompany adjustments reflect the elimination of intercompany amounts necessary to prepare consolidated financial statements. These adjustments are summarized as follows:

(a)    Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004

E-6


(b)    Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the Year Ended December 31, 2004

(c)    Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the Year Ended December 31, 2003

(d)    Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the Year Ended December 31, 2002

E-7


(2)
Gives effect to the following completed transaction:

        On April 6, 2005, we purchased from affiliates of Mr. Icahn 100% of the equity of TransTexas for $180.0 million in cash. The acquisition was accounted for as a combination of entities under common control and the supplemental consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 give effect to the inclusion of the results of TransTexas since August 28, 2003, the date it emerged from bankruptcy. The supplemental consolidated financial statements can be found in a Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2005.

(3)
Reflects the issuance of $480.0 million of senior notes due 2013 at an interest rate of 71/8% per annum and the receipt of proceeds net of fees and expenses of approximately $8.5 million.

(4)
The pro forma intercompany adjustments also reflect the elimination of intercompany amounts necessary to prepare consolidated financial statements. These adjustments are summarized as follows:
(5)
Reflects the following adjustments for Panaco:

The reduction of interest expense and interest income that results from the effect of its bankruptcy.

The elimination of related party interest expense following emergence from bankruptcy in November 2004.

The elimination of $0.7 million management fee paid to AREP, following emergence from bankruptcy.

The elimination of $51.3 million of gain on retirement/restructuring of debt, $12.5 million gain on restructuring of payables and $7.4 million debt restructuring/reorganization costs related to the emergence from bankruptcy.

(6)
Reflects interest expense related to the issuance of $480.0 million of Senior Notes.

(7)
Reflects interest expense and amortization of costs from the beginning of the period presented, (January 1), related to the issuance of notes from prior debt offerings. The prior debt offerings consisted of 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 in the principal amount of $215.0 million, issued by American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC and American Casino & Entertainment Properties Finance Corp in January 2004, and 81/8% senior notes due 2012 in the principal amount of $353.0 million issued by AREP and AREP Finance in May 2004.

E-8



APPENDIX F: INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

 

 
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-1
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003   F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-8

American Real Estate Partners, L.P. Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-46
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-47
  Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003   F-48
  Supplemental Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-50
  Supplemental Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-52
  Supplementary Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-53
  Notes to Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statements   F-55

American Property Investors, Inc.

 

 
  Independent Auditors' Report   F-103
  Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004   F-104
  Notes to Financial Statements   F-105

NEG Holding LLC

 

 
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-108
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-109
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003   F-110
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-111
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-112
  Consolidated Statements of Members' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-113
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-114

Panaco, Inc.

 

 
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-131
  Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and Debtor-In-Possession as of December 31, 2003   F-132
  Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-133
  Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-134
  Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-135
  Notes to Financial Statements   F-136
     

F-i



GB Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-155
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003   F-156
  Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and
2002
  F-157
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-158
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002   F-159
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-160
  Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts   F-177

F-ii



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Partners of
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, changes in partners' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

New York, New York
March 11, 2005

F-1



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Partners
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, changes in partners' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 
   
    /s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
September 5, 2004

F-2



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (in $000's except per unit amounts)

 
ASSETS              
Current Assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents (Note 2)   $ 762,708   $ 487,498  
  Investment in U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 4)     96,840     52,583  
  Marketable equity and debt securities (Note 5)     2,248     55,826  
  Due from brokers (Note 6)     123,001      
  Restricted cash     19,856     15,058  
  Receivables and other current assets     51,575     43,420  
  Real estate leased to others:              
    Current portion of lease amortization for leases accounted for under the financing method (Note 8)     3,912     5,738  
  Properties held for sale (Notes 9 and 15)     58,021     128,813  
  Current portion of investment in debt securities of affiliates (Note 12)     10,429      
  Current portion of deferred tax asset (Note 23)     2,685     2,982  
   
 
 
      Total current assets     1,131,275     791,918  
  Investment in U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 4)     5,491     8,990  
  Other investments (Note 7)     245,948     50,328  
  Land and construction-in-progress (Note 15)     106,537     43,459  
  Real estate leased to others:              
    Accounted for under the financing method (Notes 8, 15 and 16)     85,281     131,618  
    Accounted for under the operating method, net of accumulated depreciation (Notes 9, 15 and 16)     49,118     76,443  
  Hotel, casino and resort operating properties, net of accumulated depreciation:              
    American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (Notes 10 and 17)     289,360     298,703  
    Hotel and resorts (Notes 9 and 11)     50,132     41,526  
  Deferred finance costs and other assets, net     21,038     3,833  
  Long-term portion of investment in debt securities of affiliates (Note 12)     115,075     24,696  
  Investment in NEG Holding LLC (Note 14)     87,800     69,346  
  Equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc. (The Sands Hotel and Casino)(Note 13)     10,603     30,854  
  Deferred tax asset (Note 23)     65,399     74,892  
   
 
 
      Total   $ 2,263,057   $ 1,646,606  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current Liabilities:              
  Current portion of mortgages payable (Notes 8, 9 and 16)   $ 3,700   $ 4,892  
  Mortgages on properties held for sale (Notes 9 and 16)     27,477     82,861  
  Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 20)     81,793     45,774  
  Securities sold not yet purchased (Note 6)     90,674      
  Credit facility due affiliates (Notes 14 and 17)         25,000  
   
 
 
      Total current liabilities     203,644     158,527  
   
 
 
  Other liabilities     23,239     22,980  
  Long-term portion of mortgages payable (Notes 8, 9 and 16)     60,719     93,236  
  Senior secured notes payable (Note 18)     215,000      
  Senior unsecured notes payable-net of unamortized discount of $2,402 (Note 19)     350,598      
Preferred limited partnership units:              
  $10 liquidation preference, 5% cumulative pay-in-kind; 10,400,000 authorized; 10,286,264 and 9,796,607 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (Note 24)     106,731     101,649  
   
 
 
      Total long-term liabilities     756,287     217,865  
   
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 3 and 24):              
Partners' Equity              
Limited partners:              
  Depositary units; 47,850,000 authorized; 47,235,484 outstanding     1,328,031     1,184,870  
General partner     (12,984 )   97,265  
Treasury units at cost:              
  1,137,200 depositary units (Note 28)     (11,921 )   (11,921 )
   
 
 
Partners' equity (Notes 2 and 3)     1,303,126     1,270,214  
   
 
 
      Total   $ 2,263,057   $ 1,646,606  
   
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in $000's except unit and per unit amounts)

 
Revenues:                    
  Hotel and casino operating income (Note 10)   $ 299,981   $ 262,811   $ 250,023  
  Land, house and condominium sales     26,591     13,265     76,024  
  Interest income on financing leases     9,880     13,115     14,722  
  Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments (Notes 2 and 7)     44,418     22,583     30,569  
  Rental income     7,219     6,399     5,932  
  Hotel and resort operating income (Note 11)     18,477     14,592     14,918  
  Accretion of investment in NEG Holding LLC (Note 14)     34,432     30,142     32,879  
  NEG management fee     11,563     7,967     7,637  
  Dividend and other income (Notes 5 and 7)     3,133     3,061     2,720  
  Equity in (loss) earnings of GB Holdings, Inc. (Note 13)     (2,113 )   (3,466 )   305  
   
 
 
 
      453,581     370,469     435,729  
   
 
 
 
Expenses:                    
  Hotel and casino operating expenses (Note 10)     227,603     216,857     217,938  
  Cost of land, house and condominium sales     18,486     9,129     54,640  
  Hotel and resort operating expenses (Note 11)     15,234     11,138     12,553  
  Interest expense (Notes 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 22)     46,099     21,103     27,297  
  Depreciation and amortization     29,955     24,764     23,589  
  General and administrative expenses (Note 3)     20,952     14,081     14,134  
  Property expenses     4,288     4,434     3,549  
  Provision for losses on real estate     3,150     750     3,212  
   
 
 
 
      365,767     302,256     356,912  
   
 
 
 
Operating income     87,814     68,213     78,817  
Other gains and (losses):                    
  (Loss) on sale of other assets         (1,503 )   (353 )
  Gain on sale of marketable equity and debt securities     40,159     2,607      
  Unrealized losses on securities sold short (Note 6)     (23,619 )        
  Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc. (Note 13)     (15,600 )        
  Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments (Note 5)         (19,759 )   (8,476 )
  Gain on sales and disposition of real estate (Note 15)     5,262     7,121     8,990  
  Loss on limited partnership interests             (3,750 )
  Minority interest in net earnings of Stratosphere Corporation (Note 10)             (1,943 )
   
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes     94,016     56,679     73,285  
  Income tax (expense) benefit (Note 23)     (16,763 )   1,573     (10,096 )
   
 
 
 
  Income from continuing operations     77,253     58,252     63,189  
   
 
 
 
Discontinued operations:                    
  Income from discontinued operations     8,523     8,419     7,507  
  Gain on sales and disposition of real estate     75,197     3,353      
   
 
 
 
Total income from discontinued operations     83,720     11,772     7,507  
   
 
 
 
Net earnings   $ 160,973   $ 70,024   $ 70,696  
   
 
 
 
Net earnings attributable to (Note 1):                    
  Limited partners   $ 152,507   $ 59,360   $ 63,168  
  General partner     8,466     10,664     7,528  
   
 
 
 
    $ 160,973   $ 70,024   $ 70,696  
   
 
 
 
Net earnings per limited partnership unit (Notes 2 and 21):                    
  Basic earnings:                    
    Income from continuing operations   $ 1.53   $ 0.99   $ 1.11  
    Income from discontinued operations     1.78     0.25     0.16  
   
 
 
 
  Basic earnings per LP unit   $ 3.31   $ 1.24   $ 1.27  
   
 
 
 
  Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding     46,098,284     46,098,284     46,098,284  
   
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings:                    
    Income from continuing operations   $ 1.46   $ 0.92   $ 0.99  
    Income from discontinued operations     1.59     0.21     0.13  
   
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings per LP unit   $ 3.05   $ 1.13   $ 1.12  
   
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units outstanding     51,542,312     54,489,943     56,466,698  
   
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS'
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
(in $000's)

 
   
  Limited Partners' Equity
   
   
   
 
 
  General
Partner's
Equity
(Deficit)

  Held in Treasury
   
 
 
  Depositary Units
  Preferred Units
  Total
Partners'
Equity

 
 
  Amounts
  Units
 
Balance, December 31, 2001   $ 58,846   $ 996,701   $ 92,198   $ (11,921 ) 1,137     1,135,824  
Comprehensive income:                                    
  Net earnings     7,528     63,168               70,696  
  Reclassification of unrealized loss on sale of debt securities     211     10,384               10,595  
  Adjustment to reverse unrealized loss on investment securities reclassified to notes receivable     131     6,451               6,582  
  Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale     (5 )   (237 )             (242 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Comprehensive income     7,865     79,766               87,631  
Net adjustment for acquisition of minority interest (Note 10)     21,151                   21,151  
Pay-in-kind distribution (Note 22)         (4,610 )   4,610            
Capital contribution to American Casino (Note 10)     831                   831  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2002     88,693     1,071,857     96,808     (11,921 ) 1,137     1,245,437  
  Comprehensive income:                                    
  Net earnings     10,664     59,360               70,024  
  Reclassification of unrealized loss on sale of debt securities     15     746               761  
  Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale     183     8,991               9,174  
  Sale of marketable equity securities available for sale     (6 )   (274 )             (280 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income     10,856     68,823               79,679  
Pay-in-kind distribution (Note 22)         (2,391 )   2,391            
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to book-tax differences existing at time of bankruptcy (Note 23)     524     46,581               47,105  
Capital distribution (Note 10)     (2,808 )                 (2,808 )
Reclassification of Preferred LP units to liabilities (Note 22)             (99,199 )         (99,199 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2003     97,265     1,184,870         (11,921 ) 1,137     1,270,214  
Comprehensive income:                                    
  Net earnings     8,466     152,507               160,973  
  Reclassification of unrealized gains on marketable securities sold     (190 )   (9,378 )             (9,568 )
  Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale     1     32               33  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income     8,277     143,161               151,438  
Capital distribution from American Casino (Note 10)     (17,916 )                 (17,916 )
Capital contribution to American Casino (Note 10)     22,800                   22,800  
Arizona Charlie's acquisition (Note 10)     (125,900 )                 (125,900 )
Change in deferred tax asset related to acquisition of Arizona Charlie's     2,490                   2,490  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2004   $ (12,984 ) $ 1,328,031   $   $ (11,921 ) 1,137   $ 1,303,126  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

        Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $(122), $9,174 and ($242), respectively.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in $000's)

 
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
  Income from continuing operations   $ 77,253   $ 58,252   $ 63,189  
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
    Depreciation and amortization     29,955     24,764     23,589  
    Preferred LP interest expense     5,082     2,450      
    Gain on sale of marketable equity securities     (40,159 )   (2,607 )    
    Unrealized losses on securities sold short     23,619          
    Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.     15,600          
    Gain on sales and disposition of real estate     (5,262 )   (7,121 )   (8,990 )
    Loss on limited partnership interests             3,750  
    Loss on sale of assets     96     1,503     353  
    Provision for loss on real estate     3,150     750     3,212  
    Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments         19,759     8,476  
    Minority interest in net earnings of Stratosphere Corporation             1,943  
    Equity in losses (earnings) of GB Holdings, Inc.     2,113     3,466     (305 )
    Deferred gain amortization     (2,038 )   (2,038 )   (2,038 )
    Accretion of investment in NEG Holding LLC     (34,432 )   (30,142 )   (32,879 )
    Deferred income tax expense (benefit)     13,946     (5,875 )   9,785  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
      (Increase) decrease in receivables and other assets     (10,234 )   (299 )   2,944  
      Increase in due from brokers     (123,001 )        
      Increase (decrease) in land and construction-in-progress     (1,626 )   (4,106 )   24,215  
      Increase in restricted cash     (4,798 )   (13,095 )    
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities     92,476     (37,328 )   271  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by continuing operations     41,740     8,333     97,515  
   
 
 
 
Total income from discontinued operations     83,720     11,772     7,507  
  Depreciation and amortization     1,104     5,167     4,521  
  Net gain from property transactions     (75,197 )   (3,353 )    
   
 
 
 
    Net cash provided by discontinued operations     9,627     13,586     12,028  
   
 
 
 
    Net cash provided by operating activities     51,367     21,919     109,543  
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                    
  Increase (decrease) in other investments     2,942     (28,491 )   (23,200 )
  Repayments of mezzanine loans included in other investments     49,130     12,200     23,000  
  Net proceeds from the sales and disposition of real estate     16,790     15,290     20,513  
  Principal payments received on leases accounted for under the financing method     4,219     5,310     5,941  
  Purchase of debt securities included in other investments     (245,166 )        
  Purchase of debt securities of affiliates     (65,500 )        
  Purchase of Atlantic Holdings debt included in debt securities due from affiliates     (36,000 )        
  Acquisition of Arizona Charlies'     (125,900 )        
  Additions to hotel, casino and resort operating property     (16,203 )   (32,911 )   (21,715 )
  Acquisition of hotel and resort operating property     (16,463 )        
  Acquisitions of rental real estate     (14,583 )       (18,226 )
  Acquisition of land and construction in progress     (61,845 )        
  Additions to rental real estate     (18 )   (413 )   (181 )
  (Increase) decrease in investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (Note 2)     (40,757 )   274,478     (22,410 )
  Increase in marketable equity and debt securities         (45,140 )   (4,415 )
  Proceeds from sale of marketable equity and debt securities     90,614     3,843      
  Decrease in note receivable from affiliate         250,000      
  Decrease in minority interest in Stratosphere Corp             (44,744 )
  Decrease in investment in Stratosphere Corp         788      
  Investment in NEG, Inc         (148,101 )    
  Guaranteed payment from NEG Holding LLC     15,979     18,229     21,653  
  Priority distribution from NEG Holding LLC         40,506      
  Decrease in due to affiliate             (68,491 )
  Other     (194 )   560     197  
   
 
 
 
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities from continuing operations     (442,955 )   366,148     (132,078 )

(continued on next page)

F-6


 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in $000's)

 
  Cash flows from investing activities from discontinued operations:                    
  Net proceeds from the sales and disposition of real estate     134,789     5,336      
   
 
 
 
  Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (308,166 )   371,484     (132,078 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                    
  Partners' Equity:                    
    Distributions to members     (17,916 )        
    Member's contribution     22,800          
    Contributions to American Casino             598  
  Debt:                    
    Repayment of credit facilities         (2,904 )   (5,000 )
    Proceeds from credit facility         7,780     17,220  
    Proceeds from Senior Notes Payable     565,409          
    Decrease in due to affiliates     (24,925 )        
    Proceeds from mortgages payable     10,000     20,000     12,700  
    Payments on mortgages payable         (3,837 )   (462 )
    Periodic principal payments     (5,248 )   (6,484 )   (7,198 )
    Debt issuance costs     (18,111 )        
Other             242  
   
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by financing activities     532,009     14,555     18,100  
   
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     275,210     407,958     (4,435 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year     487,498     79,540     83,975  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 762,708   $ 487,498   $ 79,540  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental information:                    
Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized   $ 44,258   $ 65,110   $ 37,176  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:                    
Reclassification of real estate to operating lease   $   $ 5,065   $ 13,403  
Reclassification from hotel and resort operating properties     (6,428 )        
Reclassification of real estate from financing lease     (1,920 )   (5,065 )   (13,503 )
Reclassification of real estate from operating lease     (38,452 )   (126,263 )    
Reclassification of real estate to property held for sale     46,800     126,263     100  
Decrease in other investments         (3,453 )    
Decrease in deferred income         2,565      
Increase in real estate accounted for under the operating method         888      
Reclassification from marketable equity and debt securities             (20,494 )
Reclassification from receivable and other assets         (1,631 )      
Reclassification to other investments         1,631     20,494  
   
 
 
 
    $   $   $  
   
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale   $ 33   $ 9,174   $ (242 )
   
 
 
 
Increase in equity and debt securities   $ 1,740   $ 1,200   $ 2,890  
   
 
 
 
Contribution of note from NEG Holding LLC   $   $ 10,940   $  
   
 
 
 
Change in tax asset related to acquisition   $ 2,490   $   $  
   
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

1.    Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

        American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or "AREP") are engaged in the following operating businesses: (1) rental real estate; (2) hotel, casino and resort operations; (3) land, house and condominium development; (4) participation and management of oil and gas operating properties; and (5) investment in securities, including investment in other entities and marketable equity and debt securities.

        As a result of the Company's expansion into non-real estate businesses, the Company has changed the presentation of its 2004 Consolidated Balance Sheet to a classified basis. The 2003 Consolidated Balance Sheet has been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

        On July 1, 1987, American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership (the "Subsidiary" or "AREH"), in connection with an exchange offer (the "Exchange"), entered into merger agreements with American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and each of thirteen separate limited partnerships (collectively, the "Predecessor Partnerships"), pursuant to which the Subsidiary acquired all the assets, subject to the liabilities of the Predecessor Partnerships.

        By virtue of the Exchange, the Subsidiary owns the assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Predecessor Partnerships. The Company owns a 99% limited partner interest in AREH. AREH, the operating partnership, was formed to hold the investments of and conduct the business operations of the Company. Substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Company are owned by AREH and substantially all operations are conducted through AREH. American Property Investors, Inc. (the "General Partner") owns a 1% general partner interest in both the Subsidiary and the Company, representing an aggregate 1.99% general partner interest in the Company and the Subsidiary. The General Partner is owned and controlled by Mr. Carl C. Icahn ("Icahn" or "Mr. Icahn").

        On August 16, 1996, the Company amended its Partnership Agreement to permit non-real estate related acquisitions and investments to enhance unitholder value and further diversify its assets. Under the Amendment, investments may include equity and debt securities of domestic and foreign issuers. The portion of the Company's assets invested in any one type of security or any single issuer are not limited.

        The Company will conduct its activities in such a manner so as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). Generally, this means that no more than 40% of the Company's total assets will be invested in investment securities, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the Company does not intend to invest in securities as its primary business and will structure its investments to continue to be taxed as a partnership rather than as a corporation under the applicable publicly traded partnership rules of the Internal Revenue Code.

        As of December 31, 2004, affiliates of the General Partner owned 8,900,995 Preferred Units, or 86.5%, and 39,896,836 Depositary Units or 86.5%.

2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        Principles of Consolidations—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AREP and its majority-owned subsidiaries in which control can be exercised. The Company is considered to have control if it has a direct or indirect ability to make decisions about an entity's activities through voting or similar rights. The Company uses the guidance set forth in AICPA Statement of Position No. 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures, with respect to its investments in

F-8



partnerships and limited liability companies. In addition, the Company uses the guidance of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, or FIN 46R, whereby an interest in a variable interest entity where the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary would be consolidated. The Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, as defined, with respect to National Energy Group, Inc.'s ("NEG") investment in NEG Holding, LLC ("Holding LLC"). The Company accounts for its residual equity investment in Holding LLC in accordance with APB 18 (See Note 14). All material intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.

        Investments in affiliated companies determined to be voting interest entities in which AREP owns between 20% and 50%, and therefore exercises significant influence, but which it does not control, are accounted for using the equity method. The Company accounts for its 36% interest in GB Holdings on the equity basis.

        In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial statements of previously separate companies for periods prior to the acquisition are restated on a combined basis.

        Net Earnings Per Limited Partnership Unit—Basic earnings per LP Unit are based on net earnings as adjusted prior to the July 1, 2003, preferred pay-in-kind distribution to Preferred Unitholders. The resulting net earnings available for limited partners are divided by the weighted average number of depositary limited partnership units outstanding.

        Diluted earnings per LP Unit uses net earnings attributable to limited partner interests, as adjusted after July 1, 2003 for the preferred pay-in-kind distributions as the numerator with the denominator based on the weighted average number of units and equivalent units outstanding. The Preferred Units are considered to be equivalent units. The number of limited partnership units used in the calculation of diluted income per limited partnership unit increased as follows: 5,444,028, 8,391,659, and 10,368,414 limited partnership units for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, to reflect the effects of the dilutive preferred units.

        For accounting purposes, NEG's earnings prior to the NEG acquisition in October 2003 and Arizona Charlie's earnings prior to its acquisition in May 2004 have been allocated to the General Partner and therefore excluded from the computation of basic and diluted earnings per limited partnership unit.

        Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers short-term investments, which are highly liquid with original maturities of three months or less at date of purchase, to be cash equivalents. Included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are investments in government-backed securities of approximately $658,534,000 and $378,000,000, respectively.

        Restricted Cash—Restricted Cash consists of funds held by third parties in connection with tax free property exchanges pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 1031.

        Marketable Equity and Debt Securities, Investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations and Other Investments—Investments in equity and debt securities are classified as either trading, held-to-maturity or available for sale for accounting purposes. Trading securities are valued at quoted

F-9



market value at each balance sheet date with the unrealized gains or losses reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Investments in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value on the balance sheet of the Company. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of Partners' Equity and when sold are reclassified out of Partners' Equity based on specific identification. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost.

        A decline in the market value of any held-to-maturity or available for sale security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. Dividend income is recorded when declared and interest income is recognized when earned.

        a.     The Company accounts for secured bank debt acquired at a discount for which the Company believes it is not probable that the undiscounted future cash collection will be sufficient to recover the face amount of the loan and constructive interest utilizing the cost recovery method in accordance with Practice Bulletin 6, "Amortization of Discounts on Certain Acquired Loans." For secured bank debt acquired at a discount where recovery is probable, the Company amortizes the discount on the loan over the period in which the payments are probable of collection, only if the amounts are reasonably estimable and the ultimate collectibility of the acquisition amount of the loan and the discount is probable. The Company evaluates collectibility for every loan at each balance sheet date.

        SOP 03-03, "Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer," which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004, limits the yield that may be accreted to the excess of the Company's estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected over the Company's initial investment in a loan. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this SOP will have a significant impact on its financial statements.

        b.     The Company has generally not recognized any profit in connection with the property sales in which certain purchase money mortgages receivable were taken back. Such profits are being deferred and will be recognized when the principal balances on the purchase money mortgages are received.

        c.     The Company has provided development financing for certain real estate projects. The security for these loans is either a second mortgage or a pledge of the developers' ownership interest in the properties. Such loans are subordinate to construction financing and are generally referred to as mezzanine loans. Generally, interest is not paid periodically but is due at maturity or earlier from unit sales or refinancing proceeds. The Company defers recognition of interest income on mezzanine loans pending receipt of all principal payments.

        Income Taxes—No provision has been made for federal, state or local income taxes on the results of operations generated by partnership activities, as such taxes are the responsibility of the partners. American Entertainment Properties Corp., the parent of American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC ("American Casino"), and NEG, the Company's corporate subsidiaries, account for their income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to

F-10



taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

        Leases—The Company leases to others substantially all its real property under long-term net leases and accounts for these leases in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 13, "Accounting for Leases," as amended. This Statement sets forth specific criteria for determining whether a lease is to be accounted for as a financing lease or an operating lease.

        a.    Financing Method—Under this method, minimum lease payments to be received plus the estimated value of the property at the end of the lease are considered the gross investment in the lease. Unearned income, representing the difference between gross investment and actual cost of the leased property, is amortized to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease.

        b.    Operating Method—Under this method, revenue is recognized as rentals become due and expenses (including depreciation) are charged to operations as incurred.

        Properties—Properties held for investment, other than those accounted for under the financing method, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation unless declines in the values of the properties are considered other than temporary, at which time the property is written down to net realizable value. A property is classified as held for sale at the time management determines that the criteria in SFAS 144 have been met. Properties held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Such properties are no longer depreciated and their operations are included in discontinued operations. As a result of the reclassification of certain real estate to properties held for sale during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, income and expenses of such properties are reclassified to discontinued operations for all prior periods.

        Depreciation—Depreciation is principally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the particular property or property components, which range from 3 to 45 years.

        Use of Estimates—Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The more significant estimates include the valuation of (1) long-lived assets; (2) mortgages and notes receivable; (3) marketable equity and debt securities and other investments; (4) costs to complete for land, house and condominium developments; (5) gaming-related liability and loyalty programs; and (6) deferred tax assets.

        1.     Revenue from real estate sales and related costs are recognized at the time of closing primarily by specific identification. The Company follows the guidelines for profit recognition set forth by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate."

F-11


        2.     Casino revenues and promotional allowances—The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with industry practice. Casino revenue is the net win from gaming activities (the difference between gaming wins and losses). Casino revenues are net of accruals for anticipated payouts of progressive and certain other slot machine jackpots. Revenues include the retail value of rooms, food and beverage and other items that are provided to customers on a complimentary basis. A corresponding amount is deducted as promotional allowances. Hotel and restaurant revenue is recognized when services are performed. The cost of such complimentaries is included in "Hotel and casino operating expenses."

        The Company also rewards customers, through the use of loyalty programs with points based on amounts wagered, that can be redeemed for a specified period of time for cash. The Company deducts the cash incentive amounts from casino revenue.

        3.     Sales, advertising and promotion—These costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $28.8 million, $22.9 million and $18.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        Land and Construction-in-Progress—These costs are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Interest is capitalized on expenditures for long-term projects until a salable condition is reached. The capitalization rate is based on the interest rate on specific borrowings to fund the projects.

        Investment in NEG Holding LLC—Due to the substantial uncertainty that the Company will receive any distribution above the priority and guaranteed payment amounts, the Company accounts for its investment in Holding LLC as a preferred investment whereby guaranteed payment amounts received and receipts of the priority distribution amount are recorded as reductions in the investment and income is recognized from accretion of the investment up to the priority distribution amount, including the guaranteed payments (based on the interest method). See Note 14. Following receipt of the guaranteed payments and priority distributions, the residual interest in the investment will be valued at zero.

        The Company periodically evaluates the carrying amount of its investment in Holding LLC to determine whether current events or circumstances warrant adjustments to the carrying value and/or revisions to accretion of income. The Company currently believes that no such impairment has occurred and that no revision to the accretion of income is warranted.

        Accounting for Impairment of a Loan—If it is probable that, based upon current information, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of a loan agreement, the Company considers the asset to be "impaired." Reserves are established against impaired loans in amounts equal to the difference between the recorded investment in the asset and either the present value of the cash flows expected to be received, or the fair value of the underlying collateral if foreclosure is deemed probable or if the loan is considered collateral dependent.

        Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of—Long-lived assets held and used by the Company and long-lived assets to be disposed of, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as vacancies and rejected leases, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

F-12



        In performing the review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that the Company expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

3.    Related Party Transactions

        a.     On May 26, 2004, American Casino acquired two Las Vegas casino/hotels, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder from Mr. Icahn and an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. Mr. Icahn is Chairman of the Board of American Property Investors, Inc. The terms of the transactions were approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner ("Audit Committee") which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by counsel. (See Note 9).

        b.     At December 31, 2002, the Company had a $250 million note receivable from Mr. Icahn, Chairman of the General Partner, which was repaid in October 2003. Interest income of approximately $7.9 million and $9.9 million was earned on this loan in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and is included in "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        c.     In 1997, the Company entered into a license agreement for a portion of office space from an affiliate. The license agreement dated as of February 1, 1997 expired May 22, 2004 and has been extended on a month to month basis. Pursuant to the license agreement, the Company has the non-exclusive use of approximately 2,275 square feet of office space and common space for which it paid $11,185 plus 10.77% of "additional rent". In the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid such affiliate approximately $162,000, $159,000 and $153,000 respectively, in connection with this licensing agreement. The terms of such sublease were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. If the Company must vacate the space, it believes there will be adequate alternative space available.

        d.     American Casino billed the Sands Hotel and Casino (the "Sands") approximately $387,500, $191,000 and $27,900, respectively, for administrative services performed by Stratosphere personnel during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

        e.     NEG received management fees from affiliates of approximately $11.6 million, $8.0 million and $7.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        f.      For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid approximately $325,000, $273,000 and $160,900, respectively, to an affiliate of the General Partner for telecommunication services, XO Communications, Inc.

        g.     See Note 12b. and c. regarding the purchase of TransTexas and Panaco debt, respectively, from Icahn affiliates.

        h.     See Note 12a. regarding the purchase of Atlantic Holdings Notes from Icahn affiliates.

        i.      See Note 17 regarding additional related party obligations.

        j.      See Note 29 regarding subsequent events.

F-13


4.    Investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

        The Company has investments in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations whose maturities range from January 2005 to December 2008 as follows (in $millions):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
 
  Cost
Basis

  Carrying
Value

  Cost
Basis

  Carrying
Value

Available for Sale:                        
Matures in:                        
  less than 1 year.   $ 96.8   $ 96.8   $ 52.8   $ 52.6
  2-5 years     5.6     5.5     9.0     9.0
   
 
 
 
    $ 102.4   $ 102.3   $ 61.8   $ 61.6
   
 
 
 

5.    Marketable Equity and Debt Securities (in $millions)

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
 
  Cost
Basis

  Carrying
Value

  Cost
Basis

  Carrying
Value

Available for Sale:                        
  Philip Service Corporation (a):                        
    Equity   $   $   $   $
  Corporate bonds (b)             45.1     51.6
  Other     2.2     2.2     1.3     4.2
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 2.2   $ 2.2   $ 46.4   $ 55.8
   
 
 
 

        a.     At December 31, 2002, the Company owned the following approximate interests in Philip Service Corporation ("Philip"): (1) 1.8 million common shares, (2) $14.2 million in secured term debt, and (3) $10.9 million in accreted secured convertible payment-in-kind debt. The Company had an approximate 7% equity interest in Philip and an Icahn affiliate had an approximate 38% equity interest. Icahn affiliates also owned term and payment-in-kind debt.

        The market value of Philip's common stock declined steadily since it was acquired by the Company. In 2002, based on a review of Philip's financial statements, management of the Company deemed the decrease in value to be other than temporary. As a result, the Company wrote down its investment in Philip's common stock by charges to earnings of $8,476,000 and charges to other comprehensive income ("OCI") of $761,000 in the year ended December 31, 2002. This investment had been previously written down by approximately $6.8 million in charges to earnings. The Company's adjusted carrying value of Philip's common stock was approximately $200,000 at December 31, 2002.

        In June 2003, Philip announced that it and most of its wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code.

        In the year ended December 31, 2003, management of the Company determined that it was appropriate to write-off the balance of its investment in the Philip's common stock by a charge to

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earnings of approximately $961,000; of this amount $761,000 was previously charged to other comprehensive income in 2002, which was reversed in 2003, and included in the $961,000 charge to earnings.

        Approximately $6.6 million of charges to OCI were reversed and the investments were reclassified at their original cost to "Other investments" at December 31, 2002. These adjustments had no effect on the Company's reported earnings for the year ended December 31, 2002.

        In 2003, the cost basis of the debt was approximately $22.1 million. As previously mentioned, Philip filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2003. Management of the Company reviewed Philip's financial statements, bankruptcy documents and the prices of recent purchases and sales of the debt and determined this investment to be impaired. Based upon this review, management concluded the fair value of the debt to be approximately $3.3 million; therefore, the Company recorded a write-down of approximately $18.8 million by a charge to earnings which was included in "Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the year ended December 31, 2003. In December 2003, the Company sold two-thirds of its term and paid-in-kind ("PIK") debt with a basis of $2.2 million for $2.6 million, generating a gain of $0.4 million.

        Philip emerged from bankruptcy on December 31, 2003 as a private company controlled by an Icahn affiliate. The Company's remaining interest in the debt will be delivered and exchanged for approximately 443,000 common shares representing a 4.4% equity interest in the new Philip, valued at the carrying value of the debt at December 31, 2004 of $0.7 million.

        b.     In December 2003, the Company acquired approximately $86.9 million principal amount of corporate bonds for approximately $45.1 million. These bonds were classified as available for sale securities. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value on the balance sheet. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of Partners' Equity. At December 31, 2003, the carrying value of the bonds was approximately $51.6 million and accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI") was approximately $6.5 million. This OCI was reversed in the year ended December 31, 2004 upon the sale of corporate bonds. In the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company sold the debt securities for approximately $82.3 million, recognizing a gain of $37.2 million.

6.    Due from Brokers

        In November and December 2004, the Company sold short certain equity securities which resulted in the following (in $000's):

        a.    $123,001—Due From Brokers—Net proceeds from short sales of equity securities and cash collateral held by brokerage institutions against our short sales.

        b.    $90,674—Securities Sold Not Yet Purchased—Our obligation to cover the short sales of equity securities described above. The Company recorded unrealized losses on securities sold short of $23.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2004 reflecting an increase in price in the securities sold short. This amount has been recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings for the year then ended in the respective caption. At March 1, 2005, the $23.6 million of unrealized losses on such securities has been reversed and a net gain of approximately $3.0 million recorded.

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7.    Other Investments (in $000's)

 
  Balance at December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Peninsula/Hampton & Alex Hotel (a) and (b)   $   $ 42,030
WestPoint Stevens (c)     205,850    
Union Power Partners L.P. and Panda Gila River L.P. (d)     39,316    
Other     782     8,298
   
 
    $ 245,948   $ 50,328
   
 

        a.     On November 30, 2000, the Company entered into a mezzanine loan agreement to fund $23 million in two tranches to an unaffiliated borrower. The funds were to be used for certain initial development costs associated with a 65 unit condominium property located at 931 1st Avenue in New York City. The first tranche of $10 million was funded on November 30, 2000 and provided for interest accruing at a rate of 25% per annum, with principal and interest due at maturity, May 29, 2003. Also, in November 2000, approximately $3.7 million of the second tranche of the loan was funded. The balance of approximately $9.3 million was funded in installments during 2001. The second tranche provided for interest accruing at a rate of 21.5% per annum, with principal and interest due at maturity, November 29, 2002. The loans were payable at any time from the proceeds of unit sales, after satisfaction of senior debt of approximately $45 million. The loans were secured by the pledge of membership interests in the entity that owns the real estate. In May 2002, the Company received approximately $31.3 million for prepayment of the mezzanine loans. The balance of the prepayment of $8.3 million represented accrued interest ($7.9 million) and exit fees ($0.4 million), which amounts were recognized as "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" and "Dividend and other income" respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2002.

        b.     At December 31, 2002, the Company had funded two mezzanine loans for approximately $23.2 million and had commitments to fund, under certain conditions, additional advances of approximately $5 million. Both loans had an interest rate of 22% per annum compounded monthly. The Peninsula loan, for a Florida condominium development, which had a term of 24 months from the date of funding, February 2002, was repaid in full in 2003. Approximately $6.8 million of interest income was recorded and is included in "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Alex Hotel loan, for a New York City hotel with approximately 200 rooms, had a term of 36 months from the closing date, April 2002. At December 31, 2003, accrued interest of approximately $4.4 million had been deferred for financial statement purposes pending receipt of principal and interest payments in connection with this loan. Origination fees of $3.0 million have been received in connection with one of the mezzanine loans and approximately $1.5 million and $1.1 million has been recognized in "Dividend and other income" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively. In February 2003, the Company funded the Hampton mezzanine loan for approximately $30 million on a Florida condominium development. The loan was due in 18 months with one six month extension and had an interest rate of 22% per annum compounded monthly. At December 31, 2003, accrued interest of approximately $6.7 million had been deferred for financial statement purposes pending receipt of principal and interest payments in

F-16



connection with this loan. On April 30, 2004, the Company received approximately $16.7 million for the prepayment of the Alex Hotel loan. The principal amount of the loan was $11 million. The prepayment included approximately $5.7 million of accrued interest, which was recognized as interest income in the year ended December 31, 2004.

        c.     In 2004, the Company purchased approximately $278.1 million principal amount of secured bank debt of WestPoint Stevens, a company currently operating as a debtor in possession under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, for a purchase price of approximately $205.8 million. Approximately $193.6 million principal amount is secured by a first priority lien of certain assets of WestPoint and approximately $84.5 million principal amount is secured by a second priority lien. Interest income totaled approximately $7.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2004 and is included in "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended. Based on the latest available information, the Company has not accreted this debt and does not believe that an other than temporary impairment has been identified.

        d.     In 2004, the Company purchased approximately $71.8 million of secured bank debt of Union Power Partners L.P. and Panda Gila River L.P. for a purchase price of approximately $39.3 million. No interest is currently being received on this debt. Based on the latest available information, the Company has not accreted this debt and does not believe that an other than temporary impairment has been identified.

8.    Real Estate Leased to Others Accounted for Under the Financing Method

        Real estate leased to others accounted for under the financing method is summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Minimum lease payments receivable   $ 97,725   $ 161,785
Unguaranteed residual value     48,980     74,651
   
 
      146,705     236,436
Less unearned income     57,512     99,080
   
 
      89,193     137,356
Less current portion of lease amortization     3,912     5,738
   
 
    $ 85,281   $ 131,618
   
 

F-17


        The following is a summary of the anticipated future receipts of the minimum lease payments receivable at December 31, 2004 (in $000's):

Year Ending
December 31,

  Amount
2005   $ 11,941
2006     11,746
2007     10,832
2008     9,476
2009     9,255
Thereafter     44,475
   
    $ 97,725
   

        At December 31, 2004, approximately $73,144,000 and $107,543,000, respectively, of the net investment in financing leases was pledged to collateralize the payment of nonrecourse mortgages payable.

9.    Real Estate Leased to Others Accounted for Under the Operating Method

        a.     Real estate leased to others accounted for under the operating method is summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Land   $ 13,666   $ 24,040
Commercial Buildings     45,972     83,252
   
 
      59,638     107,292
Less accumulated depreciation     10,520     30,849
   
 
    $ 49,118   $ 76,443
   
 

        The following is a summary of the anticipated future receipts of minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2004 (in $000's):

Year Ending
December 31,

  Amount
2005   $ 7,186
2006     6,232
2007     5,649
2008     5,383
2009     5,001
Thereafter     19,753
   
    $ 49,204
   

F-18


        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $14,166,000 and $15,630,000, respectively, of net real estate leased to others was pledged to collateralize the payment of non-recourse mortgages payable.

        b.     Property held for sale (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Leased to others   $ 74,444   $ 146,416
Vacant     450     2,550
   
 
      74,894     148,966
Less accumulated depreciation     16,873     20,153
   
 
    $ 58,021   $ 128,813
   
 

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $34,881,000 and $105,984,000, respectively, of real estate held for sale was pledged to collateralize the payment of non-recourse mortgages payable.

        The following is a summary of income from discontinued operations (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Rental income   $ 16,355   $ 23,785   $ 21,993
Hotel and resort operating income     1,602     3,912     3,679
   
 
 
      17,957     27,697     25,672
   
 
 
Mortgage interest expense     3,858     7,208     6,737
Depreciation and amortization     1,104     5,167     4,521
Property expenses     3,175     3,587     3,722
Hotel and resort operating expenses     1,297     3,316     3,185
   
 
 
      9,434     19,278     18,165
   
 
 
Income from discontinued operations   $ 8,523   $ 8,419   $ 7,507
   
 
 

10.    Hotel and Casino Operating Properties

        In September 2000, Stratosphere's Board of Directors approved a going private transaction proposed by the Company and an affiliate of Icahn. On February 1, 2001 the Company entered into a merger agreement with Stratosphere under which the Company would acquire the remaining shares of Stratosphere that it did not currently own. The Company owned approximately 51% of Stratosphere and Mr. Icahn owned approximately 38.6%. The Company, subject to certain conditions, agreed to pay approximately $44.3 million for the outstanding shares of Stratosphere not currently owned by it. Stratosphere stockholders not affiliated with Icahn would receive a cash price of $45.32 per share and Icahn related stockholders would receive a cash price of $44.33 per share. This transaction was completed in December 2002 after shareholders' approval.

F-19



        The acquisition by the Company of the minority shares not owned by an Icahn affiliate has been accounted for as a purchase in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 141, "Business Combinations." The acquisition by the Company of the common stock held by an Icahn affiliate has been recorded at historical cost. The excess of the affiliate's historical cost over the amount of the cash disbursed, which amounted to $21,151,000, has been accounted for as an addition to the General Partner's equity.

        On January 5, 2004, American Casino, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement to acquire two Las Vegas casino/hotels, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder, from Carl C. Icahn and an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for an aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. Upon obtaining all approvals necessary under gaming laws, the acquisition was completed on May 26, 2004. The terms of the transactions were approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by counsel. As previously contemplated, upon closing, the Company transferred 100% of the common stock of Stratosphere to American Casino. As a result, following the acquisition and contributions, American Casino owns and operates three gaming and entertainment properties in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The Company consolidates American Casino and its subsidiaries in the Company's financial statements. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial statements of previously separate companies for periods prior to the acquisition are restated on a combined basis. The Company's December 31, 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements have been restated to reflect the acquisition of Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder.

        Earnings, capital contributions and distributions of the two Arizona Charlie's entities prior to the acquisition have been allocated to the General Partner. In accordance with the purchase agreement, prior to the acquisition, capital contributions of $22.8 million were received from and capital distributions of $17.9 million were paid to affiliates of Mr. Icahn. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in this acquisition have been accounted for at historical cost. A reduction of $125.9 million, reflecting the purchase price, has been made to the General Partner's equity in May 2004.

        Also in January 2004, American Casino closed on its offering of senior secured notes due 2012. The Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $215 million, bear interest at the rate of 7.85% per annum. The proceeds were held in escrow pending receipt of all approvals necessary under gaming laws and certain other conditions in connection with the acquisition of Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder. Upon satisfaction of all closing conditions on May 26, 2004, the proceeds of the offering were released from escrow. American Casino used the proceeds of the offering for the acquisition, to repay intercompany indebtedness and for distributions to the Company.

        American Casino's operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 have been included in "Hotel and casino operating income and expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Hotel and casino operating expenses include all expenses except for depreciation and amortization and income tax provision. Such expenses have been included in "Depreciation and amortization expense" and "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. American Casino's depreciation and amortization expense was $23.5 million, $20.2 million and $20.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. American Casino's income tax provision was $10.1 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and

F-20



2002, respectively. American Casino recorded an income tax benefit of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.

        The amount of revenues and expenses attributable to casino, hotel and restaurants, respectively, is summarized as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in $000's)

 
Hotel and casino operating income:                    
  Casino   $ 167,972   $ 147,888   $ 143,057  
  Hotel     54,653     47,259     44,263  
  Food and beverage     66,953     59,583     56,349  
  Tower, retail, and other income     33,778     30,336     28,247  
   
 
 
 
Gross revenues     323,356     285,066     271,916  
Less promotional allowances     (23,375 )   (22,255 )   (21,893 )
   
 
 
 
Net revenues   $ 299,981   $ 262,811   $ 250,023  
   
 
 
 
Hotel and casino operating expenses:                    
  Casino   $ 61,985   $ 61,284   $ 59,879  
  Hotel     24,272     22,074     20,142  
  Food and beverage     48,495     44,990     43,393  
  Other operating expenses     14,131     13,524     14,505  
  Selling, general, and administrative     78,720     74,985     80,019  
   
 
 
 
Total expenses   $ 227,603   $ 216,857   $ 217,938  
   
 
 
 

        The ownership and operation of the Las Vegas casinos are subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act and regulations promulgated thereunder, various local ordinances and regulations, and are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, and various other county and city regulatory agencies, including the City of Las Vegas.

        American Casino's property and equipment consist of the following as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Land and improvements, including land held for development   $ 47,210   $ 47,041
Building and improvements     221,314     220,280
Furniture, fixtures and equipment     108,595     98,586
Construction in progress     7,348     7,224
   
 
      384,467     373,131
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     95,107     74,428
   
 
    $ 289,360   $ 298,703
   
 

F-21


        Included in property and equipment at both December 31, 2004 and 2003 are assets recorded under capital leases of $4.0 million.

        In connection with the purchase of the master lease from Strato-Retail, American Casino assumed lessor responsibilities for various non-cancelable operating leases for certain retail space. The future minimum lease payments to be received under these leases for years subsequent to December 31, 2004 are as follows:

Years ending December 31,

2005   $ 5,877
2006     4,778
2007     3,615
2008     2,177
2009     1,224
Thereafter     959
   
Total Payments   $ 18,630
   

        The above minimum rental income does not include contingent retail income contained within certain retail operating leases. In addition, American Casino is reimbursed by lessees for certain operating expenses.

11.    Hotel and Resort Operating Properties

        a.     The Company owns a hotel and resort property that is part of a master planned community situated in the town of Mashpee, located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. This property includes two golf courses, other recreational facilities, condominium and time share units and land for future development.

        Total initial costs of approximately $28 million were classified as follows: approximately $17.4 million as "Hotel and resort operating properties", $8.9 million as "Land and construction-in-progress" and $1.7 million as "Receivables and other current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

        Resort operations have been included in the "Hotel and resort operating income and expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Net hotel and resort operations for this property ("hotel and resort operating income" less "hotel and resort operating expenses") resulted in income of approximately $2,243,000, $3,033,000 and $1,909,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Hotel and resort operating expenses include all expenses except for approximately $2,544,000, $2,451,000 and $1,833,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 of depreciation and amortization, respectively, which is included in such caption in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

F-22



        b.     The Company owned a hotel located in Miami, Florida which had a carrying value of approximately $6.4 million at December 31, 2003, and was unencumbered by any mortgages. Approximately $1.3 million of capital improvements were completed in the year ended December 31, 2002.

        The Company had a management agreement for the operation of the hotel with a national management organization. As a result of the decision to sell the property in 2004, the operating results for the hotel have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods. Net hotel and resort operations ("hotel and resort operating revenues" less "hotel and resort operating expenses") totaled approximately $306,000, $596,000 and $494,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively and have been included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Depreciation expense of $0, $210,000 and $374,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, have been included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        In 2004, the Company sold the hotel located in Miami, Florida for a loss of approximately $0.9 million which included a license termination fee of approximately $0.7 million.

12.    Investment in Debt Securities of Affiliates (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Atlantic Holdings/GB Holdings(a)   $ 60,004   $ 24,696
TransTexas(b)     27,500    
Panaco(c)     38,000    
   
 
    $ 125,504   $ 24,696
   
 
Less current portion     (10,429 )  
    $ 115,075   $ 24,696
   
 

        a.     In 1998 and 1999, the Company acquired an interest in the Sands, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, by purchasing the principal amount of approximately $31.4 million of First Mortgage Notes ("Notes") issued by GB Property Funding Corp. ("GB Property"). GB Property was organized as a special purpose entity for the borrowing of funds by Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc. ("Greate Bay"). The purchase price for such notes was approximately $25.3 million. An affiliate of the General Partner also made an investment in the Notes of GB Property. A total of $185 million of such Notes were issued.

        Greate Bay owned and operated the Sands, a destination resort complex, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. On January 5, 1998, GB Property and Greate Bay filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to restructure its long term debt.

        In July 2000, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruled in favor of the reorganization plan proposed by affiliates of the General Partner which provided for an additional investment of $65 million by the

F-23



Icahn affiliates in exchange for a 46% equity interest, with bondholders (which also includes the Icahn affiliates) to receive $110 million in new notes of GB Property First Mortgage ("GB Notes") and a 54% equity interest. The plan, which became effective September 29, 2000, provided the Icahn affiliates with a controlling interest.

        As required by the New Jersey Casino Control Act (the "Casino Control Act"), the Partnership Agreement was amended to provide that securities of the Company are held subject to the condition that if a holder thereof is found to be disqualified by the Casino Control Commission, pursuant to the provisions of the Casino Control Act, such holder shall dispose of his interest in the Company in accordance with the Casino Control Act.

        At December 31, 2003, the Company owned approximately $26.9 million principal amount of GB Notes which were accounted for a held-to-maturity securities. These notes bore interest of 11% per annum and were due to mature in September 2005. The carrying value of these notes at December 31, 2003 was approximately $24.7 million.

        As part of the Atlantic Holdings Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange further described in Note 13, the Company tendered its GB Notes and received $26.9 million of 3% Notes due 2008 issued by Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (the "Atlantic Holdings Notes").

        On December 27, 2004, the Company purchased approximately $37.0 million principal amount of the Atlantic Holdings Notes from two Icahn affiliates for cash consideration of $36.0 million. As a result, the Company owns approximately 96.4% of the outstanding Atlantic Holdings Notes. The carrying value of the Atlantic Holdings Notes at December 31, 2004 is approximately $60 million. Interest income of approximately $2.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2004 and $2.9 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 was recognized.

        b.     On December 6, 2004, the Company purchased from affiliates of Mr. Icahn $27,500,000 aggregate principal amount, or 100%, of the outstanding term notes issued by TransTexas (the "TransTexas Notes"). The purchase price was $28,245,890, which equals the principal amount of the TransTexas Notes plus accrued but unpaid interest. The notes are payable annually in equal consecutive annual payments of $5,000,000, with the final installment due August 28, 2008. Interest is payable semi-annually in February and August at the rate of 10% per annum. Interest income of approximately $196,000 was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2004 and is included in "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the year then ended. The TransTexas Notes are secured by a first priority lien on all of TransTexas assets. TransTexas is indirectly controlled by Mr. Icahn. See Note 29.

        c.     On December 6, 2004, the Company purchased all of the membership interests of Mid River LLC ("Mid River") from Icahn affiliates for an aggregate purchase price of $38,125,999. The assets of Mid River consist of $38,000,000 principal amount of term loans of Panaco (the "Panaco Debt"). The purchase price included accrued but unpaid interest. The principal is payable in twenty-seven equal quarterly installments of the unpaid principal of $1,357,143 commencing on March 15, 2005, through and including September 15, 2011. Interest is payable quarterly at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR daily floating rate plus four percent, which was 6.346% at December 31, 2004. Interest income of $155,991 was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2004 and is included in "Interest income

F-24



on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended. See Note 29.

13.    Equity Interest in GB Holdings, Inc.

        At December 31, 2003, the Company owned approximately 3.6 million shares, or 36.3%, of GB Holdings, Inc. ("GB Holdings"), the holding company for the Sands (See Note 12). The Company also owned approximately $26.9 million principal amount of GB Notes.

        On June 30, 2004, GB Holdings announced that its stockholders approved the transfer of the Sands to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Atlantic Holdings, in connection with the restructuring of GB Holdings debt.

        On July 22, 2004, Atlantic Holdings announced that its Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, in which it offered to exchange the Atlantic Holdings Notes for GB Notes, expired and approximately $66 million principal amount of the GB Notes (approximately 60% of the outstanding GB Notes) were tendered to Atlantic Holdings for exchange. On July 23, 2004, 10 million warrants were distributed, on a pro rata basis, to stockholders. The warrants, under certain conditions, will allow the holders to purchase common stock of Atlantic Holdings at a purchase price of $.01 per share, representing 27.5% of the outstanding common stock of Atlantic Holdings, on a fully diluted basis. Mr. Icahn and his affiliated companies hold approximately 77.5% of the GB Holdings stock and held approximately 58.2% of the GB Notes, of which the Company owns approximately 36.3% of the common stock and held approximately 24.5% of the debt. This debt is included in "Investment in debt securities of Affiliates" in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company and Mr. Icahn tendered all of their GB Notes in the exchange. The Company received:

        The Company reflects its equity interest in GB Holdings as "Equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc." in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        The Company owns warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 10.0% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. Atlantic Holdings owns 100% of ACE Gaming LLC, the owner and operator of the Sands. The Company has entered into an agreement with affiliates of Mr. Icahn, to acquire an additional approximate 41.2% of the outstanding common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, an additional approximate 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings for an aggregate of $12.0 million of depositary units, plus an aggregate of up to $6.0 million of Depositary Units, if GB Holdings meets certain earnings targets during 2005 and 2006. See Note 29 regarding the Company's agreement to purchase an approximate 41.2% interest in GB Holdings from an affiliate of Mr. Icahn.

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Upon consummation of the purchase agreement, we will own approximately 77.5% of the outstanding GB Holdings common stock and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 21.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings.

        In the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $15.6 million on its equity investment in GB Holdings. The purchase price pursuant to the agreement described above was less than our carrying value, approximately $26.2 million, for the approximately 36.3% of the outstanding GB Holdings common stock that the Company owns. In the September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q of GB Holdings, there was a working capital deficit of approximately $32 million and there was approximately $40 million of debt maturing in September 2005.

14.    National Energy Group

        a.     National Energy Group, Inc.

        In October 2003, pursuant to a Purchase Agreement dated as of May 16, 2003, the Company acquired certain debt and equity securities of NEG from entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn for an aggregate cash consideration of approximately $148.1 million plus approximately $6.7 million in cash of accrued interest on the debt securities. The agreement was reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and legal counsel. The securities acquired were $148,637,000 in principal amount of outstanding 103/4% Senior Notes due 2006 of NEG and 5,584,044 shares of common stock of NEG. As a result of the foregoing transaction and the acquisition by the Company of additional securities of NEG prior to the closing, the Company beneficially owns in excess of 50% of the outstanding common stock of NEG.

        NEG owns a 50% interest in Holding LLC, the other 50% interest in Holding LLC is held by Gascon Partners ("Gascon") an Icahn affiliate and managing member. Holding LLC owns NEG Operating LLC ("Operating LLC") which owns operating oil and gas properties managed by NEG. Under the Holding LLC operating agreement, as of September 30, 2004, NEG is to receive guaranteed payments of approximately $39.9 million in addition to a priority distribution of approximately $148.6 million before the Icahn affiliate receives any monies. Due to the substantial uncertainty that NEG will receive any distribution above the priority and guaranteed payments amounts, NEG accounts for its investment in Holding LLC as a preferred investment.

        In connection with a credit facility obtained by Holding LLC, NEG and Gascon have pledged as security their respective interests in Holding LLC.

        b.     Investment in NEG Holding LLC

        As explained below, NEG's investment in Holding LLC is recorded as a preferred investment. The initial investment was recorded at historical carrying value of the net assets contributed with no gain or loss recognized on the transfer. The Company currently assesses its investment in Holding LLC through a cash flow analysis to determine if Holding LLC will have sufficient cash flows to fund the guaranteed payments and priority distribution. This analysis is done on a quarterly basis. Holding LLC is required to make SFAS 69 disclosures on an annual basis, which include preparation of reserve reports by independent engineers and cash flow projections. These cash flow projections are the basis for the cash

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flow analysis. The Company follows the conceptual guidance of SFAS 144 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" in assessing any potential impairments in Holding LLC.

        Summarized financial information for Holding LLC is as follows (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Current assets   $ 23,146   $ 33,415
Noncurrent assets(1)     237,127     190,389
   
 
Total assets   $ 260,273   $ 223,804
   
 
Current liabilities   $ 22,456   $ 14,253
Noncurrent liabilities     63,636     48,514
   
 
Total liabilities     86,092     62,767
Members' equity     174,181     161,037
   
 
Total liabilities and members' equity   $ 260,273   $ 223,804
   
 

(1)
Primarily oil and gas properties

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in $000's)

 
Total revenues   $ 78,727   $ 77,606   $ 35,900  
Costs and expenses     (47,313 )   (46,766 )   (32,064 )
   
 
 
 
Operating income     31,414     30,840     3,836  
Other income (expense)     (2,292 )   30     10,090  
   
 
 
 
Net income     29,122     30,870     13,926  
   
 
 
 

        In August 2000, pursuant to a plan of reorganization, Holding LLC was formed. Prior to September 2001, NEG owned and operated certain oil and gas properties. In September 2001, NEG contributed oil and natural gas properties in exchange for Holding LLC's obligation to pay the Company the guaranteed payments and priority distributions. The Company also received a 50% membership interest in Holding LLC. Gascon also contributed oil and natural gas assets and cash in exchange for future payments and a 50% membership interest. The Holding LLC operating agreement requires the payment of guaranteed payments and priority distributions to NEG in order to pay interest on senior debt and the principal amount of the debt of $148.6 million in 2006. After the receipt by NEG of the guaranteed payments and priority distributions that total approximately $300 million, the agreement requires the distribution of an equal amount to Gascon. Holding LLC is contractually obligated to make the guaranteed payments and priority distributions to NEG and Gascon before any distributions can be made to the LLC interest.

        NEG originally recorded its investment in Holding LLC at the historical cost of the oil and gas properties contributed into the LLC. In evaluating the appropriate accounting to be applied to this

F-27



investment, NEG anticipated it will collect the guaranteed payments and priority distributions through 2006. However, based on cash flow projections prepared by the management of Holding LLC and its reserve engineers, there is substantial uncertainty that there will be any residual value in Holding LLC subsequent to the payment of the amounts required to be paid to Gascon. Due to this uncertainty, NEG has been accreting its investment in Holding LLC, the value of its preferred interest at the implicit rate of interest up to the guaranteed payments and priority distributions collected through 2006, recognizing the accretion income in earnings. Accretion income is periodically adjusted for changes in the timing of cash flows, if necessary due to unscheduled cash distributions. Receipt of guaranteed payments and the priority distribution are recorded as reductions in the preferred investment in Holding LLC. The preferred investment in Holding LLC is evaluated quarterly for other than temporary impairment. The rights of NEG upon liquidation of Holding LLC are identical to those described above and the Company considered those rights in determining the appropriate presentation.

        Because of the continuing substantial uncertainty that there will be any residual value in Holding LLC after the guaranteed payments and priority distributions, no income other than the accretion is currently being given accounting recognition. NEG's preferred investment will be reduced to zero upon collection of the priority distributions in 2006. After that date, NEG will continue to monitor payments made to Gascon and, at such time as it would appear that there is any residual value to NEG's 50% interest in Holding LLC, it would receive accounting recognition. Throughout, and up to this point, NEG believes that the 50% interest in Holding LLC represents a residual interest that is currently valued at zero. The Company accounts for its residual equity investment in Holding LLC in accordance with APB 18.

        The following is a roll forward of the Investment in Holding LLC as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in $000s):

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Investment in Holding LLC at beginning of period   $ 69,346   $ 108,880  
Priority distribution from Holding LLC         (51,446 )
Guaranteed payment from Holding LLC     (15,978 )   (18,230 )
Accretion of investment in Holding LLC     34,432     30,142  
   
 
 
Investment in Holding LLC at end of period   $ 87,800   $ 69,346  
   
 
 

        The Holding LLC Operating Agreement requires that distributions shall be made to both NEG and Gascon as follows:

        1.     Guaranteed payments are to be paid to NEG, calculated on an annual interest rate of 10.75% on the outstanding priority distribution amount. The priority distribution amount includes all outstanding debt owed to entities owned or controlled by Carl C. Icahn, including the amount of NEG's 10.75% Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2004, the priority distribution amount was $148.6 million which equals the amount of NEG's 10.75% Senior Notes due the Company. The guaranteed payments will be made on a semi-annual basis.

        2.     The priority distribution amount is to be paid to NEG. Such payment is to occur by November 6, 2006.

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        3.     An amount equal to the priority distribution amount and all guaranteed payments paid to NEG, plus any additional capital contributions made by Gascon, less any distribution previously made by NEG to Gascon, is to be paid to Gascon.

        4.     An amount equal to the aggregate annual interest (calculated at prime plus 1/2% on the sum of the guaranteed payments), plus any unpaid interest for prior years (calculated at prime plus 1/2% on the sum of the guaranteed payments), less any distributions previously made by NEG to Gascon, is to be paid to Gascon.

        5.     After the above distributions have been made, any additional distributions will be made in accordance with the ratio of NEG's and Gascon's respective capital accounts.

        In addition, the Holding LLC Operating Agreement contains a provision that allows Gascon at any time, in its sole discretion, to redeem the membership interest in Holding LLC at a price equal to the fair market value of such interest determined as if Holding LLC had sold all of its assets for fair market value and liquidated. Since all of the NEG's operating assets and oil and natural gas properties have been contributed to Holding LLC, as noted above, following such a redemption, NEG's principal assets would consist solely of its cash balances.

        c.     See Note 29 pertaining to additional oil and gas acquisitions.

15.    Significant Property Transactions

        Information on significant property transactions during the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 is as follows:

        a.     In September 2002, the Company purchased an industrial building located in Nashville, Tennessee for approximately $18.2 million. The building was constructed in 2001 and is fully leased to two tenants, Alliance Healthcare and Jet Equipment & Tools Inc., with leases expiring in 2011. The annual net operating income was anticipated to be approximately $1.6 million increasing to approximately $1.9 million by 2011. In October 2002, the Company closed a $12.7 million non-recourse mortgage loan on the Nashville, Tennessee property. The loan bore interest at 6.4% per annum and was due to mature in ten years. Required payments were interest only for the first three years and then principal amortization would commence based on a thirty-year amortization schedule. In June 2004, the Company sold the property for a selling price of $19.2 million. A gain of approximately $1.4 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2004 and is included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        At December 31, 2003, the property had a carrying value of approximately $18,066,000 and was encumbered by a non-recourse mortgage in the amount of $12,700,000.

        b.     In October 2002, the Company sold a property located in North Palm Beach, Florida for a selling price of $3.5 million. A gain of approximately $2.4 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2002.

        c.     In October 2003, the Company sold a property located in Columbia, Maryland to its tenant for a selling price of $11 million. A gain of approximately $5.8 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2003.

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        d.     In the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company sold 57 rental real estate properties for approximately $245 million which were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $94 million which was repaid from the sales proceeds.

        In the year ended December 31, 2004, of the 57 properties, the Company sold nine financing lease properties for approximately $43.6 million. The properties were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $26.8 million which was repaid from the sales proceeds. The carrying value of these properties was approximately $38.3 million; therefore, the Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $5.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2004, which is included in income from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        In the year ended December 31, 2004, of the 57 properties, the Company sold 48 operating and held for sale properties for approximately $201.8 million. The properties were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $67 million which was repaid from the sales proceeds. The carrying value of these properties was approximately $126.6 million. The Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $75.2 million in year ended December 31, 2004, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        At December 31, 2004, the Company had fifteen properties under contract or as to which letters of intent had been executed by potential purchasers, all of which contracts or letters of intent are subject to purchaser's due diligence and other closing conditions. Selling prices for the properties covered by the contracts or letters of intent would total approximately $97.9 million. These properties are encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $36.0 million. At December 31, 2004, the carrying value of these properties is approximately $62.3 million. As of March 1, 2005, the Company has sold four of the fifteen properties for $46.5 million. The properties had a carrying value of $29.9 million. A gain of $16.6 million will be recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2005. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, only the real estate operating properties under contract or letter of intent, but not the financing lease properties, were reclassified to "Properties Held for Sale" and the related income and expense reclassified to "Income from discontinued operations."

        e.     In January 2004, in conjunction with its reinvestment program, the Company purchased a 34,422 square foot commercial condominium unit ("North Moore Condos") located in New York City for approximately $14.5 million. The unit contains a Citibank branch, a furniture store and a restaurant. Current annual rent income from the three tenants is approximately $1,289,000. The Company obtained mortgage financing of $10 million for this property in April 2004. The mortgage bears interest at the rate of 5.73% per annum, and matures in March 2014. Annual debt service is $698,760.

        f.      In July 2004, the Company purchased two Vero Beach, Florida waterfront communities, Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor ("Grand Harbor"), including their respective golf courses, tennis complex, fitness center, beach club and clubhouses. The acquisition also included properties in various stages of development, including land for future residential development, improved lots and finished residential units ready for sale. The purchase price was approximately $75 million, which included approximately $62 million of land and construction in progress. The Company plans to invest in the further development of these properties and the enhancement of the existing infrastructure.

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16.    Mortgages Payable

        Mortgages payable, all of which are nonrecourse to the Company, are summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
   
   
  Balance At December 31,
 
Range of Interest Rates

   
  Annual Principal
and Interest Payment

 
  Range of Maturities
  2004
  2003
 
5.630%–8.250%   10/15/07–10/01/14   $ 10,811   $ 91,896   $ 180,989  
       
             
Less current portion and mortgages on properties held for sale     (31,177 )   (87,753 )
             
 
 
              $ 60,719   $ 93,236  
             
 
 

        The following is a summary of the contractual future principal payments of the mortgages (in $000's):

Year Ending
December 31,

  Amount
2005   $ 4,759
2006     5,116
2007     11,428
2008     24,385
2009     7,211
2010–2014     38,997
   
    $ 91,896
   

        a.     See Note 15a. for Mid-South Logistics financing in October 2002.

        b.     On May 16, 2003, the Company executed a mortgage note secured by a distribution facility located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut and obtained funding in the principal amount of $20 million. The loan bears interest at 5.63% per annum and matures on June 1, 2013. Annual debt service is approximately $1,382,000 based on a 30 year amortization schedule.

        c.     See Note 15e. for North Moore Condo financing in April 2004.

17.    Senior Notes and Credit Facilities Due Affiliates

        a.     At December 31, 2002, NEG had $10.9 million outstanding under its existing $100 million credit facility with Arnos, an Icahn affiliate. Arnos continued to be the holder of the credit facility; however, the $10.9 million note outstanding under the credit facility was contributed to Holding LLC as part of Gascon's contribution to Holding LLC on September 12, 2001. In December 2001, the maturity date of the credit facility was extended to December 31, 2003 and NEG was given a waiver of compliance with respect to any and all covenant violations. NEG was not in compliance with the minimum interest coverage ratio at September 30, 2002; and December 31, 2002 and the current ratio at December 31, 2002, however, in December 2001, NEG was given a waiver of compliance with respect to any and all covenant violations through December 31, 2003.

F-31


        On March 26, 2003, Holding LLC distributed the $10.9 million note outstanding under NEG's revolving credit facility as a priority distribution to NEG, thereby canceling the note. Also, on March 26, 2003, NEG, Arnos and Operating LLC entered into an agreement to assign the credit facility to Operating LLC. Effective with this assignment, Arnos amended the credit facility to increase the revolving commitment to $150 million, increase the borrowing base to $75.0 million and extend the revolving due date until June 30, 2004. Concurrently, Arnos extended a $42.8 million loan to Operating LLC under the amended credit facility. Operating LLC then distributed $42.8 million to Holding LLC which, thereafter, made a $40.5 million priority distribution and a $2.3 million guaranteed payment to NEG. NEG utilized these funds to pay the entire amount of the long-term interest payable on the Notes and interest accrued thereon outstanding on March 27, 2003. The Arnos facility was canceled on December 29, 2003 in conjunction with a third party bank financing.

        b.     On September 24, 2001, Arizona Charlie's, Inc., the predecessor entity to Arizona Charlie's, LLC, which was acquired by American Casino in May 2004, refinanced the remaining principal balance of $7.9 million on a prior note payable to Arnos Corp., an affiliate of Mr. Icahn. The note bore interest at the prime rate plus 1.50% (5.75% per annum at December 31, 2002), with a maturity of June 2004, and was collateralized by all the assets of Arizona Charlie's, Inc. The note was repaid during November 2003. During the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, Arizona Charlie's, Inc. paid interest expense of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

        c.     During fiscal year 2002, Fresca, LLC, which was acquired by American Casino in May 2004, entered into an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $25.0 million with Starfire Holding Corporation ("Starfire"), an affiliate of Mr. Icahn. The outstanding balance, including accrued interest, was due and payable on January 2, 2007. As of December 31, 2003, Fresca, LLC had $25.0 million outstanding. The note bore interest on the unpaid principal balance from January 2, 2002 until maturity at the rate per annum equal to the prime rate, as established by Fleet Bank, from time to time, plus 2.75%. Interest was payable semi-annually in arrears on the first day of January and July, and at maturity. The note was guaranteed by Mr. Icahn. The note was repaid during May 2004. During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Fresca, LLC paid $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

18.    Senior Secured Notes Payable and Credit Facility

        In January 2004, American Casino closed on its offering of senior secured notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $215 million, bear interest at the rate of 7.85% per annum. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 7.85% per annum, which will be paid every six months on February 1 and August 1, commencing August 1, 2004. The notes will mature on February 1, 2012. The proceeds were held in escrow pending receipt of all approvals necessary under gaming laws and certain other conditions in connection with the acquisition of Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder. Upon satisfaction of all closing conditions on May 26, 2004, the proceeds of the offering were released from escrow. American Casino used the proceeds of the offering for the acquisition of Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Boulder, to repay intercompany indebtedness and for distributions to the Company. The notes are recourse only to, and are secured by a lien on the assets of, American Casino and certain of its subsidiaries. The notes restrict the ability of American Casino and its restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, to: incur additional debt; pay dividends and

F-32



make distributions; make certain investments; repurchase stock; create liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; merge or consolidate; and transfer, lease or sell assets. As of December 31, 2004, American Casino is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the notes. The notes were issued in an offering not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At the time American Casino issued the notes, it entered into a registration rights agreement in which it agreed to exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. On October 26, 2004, the SEC declared effective American Casino's registration statement. The exchange offer was consummated on December 1, 2004.

        The Company recorded approximately $15.6 million of interest expense on the notes payable in the year ended December 31, 2004 which is included in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended.

        A syndicate of lenders has provided to American Casino a non-amortizing $20.0 million revolving credit facility. The commitments are available to the Company in the form of revolving loans, and include a letter of credit facility (subject to $10.0 million sublimit). Loans made under the senior secured revolving facility will mature and the commitments under them will terminate on January 29, 2008. There were no borrowings outstanding under the facility at December 31, 2004.

        Of the Company's cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2004, approximately $75.2 million in cash is at American Casino which is subject to the restrictions of its notes and the revolving credit facility.

        The fair value of American Casino's long-term debt is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. As such, the estimated fair value of long-term debt outstanding is approximately $229.0 million as of December 31, 2004.

19.    Senior Unsecured Notes Payable

        On May 12, 2004, the Company closed on its offering of senior notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $353 million, were priced at 99.266%. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 81/8%, which will be paid every six months on June 1 and December 1, commencing December 1, 2004. The notes will mature on June 1, 2012. AREH is a guarantor of the debt; however, no other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes. American Real Estate Finance Corp. ("AREF"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed solely for the purpose of serving as a co-issuer of the debt securities. AREF will not have any operations or assets and will not have any revenues. The Company intends to use the proceeds of this offering for general business purposes, including its primary business strategy of acquiring undervalued assets in its existing lines of business or other businesses and to provide additional capital to grow its existing businesses. The notes restrict the ability of the Company, subject to certain exceptions, to, among other things; incur additional debt; pay dividends or make distributions; repurchase stock; create liens; and enter into transactions with affiliates. As of December 31, 2004, the Company is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the notes. The notes were issued in an offering not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At the time the Company issued the notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement in which the Company agreed to exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered under the Securities

F-33



Act of 1933. On November 8, 2004, the SEC declared effective the Company's registration statement. The exchange offer was consummated on December 15, 2004.

        The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. As such, the estimated fair value of long-term debt outstanding is approximately $375 million as of December 31, 2004.

        The Company recorded approximately $18.5 million of interest expense on the notes payable in the year ended December 31, 2004 which is included in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended.

20.    Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

        Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following (In $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Accrued liabilities   $ 11,463   $ 11,951
Accrued payroll     11,113     12,507
Due to Panaco, Inc.     16,242    
Other     42,975     21,316
   
 
    $ 81,793   $ 45,774
   
 

21.    Earnings Per Limited Partnership Unit

        Basic earnings per LP unit are based on net earnings attributable to limited partners, and in period prior to July 1, 2003, adjusted for the preferred pay-in-kind distribution to Preferred Unitholders. The resulting net earnings available for limited partners are divided by the weighted average number of shares of limited partnership units outstanding.

        Diluted earnings per LP unit are based on earnings before the preferred pay-in-kind distribution as the numerator with the denominator based on the weighted average number of units and equivalent units outstanding. The Preferred Units are considered to be equivalent units.

Net Income Per Unit

        Basic net income per American Real Estate Partners, L.P. Unit is derived by dividing net income attributable to the limited partners by the basic weighted average number of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. Units outstanding for each period. Diluted earnings per American Real Estate Partners, L.P. Unit is derived by adjusting net income attributable to the limited partners for the assumed dilutive effect of the redemption of the Preferred LP Units ("Diluted Earnings") and dividing Diluted

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Earnings by the diluted earnings weighted average number of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. Units outstanding for each period.

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  In $000's (except per unit data)

Attributable to Limited Partners:                  
  Basic income from continuing operations   $ 70,453   $ 47,822   $ 55,810
Add Preferred LP Unit distribution     4,981     4,792     4,518
   
 
 
  Income before discontinued operations     75,434     52,614     60,328
  Income from discontinued operations     82,054     11,538     7,358
   
 
 
  Diluted earnings   $ 157,488   $ 64,152   $ 67,686
   
 
 
Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding     46,098,284     46,098,284     46,098,284
Dilutive effect of redemption of Preferred LP Units     5,444,028     8,391,659     10,368,414
   
 
 
Weighed average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units outstanding     51,542,312     54,489,943     56,466,698
   
 
 
Basic earnings:                  
  Income from continuing operations   $ 1.53   $ .99   $ 1.11
  Income from discontinued operations     1.78     .25     .16
   
 
 
Basic earnings per LP unit   $ 3.31   $ 1.24   $ 1.27
   
 
 
Diluted earnings:                  
  Income from continuing operations   $ 1.46   $ .92   $ .99
  Income from discontinued operations     1.59     .21     .13
   
 
 
Diluted earnings per LP unit   $ 3.05   $ 1.13   $ 1.12
   
 
 

22.    Preferred Units

        Pursuant to rights offerings consummated in 1995 and 1997, Preferred Units were issued. The Preferred Units have certain rights and designations, generally as follows. Each Preferred Unit has a liquidation preference of $10.00 and entitles the holder thereof to receive distributions thereon, payable solely in additional Preferred Units, at the rate of $.50 per Preferred Unit per annum (which is equal to a rate of 5% of the liquidation preference thereof), payable annually on March 31 of each year (each, a "Payment Date"). On any Payment Date commencing with the Payment Date on March 31, 2000, the Company, with the approval of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner, may opt to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Units for a price, payable either in all cash or by issuance of additional Depositary Units, equal to the liquidation preference of the Preferred Units, plus any accrued but unpaid distributions thereon. On March 31, 2010, the Company must redeem all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Units on the same terms as any optional redemption.

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        Pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Units, on February 25, 2004, the Company declared its scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional Preferred Units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $10 per unit. The distribution was payable March 31, 2004 to holders of record as of March 12, 2004. A total of 489,657 additional Preferred Units were issued. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, 10,286,264 and 9,796,607 Preferred Units are issued and outstanding, respectively. In February 2004, the number of authorized Preferred LP units was increased to 10,400,000.

        Pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Units, on March 4, 2005, the Company declared its scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional Preferred Units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $10. The distribution is payable on March 31, 2005 to holders of record as of March 15, 2005. In addition, the Company increased the number of authorized Preferred Units to 10,900,000.

        On July 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 (SFAS 150), Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS 150 requires that a financial instrument, which is an unconditional obligation, be classified as a liability. Previous guidance required an entity to include in equity financial instruments that the entity could redeem in either cash or stock. Pursuant to SFAS 150 the Company's Preferred Units, which are an unconditional obligation, have been reclassified from "Partners' equity" to a liability account in the consolidated Balance Sheets and the preferred pay-in-kind distribution for the period from July 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003 of $2,449,000 and all future distributions have been and will be recorded as "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        The Company recorded $5.1 million and $2.4 million of interest expense in the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, in connection with the Preferred LP units distribution. These amounts are included in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years then ended.

23.    Income Taxes (in $000's)

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
The difference between the book basis and the tax basis of the net assets of the Company, not directly subject to income taxes, is as follows:            
  Book basis of AREH net assets excluding American Casino and NEG   $ 1,319,566   $ 1,149,418
  Excess of tax over book     120,820     79,238
   
 
  Tax basis of net assets   $ 1,440,386   $ 1,228,656
   
 

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        a.     Corporate Income Taxes

        (i)    The Company's corporate subsidiaries recorded the following income tax (expense) benefit attributable to continuing operations for American Casino and NEG for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Current   $ (2,626 ) $ (4,302 ) $ (311 )
Deferred     (14,137 )   5,875     (9,785 )
   
 
 
 
    $ (16,763 ) $ 1,573   $ (10,096 )
   
 
 
 

        (ii)   The tax effect of significant differences representing net deferred tax assets (the difference between financial statement carrying values and the tax basis of assets and liabilities) for the Company is as follows at December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Deferred tax assets:              
  Depreciation   $ 39,209   $ 39,858  
  Net operating loss carryforwards     32,176     30,942  
  Investment in Holding LLC     5,333     18,845  
  Other     5,954     5,962  
   
 
 
      82,672     95,607  
  Valuation allowance     (14,588 )   (17,733 )
   
 
 
  Subtotal     68,084     77,874  
   
 
 
  Less current portion     (2,685 )   (2,982 )
   
 
 
  Net deferred tax assets   $ 65,399   $ 74,892  
   
 
 

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, American Casino had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $16.0 million and $28.5 million, respectively, which begin expiring in 2020.

        (iii)  The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount computed at the federal statutory rate as a result of the following:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Federal statutory rate   35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
Tax deduction not given book benefit   0.0 % 5.0 % 0.0 %
Income not subject to taxation   (25.6 )% (14.3 )% (22.3 )%
Valuation allowance   (1.7 )% (28.3 )% (0.5 )%
Other   1.1 % 0.3 % 0.3 %
   
 
 
 
    8.8 % (2.3 )% 12.5 %
   
 
 
 

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        SFAS 109 requires a "more likely than not" criterion be applied when evaluating the realizability of a deferred tax asset. As of December 31, 2002, given Stratosphere's history of losses for income tax purposes, the volatility of the industry within which the Stratosphere operates, and certain other factors, Stratosphere had established a valuation allowance for the deductible temporary differences, including the excess of the tax basis of the Stratosphere's assets over the basis of such assets for financial statement purposes and the tax carryforwards. However, at December 31, 2003, based on various factors including the current earnings trend and future taxable income projections, Stratosphere determined that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized and removed the valuation allowance. In accordance with SFAS 109, the tax benefit of any deferred tax asset that existed on the effective date of a reorganization should be reported as a direct addition to contributed capital. Stratosphere has deferred tax assets relating to both before and after Stratosphere emerged from bankruptcy in September of 1998. The net decrease in the valuation allowance was $79.3 million, of which a net amount of $47.5 million was credited to partners' equity in the year ended December 31, 2003.

        Additionally, American Casino's acquisition of Arizona Charlie's, LLC and Fresca, LLC in May 2004 resulted in a net increase in the tax basis of assets in excess of book basis. As a result, the Company recognized an additional deferred tax asset of approximately $2.5 million from the transaction. Pursuant to SFAS 109, the benefit of the deferred tax asset from this transaction is credited directly to equity.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, NEG had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $75.9 and $58.0 million, respectively, which begin expiring in 2009. Net operating loss limitations may be imposed as a result of subsequent changes in stock ownership of NEG. Prior to the formation of Holding LLC, the income tax benefit associated with the loss carryforwards had not been recognized since, in the opinion of management, there was not sufficient positive evidence of future taxable income to justify recognition of a benefit. Upon the formation of Holding LLC, management again evaluated all evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets was still needed and concluded, based on the projected allocations of taxable income by Holding LLC, NEG more likely than not will realize a partial benefit from the loss carryforwards. In accordance with SFAS 109, NEG recorded a deferred tax asset of $25.5 million as of December 31, 2002, $25.9 million as of December 31, 2003, and $19.3 million as of December 31, 2004. Ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon, among other factors, NEG's ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods and is subject to change depending on the tax laws in effect in the years in which the carryforwards are used. As a result of the recognition of expected future income tax benefits, subsequent periods will reflect a full effective tax rate provision.

24.    Commitments and Contingencies

        a.     In January 2002, the Cape Cod Commission, (the "Commission"), a Massachusetts regional planning body created in 1989, concluded that AREP's New Seabury development is within its jurisdiction for review and approval (the "Administrative Decision"). It is the Company's position that the proposed residential, commercial and recreational development is in substantial compliance with a special permit issued for the property in 1964 and is therefore exempt from the Commission's

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jurisdiction and that the Commission is barred from exercising jurisdiction pursuant to a 1993 settlement agreement between the Commission and a prior owner of the New Seabury property (the "Settlement Agreement").

        In February 2002, New Seabury Properties L.L.C. ("New Seabury"), an AREP subsidiary and owner of the property, filed in Barnstable County Massachusetts Superior Court, a civil complaint appealing the Administrative Decision by the Commission, and a separate civil complaint to find the Commission in contempt of the Settlement Agreement. The Court subsequently consolidated the two complaints into one proceeding. In July 2003, New Seabury and the Commission filed cross motions for summary judgment.

        Also, in July 2003, in accordance with a Court ruling, the Commission reconsidered the question of its jurisdiction over the initial development proposal and over a modified development proposal that New Seabury filed in March 2003. The Commission concluded that both proposals are within its jurisdiction (the Second Administrative Decision). In August 2003, New Seabury filed in Barnstable County Massachusetts Superior Court another civil complaint appealing the Commission's second decision and petitioning the court to find the Commission in contempt of the settlement agreement.

        In November 2003, the Court ruled in New Seabury's favor on its July 2003 motion for partial summary judgment, finding that the special permit remains valid and that the modified development proposal is in substantial compliance with the Special Permit and therefore exempt from the Commission's jurisdiction; the Court did not yet rule on the initial proposal to build 675 residential/hotel units and 80,000 square feet of commercial space. Under the modified development proposal New Seabury could potentially develop up to 278 residential units and 145,000 square feet of commercial space. In February 2004, the court consolidated the three complaints into one proceeding. In March 2004, New Seabury and the Commission each moved for Summary Judgment to dispose of remaining claims under all three complaints and to obtain a final judgment from the Court. The Court heard arguments in June 2004 and took matters under advisement. The Commission and New Seabury filed a joint motion to delay, until May 6, 2005, any ruling by the court on New Seabury's pending motion for summary judgment and the Commission's pending cross-motion for summary judgment. The Company is currently in settlement negotiations with the Commission but these discussions may not be successful. The Company cannot predict the effect on the development process if it loses any appeal or if the Commission is ultimately successful in asserting jurisdiction over any of the development proposals.

        The carrying value of New Seabury's development assets at December 31, 2004 was approximately $10.5 million.

        The General Partner monitors all tenant bankruptcies and defaults and may, when it deems it necessary or appropriate, establish additional reserves for such contingencies.

        b.     In addition, in the ordinary course of business, the Company, its subsidiaries and other companies in which the Company has invested are parties to various legal actions. In management's opinion, the ultimate outcome of such legal actions will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

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25.    Employee Benefit Plans

        a.     Employees of the Company who are members of various unions are covered by union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multi-employer health and welfare and defined benefit pension plans. The Company recorded expenses for such plans of approximately $8,100,000, $7,600,000 and $6,500,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company does not have information from the plans' sponsors with respect to the adequacy of the plans' funding status.

        b.     The Company has retirement savings plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering its non-union employees. The plans allow employees to defer, within prescribed limits, a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the plans. The Company currently matches, within prescribed limits, up to 6.25% of eligible employees' compensation at rates up to 50% of the employee's contribution. The Company recorded charges for matching contributions of approximately $794,000, $714,000 and $981,000, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

26.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, investment in debt securities of affiliates and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and the Preferred Limited Partnership Units Liability are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value.

Other Investments

        The fair values of the mortgages and notes receivable past due, in process of foreclosure, or for which foreclosure proceedings are pending, are based on the discounted cash flows of the underlying lease. The fair values of the mortgages and notes receivable satisfied after year end are based on the amount of the net proceeds received.

        The fair values of the mortgages and notes receivable which are current are based on the discounted cash flows of their respective payment streams.

        The approximate estimated fair values of other investments held as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
  At December 31, 2004
  At December 31, 2003
 
  Net
Investment

  Estimated
Fair Value

  Net
Investment

  Estimated
Fair Value

Total   $ 245,948   $ 248,900   $ 50,328   $ 55,000
   
 
 
 

        The net investment at December 31, 2004 and 2003 is equal to the carrying amount of the mortgage receivable less any deferred income recorded.

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Mortgages Payable

        The approximate estimated fair values of the mortgages payable as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
  At December 31, 2004
  At December 31, 2003
 
  Carrying
Value

  Estimated
Fair Value

  Carrying
Value

  Estimated
Fair Value

Total   $ 91,896   $ 93,900   $ 180,989   $ 185,000
   
 
 
 

Limitations

        Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

27.    Segment Reporting

        The Company is engaged in six operating segments consisting of the ownership and operation of (1) rental real estate, (2) hotel and resort operating properties, (3) hotel and casino operating properties, (4) property development, (5) investment in securities including investment in other limited partnerships and marketable equity and debt securities and (6) investment in oil and gas operating properties. The Company's reportable segments offer different services and require different operating strategies and management expertise.

        Non-segment revenue to reconcile to total revenue consists primarily of interest income on treasury bills and other investments. Non-segment assets to reconcile to total assets includes investment in U.S. Government and Agency obligations, cash and cash equivalents, receivables and other assets.

        The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2.

        The Company assesses and measures segment operating results based on segment earnings from operations as disclosed below. Segment earnings from operations is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements nor synonymous with cash flow from operations.

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        The revenues, net earnings, assets and real estate investment capital expenditures for each of the reportable segments are summarized as follows for the years ended and as of December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Revenues:                    
  Hotel & casino operating properties   $ 297,868   $ 259,345   $ 250,328  
  Land, house and condominium sales     26,591     13,265     76,024  
  Rental real estate     17,099     19,514     20,654  
  Hotel & resort operating properties     18,477     14,592     14,918  
  Oil & gas operating properties     45,995     38,109     40,516  
  Other investments     34,241     13,874     15,283  
   
 
 
 
  Subtotal     440,271     358,699     417,723  
Reconciling items     13,310 (1)   11,770 (1)   18,006 (1)
   
 
 
 
    Total revenues   $ 453,581   $ 370,469   $ 435,729  
   
 
 
 
Net earnings:                    
Segment earnings:                    
  Hotel & casino operating properties   $ 70,265   $ 42,488   $ 32,390  
  Land, house and condominium sales     6,355     4,136     21,384  
  Oil & gas operating properties     34,849     30,879     33,411  
  Rental real estate     12,811     14,330     13,893  
  Hotel and resort operating properties     1,843     3,454     2,365  
  Other investments     34,241     13,874     15,283  
   
 
 
 
    Total segment earnings     160,364     109,161     118,726  
Interest income     13,310     11,770     18,006  
Interest expense     (46,099 )   (21,103 )   (27,297 )
General and administrative expenses     (9,806 )   (6,851 )   (7,029 )
Depreciation and amortization     (29,955 )   (24,764 )   (23,589 )
   
 
 
 
  Operating Income     87,814     68,213     78,817  
Gain on sales and disposition of real estate from continuing operations     5,262     7,121     8,990  
(Loss) gain on sale of assets         (1,503 )   (353 )
Loss on sale of limited partnership interests             (3,750 )
Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments         (19,759 )   (8,476 )
Gain on sale of marketable equity securities     40,159     2,607      
Unrealized losses on securities sold short     (23,619 )        
Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.     (15,600 )        
Minority interest in net earnings of Stratosphere Corp             (1,943 )
Income tax (expense) benefit     (16,763 )   1,573     (10,096 )
Income from discontinued operations     83,720     11,772     7,507  
General partner's share of net income     (8,466 )   (10,664 )   (7,528 )
   
 
 
 
Net earnings-limited partners' unitholders   $ 152,507   $ 59,360   $ 63,168  
   
 
 
 

(1)
Primarily interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other short-term investments and Icahn note receivable.

F-42


 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Assets:                  
  Rental real estate   $ 196,332   $ 340,062   $ 359,700
  Hotel and casino operating properties     289,360     298,703     290,775
  Land and construction-in-progress     106,537     43,459     40,415
  Hotel and resort operating properties     50,132     41,526     44,346
  Other investments     472,103     231,050     479,104
   
 
 
      1,114,464     954,800     1,214,340
  Reconciling items     1,148,593     691,806     491,691
   
 
 
    Total   $ 2,263,057   $ 1,646,606   $ 1,706,031
   
 
 
Real estate investment capital expenditures:                  
Acquisitions:                  
  Rental real estate   $ 14,583   $   $ 18,226
  Land and construction-in-progress     61,845        
  Hotel and casino operating properties     125,900        
  Hotel and resort operating properties     16,463        
   
 
 
    $ 218,791   $   $ 18,226
   
 
 
Developments:                  
  Rental real estate   $ 18   $ 413   $ 181
  Land and construction-in-progress     17,947         1,138
  Hotel and casino operating properties     13,589     31,844     19,133
  Hotel and resort operating properties     2,614     1,067     2,582
   
 
 
    $ 34,168   $ 33,324   $ 23,034
   
 
 

28.    Repurchase of Depositary Units

        The Company has previously been authorized to repurchase up to 1,250,000 Depositary Units. As of December 31, 2004, the Company has purchased 1,137,200 Depositary Units at an aggregate cost of approximately $11,921,000.

29.    Subsequent Events

        a.     On January 21, 2005, the Company announced that it had entered into agreements to acquire additional oil and gas and gaming and entertainment assets in transactions with affiliates of Carl C. Icahn. The aggregate consideration for the transactions is $652 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, of which $180 million is payable in cash and the balance is payable by the issuance of the Company's limited partnership depositary units valued at $29 per unit. Mr. Icahn currently owns indirectly approximately 86.5% of the Company's outstanding depositary and preferred units and indirectly owns 100% of the Company's general partner, American Property Investors, Inc. Upon the closing of the transactions, Mr. Icahn will own approximately 90.1% of the Company's outstanding depositary units and 86.5% of its preferred units, assuming no purchase price reductions. The transactions were approved by the Audit Committee of the Company's general partner. The Audit Committee was advised as to the transactions by independent legal counsel and financial advisor. The Audit Committee obtained opinions that the consideration to be paid in the transactions was fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company.

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        The transactions include the acquisition of the membership interest in Holding LLC other than that already owned by National Energy Group, Inc. (which is itself 50.02% owned by the Company); 100% of the equity of each of TransTexas Gas Corporation and Panaco, Inc., all of which will be consolidated under AREP Oil & Gas LLC, which is wholly owned by AREH; and approximately 41.2% of the common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of its subsidiary, Atlantic Holdings, which owns 100% of ACE Gaming LLC, the owner and operator of the Sands. The closing of each of the transactions is subject to certain conditions, including approval by the depositary unitholders of the issuance of the depositary units with respect to the transactions for which the consideration is depositary units and the receipt of the oil and gas reserve reports as of January 21, 2005 for each of Holding LLC, TransTexas and Panaco.

        Prior to the transactions, each of the Company and Mr. Icahn's affiliated companies owned oil and gas and gaming and entertainment assets. Upon completion of these transactions, all such assets held by Mr. Icahn's affiliates will have been acquired by the Company. As a result of these transactions, the Company will have substantially increased its oil and gas holdings, as well as expanded its gaming and entertainment holdings.

        Before the acquisition of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings securities, the Company owned approximately 36.3% of the outstanding common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 10.0% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. As a result of the transactions, the Company will own approximately 77.5% of the common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase approximately 21.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. The Company also owns approximately $63.9 million principal amount, or 96.4%, of the 3% senior notes due 2008 of Atlantic Holdings, which, upon the occurrence of certain events, are convertible into approximately 42.1% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. If all outstanding Atlantic Holdings notes were converted and warrants exercised, the Company would own approximately 63.4% of the Atlantic Holdings common stock, GB Holdings would own approximately 28.8% of the Atlantic Holdings common stock and the remaining shares would be owned by the public.

        Between December 6, 2004 and December 27, 2004, the Company purchased (1) $27.5 million aggregate principal amount of the TransTexas Notes, (2) $38.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Panaco Debt, and (3) $37.0 million aggregate principal amount of Atlantic Holdings Notes, bringing the Company's ownership of that debt to $63.9 million principal amount.

        b.     On February 7, 2005, the Company and its subsidiary, American Real Estate Finance Corp. ("AREF"), closed on their offering of senior notes due 2013. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $480 million, were priced at 100% of principal amount. The notes will have a fixed annual interest rate of 71/8%, which will be paid every six months on February 15 and August 15, commencing August 15, 2005. The notes will mature on February 15, 2013. AREF, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed solely for the purpose of serving as co-issuer of the notes. AREF does not have any operations or assets and does not have any revenues. AREH is a guarantor of the debt; however, no other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the offering, together with depositary units to be issued to fund for the acquisitions described above, to pay related fees and expenses and for general business purposes. The notes restrict the ability of the Company and AREH, subject to certain exceptions, to, among other things; incur additional debt; pay dividends or make distributions; repurchase stock; create liens; and enter into transactions with

F-44



affiliates. The notes were issued in an offering not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At the time the Company issued the notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement in which it agreed to exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. If the registration statement is not filed with the SEC by August 8, 2005 or if the registration statement is not declared effective by the SEC on or prior to December 5, 2005 or if we fail to consummate an exchange offer in which we issue notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 for the privately issued notes within 30 business days after December 5, 2005, then we will pay, as liquidated damages, $.05 per week per $1,000 principal amount for the first 90 day period following such failure, increasing by an additional $.05 per week of $1,000 principal amount for each subsequent 90 day period, until all failures are cured.

30.    Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (in $000'S, Except Per Unit Data)

 
  Three Months Ended(1)
 
 
  March 31,
  June 30,
  September 30,
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
Revenues   $ 104,122   $ 92,859   $ 117,901   $ 89,825   $ 119,485   $ 94,665   $ 112,073   $ 93,120  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income   $ 24,898   $ 16,008   $ 25,834   $ 15,425   $ 23,998   $ 16,624   $ 13,084   $ 20,156  
Gains (losses) on property transactions     6,047     1,138     (226 )   (272 )   (10 )   501     (549 )   5,754  
Loss on sale of assets                         (311 )       (1,192 )
Gain on sale of marketable equity and debt securities     28,857         8,310             2,168     2,992     439  
Unrealized losses on securities sold short                             (23,619 )    
Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.                             (15,600 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities         (961 )       (18,798 )                
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax     59,802     16,185     33,918     (3,645 )   23,988     18,982     (23,692 )   25,157  
Income tax (expense) benefit     (6,169 )   (3,892 )   (3,088 )   (3,167 )   (3,637 )   (3,577 )   (3,869 )   12,209  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations     53,633     12,293     30,830     (6,812 )   20,351     15,405     (27,561 )   37,366  
Income from discontinued operations     9,387     2,099     50,956     4,025     10,672     3,548     12,705     2,100  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)   $ 63,020   $ 14,392   $ 81,786   $ (2,787 ) $ 31,023   $ 18,953   $ (14,856 ) $ 39,466  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings (loss) per limited                                                  
Partnership unit(2):                                                  
  Basic earnings:                                                  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 1.14   $ .15   $ .63   $ (.22 ) $ .43   $ .25   $ (.59 ) $ .80  
    Income from discontinued operations     .20     .05     1.08     .09     .23     .07     .27     .05  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Basic earnings (loss) per LP unit   $ 1.34   $ .20   $ 1.71   $ (.13 ) $ .66   $ .32   $ (.32 ) $ .85  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings:                                                  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 1.02   $ .15   $ .58   $ (.22 ) $ .41   $ .23   $ (.59 ) $ .71  
    Income from discontinued operations     .18     .03     .96     .09     .20     .06     .27     .04  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings (loss) per LP unit   $ 1.20   $ .18   $ 1.54   $ (.13 ) $ .61   $ .29   $ (.32 ) $ .75  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
All quarterly amounts have been reclassified for the effects of reporting discontinued operations.

(2)
Net earnings (loss) per unit is computed separately for each period and, therefore, the sum of such quarterly per unit amounts may differ from the total for the year.

F-45



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Partners of
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

        We have audited the accompanying supplemental consolidated balance sheet of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the related supplemental consolidated statements of earnings, changes in partners' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended as restated for the acquisition of TransTexas Gas Corporation discussed in Note 1. These supplemental consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the supplemental consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

New York, New York
May 6, 2005

F-46



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Partners
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.:

        We have audited the accompanying supplemental consolidated balance sheet of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the related supplemental consolidated statements of earnings, changes in partners' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2003. These supplemental consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these supplemental consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        The supplemental consolidated financial statements give retroactive effect to the merger of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries and TransTexas Gas Corporation on April 6, 2005, which has been accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling-of-interests as described in Note 1 to the supplemental consolidated financial statements. Generally accepted accounting principles proscribe giving effect to a consummated business combination accounted for by the pooling-of-interests method in the financial statements that do not include the date of consummation. These financial statements do not extend through the date of consummation. However, they will become the historical consolidated financial statements of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries after financial statements covering the date of consummation of the business combination are issued.

        In our opinion, the supplemental consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applicable after financial statements are issued for a period which includes the date of the consummation of the business combination.

New York, New York
May 4, 2005

F-47


AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (in $000's except per unit amounts)

 
ASSETS              

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 2)

 

$

768,918

 

 

504,369

 
Investment in U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 4)     96,840     52,583  
Marketable equity and debt securities (Note 5)     2,248     55,826  
Due from brokers (Note 6)     123,001      
Restricted cash     19,856     15,058  
Receivables and other current assets     59,274     51,780  
Real estate leased to others:              
  Current portion of lease amortization for leases accounted for under the financing method (Note 8)     3,912     5,738  
Properties held for sale (Notes 9 and 15)     58,021     128,813  
Current portion of investment in debt securities of affiliates (Note 12)     5,429      
Current portion of deferred tax asset (Note 23)     2,685     2,982  
   
 
 
      Total current assets     1,140,184     817,149  

Investment in U.S. government and agency obligations (Note 4)

 

 

5,491

 

 

8,990

 
Other investments (Note 7)     245,948     50,328  
Land and construction-in-progress (Note 15)     106,537     43,459  
Real estate leased to others:              
  Accounted for under the financing method (Notes 8, 15 and 16)     85,281     131,618  
  Accounted for under the operating method, net of accumulated depreciation (Notes 9, 15 and 16)     49,118     76,443  
Oil and gas properties, net (Notes 2 and 14)     168,136     168,921  
Hotel, casino and resort operating properties, net of accumulated depreciation:              
  American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (Notes 10 and 17)     289,360     298,703  
  Hotel and resorts (Notes 9 and 11)     50,132     41,526  
Deferred finance costs and other assets, net     21,200     4,095  
Long-term portion of investment in debt securities of affiliates (Note 12)     92,575     24,696  
Investment in NEG Holding LLC (Note 14)     87,800     69,346  
Equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc. (The Sands Hotel and Casino)(Note 13)     10,603     30,854  
Deferred tax asset (Note 23)     55,824     65,445  
   
 
 
      Total   $ 2,408,189   $ 1,831,573  
   
 
 
               

F-48



LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current portion of mortgages payable (Notes 8, 9 and 16)   $ 3,700   $ 4,892  
Mortgages on properties held for sale (Notes 9 and 16)     27,477     82,861  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 20)     95,877     55,880  
Securities sold not yet purchased (Note 6)     90,674      
Other debt due to affiliates (Notes 14 and 17)         30,000  
   
 
 
      Total current liabilities     217,728     173,633  
   
 
 

Other liabilities

 

 

26,048

 

 

29,127

 
Long-term portion of mortgages payable (Notes 8, 9 and 16)     60,719     93,236  
Senior secured notes payable (Note 18)     215,000      
Senior unsecured notes payable-net of unamortized discount of $2,402 (Note 19)     350,598      
Asset retirement obligation (Note 2)     3,930     3,477  
Due to affiliates (Notes 14 and 17)         27,500  
Preferred limited partnership units:              
  $10 liquidation preference, 5% cumulative pay-in-kind; 10,400,000 authorized; 10,286,264 and 9,796,607 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (Note 22)     106,731     101,649  
   
 
 
      Total long-term liabilities     763,026     254,989  
   
 
 

Minority interest (Note 14)

 

 


 

 

9,604

 

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 3 and 24):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Limited partners:              
  Depositary units; 47,850,000 authorized; 47,235,484 outstanding     1,328,031     1,184,870  
General partner     111,325     220,398  
Treasury units at cost:              
  1,137,200 depositary units (Note 28)     (11,921 )   (11,921 )
   
 
 
Partners' equity (Notes 2 and 3)     1,427,435     1,393,347  
   
 
 
      Total   $ 2,408,189   $ 1,831,573  
   
 
 

See notes to supplemental consolidated financial statements.

F-49



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in $000's except unit and per unit amounts)

 
Revenues:                    
  Hotel and casino operating income (Note 10)   $ 299,981   $ 262,811   $ 250,023  
  Land, house and condominium sales     26,591     13,265     76,024  
  Interest income on financing leases     9,880     13,115     14,722  
  Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments (Notes 2 and 7)     44,376     22,592     30,569  
  Rental income     7,219     6,399     5,932  
  Hotel and resort operating income (Note 11)     18,477     14,592     14,918  
  Oil and gas operating income (Notes 2 and 14)     58,419     20,899      
  Accretion of investment in NEG Holding LLC (Note 14)     34,432     30,142     32,879  
  NEG management fee     6,887     6,629     7,637  
  Dividend and other income (Notes 5 and 7)     3,616     3,211     2,720  
  Equity in (loss) earnings of GB Holdings, Inc. (Note 13)     (2,113 )   (3,466 )   305  
   
 
 
 
      507,765     390,189     435,729  
   
 
 
 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Hotel and casino operating expenses (Note 10)     227,603     216,857     217,938  
  Cost of land, house and condominium sales     18,486     9,129     54,640  
  Oil and gas operating expense (Notes 2 and 14)     13,816     5,028      
  Hotel and resort operating expenses (Note 11)     15,234     11,138     12,553  
  Interest expense (Notes 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 22)     49,669     27,057     27,297  
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization     68,431     40,533     23,589  
  General and administrative expenses (Note 3)     20,952     14,081     14,134  
  Property expenses     4,288     4,434     3,549  
  Provision for losses on real estate     3,150     750     3,212  
   
 
 
 
      421,629     329,007     356,912  
   
 
 
 
Operating income     86,136     61,182     78,817  
Other gains and (losses):                    
  Gain (loss) on sale of other assets     1,680     (1,503 )   (353 )
  Gain on sale of marketable equity and debt securities     40,159     2,607      
  Unrealized losses on securities sold short (Note 6)     (23,619 )        
  Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc. (Note 13)     (15,600 )        
  Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments (Note 5)         (19,759 )   (8,476 )
  Gain on sales and disposition of real estate (Note 15)     5,262     7,121     8,990  
  Loss on limited partnership interests             (3,750 )
  Severance tax refund     4,468          
  Minority interest (Notes 10 and 14)     (812 )   (1,266 )   (1,943 )
   
 
 
 
  Income from continuing operations before income taxes     97,674     48,382     73,285  
  Income tax (expense) benefit (Note 23)     (17,326 )   16,750     (10,096 )
   
 
 
 
  Income from continuing operations     80,348     65,132     63,189  
   
 
 
 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Income from discontinued operations     8,523     8,419     7,507  
  Gain on sales and disposition of real estate     75,197     3,353      
   
 
 
 
Total income from discontinued operations     83,720     11,772     7,507  
   
 
 
 
Net earnings   $ 164,068   $ 76,904   $ 70,696  
   
 
 
 
                     

F-50


Net earnings attributable to (Note 1):                    
  Limited partners   $ 152,507   $ 59,360   $ 63,168  
  General partner     11,561     17,544     7,528  
   
 
 
 
    $ 164,068   $ 76,904   $ 70,696  
   
 
 
 
Net earnings per limited partnership unit (Notes 2 and 21):                    
  Basic earnings:                    
  Income from continuing operations   $ 1.53   $ 0.99   $ 1.11  
  Income from discontinued operations     1.78     0.25     0.16  
   
 
 
 
  Basic earnings per LP unit   $ 3.31   $ 1.24   $ 1.27  
   
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding     46,098,284     46,098,284     46,098,284  
   
 
 
 
Diluted earnings:                    
  Income from continuing operations   $ 1.46   $ 0.92   $ 0.99  
  Income from discontinued operations     1.59     0.21     0.13  
   
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per LP unit   $ 3.05   $ 1.13   $ 1.12  
   
 
 
 
Weighted average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units outstanding     51,542,312     54,489,943     56,466,698  
   
 
 
 

See notes to supplemental consolidated financial statements.

F-51



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS'
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
(in $000's)

 
   
  Limited Partners' Equity
  Held in Treasury
   
 
 
  General
Partner's
Equity
(Deficit)

   
 
 
  Depositary
Units

  Preferred
Units

  Amounts
  Units
  Total
Partners'
Equity

 
Balance, December 31, 2001   $ 58,846   $ 996,701   $ 92,198   $ (11,921 ) 1,137     1,135,824  
Comprehensive income:                                    
  Net earnings     7,528     63,168               70,696  
  Reclassification of unrealized loss on sale of debt securities     211     10,384               10,595  
  Adjustment to reverse unrealized loss on investment securities reclassified to notes receivable     131     6,451               6,582  
  Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale     (5 )   (237 )             (242 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Comprehensive income     7,865     79,766               87,631  
Net adjustment for acquisition of minority interest (Note 10)     21,151                   21,151  
Pay-in-kind distribution (Note 22)         (4,610 )   4,610            
Capital contribution to American Casino (Note 10)     831                   831  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2002     88,693     1,071,857     96,808     (11,921 ) 1,137     1,245,437  
  Comprehensive income:                                    
  Net earnings     17,544     59,360               76,904  
  Reclassification of unrealized loss on sale of debt securities     15     746               761  
  Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale     183     8,991               9,174  
  Sale of marketable equity securities available for sale     (6 )   (274 )             (280 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income     17,736     68,823               86,559  
Pay-in-kind distribution (Note 22)         (2,391 )   2,391            
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance related to book-tax differences existing at time of bankruptcy (Note 23)     524     46,581               47,105  
Capital distribution (Note 10)     (2,808 )                 (2,808 )

Reclassification of Preferred LP units to liabilities (Note 22)

 

 


 

 


 

 

(99,199

)

 


 


 

 

(99,199

)
Net adjustment for TransTexas acquisition (Note 14)     116,253                   116,253  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2003     220,398     1,184,870         (11,921 ) 1,137     1,393,347  
Comprehensive income:                                    
  Net earnings     11,561     152,507               164,068  
  Reclassification of unrealized gains on marketable securities sold     (190 )   (9,378 )             (9,568 )
  Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale     1     32               33  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income     11,372     143,161               154,533  
Capital distribution from American Casino (Note 10)     (17,916 )                 (17,916 )
Capital contribution to American Casino (Note 10)     22,800                   22,800  
Arizona Charlie's acquisition (Note 10)     (125,900 )                 (125,900 )
Distribution                                    
Change in deferred tax asset related to acquisition of Arizona Charlie's     2,490                   2,490  
Distribution to General Partner relating to TransTexas' purchase of minority interest and treasury shares (Note 14)     (1,919 )                 (1,919 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2004   $ 111,325   $ 1,328,031   $   $ (11,921 ) 1,137   $ 1,427,435  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

        Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $(122), $9,174 and ($242), respectively.

See notes to supplemental consolidated financial statements.

F-52



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in $000's)

 
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
  Income from continuing operations   $ 80,348   $ 65,132   $ 63,189  
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     68,099     41,135     23,589  
    Change in fair market value of derivative contracts     1,659     (373 )    
    Note discount amortization     281     95      
    Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligation     332     96      
    Preferred LP interest expense     5,082     2,450      
    Gain on sale of marketable equity securities     (40,159 )   (2,607 )    
    Unrealized losses on securities sold short     23,619          
    Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.     15,600          
    Gain on sales and disposition of real estate     (5,262 )   (7,121 )   (8,990 )
    Loss on limited partnership interests             3,750  
    (Gain) loss on sale of assets     (1,584 )   1,511     353  
    Provision for loss on real estate     3,150     750     3,212  
    Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments         19,759     8,476  
    Minority interest     812     1,266     1,943  
    Equity in losses (earnings) of GB Holdings, Inc.     2,113     3,466     (305 )
    Deferred gain amortization     (2,038 )   (2,038 )   (2,038 )
    Accretion of investment in NEG Holding LLC     (34,432 )   (30,142 )   (32,879 )
    Deferred income tax expense (benefit)     14,296     (22,256 )   9,785  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
      (Increase) decrease in receivables and other assets     (10,442 )   3,762     2,944  
      Increase in due from brokers     (123,001 )        
      (Increase) decrease in land and construction-in-progress     (1,626 )   (4,106 )   24,215  
      Increase in restricted cash     (4,798 )   (13,095 )    
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities     96,280     (38,346 )   271  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by continuing operations     88,329     19,338     97,515  
   
 
 
 
  Total income from discontinued operations     83,720     11,772     7,507  
    Depreciation and amortization     1,104     5,167     4,521  
    Net gain from property transactions     (75,197 )   (3,353 )    
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by discontinued operations     9,627     13,586     12,028  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by operating activities     97,956     32,924     109,543  
   
 
 
 
  Cash flows from investing activities:                    
    Cash related to combination of TransTexas accounted for as a pooling of interest         15,312      
    Increase (decrease) in other investments     2,942     (28,491 )   (23,200 )
    Repayments of mezzanine loans included in other investments     49,130     12,200     23,000  
    Net proceeds from the sales and disposition of real estate     16,790     15,290     20,513  
    Proceeds from sale of other assets     3,779          
    Principal payments received on leases accounted for under the financing method     4,219     5,310     5,941  
    Purchase of debt securities included in other investments     (245,166 )        
    Purchase of debt securities of affiliates     (65,500 )        
    Purchase of Atlantic Holdings debt included in debt securities due from affiliates     (36,000 )        
    Acquisition of Arizona Charlies'     (125,900 )        
    Additions to hotel, casino and resort operating property     (16,203 )   (32,911 )   (21,715 )
    Acquisition of hotel and resort operating property     (16,463 )        
    Acquisitions of rental real estate     (14,583 )       (18,226 )
    Acquisition of land and construction in progress     (61,845 )        
    Additions to rental real estate     (18 )   (413 )   (181 )
    Additions to oil and gas operating property     (47,528 )   (633 )    
    (Increase) decrease in investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (Note 2)     (40,757 )   274,478     (22,410 )
    Increase in marketable equity and debt securities         (45,140 )   (4,415 )
    Proceeds from sale of marketable equity and debt securities     90,614     3,843      
    Decrease in note receivable from affiliate         250,000      
    Acquisition of minority interest in TransTexas     (4,136 )        
    Decrease in minority interest in Stratosphere Corp             (44,744 )
    Decrease in investment in Stratosphere Corp         788      
    Investment in NEG, Inc         (148,101 )    
                     

F-53


    Guaranteed payment from NEG Holding LLC     15,979     18,229     21,653  
    Priority distribution from NEG Holding LLC         40,506      
    Decrease in due to affiliate             (68,491 )
    Other     (194 )   560     197  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities from continuing operations     (490,840 )   380,827     (132,078 )
    Cash flows from investing activities from discontinued operations:                    
    Net proceeds from the sales and disposition of real estate     134,789     5,336      
   
 
 
 
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (356,051 )   386,163     (132,078 )
   
 
 
 
  Cash flows from financing activities:                    
    Partners' Equity:                    
      Distributions to members     (17,916 )        
      Member's contribution     22,800          
      Contributions to American Casino             598  
    Debt:                    
      Repayment of credit facilities         (2,904 )   (5,000 )
      Proceeds from credit facility         7,780     17,220  
      Proceeds from Senior Notes Payable     565,409          
      Decrease in due to affiliates     (24,925 )        
      Proceeds from mortgages payable     10,000     20,000     12,700  
      Payments on mortgages payable         (3,837 )   (462 )
      Periodic principal payments     (14,613 )   (15,297 )   (7,198 )
      Debt issuance costs     (18,111 )        
    Other             242  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by financing activities     522,644     5,742     18,100  
   
 
 
 
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     264,549     424,829     (4,435 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year     504,369     79,540     83,975  
   
 
 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 768,918   $ 504,369   $ 79,540  
   
 
 
 
  Supplemental information:                    
    Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized   $ 48,015   $ 65,253   $ 37,176  
   
 
 
 
  Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:                    
  Reclassification of real estate to operating lease   $   $ 5,065   $ 13,403  
  Reclassification from hotel and resort operating properties     (6,428 )        
  Reclassification of real estate from financing lease     (1,920 )   (5,065 )   (13,503 )
  Reclassification of real estate from operating lease     (38,452 )   (126,263 )    
  Reclassification of real estate to property held for sale     46,800     126,263     100  
  Decrease in other investments         (3,453 )    
  Decrease in deferred income         2,565      
  Increase in real estate accounted for under the operating method         888      
  Reclassification from marketable equity and debt securities             (20,494 )
  Reclassification from receivable and other assets         (1,631 )      
  Reclassification to other investments         1,631     20,494  
   
 
 
 
    $   $   $  
   
 
 
 
  Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale   $ 33   $ 9,174   $ (242 )
   
 
 
 
  Increase in equity and debt securities   $ 1,740   $ 1,200   $ 2,890  
   
 
 
 
  Contribution of note from NEG Holding LLC   $   $ 10,940   $  
   
 
 
 
  Change in tax asset related to acquisition   $ 2,490   $   $  
   
 
 
 

See notes to supplemental consolidated financial statements.

F-54



AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

        American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or "AREP") are engaged in the following operating businesses: (1) rental real estate; (2) hotel, casino and resort operations; (3) land, house and condominium development; (4) participation in and ownership of oil and gas operating properties; and (5) investment in securities, including investment in other entities and marketable equity and debt securities.

        As a result of the Company's expansion into non-real estate businesses, the Company has changed the presentation of its 2004 Consolidated Balance Sheet to a classified basis. The 2003 Consolidated Balance Sheet has been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

        On July 1, 1987, American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership (the "Subsidiary" or "AREH"), in connection with an exchange offer (the "Exchange"), entered into merger agreements with American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and each of thirteen separate limited partnerships (collectively, the "Predecessor Partnerships"), pursuant to which the Subsidiary acquired all the assets, subject to the liabilities of the Predecessor Partnerships.

        By virtue of the Exchange, the Subsidiary owns the assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Predecessor Partnerships. The Company owns a 99% limited partner interest in AREH. AREH, the operating partnership, was formed to hold the investments of and conduct the business operations of the Company. Substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Company are owned by AREH and substantially all operations are conducted through AREH. American Property Investors, Inc. (the "General Partner") owns a 1% general partner interest in both the Subsidiary and the Company, representing an aggregate 1.99% general partner interest in the Company and the Subsidiary. The General Partner is owned and controlled by Mr. Carl C. Icahn ("Icahn" or "Mr. Icahn").

        On August 16, 1996, the Company amended its Partnership Agreement to permit non-real estate related acquisitions and investments to enhance unitholder value and further diversify its assets. Under the Amendment, investments may include equity and debt securities of domestic and foreign issuers. The portion of the Company's assets invested in any one type of security or any single issuer are not limited.

        The Company will conduct its activities in such a manner so as not to be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). Generally, this means that no more than 40% of the Company's total assets will be invested in investment securities, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the Company does not intend to invest in securities as its primary business and will structure its investments to continue to be taxed as a partnership rather than as a corporation under the applicable publicly traded partnership rules of the Internal Revenue Code.

        As of December 31, 2004, affiliates of the General Partner owned 8,900,995 Preferred Units, or 86.5%, and 39,896,836 Depositary Units or 86.5%.

        TransTexas Acquisition—On April 6, 2005, AREP Oil and Gas LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired TransTexas Gas Corporation ("TransTexas") from an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn for $180.0 million in cash. TransTexas is considered a company under common control. Accordingly, the accompanying supplemental consolidated financial statements and footnotes include the assets and operations of TransTexas during the period of common control, commencing September 1, 2003. For the year ended December 31, 2004 and the 4 months ended December 31, 2003 TransTexas' revenue was approximately $59,056 and $21,058, respectively. For the year ended

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December 31, 2004 and the 4 months ended December 31, 2003 TransTexas' net income was approximately $3,095 and $6,880, respectively. Earnings prior to the acquisition have been allocated to the General Partner. (See notes 3 and 14.)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AREP and its majority-owned subsidiaries in which control can be exercised. The Company is considered to have control if it has a direct or indirect ability to make decisions about an entity's activities through voting or similar rights. The Company uses the guidance set forth in AICPA Statement of Position No. 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures, with respect to its investments in partnerships and limited liability companies. In addition, the Company uses the guidance of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, or FIN 46R, whereby an interest in a variable interest entity where the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary would be consolidated. The Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, as defined, with respect to National Energy Group, Inc.'s ("NEG") investment in NEG Holding, LLC ("Holding LLC"). The Company accounts for its residual equity investment in Holding LLC in accordance with APB 18 (See Note 14). All material intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.

        Investments in affiliated companies determined to be voting interest entities in which AREP owns between 20% and 50%, and therefore exercises significant influence, but which it does not control, are accounted for using the equity method. The Company accounts for its 36% interest in GB Holdings on the equity basis.

        In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial statements of previously separate companies for periods prior to the acquisition are restated on a combined basis.

        Net Earnings Per Limited Partnership Unit—Basic earnings per LP Unit are based on net earnings as adjusted prior to the July 1, 2003, preferred pay-in-kind distribution to Preferred Unitholders. The resulting net earnings available for limited partners are divided by the weighted average number of depositary limited partnership units outstanding.

        Diluted earnings per LP Unit uses net earnings attributable to limited partner interests, as adjusted after July 1, 2003 for the preferred pay-in-kind distributions as the numerator with the denominator based on the weighted average number of units and equivalent units outstanding. The Preferred Units are considered to be equivalent units. The number of limited partnership units used in the calculation of diluted income per limited partnership unit increased as follows: 5,444,028, 8,391,659, and 10,368,414 limited partnership units for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, to reflect the effects of the dilutive preferred units.

        For accounting purposes, NEG's earnings prior to the NEG acquisition in October 2003, Arizona Charlie's earnings prior to its acquisition in May 2004 and TransTexas' earnings prior to its acquisition in April 2005 have been allocated to the General Partner and therefore excluded from the computation of basic and diluted earnings per limited partnership unit.

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        Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers short-term investments, which are highly liquid with original maturities of three months or less at date of purchase, to be cash equivalents. Included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are investments in government-backed securities of approximately $658,534,000 and $378,000,000, respectively.

        Restricted Cash—Restricted Cash consists of funds held by third parties in connection with tax free property exchanges pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 1031.

        Marketable Equity and Debt Securities, Investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations and Other Investments—Investments in equity and debt securities are classified as either trading, held-to-maturity or available for sale for accounting purposes. Trading securities are valued at quoted market value at each balance sheet date with the unrealized gains or losses reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Investments in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value on the balance sheet of the Company. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of Partners' Equity and when sold are reclassified out of Partners' Equity based on specific identification. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost.

        A decline in the market value of any held-to-maturity or available for sale security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. Dividend income is recorded when declared and interest income is recognized when earned.

        The Company utilizes the full cost method of accounting for its crude oil and natural gas properties. Under the full cost method, all productive and nonproductive costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas reserves are capitalized and amortized on the units-of-production method based upon total proved reserves. The costs of unproven properties are excluded from the amortization calculation until the individual properties are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether reserves exist. Conveyances of properties, including gains or losses on abandonments of properties, are treated as adjustments to the cost of crude oil and natural gas properties, with no gain or loss recognized.

        Under the full cost method, the net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed the estimated after-tax future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas properties, discounted at 10% per year (the ceiling limitation). In arriving at estimated future net revenues, estimated lease operating expenses, development costs, abandonment costs, and certain production related and ad-valorem taxes are deducted. In calculating future net revenues, prices and costs in effect at the time of the calculation are held constant indefinitely, except for changes, which are fixed and determinable by existing contracts. The net book value is compared to the ceiling limitation on a quarterly basis.

        The Company has not capitalized internal costs or interest with respect to its oil and gas activities.

        The Company is subject to extensive federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws, which are constantly changing, regulate the discharge of materials into the environment and may require the Company to remove or mitigate the environment effects of the disposal or release

F-57



of petroleum or chemical substances at various sites. Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that have no future economic benefits are expensed. Liabilities for expenditures of a noncapital nature are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated.

        The Company's operations are subject to all of the risks inherent in oil and natural gas exploration, drilling, and production. These hazards can result in substantial losses to the Company due to personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage, or suspension or operations. The Company maintains insurance of various types customary in the industry to cover its operations and believes it is insured prudently against certain of these risks. In addition, the Company maintains operator's extra expense coverage that provides coverage for the care, custody and controls of wells drilled by the Company. The Company's insurance does not cover every potential risk associated with the drilling and production of oil and natural gas. As a prudent operator, the Company does maintain levels of insurance customary in the industry to limit its financial exposure in the event of a substantial environmental claim resulting from sudden and accidental discharges. However, 100% coverage is not maintained. The occurrence of a significant adverse event, the risks of which are not fully covered by insurance, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates it considers reasonable. The Company believes that it operates in compliance with government regulations and in accordance with safety standards which meet or exceed industry standards.

        a.     The Company accounts for secured bank debt acquired at a discount for which the Company believes it is not probable that the undiscounted future cash collection will be sufficient to recover the face amount of the loan and constructive interest utilizing the cost recovery method in accordance with Practice Bulletin 6, "Amortization of Discounts on Certain Acquired Loans." For secured bank debt acquired at a discount where recovery is probable, the Company amortizes the discount on the loan over the period in which the payments are probable of collection, only if the amounts are reasonably estimable and the ultimate collectibility of the acquisition amount of the loan and the discount is probable. The Company evaluates collectibility for every loan at each balance sheet date.

        SOP 03-03, "Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer," which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004, limits the yield that may be accreted to the excess of the Company's estimate of undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected over the Company's initial investment in a loan. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this SOP will have a significant impact on its financial statements.

        b.     The Company has generally not recognized any profit in connection with the property sales in which certain purchase money mortgages receivable were taken back. Such profits are being deferred and will be recognized when the principal balances on the purchase money mortgages are received.

        c.     The Company has provided development financing for certain real estate projects. The security for these loans is either a second mortgage or a pledge of the developers' ownership interest in the properties. Such loans are subordinate to construction financing and are generally referred to as

F-58



mezzanine loans. Generally, interest is not paid periodically but is due at maturity or earlier from unit sales or refinancing proceeds. The Company defers recognition of interest income on mezzanine loans pending receipt of all principal payments.

        Income Taxes—No provision has been made for federal, state or local income taxes on the results of operations generated by partnership activities, as such taxes are the responsibility of the partners. American Entertainment Properties Corp., the parent of American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC ("American Casino"), TransTexas, and NEG, the Company's corporate subsidiaries, account for their income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

        For income tax purposes, the taxable income or loss of TransTexas and its subsidiaries is included in the consolidated income tax return of the Starfire Holding Corp. ("Starfire") controlled group. TransTexas and its subsidiaries entered into a tax allocation agreement with Starfire that provides for payments of tax liabilities to Starfire, calculated as if TransTexas and its subsidiaries filed a consolidated income tax return separate from the Starfire controlled group. Additionally, the agreement provides for payments from Starfire to TransTexas and its subsidiaries for any previously paid tax liabilities that are reduced as a result of subsequent determinations by any governmental authority, or as a result of any tax losses or credits that are allowed to be carried back to prior years.

        Leases—The Company leases to others substantially all its real property under long-term net leases and accounts for these leases in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 13, "Accounting for Leases," as amended. This Statement sets forth specific criteria for determining whether a lease is to be accounted for as a financing lease or an operating lease.

        Financing Method—Under this method, minimum lease payments to be received plus the estimated value of the property at the end of the lease are considered the gross investment in the lease. Unearned income, representing the difference between gross investment and actual cost of the leased property, is amortized to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the lease.

        Operating Method—Under this method, revenue is recognized as rentals become due and expenses (including depreciation) are charged to operations as incurred.

        Properties—Properties held for investment, other than those accounted for under the financing method, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation unless declines in the values of the properties are considered other than temporary, at which time the property is written down to net realizable value. A property is classified as held for sale at the time management determines that the criteria in SFAS 144 have been met. Properties held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Such properties are no longer depreciated and their operations are included in discontinued operations. As a result of the reclassification of certain real estate to properties held for sale during the

F-59



years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, income and expenses of such properties are reclassified to discontinued operations for all prior periods.

        Depreciation—Depreciation is principally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the particular property or property components, which range from 3 to 45 years.

        Use of Estimates—Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The more significant estimates include the valuation of (1) long-lived assets; (2) mortgages and notes receivable; (3) marketable equity and debt securities and other investments; (4) costs to complete for land, house and condominium developments; (5) gaming-related liability and loyalty programs; and (6) deferred tax assets.

        1.    Revenue from real estate sales and related costs are recognized at the time of closing primarily by specific identification. The Company follows the guidelines for profit recognition set forth by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate."

        2.    Casino revenues and promotional allowances—The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with industry practice. Casino revenue is the net win from gaming activities (the difference between gaming wins and losses). Casino revenues are net of accruals for anticipated payouts of progressive and certain other slot machine jackpots. Revenues include the retail value of rooms, food and beverage and other items that are provided to customers on a complimentary basis. A corresponding amount is deducted as promotional allowances. Hotel and restaurant revenue is recognized when services are performed. The cost of such complimentaries is included in "Hotel and casino operating expenses."

        The Company also rewards customers, through the use of loyalty programs with points based on amounts wagered, that can be redeemed for a specified period of time for cash. The Company deducts the cash incentive amounts from casino revenue.

        3.    Sales, advertising and promotion—These costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $28.8 million, $22.9 million and $18.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        The Company accounts for natural gas production imbalances using the sales method, whereby the Company recognized revenue on all natural gas sold to its customers notwithstanding the fact its ownership may be less than 100% of the natural gas sold. Liabilities are recorded by the Company for imbalances greater than the Company's proportionate share of remaining natural gas reserves. The Company had no gas balancing liabilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003.

F-60


        From time to time, the Company enters into commodity price swap agreements (the Hedge Agreements) to reduce its exposure to price risk in the spot market for natural gas and oil. The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS 133), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which was amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities. These pronouncements established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities, which generally require recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative and its resulting designation.

        The following is a summary of natural gas and oil contracts entered into with Shell Trading (US) Company in January and November of 2004.

Type contract

  Production Month
  Volume per month
  Fixed
price

  Floor
  Ceiling
Fixed price   Feb–March 2004   300,000 MMBTLI   $ 6.76        
Fixed price   April–June 2004   300,000 MMBTU   $ 5.44        
Fixed price   July–Sept 2004   300,000 MMUTU   $ 5.34        
No cost collars   Oct–Dec 2004   300,000 MMBTU       $ 5.25   $ 5.90
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2004   25,000 Bbls       $ 28.72   $ 31.90
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2005   15,000 Bbls       $ 42.50   $ 46.00
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2005   400,000 MMBTU       $ 6.00   $ 8.35

        The Company has elected not to designate these instruments as hedges for accounting purposes, accordingly both realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in oil and natural gas sales. The following summarizes the Company's realized and unrealized gains and losses.

Realized (cash payments)   $ 3,906,325
Valuation loss     1,658,809
   
    $ 5,565,134
   

        A liability of $1,658,808 and $0 was recorded at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, representing the market value of the Company's derivatives.

        Subsequent to December 31, 2004, the Company entered into the following natural gas and oil contracts with Shell Trading (US) Company:

Type contract

  Production Month
  Volume per month
  Fixed
price

  Floor
  Ceiling
No cost collars   March–Dec 2005   9,000 Bbls     $ 44.50   $ 48.00
No cost collars   March–Dec 2005   210,000 MMBTU     $ 6.05   $ 7.30
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2006   14,000 Bbls     $ 41.65   $ 45.25
No cost collars   Jan–Dec 2006   430,000 MMBTU     $ 6.00   $ 7.25

F-61


        The Company accounts for its asset retirement obligations under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 (SFAS 143), Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143 provides accounting requirements for costs associated with legal obligations to retire tangible, long-lived assets. Under SFAS 143, an asset retirement obligation is needed at fair value in the period in which it is incurred by increasing the carrying amount for the related long-lived asset. In each subsequent period, the liability is accreted to its present value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.

        The Company's asset retirement obligation represents expected future costs to plug and abandon its wells, dismantle facilities, and reclamate sites at the end of the related assets' useful lives. The following information reflects activity related to the Company's asset retirement obligation for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

 
  2004
  2003
Balance as of January 1   $ 3,477   $ 3,375
Accretion expense     332     96
Additions     121     6
   
 
Balance as of December 31   $ 3,930   $ 3,477
   
 

        Land and Construction-in-Progress—These costs are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Interest is capitalized on expenditures for long-term projects until a salable condition is reached. The capitalization rate is based on the interest rate on specific borrowings to fund the projects.

        Investment in NEG Holding LLC—Due to the substantial uncertainty that the Company will receive any distribution above the priority and guaranteed payment amounts, the Company accounts for its investment in Holding LLC as a preferred investment whereby guaranteed payment amounts received and receipts of the priority distribution amount are recorded as reductions in the investment and income is recognized from accretion of the investment up to the priority distribution amount, including the guaranteed payments (based on the interest method). See Note 14. Following receipt of the guaranteed payments and priority distributions, the residual interest in the investment will be valued at zero.

        The Company periodically evaluates the carrying amount of its investment in Holding LLC to determine whether current events or circumstances warrant adjustments to the carrying value and/or revisions to accretion of income. The Company currently believes that no such impairment has occurred and that no revision to the accretion of income is warranted.

        Accounting for Impairment of a Loan—If it is probable that, based upon current information, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of a loan agreement, the Company considers the asset to be "impaired." Reserves are established against impaired loans in amounts equal to the difference between the recorded investment in the asset and either the present value of the cash flows expected to be received, or the fair value of the underlying collateral if foreclosure is deemed probable or if the loan is considered collateral dependent.

F-62



        Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of—Long-lived assets held and used by the Company and long-lived assets to be disposed of, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as vacancies and rejected leases, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

        In performing the review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that the Company expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

        On September 28, 2004, the SEC released Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 106 regarding the application of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations ("AROs")," by oil and gas producing companies following the full cost accounting method. Pursuant to SAB 106, oil and gas producing companies that have adopted SFAS 143 should exclude the future cash outflows associated with settling AROs (ARO liabilities) from the computation of the present value of estimated future net revenues for the purposes of the full cost ceiling calculation. In addition, estimated dismantlement and abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage values, that have been capitalized (ARO assets) should be included in the amortization base for computing depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. Disclosures are required to include discussion of how a company's ceiling test and depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations are impacted by the adoption-of SFAS 143. SAB 106 is effective prospectively as of the beginning of the first fiscal quarter beginning after October 4, 2004. The adoption of SAB 106 is not expected to have a material impact on either the ceiling test calculation or depreciation, depletion and amortization.

3. Related Party Transactions

        a.     On April 6, 2005, AREP Oil and Gas LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired TransTexas from an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for $180.0 million in cash. Mr. Icahn is Chairman of the Board of American Property Investors, Inc. The terms of the transaction were approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner ("Audit Committee") which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by council. (See Note 14).

        b.     On May 26, 2004, American Casino acquired two Las Vegas casino/hotels, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder from Mr. Icahn and an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. The terms of the transactions were approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by counsel. (See Note 10).

        c.     At December 31, 2002, the Company had a $250 million note receivable from Mr. Icahn, which was repaid in October 2003. Interest income of approximately $7.9 million and $9.9 million was earned on this loan in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and is included in "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

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        d.     In 1997, the Company entered into a license agreement for a portion of office space from an affiliate. The license agreement dated as of February 1, 1997 expired May 22, 2004 and has been extended on a month to month basis. Pursuant to the license agreement, the Company has the non-exclusive use of approximately 2,275 square feet of office space and common space for which it paid $11,185 plus 10.77% of "additional rent". In the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid such affiliate approximately $162,000, $159,000 and $153,000 respectively, in connection with this licensing agreement. The terms of such sublease were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. If the Company must vacate the space, it believes there will be adequate alternative space available.

        e.     American Casino billed the Sands Hotel and Casino (the "Sands") approximately $387,500, $191,000 and $27,900, respectively, for administrative services performed by Stratosphere personnel during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

        f.      NEG received management fees from unconsolidated affiliates of approximately $6.9 million, $6.6 million and $7.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        g.     For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid approximately $325,000, $273,000 and $160,900, respectively, to an affiliate of the General Partner for telecommunication services, XO Communications, Inc.

        h.     See Note 14c. and 12b. regarding the purchase of TransTexas and Panaco debt, respectively, from Icahn affiliates.

        i.      See Note 12a. regarding the purchase of Atlantic Holdings Notes from Icahn affiliates.

        j.      See Note 17 regarding additional related party obligations.

        k.     See Note 29 regarding subsequent events.

4. Investment in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

        The Company has investments in U.S. Government and Agency Obligations whose maturities range from January 2005 to December 2008 as follows (in $ millions):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
 
  Cost
Basis

  Carrying
Value

  Cost
Basis

  Carrying
Value

Available for Sale:                        
Matures in:                        
  less than 1 year.   $ 96.8   $ 96.8   $ 52.8   $ 52.6
  2-5 years     5.6     5.5     9.0     9.0
   
 
 
 
    $ 102.4   $ 102.3   $ 61.8   $ 61.6
   
 
 
 

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5. Marketable Equity and Debt Securities (in $Millions)

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
 
  Cost
Basis

  Carrying
Value

  Cost
Basis

  Carrying
Value

Available for Sale:                        
  Philip Service Corporation(a):                        
    Equity   $   $   $     $
  Corporate bonds(b)             45.1     51.6
  Other     2.2     2.2     1.3     4.2
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 2.2   $ 2.2   $ 46.4   $ 55.8
   
 
 
 

        a.     At December 31, 2002, the Company owned the following approximate interests in Philip Service Corporation ("Philip"): (1) 1.8 million common shares, (2) $14.2 million in secured term debt, and (3) $10.9 million in accreted secured convertible payment-in-kind debt. The Company had an approximate 7% equity interest in Philip and an Icahn affiliate had an approximate 38% equity interest. Icahn affiliates also owned term and payment-in-kind debt.

        The market value of Philip's common stock declined steadily since it was acquired by the Company. In 2002, based on a review of Philip's financial statements, management of the Company deemed the decrease in value to be other than temporary. As a result, the Company wrote down its investment in Philip's common stock by charges to earnings of $8,476,000 and charges to other comprehensive income ("OCI") of $761,000 in the year ended December 31, 2002. This investment had been previously written down by approximately $6.8 million in charges to earnings. The Company's adjusted carrying value of Philip's common stock was approximately $200,000 at December 31, 2002.

        In June 2003, Philip announced that it and most of its wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code.

        In the year ended December 31, 2003, management of the Company determined that it was appropriate to write-off the balance of its investment in the Philip's common stock by a charge to earnings of approximately $961,000; of this amount $761,000 was previously charged to other comprehensive income in 2002, which was reversed in 2003, and included in the $961,000 charge to earnings.

        Approximately $6.6 million of charges to OCI were reversed and the investments were reclassified at their original cost to "Other investments" at December 31, 2002. These adjustments had no effect on the Company's reported earnings for the year ended December 31, 2002.

        In 2003, the cost basis of the debt was approximately $22.1 million. As previously mentioned, Philip filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2003. Management of the Company reviewed Philip's financial statements, bankruptcy documents and the prices of recent purchases and sales of the debt and determined this investment to be impaired. Based upon this review, management concluded the fair value of the debt to be approximately $3.3 million; therefore, the Company recorded a write-down of approximately $18.8 million by a charge to earnings which was included in "Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the year ended December 31, 2003. In December 2003, the Company sold two-thirds of its

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term and paid-in-kind ("PIK") debt with a basis of $2.2 million for $2.6 million, generating a gain of $0.4 million.

        Philip emerged from bankruptcy on December 31, 2003 as a private company controlled by an Icahn affiliate. The Company's remaining interest in the debt will be delivered and exchanged for approximately 443,000 common shares representing a 4.4% equity interest in the new Philip, valued at the carrying value of the debt at December 31, 2004 of $0.7 million.

        b.     In December 2003, the Company acquired approximately $86.9 million principal amount of corporate bonds for approximately $45.1 million. These bonds were classified as available for sale securities. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value on the balance sheet. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of Partners' Equity. At December 31, 2003, the carrying value of the bonds was approximately $51.6 million and accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI") was approximately $6.5 million. This OCI was reversed in the year ended December 31, 2004 upon the sale of corporate bonds. In the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company sold the debt securities for approximately $82.3 million, recognizing a gain of $37.2 million.

6. Due from Brokers

        In November and December 2004, the Company sold short certain equity securities which resulted in the following (in $000's):

        a.     $123,001—Due From Brokers—Net proceeds from short sales of equity securities and cash collateral held by brokerage institutions against our short sales.

        b.     $90,674—Securities Sold Not Yet Purchased—Our obligation to cover the short sales of equity securities described above. The Company recorded unrealized losses on securities sold short of $23.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2004 reflecting an increase in price in the securities sold short. This amount has been recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings for the year then ended in the respective caption. At March 1, 2005, the $23.6 million of unrealized losses on such securities has been reversed and a net gain of approximately $3.0 million recorded.

7. Other Investments (in $000's)

 
  Balance at December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Peninsula/Hampton & Alex Hotel(a) and (b)   $   $ 42,030
WestPoint Stevens(c)     205,850    
Union Power Partners L.P. and Panda Gila River L.P.(d)     39,316    
Other     782     8,298
   
 
    $ 245,948   $ 50,328
   
 

        a.     On November 30, 2000, the Company entered into a mezzanine loan agreement to fund $23 million in two tranches to an unaffiliated borrower. The funds were to be used for certain initial development costs associated with a 65 unit condominium property located at 931 1st Avenue in New York City. The first tranche of $10 million was funded on November 30, 2000 and provided for interest

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accruing at a rate of 25% per annum, with principal and interest due at maturity, May 29, 2003. Also, in November 2000, approximately $3.7 million of the second tranche of the loan was funded. The balance of approximately $9.3 million was funded in installments during 2001. The second tranche provided for interest accruing at a rate of 21.5% per annum, with principal and interest due at maturity, November 29, 2002. The loans were payable at any time from the proceeds of unit sales, after satisfaction of senior debt of approximately $45 million. The loans were secured by the pledge of membership interests in the entity that owns the real estate. In May 2002, the Company received approximately $31.3 million for prepayment of the mezzanine loans. The balance of the prepayment of $8.3 million represented accrued interest ($7.9 million) and exit fees ($0.4 million), which amounts were recognized as "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" and "Dividend and other income" respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2002.

        b.     At December 31, 2002, the Company had funded two mezzanine loans for approximately $23.2 million and had commitments to fund, under certain conditions, additional advances of approximately $5 million. Both loans had an interest rate of 22% per annum compounded monthly. The Peninsula loan, for a Florida condominium development, which had a term of 24 months from the date of funding, February 2002, was repaid in full in 2003. Approximately $6.8 million of interest income was recorded and is included in "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Alex Hotel loan, for a New York City hotel with approximately 200 rooms, had a term of 36 months from the closing date, April 2002. At December 31, 2003, accrued interest of approximately $4.4 million had been deferred for financial statement purposes pending receipt of principal and interest payments in connection with this loan. Origination fees of $3.0 million have been received in connection with one of the mezzanine loans and approximately $1.5 million and $1.1 million has been recognized in "Dividend and other income" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively. In February 2003, the Company funded the Hampton mezzanine loan for approximately $30 million on a Florida condominium development. The loan was due in 18 months with one six month extension and had an interest rate of 22% per annum compounded monthly. At December 31, 2003, accrued interest of approximately $6.7 million had been deferred for financial statement purposes pending receipt of principal and interest payments in connection with this loan. On April 30, 2004, the Company received approximately $16.7 million for the prepayment of the Alex Hotel loan. The principal amount of the loan was $11 million. The prepayment included approximately $5.7 million of accrued interest, which was recognized as interest income in the year ended December 31, 2004.

        c.     In 2004, the Company purchased approximately $278.1 million principal amount of secured bank debt of WestPoint Stevens, a company currently operating as a debtor in possession under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, for a purchase price of approximately $205.8 million. Approximately $193.6 million principal amount is secured by a first priority lien of certain assets of WestPoint and approximately $84.5 million principal amount is secured by a second priority lien. Interest income totaled approximately $7.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2004 and is included in "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended. Based on the latest available information, the Company has not accreted this debt and does not believe that an other than temporary impairment has been identified.

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        d.     In 2004, the Company purchased approximately $71.8 million of secured bank debt of Union Power Partners L.P. and Panda Gila River L.P. for a purchase price of approximately $39.3 million. No interest is currently being received on this debt. Based on the latest available information, the Company has not accreted this debt and does not believe that an other than temporary impairment has been identified.

8. Real Estate Leased to Others Accounted for Under the Financing Method

        Real estate leased to others accounted for under the financing method is summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Minimum lease payments receivable   $ 97,725   $ 161,785
Unguaranteed residual value     48,980     74,651
   
 
      146,705     236,436
Less unearned income     57,512     99,080
   
 
      89,193     137,356
Less current portion of lease amortization     3,912     5,738
   
 
    $ 85,281   $ 131,618
   
 

        The following is a summary of the anticipated future receipts of the minimum lease payments receivable at December 31, 2004 (in $000's):

Year Ending
December 31,

  Amount
2005   $ 11,941
2006     11,746
2007     10,832
2008     9,476
2009     9,255
Thereafter     44,475
   
    $ 97,725
   

        At December 31, 2004, approximately $73,144,000 and $107,543,000, respectively, of the net investment in financing leases was pledged to collateralize the payment of nonrecourse mortgages payable.

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9. Real Estate Leased to Others Accounted for Under the Operating Method 

        Real estate leased to others accounted for under the operating method is summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Land   $ 13,666   $ 24,040
Commercial Buildings     45,972     83,252
   
 
      59,638     107,292
Less accumulated depreciation     10,520     30,849
   
 
    $ 49,118   $ 76,443
   
 

        The following is a summary of the anticipated future receipts of minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2004 (in $000's):

Year Ending
December 31,

  Amount
2005   $ 7,186
2006     6,232
2007     5,649
2008     5,383
2009     5,001
Thereafter     19,753
   
    $ 49,204
   

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $14,166,000 and $15,630,000, respectively, of net real estate leased to others was pledged to collateralize the payment of non-recourse mortgages payable.

        Property held for sale (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Leased to others   $ 74,444   $ 146,416
Vacant     450     2,550
   
 
      74,894     148,966
Less accumulated depreciation     16,873     20,153
   
 
    $ 58,021   $ 128,813
   
 

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, approximately $34,881,000 and $105,984,000, respectively, of real estate held for sale was pledged to collateralize the payment of non-recourse mortgages payable.

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        The following is a summary of income from discontinued operations (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Rental income   $ 16,355   $ 23,785   $ 21,993
Hotel and resort operating income     1,602     3,912     3,679
   
 
 
      17,957     27,697     25,672
   
 
 
Mortgage interest expense     3,858     7,208     6,737
Depreciation and amortization     1,104     5,167     4,521
Property expenses     3,175     3,587     3,722
Hotel and resort operating expenses     1,297     3,316     3,185
   
 
 
      9,434     19,278     18,165
   
 
 
Income from discontinued operations   $ 8,523   $ 8,419   $ 7,507
   
 
 

10. Hotel and Casino Operating Properties

        In September 2000, Stratosphere's Board of Directors approved a going private transaction proposed by the Company and an affiliate of Icahn. On February 1, 2001 the Company entered into a merger agreement with Stratosphere under which the Company would acquire the remaining shares of Stratosphere that it did not currently own. The Company owned approximately 51% of Stratosphere and Mr. Icahn owned approximately 38.6%. The Company, subject to certain conditions, agreed to pay approximately $44.3 million for the outstanding shares of Stratosphere not currently owned by it. Stratosphere stockholders not affiliated with Icahn would receive a cash price of $45.32 per share and Icahn related stockholders would receive a cash price of $44.33 per share. This transaction was completed in December 2002 after shareholders' approval.

        The acquisition by the Company of the minority shares not owned by an Icahn affiliate has been accounted for as a purchase in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 141, "Business Combinations." The acquisition by the Company of the common stock held by an Icahn affiliate has been recorded at historical cost. The excess of the affiliate's historical cost over the amount of the cash disbursed, which amounted to $21,151,000, has been accounted for as an addition to the General Partner's equity.

        On January 5, 2004, American Casino, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement to acquire two Las Vegas casino/hotels, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder, from Carl C. Icahn and an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn, for an aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. Upon obtaining all approvals necessary under gaming laws, the acquisition was completed on May 26, 2004. The terms of the transactions were approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by counsel. As previously contemplated, upon closing, the Company transferred 100% of the common stock of Stratosphere to American Casino. As a result, following the acquisition and contributions, American Casino owns and operates three gaming and entertainment properties in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The Company consolidates American Casino and its subsidiaries in the Company's financial statements. In accordance

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with generally accepted accounting principles, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial statements of previously separate companies for periods prior to the acquisition are restated on a combined basis. The Company's December 31, 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements have been restated to reflect the acquisition of Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder.

        Earnings, capital contributions and distributions of the two Arizona Charlie's entities prior to the acquisition have been allocated to the General Partner. In accordance with the purchase agreement, prior to the acquisition, capital contributions of $22.8 million were received from and capital distributions of $17.9 million were paid to affiliates of Mr. Icahn. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in this acquisition have been accounted for at historical cost. A reduction of $125.9 million, reflecting the purchase price, has been made to the General Partner's equity in May 2004.

        Also in January 2004, American Casino closed on its offering of senior secured notes due 2012. The Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $215 million, bear interest at the rate of 7.85% per annum. The proceeds were held in escrow pending receipt of all approvals necessary under gaming laws and certain other conditions in connection with the acquisition of Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder. Upon satisfaction of all closing conditions on May 26, 2004, the proceeds of the offering were released from escrow. American Casino used the proceeds of the offering for the acquisition, to repay intercompany indebtedness and for distributions to the Company.

        American Casino's operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 have been included in "Hotel and casino operating income and expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Hotel and casino operating expenses include all expenses except for depreciation and amortization and income tax provision. Such expenses have been included in "Depreciation and amortization expense" and "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. American Casino's depreciation and amortization expense was $23.5 million, $20.2 million and $20.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. American Casino's income tax provision was $10.1 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2002, respectively. American Casino recorded an income tax benefit of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.

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        The amount of revenues and expenses attributable to casino, hotel and restaurants, respectively, is summarized as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in $000's)

 
Hotel and casino operating income:                    
  Casino   $ 167,972   $ 147,888   $ 143,057  
  Hotel     54,653     47,259     44,263  
  Food and beverage     66,953     59,583     56,349  
  Tower, retail, and other income     33,778     30,336     28,247  
   
 
 
 
Gross revenues     323,356     285,066     271,916  
Less promotional allowances     (23,375 )   (22,255 )   (21,893 )
   
 
 
 
Net revenues   $ 299,981   $ 262,811   $ 250,023  
   
 
 
 

Hotel and casino operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Casino   $ 61,985   $ 61,284   $ 59,879  
  Hotel     24,272     22,074     20,142  
  Food and beverage     48,495     44,990     43,393  
  Other operating expenses     14,131     13,524     14,505  
  Selling, general, and administrative     78,720     74,985     80,019  
   
 
 
 
Total expenses   $ 227,603   $ 216,857   $ 217,938  
   
 
 
 

        The ownership and operation of the Las Vegas casinos are subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act and regulations promulgated thereunder, various local ordinances and regulations, and are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, and various other county and city regulatory agencies, including the City of Las Vegas.

        American Casino's property and equipment consist of the following as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Land and improvements, including land held for development   $ 47,210   $ 47,041
Building and improvements     221,314     220,280
Furniture, fixtures and equipment     108,595     98,586
Construction in progress     7,348     7,224
   
 
      384,467     373,131
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     95,107     74,428
   
 
    $ 289,360   $ 298,703
   
 

        Included in property and equipment at both December 31, 2004 and 2003 are assets recorded under capital leases of $4.0 million.

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        In connection with the purchase of the master lease from Strato-Retail, American Casino assumed lessor responsibilities for various non-cancelable operating leases for certain retail space. The future minimum lease payments to be received under these leases for years subsequent to December 31, 2004 are as follows:

 
  (in $000s)
Years ending December 31,      
2005   $ 5,877
2006     4,778
2007     3,615
2008     2,177
2009     1,224
Thereafter     959
   
Total Payments   $ 18,630
   

        The above minimum rental income does not include contingent retail income contained within certain retail operating leases. In addition, American Casino is reimbursed by lessees for certain operating expenses.

11. Hotel and Resort Operating Properties

        a.     The Company owns a hotel and resort property that is part of a master planned community situated in the town of Mashpee, located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. This property includes two golf courses, other recreational facilities, condominium and time share units and land for future development.

        Total initial costs of approximately $28 million were classified as follows: approximately $17.4 million as "Hotel and resort operating properties", $8.9 million as "Land and construction-in-progress" and $1.7 million as "Receivables and other current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

        Resort operations have been included in the "Hotel and resort operating income and expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Net hotel and resort operations for this property ("hotel and resort operating income" less "hotel and resort operating expenses") resulted in income of approximately $2,243,000, $3,033,000 and $1,909,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Hotel and resort operating expenses include all expenses except for approximately $2,544,000, $2,451,000 and $1,833,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 of depreciation and amortization, respectively, which is included in such caption in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        Resort operations are highly seasonal in nature with peak activity occurring from June to September.

        b.     The Company owned a hotel located in Miami, Florida which had a carrying value of approximately $6.4 million at December 31, 2003, and was unencumbered by any mortgages. Approximately $1.3 million of capital improvements were completed in the year ended December 31, 2002.

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        The Company had a management agreement for the operation of the hotel with a national management organization. As a result of the decision to sell the property in 2004, the operating results for the hotel have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods. Net hotel and resort operations ("hotel and resort operating revenues" less "hotel and resort operating expenses") totaled approximately $306,000, $596,000 and $494,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively and have been included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Depreciation expense of $0, $210,000 and $374,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, have been included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        In 2004, the Company sold the hotel located in Miami, Florida for a loss of approximately $0.9 million which included a license termination fee of approximately $0.7 million.

12. Investment in Debt Securities of Affiliates (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Atlantic Holdings/GB Holdings(a)   $ 60,004   $ 24,696
Panaco(b)     38,000    
   
 
    $ 98,004   $ 24,696
Less current portion     (5,429 )  
   
 
    $ 92,575   $ 24,696
   
 

        a.     In 1998 and 1999, the Company acquired an interest in the Sands, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, by purchasing the principal amount of approximately $31.4 million of First Mortgage Notes ("Notes") issued by GB Property Funding Corp. ("GB Property"). GB Property was organized as a special purpose entity for the borrowing of funds by Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc. ("Greate Bay"). The purchase price for such notes was approximately $25.3 million. An affiliate of the General Partner also made an investment in the Notes of GB Property. A total of $185 million of such Notes were issued.

        Greate Bay owned and operated the Sands, a destination resort complex, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. On January 5, 1998, GB Property and Greate Bay filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to restructure its long term debt.

        In July 2000, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruled in favor of the reorganization plan proposed by affiliates of the General Partner which provided for an additional investment of $65 million by the Icahn affiliates in exchange for a 46% equity interest, with bondholders (which also includes the Icahn affiliates) to receive $110 million in new notes of GB Property First Mortgage ("GB Notes") and a 54% equity interest. The plan, which became effective September 29, 2000, provided the Icahn affiliates with a controlling interest.

        As required by the New Jersey Casino Control Act (the "Casino Control Act"), the Partnership Agreement was amended to provide that securities of the Company are held subject to the condition that if a holder thereof is found to be disqualified by the Casino Control Commission, pursuant to the

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provisions of the Casino Control Act, such holder shall dispose of his interest in the Company in accordance with the Casino Control Act.

        At December 31, 2003, the Company owned approximately $26.9 million principal amount of GB Notes which were accounted for a held-to-maturity securities. These notes bore interest of 11% per annum and were due to mature in September 2005. The carrying value of these notes at December 31, 2003 was approximately $24.7 million.

        As part of the Atlantic Holdings Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange further described in Note 13, the Company tendered its GB Notes and received $26.9 million of 3% Notes due 2008 issued by Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (the "Atlantic Holdings Notes").

        On December 27, 2004, the Company purchased approximately $37.0 million principal amount of the Atlantic Holdings Notes from two Icahn affiliates for cash consideration of $36.0 million. As a result, the Company owns approximately 96.4% of the outstanding Atlantic Holdings Notes. The carrying value of the Atlantic Holdings Notes at December 31, 2004 is approximately $60 million. Interest income of approximately $2.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2004 and $2.9 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 was recognized.

        b.     On December 6, 2004, the Company purchased all of the membership interests of Mid River LLC ("Mid River") from Icahn affiliates for an aggregate purchase price of $38,125,999. The assets of Mid River consist of $38,000,000 principal amount of term loans of Panaco (the "Panaco Debt"). The purchase price included accrued but unpaid interest. The principal is payable in twenty-seven equal quarterly installments of the unpaid principal of $1,357,143 commencing on March 15, 2005, through and including September 15, 2011. Interest is payable quarterly at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR daily floating rate plus four percent, which was 6.346% at December 31, 2004. Interest income of $155,991 was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2004 and is included in "Interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other investments" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended. See Note 29.

13. Equity Interest in GB Holdings, Inc.

        At December 31, 2003, the Company owned approximately 3.6 million shares, or 36.3%, of GB Holdings, Inc. ("GB Holdings"), the holding company for the Sands (See Note 12). The Company also owned approximately $26.9 million principal amount of GB Notes.

        On June 30, 2004, GB Holdings announced that its stockholders approved the transfer of the Sands to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Atlantic Holdings, in connection with the restructuring of GB Holdings debt.

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        On July 22, 2004, Atlantic Holdings announced that its Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, in which it offered to exchange the Atlantic Holdings Notes for GB Notes, expired and approximately $66 million principal amount of the GB Notes (approximately 60% of the outstanding GB Notes) were tendered to Atlantic Holdings for exchange. On July 23, 2004, 10 million warrants were distributed, on a pro rata basis, to stockholders. The warrants, under certain conditions, will allow the holders to purchase common stock of Atlantic Holdings at a purchase price of $.01 per share, representing 27.5% of the outstanding common stock of Atlantic Holdings, on a fully diluted basis. Mr. Icahn and his affiliated companies hold approximately 77.5% of the GB Holdings stock and held approximately 58.2% of the GB Notes, of which the Company owns approximately 36.3% of the common stock and held approximately 24.5% of the debt. This debt is included in "Investment in debt securities of Affiliates" in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company and Mr. Icahn tendered all of their GB Notes in the exchange. The Company received:

        The Company reflects its equity interest in GB Holdings as "Equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc." in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        The Company owns warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 10.0% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. Atlantic Holdings owns 100% of ACE Gaming LLC, the owner and operator of the Sands. The Company has entered into an agreement with affiliates of Mr. Icahn, to acquire an additional approximate 41.2% of the outstanding common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, an additional approximate 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings for an aggregate of $12.0 million of depositary units, plus an aggregate of up to $6.0 million of Depositary Units, if GB Holdings meets certain earnings targets during 2005 and 2006. See Note 29 regarding the Company's agreement to purchase an approximate 41.2% interest in GB Holdings from an affiliate of Mr. Icahn. Upon consummation of the purchase agreement, we will own approximately 77.5% of the outstanding GB Holdings common stock and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 21.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings.

        In the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $15.6 million on its equity investment in GB Holdings. The purchase price pursuant to the agreement described above was less than our carrying value, approximately $26.2 million, for the approximately 36.3% of the outstanding GB Holdings common stock that the Company owns. In the September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q of GB Holdings, there was a working capital deficit of approximately $32 million and there was approximately $40 million of debt maturing in September 2005.

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14. Oil and Gas Operating Properties

        a.     National Energy Group, Inc.

        In October 2003, pursuant to a Purchase Agreement dated as of May 16, 2003, the Company acquired certain debt and equity securities of NEG from entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn for an aggregate cash consideration of approximately $148.1 million plus approximately $6.7 million in cash of accrued interest on the debt securities. The agreement was reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and legal counsel. The securities acquired were $148,637,000 in principal amount of outstanding 103/4% Senior Notes due 2006 of NEG and 5,584,044 shares of common stock of NEG. As a result of the foregoing transaction and the acquisition by the Company of additional securities of NEG prior to the closing, the Company beneficially owns in excess of 50% of the outstanding common stock of NEG.

        NEG owns a 50% interest in Holding LLC, the other 50% interest in Holding LLC is held by Gascon Partners ("Gascon") an Icahn affiliate and managing member. Holding LLC owns NEG Operating LLC ("Operating LLC") which owns operating oil and gas properties managed by NEG. Under the Holding LLC operating agreement, as of September 30, 2004, NEG is to receive guaranteed payments of approximately $39.9 million in addition to a priority distribution of approximately $148.6 million before the Icahn affiliate receives any monies. Due to the substantial uncertainty that NEG will receive any distribution above the priority and guaranteed payments amounts, NEG accounts for its investment in Holding LLC as a preferred investment.

        In connection with a credit facility obtained by Holding LLC, NEG and Gascon have pledged as security their respective interests in Holding LLC.

        b.     NEG Investment in NEG Holding LLC

        As explained below, NEG's investment in Holding LLC is recorded as a preferred investment. The initial investment was recorded at historical carrying value of the net assets contributed with no gain or loss recognized on the transfer. The Company currently assesses its investment in Holding LLC through a cash flow analysis to determine if Holding LLC will have sufficient cash flows to fund the guaranteed payments and priority distribution. This analysis is done on a quarterly basis. Holding LLC is required to make SFAS 69 disclosures on an annual basis, which include preparation of reserve reports by independent engineers and cash flow projections. These cash flow projections are the basis for the cash flow analysis. The Company follows the conceptual guidance of SFAS 144 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" in assessing any potential impairments in Holding LLC.

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        Summarized financial information for Holding LLC is as follows (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Current assets   $ 23,146   $ 33,415
Noncurrent assets(1)     237,127     190,389
   
 
Total assets   $ 260,273   $ 223,804
   
 
Current liabilities   $ 22,456   $ 14,253
Noncurrent liabilities     63,636     48,514
   
 
Total liabilities     86,092     62,767
Members' equity     174,181     161,037
   
 
Total liabilities and members' equity   $ 260,273   $ 223,804
   
 

(1)
Primarily oil and gas properties

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (in $000's)

 
Total revenues   $ 78,727   $ 77,606   $ 35,900  
Costs and expenses     (47,313 )   (46,766 )   (32,064 )
   
 
 
 
Operating income     31,414     30,840     3,836  
Other income (expense)     (2,292 )   30     10,090  
   
 
 
 
Net income   $ 29,122   $ 30,870   $ 13,926  
   
 
 
 

        In August 2000, pursuant to a plan of reorganization, Holding LLC was formed. Prior to September 2001, NEG owned and operated certain oil and gas properties. In September 2001, NEG contributed oil and natural gas properties in exchange for Holding LLC's obligation to pay the Company the guaranteed payments and priority distributions. The Company also received a 50% membership interest in Holding LLC. Gascon also contributed oil and natural gas assets and cash in exchange for future payments and a 50% membership interest. The Holding LLC operating agreement requires the payment of guaranteed payments and priority distributions to NEG in order to pay interest on senior debt and the principal amount of the debt of $148.6 million in 2006. After the receipt by NEG of the guaranteed payments and priority distributions that total approximately $300 million, the agreement requires the distribution of an equal amount to Gascon. Holding LLC is contractually obligated to make the guaranteed payments and priority distributions to NEG and Gascon before any distributions can be made to the LLC interest.

        NEG originally recorded its investment in Holding LLC at the historical cost of the oil and gas properties contributed into the LLC. In evaluating the appropriate accounting to be applied to this investment, NEG anticipated it will collect the guaranteed payments and priority distributions through 2006. However, based on cash flow projections prepared by the management of Holding LLC and its reserve engineers, there is substantial uncertainty that there will be any residual value in Holding LLC subsequent to the payment of the amounts required to be paid to Gascon. Due to this uncertainty, NEG has been accreting its investment in Holding LLC, the value of its preferred interest at the

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implicit rate of interest up to the guaranteed payments and priority distributions collected through 2006, recognizing the accretion income in earnings. Accretion income is periodically adjusted for changes in the timing of cash flows, if necessary due to unscheduled cash distributions. Receipt of guaranteed payments and the priority distribution are recorded as reductions in the preferred investment in Holding LLC. The preferred investment in Holding LLC is evaluated quarterly for other than temporary impairment. The rights of NEG upon liquidation of Holding LLC are identical to those described above and the Company considered those rights in determining the appropriate presentation.

        Because of the continuing substantial uncertainty that there will be any residual value in Holding LLC after the guaranteed payments and priority distributions, no income other than the accretion is currently being given accounting recognition. NEG's preferred investment will be reduced to zero upon collection of the priority distributions in 2006. After that date, NEG will continue to monitor payments made to Gascon and, at such time as it would appear that there is any residual value to NEG's 50% interest in Holding LLC, it would receive accounting recognition. Throughout, and up to this point, NEG believes that the 50% interest in Holding LLC represents a residual interest that is currently valued at zero. The Company accounts for its residual equity investment in Holding LLC in accordance with APB 18.

        The following is a roll forward of the Investment in Holding LLC as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in $000s):

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Investment in Holding LLC at beginning of period   $ 69,346   $ 108,880  
Priority distribution from Holding LLC         (51,446 )
Guaranteed payment from Holding LLC     (15,978 )   (18,230 )
Accretion of investment in Holding LLC     34,432     30,142  
   
 
 
Investment in Holding LLC at end of period   $ 87,800   $ 69,346  
   
 
 

        The Holding LLC Operating Agreement requires that distributions shall be made to both NEG and Gascon as follows:

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        In addition, the Holding LLC Operating Agreement contains a provision that allows Gascon at any time, in its sole discretion, to redeem the membership interest in Holding LLC at a price equal to the fair market value of such interest determined as if Holding LLC had sold all of its assets for fair market value and liquidated. Since all of the NEG's operating assets and oil and natural gas properties have been contributed to Holding LLC, as noted above, following such a redemption, NEG's principal assets would consist solely of its cash balances.

        c.     TransTexas Gas Corporation

        1.     On December 6, 2004, the Company purchased from affiliates of Mr. Icahn $27,500,000 aggregate principal amount, or 100%, of the outstanding term notes issued by TransTexas (the "TransTexas Notes"). The purchase price was $28,245,890, which equals the principal amount of the TransTexas Notes plus accrued but unpaid interest. The notes are payable annually in equal consecutive annual payments of $5,000,000, with the final installment due August 28, 2008. Interest is payable semi-annually in February and August at the rate of 10% per annum. The notes eliminate in consolidation due to the acquisition of TransTexas in April 2005.

        2.     On January 21, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire TransTexas from an affiliate of Mr. Icahn for an aggregate consideration of $180.0 million in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. The acquisition was completed on April 6, 2005 for total consideration of $180.0 million. The terms of the transaction were approved by the Audit Committee, which was advised by its independent financial advisor and by counsel.

        On November 14, 2002, TransTexas filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Corpus Christi Division (the "Bankruptcy Court"). The bankruptcy petition was filed in order to preserve cash and give TransTexas the opportunity to restructure its debt. TransTexas' First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization submitted by Thornwood Associates LP ("Thornwood"), as modified on July 8, 2003 (the "Plan"), was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on August 14, 2003 effective August 28, 2003 ("Effective Date"). Thornwood is an entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn.

        As of the Effective Date, the entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn owned 89% of the equity interest in TransTexas. During June 2004, the entity affiliated with Mr. Icahn acquired an additional 5.7% of the outstanding shares of TransTexas from certain minority interest holders. During December 2004, TransTexas purchased the remaining 5.3% of the outstanding shares from the minority interest holders. The difference between the purchase price for both acquisitions and the minority interest liability was treated as a purchase price adjustment which reduced the full cost pool.

        The Company consolidates TransTexas in the Company's consolidated financial statements. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at historical costs similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial

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statements of previously separate companies for periods since the Effective Date are restated on a combined basis.

        Earnings of TransTexas prior to the acquisition in April 2005 have been allocated to the General Partner. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in this acquisition have been accounted for at historical cost. An increase of $116.3 million has been made to the General Partner's equity at the Effective Date as a result of the acquisition. A reduction of $180.0 million, reflecting the purchase price, will be made to the General Partner's equity in April 2005.

        3.     Capitalized Costs

        Capitalized costs as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 relating to oil and gas producing activities are as follows (in $000's):

 
  2004
  2003
 
Proved Properties   $ 221,351   $ 182,193  
Unproved Properties          
Other property and equipment     540     2,369  
   
 
 
  Total     221,891     184,562  
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization     (53,755 )   (15,641 )
   
 
 
    $ 168,136   $ 168,921  
   
 
 

        Cost incurred in connection with property acquisition, exploration and development activities for the year ended December 31, 2004 and the period from August 28, 2003 to December 31, 2003 were as follows (in $000's, except depletion rate):

 
  2004
  2003
Development costs   $ 14,284   $ 556
Exploration costs     33,202    
   
 
  Total   $ 47,486   $ 556
   
 
Depletion rate per MCFe   $ 4.70   $ 3.85
   
 

        As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, all capitalized costs relating to oil and gas activities have been included in the full cost pool.

        d.     Supplemental Reserve Information (Unaudited)

        The accompanying tables present information concerning the Company's oil and natural gas producing activities during the year ended December 31, 2004 and the period from August 28, 2003 to December 31, 2003 and are prepared in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69, "Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities."

        Estimates of the Company's proved reserves and proved developed reserves were prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., an independent firm of petroleum engineers, based on data supplied by them to the Company. Estimates relating to oil and gas reserves are inherently imprecise and may be subject to substantial revisions due to changing prices and new information, such as reservoir performance, production data, additional drilling and other factors becomes available.

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        Proved reserves are estimated quantities of oil, natural gas, condensate and natural gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years form known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Natural gas liquids and condensate are included in oil reserves. Proved developed reserves are those proved reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Natural gas quantities represent gas volumes which include amounts that will be extracted as natural gas liquids. The Company's estimated net proved reserves and proved developed reserves of oil and condensate and natural gas for the year ended December 31, 2004 and for the period from August 28, 2003 to December 31, 2003 were as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  Oil and
Condensate
(barrels)

  Gas (MCF)
  Oil and
Condensate
(barrels)

  Gas (MCF)
 
Proved Reserves:                  
  Beginning of period   3,124,112   38,655,526   1,120,400   41,440,700  
Increase (decrease) during the period attributable to:                  
  Revisions of previous estimates   234,521   (5,630,633 ) 2,351,163   (308,688 )
  Extensions and discoveries   78,453   16,875,613      
  Sales of reserves          
  Production   (918,905 ) (5,788,974 ) (347,451 ) (2,476,486 )
   
 
 
 
 
  End of period   2,518,181   44,111,532   3,124,112   38,655,526  
   
 
 
 
 
Proved developed reserves:                  
  Beginning of period   2,755,522   21,557,712   431,400   15,802,000  
  End of period(1)   2,410,912   26,179,029   2,755,522   21,557,712  

(1)
includes proved developed non-producing reserves for 2004 and 2003 of 788,042 and 57,441 barrels of oil and 10,479,632 and 4,586,423 mcf of gas, respectively.

        The calculation of estimated future net cash flows in the following table assumed the continuation of existing economic conditions and applied year-end prices (except for future price changes as allowed by contract) of oil and gas to the expected future production of such reserves, less estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to be incurred in developing and producing those reserves.

        The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows does not purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair market value of the Company's oil and gas reserves. These estimates reflect proved reserves only and ignore, among other things, changes in prices and costs, revenues that could result from probable reserves which could become proved reserves in later years and the risks

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inherent in reserve estimates. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
Future cash inflows   $ 354,725,200   $ 313,032,000
Future production costs     78,680,400     59,113,600
Future development costs     54,721,925     35,690,500
Future income taxes        
   
 
Future net cash flows     221,322,875     218,227,900
Annual discount (10%) for estimated timing of cash flows     60,105,800     53,790,300
   
 
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows   $ 161,217,075   $ 164,437,600
   
 

        Principle sources of change in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2004 and the period from August 28, 2003 to December 31, 2003 was:

 
  2004
  2003
 
Beginning of period   $ 164,437,600   $ 101,803,900  
Sales, net of production costs     (47,635,549 )   (16,761,000 )
Net change in prices, net of production costs     (14,353,925 )   31,943,125  
Revisions of quantity estimates     (17,464,167 )   44,507,391  
Extensions and discoveries     74,451,060      
Development costs incurred     14,056,670     556,000  
Change in estimated future development costs     (28,921,504 )   4,930,232  
Accretion of discount     16,443,760     3,393,463  
Changes in production rates and other     203,130     (5,935,511 )
   
 
 
End of period   $ 161,217,075   $ 164,437,600  
   
 
 

        During recent years, there have been significant fluctuations in the prices paid for crude oil in the world markets. This situation has had a destabilizing effect on crude oil posted prices in the United States, including the posted prices paid by purchasers of the Company's crude oil. The net weighted average prices of crude. oil and natural gas at December 31, 2004 and 2003, used in the above table were $38.60 and $25.91 per barrel of crude oil, respectively, and $5.84 and $6.00 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas, respectively.

        e.     See Note 29 pertaining to additional oil and gas acquisitions.

15. Significant Property Transactions

        Information on significant property transactions during the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 is as follows:

        a.     In September 2002, the Company purchased an industrial building located in Nashville, Tennessee for approximately $18.2 million. The building was constructed in 2001 and is fully leased to two tenants, Alliance Healthcare and Jet Equipment & Tools Inc., with leases expiring in 2011. The annual net operating income was anticipated to be approximately $1.6 million increasing to approximately $1.9 million by 2011. In October 2002, the Company closed a $12.7 million non-recourse

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mortgage loan on the Nashville, Tennessee property. The loan bore interest at 6.4% per annum and was due to mature in ten years. Required payments were interest only for the first three years and then principal amortization would commence based on a thirty-year amortization schedule. In June 2004, the Company sold the property for a selling price of $19.2 million. A gain of approximately $1.4 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2004 and is included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        At December 31, 2003, the property had a carrying value of approximately $18,066,000 and was encumbered by a non-recourse mortgage in the amount of $12,700,000.

        b.     In October 2002, the Company sold a property located in North Palm Beach, Florida for a selling price of $3.5 million. A gain of approximately $2.4 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2002.

        c.     In October 2003, the Company sold a property located in Columbia, Maryland to its tenant for a selling price of $11 million. A gain of approximately $5.8 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2003.

        d.     In the year ended December 31, 2004, of the 57 properties, the Company sold nine financing lease properties for approximately $43.6 million. The properties were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $26.8 million which was repaid from the sales proceeds. The carrying value of these properties was approximately $38.3 million; therefore, the Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $5.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2004, which is included in income from continuing operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        In the year ended December 31, 2004, of the 57 properties, the Company sold 48 operating and held for sale properties for approximately $201.8 million. The properties were encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $67 million which was repaid from the sales proceeds. The carrying value of these properties was approximately $126.6 million. The Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $75.2 million in year ended December 31, 2004, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

        At December 31, 2004, the Company had fifteen properties under contract or as to which letters of intent had been executed by potential purchasers, all of which contracts or letters of intent are subject to purchaser's due diligence and other closing conditions. Selling prices for the properties covered by the contracts or letters of intent would total approximately $97.9 million. These properties are encumbered by mortgage debt of approximately $36.0 million. At December 31, 2004, the carrying value of these properties is approximately $62.3 million. As of March 1, 2005, the Company has sold four of the fifteen properties for $46.5 million. The properties had a carrying value of $29.9 million. A gain of $16.6 million will be recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2005. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, only the real estate operating properties under contract or letter of intent, but not the financing lease properties, were reclassified to "Properties Held for Sale" and the related income and expense reclassified to "Income from discontinued operations."

        e.     In January 2004, in conjunction with its reinvestment program, the Company purchased a 34,422 square foot commercial condominium unit ("North Moore Condos") located in New York City for approximately $14.5 million. The unit contains a Citibank branch, a furniture store and a restaurant. Current annual rent income from the three tenants is approximately $1,289,000. The Company obtained mortgage financing of $10 million for this property in April 2004. The mortgage bears interest at the rate of 5.73% per annum, and matures in March 2014. Annual debt service is $698,760.

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        f.      In July 2004, the Company purchased two Vero Beach, Florida waterfront communities, Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor ("Grand Harbor"), including their respective golf courses, tennis complex, fitness center, beach club and clubhouses. The acquisition also included properties in various stages of development, including land for future residential development, improved lots and finished residential units ready for sale. The purchase price was approximately $75 million, which included approximately $62 million of land and construction in progress. The Company plans to invest in the further development of these properties and the enhancement of the existing infrastructure.

16. Mortgages Payable

        Mortgages payable, all of which are nonrecourse to the Company, are summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
   
   
  Balance At December 31,
 
Range of Interest Rates

   
  Annual Principal
and Interest Payment

 
  Range of Maturities
  2004
  2003
 
5.630%–8.250%   10/15/07–10/01/14   $ 10,811   $ 91,896   $ 180,989  
       
             
Less current portion and mortgages on properties held for sale     (31,177 )   (87,753 )
             
 
 
              $ 60,719   $ 93,236  
             
 
 

        The following is a summary of the contractual future principal payments of the mortgages (in $000's):

Year Ending December 31,

  Amount
2005   $ 4,759
2006     5,116
2007     11,428
2008     24,385
2009     7,211
2010–2014     38,997
   
    $ 91,896
   

        a.     See Note 15a. for Mid-South Logistics financing in October 2002.

        b.     On May 16, 2003, the Company executed a mortgage note secured by a distribution facility located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut and obtained funding in the principal amount of $20 million. The loan bears interest at 5.63% per annum and matures on June 1, 2013. Annual debt service is approximately $1,382,000 based on a 30 year amortization schedule.

        c.     See Note 15e. for North Moore Condo financing in April 2004.

17. Due to Affiliates

        a.     At December 31, 2002, NEG had $10.9 million outstanding under its existing $100 million credit facility with Arnos, an Icahn affiliate. Arnos continued to be the holder of the credit facility;

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however, the $10.9 million note outstanding under the credit facility was contributed to Holding LLC as part of Gascon's contribution to Holding LLC on September 12, 2001. In December 2001, the maturity date of the credit facility was extended to December 31, 2003 and NEG was given a waiver of compliance with respect to any and all covenant violations. NEG was not in compliance with the minimum interest coverage ratio at September 30, 2002; and December 31, 2002 and the current ratio at December 31, 2002, however, in December 2001, NEG was given a waiver of compliance with respect to any and all covenant violations through December 31, 2003.

        On March 26, 2003, Holding LLC distributed the $10.9 million note outstanding under NEG's revolving credit facility as a priority distribution to NEG, thereby canceling the note. Also, on March 26, 2003, NEG, Arnos and Operating LLC entered into an agreement to assign the credit facility to Operating LLC. Effective with this assignment, Arnos amended the credit facility to increase the revolving commitment to $150 million, increase the borrowing base to $75.0 million and extend the revolving due date until June 30, 2004. Concurrently, Arnos extended a $42.8 million loan to Operating LLC under the amended credit facility. Operating LLC then distributed $42.8 million to Holding LLC which, thereafter, made a $40.5 million priority distribution and a $2.3 million guaranteed payment to NEG. NEG utilized these funds to pay the entire amount of the long-term interest payable on the Notes and interest accrued thereon outstanding on March 27, 2003. The Arnos facility was canceled on December 29, 2003 in conjunction with a third party bank financing.

        b.     On September 24, 2001, Arizona Charlie's, Inc., the predecessor entity to Arizona Charlie's, LLC, which was acquired by American Casino in May 2004, refinanced the remaining principal balance of $7.9 million on a prior note payable to Arnos Corp., an affiliate of Mr. Icahn. The note bore interest at the prime rate plus 1.50% (5.75% per annum at December 31, 2002), with a maturity of June 2004, and was collateralized by all the assets of Arizona Charlie's, Inc. The note was repaid during November 2003. During the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, Arizona Charlie's, Inc. paid interest expense of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

        c.     During fiscal year 2002, Fresca, LLC, which was acquired by American Casino in May 2004, entered into an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $25.0 million with Starfire Holding Corporation ("Starfire"), an affiliate of Mr. Icahn. The outstanding balance, including accrued interest, was due and payable on January 2, 2007. As of December 31, 2003, Fresca, LLC had $25.0 million outstanding. The note bore interest on the unpaid principal balance from January 2, 2002 until maturity at the rate per annum equal to the prime rate, as established by Fleet Bank, from time to time, plus 2.75%. Interest was payable semi-annually in arrears on the first day of January and July, and at maturity. The note was guaranteed by Mr. Icahn. The note was repaid during May 2004. During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Fresca, LLC paid $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

        d.     In connection with TransTexas' plan of reorganization on the Effective Date, TransTexas as borrower, entered into the Restructured Oil and Gas (O&G) Note with Thornwood, as lender. The Restructured O&G Note is a term loan in the amount of $32.5 million and bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum. Interest is payable semi-annually commencing six months after the Effective Date. Annual principal payments in the amount of $5.0 million are due on the first through fourth anniversary dates of the Effective Date with the final principal payment of $12.5 million due on the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date. The Restructured O&G Note was purchased by the Company in

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December 2004 and is eliminated in consolidation. During the year ended December 31, 2004 and the period from August 28, 2003 to December 31, 2003, TransTexas paid interest expense of $3.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

18. Senior Secured Notes Payable and Credit Facility

        In January 2004, American Casino closed on its offering of senior secured notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $215 million, bear interest at the rate of 7.85% per annum. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 7.85% per annum, which will be paid every six months on February 1 and August 1, commencing August 1, 2004. The notes will mature on February 1, 2012. The proceeds were held in escrow pending receipt of all approvals necessary under gaming laws and certain other conditions in connection with the acquisition of Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Arizona Charlie's Boulder. Upon satisfaction of all closing conditions on May 26, 2004, the proceeds of the offering were released from escrow. American Casino used the proceeds of the offering for the acquisition of Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Boulder, to repay intercompany indebtedness and for distributions to the Company. The notes are recourse only to, and are secured by a lien on the assets of, American Casino and certain of its subsidiaries. The notes restrict the ability of American Casino and its restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, to: incur additional debt; pay dividends and make distributions; make certain investments; repurchase stock; create liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; merge or consolidate; and transfer, lease or sell assets. As of December 31, 2004, American Casino is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the notes. The notes were issued in an offering not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At the time American Casino issued the notes, it entered into a registration rights agreement in which it agreed to exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. On October 26, 2004, the SEC declared effective American Casino's registration statement. The exchange offer was consummated on December 1, 2004.

        The Company recorded approximately $15.6 million of interest expense on the notes payable in the year ended December 31, 2004 which is included in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended.

        A syndicate of lenders has provided to American Casino a non-amortizing $20.0 million revolving credit facility. The commitments are available to the Company in the form of revolving loans, and include a letter of credit facility (subject to $10.0 million sublimit). Loans made under the senior secured revolving facility will mature and the commitments under them will terminate on January 29, 2008. There were no borrowings outstanding under the facility at December 31, 2004.

        Of the Company's cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2004, approximately $75.2 million in cash is at American Casino which is subject to the restrictions of its notes and the revolving credit facility.

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        The fair value of American Casino's long-term debt is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. As such, the estimated fair value of long-term debt outstanding is approximately $229.0 million as of December 31, 2004.

19. Senior Unsecured Notes Payable

        On May 12, 2004, the Company closed on its offering of senior notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $353 million, were priced at 99.266%. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 81/8%, which will be paid every six months on June 1 and December 1, commencing December 1, 2004. The notes will mature on June 1, 2012. AREH is a guarantor of the debt; however, no other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes. American Real Estate Finance Corp. ("AREF"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was formed solely for the purpose of serving as a co-issuer of the debt securities. AREF will not have any operations or assets and will not have any revenues. The Company intends to use the proceeds of this offering for general business purposes, including its primary business strategy of acquiring undervalued assets in its existing lines of business or other businesses and to provide additional capital to grow its existing businesses. The notes restrict the ability of the Company, subject to certain exceptions, to, among other things; incur additional debt; pay dividends or make distributions; repurchase stock; create liens; and enter into transactions with affiliates. As of December 31, 2004, the Company is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the notes. The notes were issued in an offering not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. At the time the Company issued the notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement in which the Company agreed to exchange the notes for new notes which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. On November 8, 2004, the SEC declared effective the Company's registration statement. The exchange offer was consummated on December 15, 2004.

        The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. As such, the estimated fair value of long-term debt outstanding is approximately $375 million as of December 31, 2004.

        The Company recorded approximately $18.5 million of interest expense on the notes payable in the year ended December 31, 2004 which is included in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the year then ended.

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20. Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

        Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following (In $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Accrued liabilities   $ 11,463   $ 11,951
Accrued payroll     11,113     12,507
Due to Panaco, Inc.     16,242    
Other     57,059     31,422
   
 
    $ 95,877   $ 55,880
   
 

21. Earnings Per Limited Partnership Unit

        Basic earnings per LP unit are based on net earnings attributable to limited partners, and in period prior to July 1, 2003, adjusted for the preferred pay-in-kind distribution to Preferred Unitholders. The resulting net earnings available for limited partners are divided by the weighted average number of shares of limited partnership units outstanding.

        Diluted earnings per LP unit are based on earnings before the preferred pay-in-kind distribution as the numerator with the denominator based on the weighted average number of units and equivalent units outstanding. The Preferred Units are considered to be equivalent units.

        Basic net income per American Real Estate Partners, L.P. Unit is derived by dividing net income attributable to the limited partners by the basic weighted average number of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. Units outstanding for each period. Diluted earnings per American Real Estate Partners, L.P. Unit is derived by adjusting net income attributable to the limited partners for the assumed dilutive effect of the redemption of the Preferred LP Units ("Diluted Earnings") and dividing Diluted

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Earnings by the diluted earnings weighted average number of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. Units outstanding for each period.

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  In $000's (except per unit data)

Attributable to Limited Partners:                  
Basic income from continuing operations   $ 70,453   $ 47,822   $ 55,810
Add Preferred LP Unit distribution     4,981     4,792     4,518
   
 
 
Income before discontinued operations     75,434     52,614     60,328
Income from discontinued operations     82,054     11,538     7,358
   
 
 
Diluted earnings   $ 157,488   $ 64,152   $ 67,686
   
 
 
  Weighted average limited partnership units outstanding     46,098,284     46,098,284     46,098,284
  Dilutive effect of redemption of Preferred LP Units     5,444,028     8,391,659     10,368,414
   
 
 
  Weighed average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units outstanding     51,542,312     54,489,943     56,466,698
   
 
 
  Basic earnings:                  
    Income from continuing operations   $ 1.53   $ .99   $ 1.11
    Income from discontinued operations     1.78     .25     .16
   
 
 
    Basic earnings per LP unit   $ 3.31   $ 1.24   $ 1.27
   
 
 
  Diluted earnings:                  
    Income from continuing operations   $ 1.46   $ .92   $ .99
    Income from discontinued operations     1.59     .21     .13
   
 
 
    Diluted earnings per LP unit   $ 3.05   $ 1.13   $ 1.12
   
 
 

22. Preferred Units

        Pursuant to rights offerings consummated in 1995 and 1997, Preferred Units were issued. The Preferred Units have certain rights and designations, generally as follows. Each Preferred Unit has a liquidation preference of $10.00 and entitles the holder thereof to receive distributions thereon, payable solely in additional Preferred Units, at the rate of $.50 per Preferred Unit per annum (which is equal to a rate of 5% of the liquidation preference thereof), payable annually on March 31 of each year (each, a "Payment Date"). On any Payment Date commencing with the Payment Date on March 31, 2000, the Company, with the approval of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner, may opt to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Units for a price, payable either in all cash or by issuance of additional Depositary Units, equal to the liquidation preference of the Preferred Units, plus any accrued but unpaid distributions thereon. On March 31, 2010, the Company must redeem all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Units on the same terms as any optional redemption.

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        Pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Units, on February 25, 2004, the Company declared its scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional Preferred Units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $10 per unit. The distribution was payable March 31, 2004 to holders of record as of March 12, 2004. A total of 489,657 additional Preferred Units were issued. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, 10,286,264 and 9,796,607 Preferred Units are issued and outstanding, respectively. In February 2004, the number of authorized Preferred LP units was increased to 10,400,000.

        Pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Units, on March 4, 2005, the Company declared its scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional Preferred Units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference of $10. The distribution is payable on March 31, 2005 to holders of record as of March 15, 2005. In addition, the Company increased the number of authorized Preferred Units to 10,900,000.

        On July 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 (SFAS 150), Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS 150 requires that a financial instrument, which is an unconditional obligation, be classified as a liability. Previous guidance required an entity to include in equity financial instruments that the entity could redeem in either cash or stock. Pursuant to SFAS 150 the Company's Preferred Units, which are an unconditional obligation, have been reclassified from "Partners' equity" to a liability account in the consolidated Balance Sheets and the preferred pay-in-kind distribution for the period from July 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003 of $2,449,000 and all future distributions have been and will be recorded as "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        The Company recorded $5.1 million and $2.4 million of interest expense in the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, in connection with the Preferred LP units distribution. These amounts are included in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years then ended.

23. Income Taxes (in $000's)

 
  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
The difference between the book basis and the tax basis of the net assets of the Company, not directly subject to income taxes, is as follows:            
  Book basis of AREH net assets excluding American Casino, TransTexas and NEG   $ 1,319,566   $ 1,149,418
  Excess of tax over book     120,820     79,238
   
 
  Tax basis of net assets   $ 1,440,386   $ 1,228,656
   
 

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  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Current   $ (3,030 ) $ (5,506 ) $ (311 )
Deferred     (14,296 )   22,256     (9,785 )
   
 
 
 
    $ (17,326 ) $ 16,750   $ (10,096 )
   
 
 
 

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Deferred tax assets:              
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization   $ 54,489   $ 54,439  
  Net operating loss carryforwards     53,610     51,997  
  Investment in Holding LLC     5,333     18,845  
  Other     9,458     8,841  
   
 
 
      122,890     134,122  
  Valuation allowance     (64,381 )   (65,695 )
   
 
 
  Net deferred tax assets     58,509     68,427  
  Less current portion     (2,685 )   (2,982 )
   
 
 
  Non-current net deferred tax assets   $ 55,824   $ 65,445  
   
 
 

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        (iii.)   The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount computed at the federal statutory rate as a result of the following:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Federal statutory rate   35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
Tax deduction not given book benefit   1.0   5.6   0.0  
Income not subject to taxation   (24.2 ) (15.2 ) (22.3 )
Valuation allowance   (2.3 ) (51.8 ) (0.5 )
Other   0.0   (1.4 ) 0.3  
   
 
 
 
    9.5 % (27.8 )% 12.5 %
   
 
 
 

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, American Casino had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $16.0 million and $28.5 million, respectively, which begin expiring in 2020.

        SFAS 109 requires a "more likely than not" criterion be applied when evaluating the realizability of a deferred tax asset. As of December 31, 2002, given Stratosphere's history of losses for income tax purposes, the volatility of the industry within which the Stratosphere operates, and certain other factors, Stratosphere had established a valuation allowance for the deductible temporary differences, including the excess of the tax basis of the Stratosphere's assets over the basis of such assets for financial statement purposes and the tax carryforwards. However, at December 31, 2003, based on various factors including the current earnings trend and future taxable income projections, Stratosphere determined that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized and removed the valuation allowance. In accordance with SFAS 109, the tax benefit of any deferred tax asset that existed on the effective date of a reorganization should be reported as a direct addition to contributed capital. Stratosphere has deferred tax assets relating to both before and after Stratosphere emerged from bankruptcy in September of 1998. The net decrease in the valuation allowance was $79.3 million, of which a net amount of $47.5 million was credited to partners' equity in the year ended December 31, 2003.

        Additionally, American Casino's acquisition of Arizona Charlie's, LLC and Fresca, LLC in May 2004 resulted in a net increase in the tax basis of assets in excess of book basis. As a result, the Company recognized an additional deferred tax asset of approximately $2.5 million from the transaction. Pursuant to SFAS 109, the benefit of the deferred tax asset from this transaction is credited directly to equity.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, NEG had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $75.9 and $58.0 million, respectively, which begin expiring in 2009. Net operating loss limitations may be imposed as a result of subsequent changes in stock ownership of NEG. Prior to the formation of Holding LLC, the income tax benefit associated with the loss carryforwards had not been recognized since, in the opinion of management, there was not sufficient positive evidence of future taxable income to justify recognition of a benefit. Upon the formation of Holding LLC, management again evaluated all evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets was still needed and concluded, based on the projected allocations of taxable income by Holding LLC, NEG

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more likely than not will realize a partial benefit from the loss carryforwards. In accordance with SFAS 109, NEG recorded a deferred tax asset of $25.5 million as of December 31, 2002, $25.9 million as of December 31, 2003, and $19.3 million as of December 31, 2004. Ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon, among other factors, NEG's ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods and is subject to change depending on the tax laws in effect in the years in which the carryforwards are used. As a result of the recognition of expected future income tax benefits, subsequent periods will reflect a full effective tax rate provision.

        SFAS 109 requires a "more likely than not" criterion be applied when evaluating the realizability of a deferred tax asset. At the Confirmation Date, given TransTexas's history of losses for income tax purposes, the volatility of the industry within which TransTexas operates, and certain other factors, TransTexas could not conclude it was more likely than not that it would recognize these tax benefits and established a valuation allowance for all the deferred tax assets. However, as of December 31, 2003, based on TransTexas's current and projected taxable income, TransTexas determined that it is more likely than not that it will recognize a portion of its federal net operating loss carryforwards prior to their expiration. Accordingly, TransTexas has removed that portion of the valuation allowance previously booked against those assets resulting in a $14.4 million tax benefit recorded on the current income statement.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, TransTexas Gas Corporation had net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $61.2 million and $60.2 million, respectively, which begin expiring in 2020. Utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards is subject to an annual limitation of approximately $2.2 million due to a change in control of ownership (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code). Any unused limitation amount in a given year may be carried forward and utilized in subsequent years.

24. Commitments and Contingencies

        a.     In January 2002, the Cape Cod Commission, (the "Commission"), a Massachusetts regional planning body created in 1989, concluded that AREP's New Seabury development is within its jurisdiction for review and approval (the "Administrative Decision"). It is the Company's position that the proposed residential, commercial and recreational development is in substantial compliance with a special permit issued for the property in 1964 and is therefore exempt from the Commission's jurisdiction and that the Commission is barred from exercising jurisdiction pursuant to a 1993 settlement agreement between the Commission and a prior owner of the New Seabury property (the "Settlement Agreement").

        In February 2002, New Seabury Properties L.L.C. ("New Seabury"), an AREP subsidiary and owner of the property, filed in Barnstable County Massachusetts Superior Court, a civil complaint appealing the Administrative Decision by the Commission, and a separate civil complaint to find the Commission in contempt of the Settlement Agreement. The Court subsequently consolidated the two complaints into one proceeding. In July 2003, New Seabury and the Commission filed cross motions for summary judgment.

        Also, in July 2003, in accordance with a Court ruling, the Commission reconsidered the question of its jurisdiction over the initial development proposal and over a modified development proposal that New Seabury filed in March 2003. The Commission concluded that both proposals are within its

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jurisdiction (the Second Administrative Decision). In August 2003, New Seabury filed in Barnstable County Massachusetts Superior Court another civil complaint appealing the Commission's second decision and petitioning the court to find the Commission in contempt of the settlement agreement.

        In November 2003, the Court ruled in New Seabury's favor on its July 2003 motion for partial summary judgment, finding that the special permit remains valid and that the modified development proposal is in substantial compliance with the Special Permit and therefore exempt from the Commission's jurisdiction; the Court did not yet rule on the initial proposal to build 675 residential/hotel units and 80,000 square feet of commercial space. Under the modified development proposal New Seabury could potentially develop up to 278 residential units and 145,000 square feet of commercial space. In February 2004, the court consolidated the three complaints into one proceeding. In March 2004, New Seabury and the Commission each moved for Summary Judgment to dispose of remaining claims under all three complaints and to obtain a final judgment from the Court. The Court heard arguments in June 2004 and took matters under advisement. The Commission and New Seabury filed a joint motion to delay, until May 6, 2005, any ruling by the court on New Seabury's pending motion for summary judgment and the Commission's pending cross-motion for summary judgment. The Company is currently in settlement negotiations with the Commission but these discussions may not be successful. The Company cannot predict the effect on the development process if it loses any appeal or if the Commission is ultimately successful in asserting jurisdiction over any of the development proposals.

        The carrying value of New Seabury's development assets at December 31, 2004 was approximately $10.5 million.

        The General Partner monitors all tenant bankruptcies and defaults and may, when it deems it necessary or appropriate, establish additional reserves for such contingencies.

        b.     Environmental Matters

        TransTexas' operations and properties are subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation, and discharge of materials into the environment. Permits are required for various of TransTexas' operations, and these permits are subject to revocation, modification, and renewal by issuing authorities. TransTexas also is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations that impose liability for the cleanup or remediation of property which has been contaminated by the discharge or release of hazardous materials or wastes into the environment. Governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with their regulations, and violations are subject to fines or injunctions, or both. TransTexas believes that it is in material compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Noncompliance with such laws and regulations could give rise to compliance costs and administrative penalties. It is not anticipated that TransTexas will be required in the near future to expend amounts that are material to the financial condition or operations of TransTexas by reason of environmental laws and regulations, but because such laws and regulations are frequently changed and, as a result, may impose increasingly strict requirements, TransTexas is unable to predict the ultimate cost of complying with such laws and regulations.

        c.     In addition, in the ordinary course of business, the Company, its subsidiaries and other companies in which the Company has invested are parties to various legal actions. In management's opinion, the ultimate outcome of such legal actions will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

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25. Employee Benefit Plans

        a.     Employees of the Company who are members of various unions are covered by union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multi-employer health and welfare and defined benefit pension plans. The Company recorded expenses for such plans of approximately $8,100,000, $7,600,000 and $6,500,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company does not have information from the plans' sponsors with respect to the adequacy of the plans' funding status.

        b.     The Company has retirement savings plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering its non-union employees. The plans allow employees to defer, within prescribed limits, a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the plans. The Company currently matches, within prescribed limits, up to 6.25% of eligible employees' compensation at rates up to 50% of the employee's contribution. The Company recorded charges for matching contributions of approximately $794,000, $714,000 and $981,000, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

26. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, investment in debt securities of affiliates and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and the Preferred Limited Partnership Units Liability are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value.

        The Company sells crude oil and natural gas to various customers. In addition, the Company participates with other parties in the operation of crude oil and natural gas wells. Substantially all of the Company's accounts receivable are due from either purchasers of crude oil and natural gas or participants in crude oil and natural gas wells for which the Company serves as the operator. Generally, operators of crude oil and natural gas properties have the right to offset future revenues against unpaid charges related to operated wells. Crude oil and natural gas sales are generally unsecured.

Other Investments

        The fair values of the mortgages and notes receivable past due, in process of foreclosure, or for which foreclosure proceedings are pending, are based on the discounted cash flows of the underlying lease. The fair values of the mortgages and notes receivable satisfied after year end are based on the amount of the net proceeds received.

        The fair values of the mortgages and notes receivable which are current are based on the discounted cash flows of their respective payment streams.

        The approximate estimated fair values of other investments held as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
  At December 31, 2004
  At December 31, 2003
 
  Net
Investment

  Estimated
Fair Value

  Net
Investment

  Estimated
Fair Value

Total   $ 245,948   $ 248,900   $ 50,328   $ 55,000
   
 
 
 

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        The net investment at December 31, 2004 and 2003 is equal to the carrying amount of the mortgage receivable less any deferred income recorded.

Mortgages Payable

        The approximate estimated fair values of the mortgages payable as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (in $000's):

 
  At December 31, 2004
  At December 31, 2003
 
  Carrying
Value

  Estimated
Fair Value

  Carrying
Value

  Estimated
Fair Value

Total   $ 91,896   $ 93,900   $ 180,989   $ 185,000
   
 
 
 

Limitations

        Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

27. Segment Reporting

        The Company is engaged in six operating segments consisting of the ownership and operation of (1) rental real estate, (2) hotel and resort operating properties, (3) hotel and casino operating properties, (4) property development, (5) investment in securities including investment in other limited partnerships and marketable equity and debt securities and (6) investment in oil and gas operating properties. The Company's reportable segments offer different services and require different operating strategies and management expertise.

        Non-segment revenue to reconcile to total revenue consists primarily of interest income on treasury bills and other investments. Non-segment assets to reconcile to total assets includes investment in U.S. Government and Agency obligations, cash and cash equivalents, receivables and other assets.

        The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2.

        The Company assesses and measures segment operating results based on segment earnings from operations as disclosed below. Segment earnings from operations is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements nor synonymous with cash flow from operations.

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        The revenues, net earnings, assets and real estate investment capital expenditures for each of the reportable segments are summarized as follows for the years ended and as of December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 (in $000's):

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Revenues:                    
  Hotel & casino operating properties   $ 297,868   $ 259,345   $ 250,328  
  Land, house and condominium sales     26,591     13,265     76,024  
  Rental real estate     17,099     19,514     20,654  
  Hotel & resort operating properties     18,477     14,592     14,918  
  Oil & gas operating properties     99,738     57,670     40,516  
  Other investments     34,724     14,024     15,283  
   
 
 
 
  Subtotal     494,497     378,410     417,723  
Reconciling items     13,268 (1)   11,779 (1)   18,006 (1)
   
 
 
 
  Total revenues   $ 507,765   $ 390,189   $ 435,729  
   
 
 
 
Net earnings:                    
Segment earnings:                    
  Hotel & casino operating properties   $ 70,265   $ 42,488   $ 32,390  
  Land, house and condominium sales     6,355     4,136     21,384  
  Oil & gas operating properties     74,776     45,412     33,411  
  Rental real estate     12,811     14,330     13,893  
  Hotel and resort operating properties     1,843     3,454     2,365  
  Other investments     34,724     14,024     15,283  
   
 
 
 
    Total segment earnings     200,774     123,844     118,726  
Interest income     13,268     11,779     18,006  
Interest expense     (49,669 )   (27,057 )   (27,297 )
General and administrative expenses     (9,806 )   (6,851 )   (7,029 )
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization     (68,431 )   (40,533 )   (23,589 )
   
 
 
 
  Operating income     86,136     61,182     78,817  
Gain on sales and disposition of real estate from continuing operations     6,942     7,121     8,990  
(Loss) gain on sale of assets         (1,503 )   (353 )
Loss on sale of limited partnership interests             (3,750 )
Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities and other investments         (19,759 )   (8,476 )
Gain on sale of marketable equity securities     40,159     2,607      
Unrealized losses on securities sold short     (23,619 )        
Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.     (15,600 )        
Severance tax refund     4,468          
Minority interest     (812 )   (1,266 )   (1,943 )
Income tax (expense) benefit     (17,326 )   16,750     (10,096 )
Income from discontinued operations     83,720     11,772     7,507  
General partner's share of net income     (11,561 )   (17,544 )   (7,528 )
   
 
 
 
Net earnings—limited partners' unitholders   $ 152,507   $ 59,360   $ 63,168  
   
 
 
 

(1)
Primarily interest income on U.S. Government and Agency obligations and other short-term investments and Icahn note receivable.

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  December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Assets:                  
  Rental real estate   $ 196,332   $ 340,062   $ 359,700
  Oil and gas properties     168,136     168,921    
  Hotel and casino operating properties     289,360     298,703     290,775
  Land and construction-in-progress     106,537     43,459     40,415
  Hotel and resort operating properties     50,132     41,526     44,346
  Other investments     444,603     231,050     479,104
   
 
 
      1,255,100     1,123,721     1,214,340
  Reconciling items     1,153,089     707,852     491,691
   
 
 
    Total   $ 2,408,189   $ 1,831,573   $ 1,706,031
   
 
 

Real estate investment capital expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Acquisitions:                  
  Rental real estate   $ 14,583   $   $ 18,226
  Land and construction-in-progress     61,845        
  Hotel and casino operating properties     125,900        
  Hotel and resort operating properties     16,463        
   
 
 
    $ 218,791   $   $ 18,226
   
 
 
Developments:                  
  Rental real estate   $ 18   $ 413   $ 181
  Oil and gas operating properties     47,529     633    
  Land and construction-in-progress     17,947         1,138
  Hotel and casino operating properties     13,589     31,844     19,133
  Hotel and resort operating properties     2,614     1,067     2,582
   
 
 
    $ 81,697   $ 33,957   $ 23,034
   
 
 

28. Repurchase of Depositary Units

        The Company has previously been authorized to repurchase up to 1,250,000 Depositary Units. As of December 31, 2004, the Company has purchased 1,137,200 Depositary Units at an aggregate cost of approximately $11,921,000.

29. Subsequent Events

        a.     On January 21, 2005, the Company announced that it had entered into agreements to acquire additional oil and gas and gaming and entertainment assets in transactions with affiliates of Carl C. Icahn. The aggregate consideration for the transactions is $652 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, of which $180 million is payable in cash and the balance is payable by the issuance of the Company's limited partnership depositary units valued at $29 per unit. Mr. Icahn currently owns indirectly approximately 86.5% of the Company's outstanding depositary and preferred units and indirectly owns 100% of the Company's general partner, American Property Investors, Inc. Upon the

F-99


closing of the transactions, Mr. Icahn will own approximately 90.1% of the Company's outstanding depositary units and 86.5% of its preferred units, assuming no purchase price reductions. The transactions were approved by the Audit Committee of the Company's general partner. The Audit Committee was advised as to the transactions by independent legal counsel and financial advisor. The Audit Committee obtained opinions that the consideration to be paid in the transactions was fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company.

        The transactions include the acquisition of the membership interest in Holding LLC other than that already owned by National Energy Group, Inc. (which is itself 50.02% owned by the Company); 100% of the equity of each of TransTexas Gas Corporation and Panaco, Inc., all of which will be consolidated under AREP Oil & Gas LLC, which is wholly owned by AREH; and approximately 41.2% of the common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 11.3% of the fully diluted common stock of its subsidiary, Atlantic Holdings, which owns 100% of ACE Gaming LLC, the owner and operator of the Sands. The closing of each of the transactions is subject to certain conditions, including approval by the depositary unitholders of the issuance of the depositary units with respect to the transactions for which the consideration is depositary units and the receipt of the oil and gas reserve reports as of January 21, 2005 for each of Holding LLC, TransTexas and Panaco.

        Prior to the transactions, each of the Company and Mr. Icahn's affiliated companies owned oil and gas and gaming and entertainment assets. Upon completion of these transactions, all such assets held by Mr. Icahn's affiliates will have been acquired by the Company. As a result of these transactions, the Company will have substantially increased its oil and gas holdings, as well as expanded its gaming and entertainment holdings.

        Before the acquisition of GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings securities, the Company owned approximately 36.3% of the outstanding common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase, upon the occurrence of certain events, approximately 10.0% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. As a result of the transactions, the Company will own approximately 77.5% of the common stock of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase approximately 21.3% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. The Company also owns approximately $63.9 million principal amount, or 96.4%, of the 3% senior notes due 2008 of Atlantic Holdings, which, upon the occurrence of certain events, are convertible into approximately 42.1% of the fully diluted common stock of Atlantic Holdings. If all outstanding Atlantic Holdings notes were converted and warrants exercised, the Company would own approximately 63.4% of the Atlantic Holdings common stock, GB Holdings would own approximately 28.8% of the Atlantic Holdings common stock and the remaining shares would be owned by the public.

        Between December 6, 2004 and December 27, 2004, the Company purchased (1) $27.5 million aggregate principal amount of the TransTexas Notes, (2) $38.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Panaco Debt, and (3) $37.0 million aggregate principal amount of Atlantic Holdings Notes, bringing the Company's ownership of that debt to $63.9 million principal amount.

        On April 6, 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of TransTexas for $180.0 million in cash.

F-100


F-101


30. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (in $000'S, Except Per Unit Data)

 
  Three Months Ended(1)
 
 
  March 31,
  June 30,
  September 30,
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
Revenues   $ 118,292   $ 92,859   $ 131,705   $ 89,825   $ 132,760   $ 98,396   $ 125,008   $ 109,109  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income   $ 23,288   $ 16,008   $ 26,184   $ 15,425   $ 24,241   $ 11,650   $ 12,423   $ 18,099  
Gains (losses) on property transactions     6,047     1,138     (226 )   (272 )   1,354     501     (233 )   5,754  
Loss on sale of assets                         (311 )       (1,192 )
Gain on sale of marketable equity and debt securities     28,857         8,310             2,168     2,992     439  
Unrealized losses on securities sold short                             (23,619 )    
Impairment loss on equity interest in GB Holdings, Inc.                             (15,600 )    
Write-down of marketable equity and debt securities         (961 )       (18,798 )                
Severance tax refund             4,468                      
Minority interest     (39 )       (487 )       (123 )   459     (163 )   (1,725 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax     58,153     16,185     38,249     (3,645 )   25,472     14,467     (24,200 )   21,375  
Income tax (expense) benefit     (5,966 )   (3,892 )   (3,695 )   (3,167 )   (3,839 )   (3,577 )   (3,826 )   27,386  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations     52,187     12,293     34,554     (6,812 )   21,633     10,890     (28,026 )   48,761  
Income from discontinued operations     9,387     2,099     50,956     4,025     10,672     3,548     12,705     2,100  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)   $ 61,574   $ 14,392   $ 85,510   $ (2,787 ) $ 32,305   $ 14,438   $ (15,321 ) $ 50,861  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings (loss) per limited                                                  
Partnership unit (2):                                                  
  Basic earnings:                                                  
  Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 1.14   $ .15   $ .63   $ (.22 ) $ .43   $ .25   $ (.59 ) $ .80  
  Income from discontinued operations     .20     .05     1.08     .09     .23     .07     .27     .05  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Basic earnings (loss) per LP unit   $ 1.34   $ .20   $ 1.71   $ (.13 ) $ .66   $ .32   $ (.32 ) $ .85  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings:                                                  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 1.02   $ .15   $ .58   $ (.22 ) $ .41   $ .23   $ (.59 ) $ .71  
    Income from discontinued operations     .18     .03     .96     .09     .20     .06     .27     .04  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Diluted earnings (loss) per LP unit   $ 1.20   $ .18   $ 1.54   $ (.13 ) $ .61   $ .29   $ (.32 ) $ .75  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
All quarterly amounts have been reclassified for the effects of reporting discontinued operations.

(2)
Net earnings (loss) per unit is computed separately for each period and, therefore, the sum of such quarterly per unit amounts may differ from the total for the year.

F-102



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors
American Property Investors, Inc.

        We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of American Property Investors, Inc. as of December 31, 2004. This financial statement is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in that balance sheet. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall balance sheet presentation. We believe that our audit of the balance sheet provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Property Investors, Inc. as of December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

  /s/ Grant Thornton LLP

New York, New York
April 27, 2005

F-103



AMERICAN PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.

BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2004

 
  December 31,
2004

 
ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 149,889  
Investment in partnerships (Note B)     27,588,000  
Accrued interest receivable (Note C)     59,538  
   
 
    $ 27,797,427  
   
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

 

 

 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 15,198  
Stockholder's equity:        
  Common stock—$1 par value, 1,216 shares authorized, 216 shares outstanding     216  
  Additional paid-in capital     26,228,997  
  Note receivable from affiliate (Note C)     (9,500,000 )
  Retained earnings     11,053,016  
   
 
  Total stockholder's equity     27,782,229  
   
 
  Total liabilities and stockholder's equity   $ 27,797,427  
   
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

F-104



AMERICAN PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2004

NOTE A—BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        American Property Investors, Inc. ("API" or "the Company") is the general partner of both American Real Estate Partners, L.P. ("AREP") and American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership ("AREH"). API has a 1% general partnership interest in both AREP and AREH. API is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Becton Corporation ("Becton") which in turn is owned by Carl C. Icahn. Mr. Icahn also owns, indirectly, approximately 86.5% of the limited partnership interests of AREP, a New York Stock Exchange master limited partnership.

        The Company considers all temporary cash investments with maturity at the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

        Management of the Company has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statement to prepare this balance sheet in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        The Company and its parent have elected and the stockholders have consented, under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, to report their income for Federal income tax purposes as a Subchapter S Corporation. The stockholders report their respective shares of the net taxable income or loss on their personal tax returns. Accordingly, no liability has been accrued for current or deferred Federal income taxes related to the operations of the Company in the accompanying balance sheet. State and local taxes are de minimus.

        The Company evaluates its investments in partially-owned entities in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, or FIN 46R. If the partially-owned entity is a "variable interest entity," or a "VIE," and the Company is the "primary beneficiary" as defined in FIN 46R, the Company would account for such investment as if it were a consolidated subsidiary.

        For a partnership investment which is not a VIE or in which the Company is not the primary beneficiary, the Company follows the accounting set forth in AICPA Statement of Position No. 78-9—Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures (SOP 78-9). In accordance with this pronouncement, investments in joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method when its ownership interest is less than 50% and it does not exercise direct or indirect control. Factors that are considered in determining whether or not the Company exercises control include important rights of partners in significant business decisions, including dispositions and acquisitions of assets, financing and operating and capital budgets, board and management representation and authority and other contractual rights of the partners. To the extent that the Company is deemed to control these entities, these entities would be consolidated.

F-105



        The Company has determined that the AREP and AREH partnerships are not VIEs and therefore it accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting as the limited partners have important rights as defined in SOP 78-9. This investment was recorded initially at cost and was subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings or losses and cash contributions and distributions.

        On a periodic basis the Company evaluates whether there are any indicators that the value of its investments in partnerships are impaired. An investment is considered to be impaired if the Company's estimate of the value of the investment is less than the carrying amount. The ultimate realization of the Company's investments in partnerships is dependent on a number of factors including the performance of that entity and market conditions. If the Company determines that a decline in the value of a partnership is other than temporary, then the Company would record an impairment charge.

NOTE B—INVESTMENT IN PARTNERSHIPS

        The Company has a 1% general partnership interest in both AREP and AREH. AREP is the 99% limited partner and holding company of AREH which is involved in the following operating businesses: (i) rental real estate, (ii) hotel, casino and resort operations, (iii) land, house and condominium development, (iv) investment in oil and gas operating properties, and (v) investments in securities, including investments in other entities and marketable and debt securities.

F-106



        Summarized financial information for American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 is as follows (in thousands of dollars):

Cash and cash equivalents   $ 762,708  
Investment in U.S government and agency obligations     96,840  
Due from brokers     123,001  
Other current assets     148,726  
   
 
  Total current assets     1,131,275  
   
 
Other investments     245,948  
Land and construction-in-progress     106,537  
Real estate leased to others     134,399  
Hotel casino and resort operating properties     339,492  
Investment in debt securities of affiliates     115,075  
Investment in NEG Holding LLC     87,800  
Other assets     102,531  
   
 
  Total assets     2,263,057  
   
 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities   $ 81,793  
Securities sold not yet purchased     90,674  
Other current liabilities     31,177  
   
 
  Total current liabilities     203,644  
   
 
Mortgages payable     60,719  
Senior secured notes payable     215,000  
Senior unsecured notes payable     350,598  
Preferred limited partnership units     106,731  
Other liabilities     23,239  
   
 
  Total liabilities     959,931  
Partners' equity     1,303,126  
Total liabilities and partners' equity   $ 2,263,057  
   
 

General partners equity

 

$

(12,984

)

        The carrying amount of the investment in partnerships on the Company's balance sheet exceeds the underlying equity in the net assets of the partnerships by $40,572,000. This difference is as a result of adjustments reflected in AREP's equity to account for certain acquisitions from affiliates of the general partner. The differences between the historical cost of companies acquired and the purchase price paid to the affiliates of the general partner were accounted for as contributions from or distributions to the general partner.

NOTE C—NOTE RECEIVABLE FROM AFFILIATE

        The Company has an unsecured demand note receivable due from Carl C. Icahn, in the amount of $9,500,000. Interest on the note accrues at the rate of 3.75% per annum and is payable on the last day of April and October. Interest has been paid through October 31, 2004.

F-107



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Members
NEG Holding LLC:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of NEG Holding LLC ("the Company") and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statement of operations, members' equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NEG Holding LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

    /s/  GRANT THORTON LLP      

Houston, Texas
March 4, 2005

 

 

F-108



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Members
NEG Holding LLC:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of NEG Holding LLC ("the Company") and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, members' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NEG Holding LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

        As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations.

    KPMG LLP

Dallas, Texas
March 12, 2004

 

 

F-109



NEG HOLDING LLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 882,841   $ 15,401,433  
  Accounts receivable—oil and natural gas sales     18,220,105     13,214,537  
  Accounts receivable—joint interest and other (net of allowance of $104,000 in 2004 & 2003)     495,272     485,083  
  Notes receivable—other (net of allowance of $790,000 in 2004)     489,389     1,220,960  
  Derivative broker deposit         1,700,000  
  Drilling prepayments     858,114     1,106,871  
  Other     2,200,156     286,399  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     23,145,877     33,415,283  
Oil and natural gas properties, at cost (full cost method):              
  Subject to ceiling limitation     573,069,515     507,250,803  
  Accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization     (343,485,274 )   (322,443,045 )
   
 
 
    Net oil and natural gas properties     229,584,241     184,807,758  
Other property and equipment     5,055,490     4,838,114  
Accumulated depreciation     (4,063,781 )   (3,746,317 )
   
 
 
    Net other property and equipment     991,709     1,091,797  
Note receivable     3,090,000     1,827,000  
Equity investment     2,379,108     1,698,000  
Other long term assets     1,082,504     964,500  
   
 
 
      Total assets   $ 260,273,439   $ 223,804,338  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable—trade   $ 10,239,384   $ 2,879,138  
  Accounts payable—affiliate     1,595,235     411,731  
  Accounts payable—revenue     4,104,029     3,964,530  
  Prepayments from partners     90,186     265,871  
  Other     77,593     136,707  
  Derivative financial instruments     6,349,714     6,595,475  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     22,456,141     14,253,452  
Long term liabilities:              
  Note payable     83,031     592,889  
  Gas balancing     897,852     818,621  
  Credit facility     51,833,624     43,833,624  
  Asset retirement obligation     3,055,240     3,268,381  
  Derivative financial instruments     7,766,144      
Members' equity     174,181,407     161,037,371  
   
 
 
      Total liabilities and members' equity   $ 260,273,439   $ 223,804,338  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

F-110



NEG HOLDING LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Revenues:                    
  Oil and natural gas sales   $ 76,677,224   $ 75,740,373   $ 35,319,918  
  Field operations     326,960     297,069     403,933  
  Plant operations     1,723,305     1,568,502     177,049  
   
 
 
 
    Total revenue     78,727,489     77,605,944     35,900,900  
Costs and expenses:                    
  Lease operating     13,505,366     11,501,303     8,508,744  
  Field operations     334,443     397,669     420,188  
  Plant operations     680,066     577,003     68,767  
  Oil and natural gas production taxes     5,732,265     5,770,865     1,874,854  
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization     21,385,529     23,442,797     15,509,106  
  Accretion of asset retirement obligation     261,471     242,752      
  Amortization of loan cost     494,386          
  General and administrative     4,919,525     4,833,546     5,682,804  
   
 
 
 
    Total costs and expenses     47,313,051     46,765,935     32,064,463  
   
 
 
 
Operating income     31,414,438     30,840,009     3,836,437  
Other income (expense):                    
  Interest expense     (2,222,009 )   (1,538,048 )   (96,491 )
  Interest income and other, net     299,327     472,337     1,245,204  
  Interest income from affiliate     149,650     114,867     546,228  
  Commitment fee income         125,000     175,000  
  Equity in loss on investment     (518,892 )   (102,000 )    
  Dividend expense             (145,200 )
  Gain (loss) on sale of securities         (953,790 )   8,711,915  
  Unrealized loss on financial instruments/short sale             (346,992 )
   
 
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     29,122,514     28,958,375     13,926,101  
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle         1,911,705      
   
 
 
 
Net income   $ 29,122,514   $ 30,870,080   $ 13,926,101  
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

F-111



NEG HOLDING LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Operating Activities                    
Net income   $ 29,122,514   $ 30,870,080   $ 13,926,101  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization     21,385,529     23,442,797     15,509,106  
  Change in fair market value of derivative contracts     7,520,383     2,987,013     3,608,462  
  Unrealized loss on financial instruments/short sale             346,992  
  Gain (loss) on sale of assets     (6,136 )       7,058  
  Equity in loss on investment     518,892     102,000      
  Accretion of asset retirement obligation     261,471     242,752      
  Provision for doubtful account     790,000          
  Amortization of note costs     494,386          
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle         (1,911,705 )    
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
  Accounts receivable     (5,078,989 )   (1,296,013 )   (2,069,815 )
  Notes receivable     (1,258,198 )   (1,831,802 )   (2,774,968 )
  Drilling prepayments     248,758     (380,288 )   (457,565 )
  Derivative broker deposit     1,700,000     100,000     (1,800,000 )
  Other current assets     (2,086,257 )   (26,215 )   912,577  
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     8,017,822     493,730     (566,450 )
   
 
 
 
  Net cash provided by operating activities     61,630,175     52,792,349     26,641,498  
   
 
 
 
Investing Activities                    
Oil and natural gas exploration and development expenditures     (67,487,412 )   (36,034,277 )   (18,106,385 )
Longfellow Ranch acquisition             (51,037,347 )
Purchases of other property and equipment     (245,250 )   (149,897 )   (222,039 )
Increase in restricted cash             (346,992 )
Proceeds from sales of oil and natural gas properties     1,202,263     1,436,016     1,434,212  
Equity investment     (1,200,000 )   (1,800,000 )    
   
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities     (67,730,399 )   (36,548,158 )   (68,278,551 )
Financing Activities                    
Proceeds from Arnos credit facility         46,756,377      
Repayment of Arnos credit facility         (46,756,377 )    
Proceeds from Mizuho credit facility     8,000,000     43,833,624      
Loan issuance costs     (439,890 )   (951,697 )    
Guaranteed Payment to member     (15,978,478 )   (18,228,781 )   (21,652,819 )
Priority Amount distribution to member         (40,506,072 )    
   
 
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities     (8,418,368 )   (15,852,926 )   (21,652,819 )
   
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (14,518,592 )   391,265     (63,289,872 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     15,401,433     15,010,168     78,300,040  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 882,841   $ 15,401,433   $ 15,010,168  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information                    
Interest paid in cash   $ 1,713,136   $ 1,537,127   $ 96,491  
   
 
 
 
Distribution of member note payable   $   $ 10,939,750   $  
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

F-112



NEG HOLDING LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' EQUITY

 
  Members'
Equity

 
Balance at December 31, 2001   $ 207,568,612  
  Guaranteed Payment to member     (21,652,819 )
  Net income     13,926,101  
   
 
Balance at December 31, 2002   $ 199,841,894  
  Guaranteed Payment to member     (18,228,781 )
  Priority Amount distribution to member     (51,445,822 )
  Net income     30,870,080  
   
 
Balance at December 31, 2003   $ 161,037,371  
  Guaranteed Payment to member     (15,978,478 )
  Net income     29,122,514  
   
 
Balance at December 31, 2004   $ 174,181,407  
   
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NEG HOLDING LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2004

1. Background

        NEG Holding LLC (the "Company"), a Delaware limited liability company, was formed in August 2000. Start up costs of the Company were incurred by Gascon Partners ("Gascon") and were not significant. No other activity occurred from August 2000 until the members' contributions in September 2001. In exchange for an initial 50% membership interest in the Company, on September 12, 2001, but effective as of May 1, 2001, National Energy Group, Inc. ("NEG") contributed to the Company all of its operating assets and oil and natural gas properties. In exchange for its initial 50% membership interest in the Company, Gascon contributed its sole membership interest in Shana National LLC, an oil and natural gas producing company, and cash, including a $10.9 million Revolving Note issued to Arnos Corp. ("Arnos"), evidencing the borrowings under the NEG revolving credit facility. In connection with the foregoing, the Company initially owns 100% of the membership interest in NEG Operating LLC ("Operating LLC"), a Delaware limited liability company. Gascon is currently the managing member of the Company. All of the oil and natural gas assets contributed by NEG and all of the oil and natural gas assets associated with Gascon's contribution to the Company were transferred from the Company to Operating LLC on September 12, 2001, but effective as of May 1, 2001. Allocation of membership interest in the Company was based principally on the estimated fair value of the assets contributed as of May 1, 2001, with each member contributing assets of equal fair value. The following summarizes the historical book carrying value of the net assets contributed as of September 1, 2001.

 
  National Energy
Group, Inc.

  Gascon
  Total
Current assets   $ 11,535,745   $ 97,183,477   $ 108,719,222
Net oil and natural gas properties     84,983,139     30,573,625     115,556,764
Hedge assets     4,807,689         4,807,689
Intercompany receivable         4,783,737     4,783,737
   
 
 
Total assets   $ 101,326,573   $ 132,540,839   $ 233,867,412
   
 
 
Current liabilities   $ 4,157,430   $ 2,657,190   $ 6,814,620
Long-term liabilities     940,033     1,377,782     2,317,815
Intercompany payable     4,783,737         4,783,737
Members' equity     91,445,373     128,505,867     219,951,240
   
 
 
Total liabilities and members' equity   $ 101,326,573   $ 132,540,839   $ 233,867,412
   
 
 

        The Holding LLC Operating Agreement entered into on September 12, 2001, contains a provision that allows Gascon at any time, in its sole discretion, to redeem NEG's membership interest in the Company at a price equal to the fair market value of such interest determined as if the Company had sold all of its assets for fair market value and liquidated.

        The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act and the Holding LLC Operating Agreement on December 31, 2024, unless the Company shall be dissolved sooner and its affairs wound up in accordance with the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act or the Holding LLC Operating Agreement.

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2. Significant Accounting Policies

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, and its sole subsidiary Operating LLC. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

        Cash and cash equivalents may include demand deposits, short-term commercial paper, and/or money-market investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.

        The Company utilizes the full cost method of accounting for its crude oil and natural gas properties. Under the full cost method, all productive and nonproductive costs incurred in connection with the acquisition, exploration, and development of crude oil and natural gas reserves are capitalized and amortized on the units-of-production method based upon total proved reserves. The costs of unproven properties are excluded from the amortization calculation until the individual properties are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether reserves exist. Conveyances of properties, including gains or losses on abandonments of properties, are treated as adjustments to the cost of crude oil and natural gas properties, with no gain or loss recognized.

        Under the full cost method, the net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed the estimated after-tax future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas properties, discounted at 10% per year (the ceiling limitation). In arriving at estimated future net revenues, estimated lease operating expenses, development costs, abandonment costs, and certain production related and ad-valorem taxes are deducted. In calculating future net revenues, prices and costs in effect at the time of the calculation are held constant indefinitely, except for changes which are fixed and determinable by existing contracts. The net book value is compared to the ceiling limitation on a quarterly basis. The excess, if any, of the net book value above the ceiling limitation is required to be written off as a non-cash expense. The Company did not incur a ceiling writedown in 2002, 2003 and 2004. There can be no assurance that there will not be writedowns in future periods under the full cost method of accounting as a result of sustained decreases in oil and natural gas prices or other factors.

        The Company has capitalized internal costs of $1.0 million, $0.6 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, as costs of oil and natural gas properties. Such capitalized costs include salaries and related benefits of individuals directly involved in the Company's acquisition, exploration, and development activities based on a percentage of their salaries.

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        The Company is subject to extensive federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws, which are constantly changing, regulate the discharge of materials into the environment and may require the Company to remove or mitigate the environment effects of the disposal or release of petroleum or chemical substances at various sites. Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that have no future economic benefits are expensed. Liabilities for expenditures of a noncapital nature are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated.

        The Company's operations are subject to all of the risks inherent in oil and natural gas exploration, drilling and production. These hazards can result in substantial losses to the Company due to personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage, or suspension of operations. The Company maintains insurance of various types customary in the industry to cover its operations and believes it is insured prudently against certain of these risks. In addition, the Company maintains operator's extra expense coverage that provides coverage for the care, custody and control of wells drilled by the Company. The Company's insurance does not cover every potential risk associated with the drilling and production of oil and natural gas. As a prudent operator, the Company does maintain levels of insurance customary in the industry to limit its financial exposure in the event of a substantial environmental claim resulting from sudden and accidental discharges. However, 100% coverage is not maintained. The occurrence of a significant adverse event, the risks of which are not fully covered by insurance, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates it considers reasonable. The Company believes that it operates in compliance with government regulations and in accordance with safety standards which meet or exceed industry standards.

        Other property and equipment includes furniture, fixtures, and other equipment. Such assets are recorded at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method.

        The Company's investment in Longfellow Ranch Field includes a minority interest in a gas separation facility. This investment is included in the oil and natural gas properties and depleted over the life of the reserves.

        Maintenance and repairs are charged against income when incurred; renewals and betterments, which extend the useful lives of property and equipment, are capitalized.

        The Company will be taxed as a partnership under federal and applicable state laws; therefore, the Company has not provided for federal or state income taxes since these taxes are the responsibility of the Members.

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        The Company sells crude oil and natural gas to various customers. In addition, the Company participates with other parties in the operation of crude oil and natural gas wells. Substantially all of the Company's accounts receivable are due from either purchasers of crude oil and natural gas or participants in crude oil and natural gas wells for which the Company serves as the operator. Generally, operators of crude oil and natural gas properties have the right to offset future revenues against unpaid charges related to operated wells. Crude oil and natural gas sales are generally unsecured.

        The allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained at an adequate level to absorb losses in the Company's accounts receivable. Our management continually monitors the accounts receivable from customers for any collectability issues. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established based on reviews of individual customer accounts, recent loss experience, current economic conditions, and other pertinent factors. Accounts deemed uncollectible are charged to the allowance. Provisions for bad debts and recoveries on accounts previously charge-off are added to the allowance.

        Allowances for bad debt totaled approximately $.9 million at December 31, 2004 and $.1 million at December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2004, the carrying value of the Company's accounts receivable approximates fair value.

        Revenues from the sale of natural gas and oil produced are recognized upon the passage of title, net of royalties.

        The Company accounts for natural gas production imbalances using the sales method, whereby the Company recognizes revenue on all natural gas sold to its customers notwithstanding the fact that its ownership may be less than 100% of the natural gas sold. Liabilities are recorded by the Company for imbalances greater than the Company's proportionate share of remaining estimated natural gas reserves.

        Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. There were no differences between net earnings and total comprehensive income in 2004, 2003 and 2002.

        The Company follows SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities" and SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activity, an Amendment of SFAS 133" that requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their respective fair value.

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        Prior to contributing all oil and natural gas assets to the Company, NEG periodically managed its exposure to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices by entering into various derivative instruments consisting principally of collar options and swaps. NEG elected not to designate these instruments as hedges for accounting purposes, accordingly the change in unrealized gains and losses is included in oil and natural gas sales. Cash settlements and valuation losses are included in oil and natural gas sales. The Company has accounted for these instruments in the same manner. The following summarizes the cash settlements and unrealized gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Gross cash receipts   $ 1,327,200   $ 14,924   $ 1,246,080
Gross cash payments   $ 13,694,010   $ 8,681,198   $ 2,430
Valuation loss   $ 7,520,383   $ 2,987,013   $ 3,608,462

        While the use of derivative contracts can limit the downside risk of adverse price movements, it may also limit future gains from favorable movements. The Company addresses market risk by selecting instruments whose value fluctuations correlate strongly with the underlying commodity. Credit risk related to derivative activities is managed by requiring minimum credit standards for counterparties, periodic settlements, and mark to market valuations.

        The Company received various commodity swap agreements ("contracts") from Gascon and NEG as part of their initial contribution of assets and liabilities in September 2001. The counterparty to these instruments was through Enron North America Corp. As of December 2001, Enron Corp. and Enron North America Corp. et al ("Enron") filed for protection under Chapter 11, Title 18 of the United States Code. Enron ceased making payments under the various contracts in November 2001, prior to the bankruptcy filings. Accordingly, each of the contracts shall be administered as a claim filed by the Company in the Enron bankruptcy proceedings. The Company estimates its claim against Enron related to these contracts is approximately $7.25 million. The $7.25 million claim represented a hedge against future oil and natural gas prices and did not reflect a cash gain or loss on the contracts. For this reason, no asset or liability was recorded at December 31, 2001 and the Company recorded a net non cash valuation loss of $4.6 million through December 31, 2001 in connection with these contracts. The Company cannot predict what amount, if any may be ultimately received in the Enron bankruptcy proceeding.

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        The following is a summary of the oil and natural gas no-cost commodity price collars entered into with Shell Trading Company:

Date of Contract

  Volume/Month
  Production
Month

  Floor
  Ceiling
August 2002   30,000 Bbls   2003   $ 23.55   $ 26.60
August 2002   300,000 MMBTU   2003   $ 3.25   $ 4.62
November 2002   300,000 MMBTU   2003   $ 3.50   $ 4.74
November 2002   300,000 MMBTU   2004   $ 3.35   $ 4.65
November 2002   300,000 MMBTU   2005   $ 3.25   $ 4.60
November 2003   45,000 Bbls   2004   $ 26.63   $ 29.85
February 2005   16,000 Bbls   2006   $ 41.75   $ 45.40
February 2005   120,000 MMBTU   2006   $ 6.00   $ 7.28

        On January 28, 2003, the Company entered into an eleven month fixed price swap agreement with Plains Marketing, L.P., consisting of a contract for 28,000 barrels of oil per month at a fixed price of $28.35 effective February 2003 through December 2003.

        The following is a summary of oil and natural gas contracts entered into with Bank of Oklahoma on January 6, 2004 and November 15, 2004.

Type Contract

  Production Month
  Volume per
  Fixed
Price

  Floor
  Ceiling
Fixed price   February - March 2004   400,000 MMBTU   $ 6.915   $   $
Fixed price   April - June 2004   400,000 MMBTU   $ 5.48   $   $
Fixed price   July - September 2004   400,000 MMBTU   $ 5.38   $   $
No Cost Collars   October - December 2004   400,000 MMBTU   $   $ 5.25   $ 5.85
No Cost Collars   2005   300,000 MMBTU   $   $ 4.75   $ 5.45
No Cost Collars   2006   500,000 MMBTU   $   $ 4.50   $ 5.00
No Cost Collars   2005   250,000 MMBTU   $   $ 6.00   $ 8.70
No Cost Collars   2005   25,000 Bbls   $   $ 43.60   $ 45.80

        A liability of $6.6 million and $14.1 million ($6.3 million as current, $7.8 million as long-term) was recorded by the Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2004 respectively, in connection with these contracts. The Company had $1.7 and $0.0 million on deposit with Shell Trading as of December 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively, to collateralize the contracts. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had issued $11.0 million in letters of credit to Shell for this purpose.

        On September 28, 2004, the SEC released Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 106 regarding the application of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations ("AROs")," by oil and gas producing companies following the full cost accounting method. Pursuant to SAB 106, oil and gas producing companies that have adopted SFAS 143 should exclude the future cash outflows associated with settling AROs (ARO liabilities) from the computation of the present value of estimated future net revenues for the purposes of the full cost ceiling calculation. In addition, estimated dismantlement and

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abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage values, that have been capitalized (ARO assets) should be included in the amortization base for computing depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. Disclosures are required to include discussion of how a company's ceiling test and depreciation, depletion and amortization calculations are impacted by the adoption of SFAS 143. SAB 106 is effective prospectively as of the beginning of the first fiscal quarter beginning after October 4, 2004. The adoption of SAB 106 is not expected to have a material impact on either the ceiling test calculation or depreciation, depletion and amortization.

        On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued Statement 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" that will require compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions (e.g., issuance of stock options and restricted stock) to be recognized in the financial statements. With limited exceptions, the amount of compensation cost will be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. In addition, liability awards will be remeasured each reporting period. Compensation cost will be recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. Statement 123(R) replaces SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and supersedes Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." For us, SFAS 123(R) is effective for the first reporting period after June 15, 2005. Entities that use the fair-value-based method for either recognition or disclosure under SFAS 123 are required to apply SFAS 123(R) using a modified version of prospective application. Under this method, an entity records compensation expense for all awards it grants after the date of adoption. In addition, the entity is required to record compensation expense for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption. In addition, entities may elect to adopt SFAS 123(R) using a modified retrospective method where by previously issued financial statements are restated based on the expense previously calculated and reported in their pro forma footnote disclosures. The company had no share based payments subject to this standard.

        On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued Statement 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets", an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, to clarify the accounting for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets. SFAS 153 provides a general exception from fair value measurement for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The Statement will be applied prospectively and is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not have any nonmonetary transactions for any period presented that this Statement would apply.

3. Management Agreement

        The management and operation of Operating LLC is being undertaken by NEG pursuant to the Management Agreement which NEG has entered into with Operating LLC. The strategic direction of Operating LLC's oil and natural gas business, including oil and natural gas drilling and capital investments, is controlled by the managing member of the Company (currently Gascon). The Management Agreement provides that NEG will manage Operating LLC's oil and natural gas assets and business until the earlier of November 1, 2006, or such time as Operating LLC no longer owns any of the managed oil and natural gas properties. NEG's employees will conduct the day-to-day operations of Operating LLC's oil and natural gas properties, and all costs and expenses incurred in the operation

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of the oil and natural gas properties shall be borne by Operating LLC, although the Management Agreement provides that the salary of NEG's Chief Executive Officer shall be 70% attributable to the managed oil and natural gas properties, and the salaries of each of the General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer shall be 20% attributable to the managed oil and natural gas properties.

        In exchange for NEG's management services, Operating LLC shall pay NEG a management fee of 115% of the actual direct and indirect administrative and reasonable overhead costs incurred by NEG in operating the oil and natural gas properties which either NEG, or Operating LLC may seek to change within the range of 110%-115% as such change is warranted; however, the parties have agreed to consult with each other to ensure that such administrative and reasonable overhead costs attributable to the managed properties are properly reflected in the management fee paid to NEG. In addition, Operating LLC has agreed to indemnify NEG to the extent it incurs any liabilities in connection with its operation of the assets and properties of Operating LLC, except to the extent of its gross negligence, or misconduct. The Company recorded $6.2 million, $6.6 million and $7.6 million as a management fee to NEG for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. These amounts are included in general and administrative and lease operating expenses.

4. Acquisitions

        In November 2002, the Company completed the acquisition of producing oil and natural gas properties in Pecos County, Texas known as Longfellow Ranch Field. The consideration for this acquisition consisted of $45.4 million in cash, which was funded from available cash.

        In December 2002, the Company completed the acquisition of additional interest in Longfellow Ranch Field in Pecos County, Texas. The consideration for this acquisition consisted of $2.9 million in cash, which was funded from available cash.

        The following pro forma data presents the results of the Company for the year ended 2002, as if the acquisition of properties had occurred on January 1, 2002. The pro forma results of operations are presented for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results which would have been obtained had the acquisition been consummated as presented. The following data reflect pro

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forma adjustments for the oil and natural gas revenues, production costs, and depreciation and depletion related to the properties (in thousands).

 
  Pro Forma
Year Ended
December 31,
2002

 
 
  (Unaudited)

 
Revenues:        
  Oil and natural gas sales   $ 47,659  
  Plant operations     1,515  
  Field operations     404  
   
 
    Total revenue     49,578  
Costs and expenses:        
  Oil and natural gas production taxes     (2,414 )
  Lease operating     (12,250 )
  Depreciation and depletion     (20,206 )
  Plant operations expense     (529 )
  Field operations     (420 )
  General and administrative     (5,683 )
   
 
    Total expense     (41,502 )
   
 
Operating income   $ 8,076  
   
 
Net income   $ 14,557  
   
 

5. Investments/Note Receivable

        In January 2002, the Company acquired stock valued at $49.95 million, which was sold at a gain of $8.7 million in February 2002. In an unrelated transaction, the Company completed a short sale of stock in November 2002 for $10.4 million. At December 31, 2002, this short sale position remained open and the mark-to-market value of such stock resulted in an unrealized loss of $0.3 million. In January 2003, the Company settled this position and recorded a loss of $1.0 million on the transaction.

        In October 2003, the Company committed to an investment of $6.0 million in Petrosource Energy Company, LLC ("Petrosource"). The Company acquired 24.79% of the outstanding stock for a price of $3.6 million and advanced $2.4 million as a subordinated loan bearing 6% interest due in 6 years. $3.6 million of this commitment was paid in October 2003 and $2.4 million in February 2004. Petrosource is in the business of selling CO(2) and also owns pipelines and compressor stations for delivery purposes. The Company recorded a $0.1 million and $0.5 million net loss in 2003 and 2004 as a result of accounting for the Petrosource investment under the equity method.

        In April 2002, the company entered into a revolving credit commitment to extend advances to an unrelated third party. Under the terms of the revolving credit arrangement, the Company agreed to make advances from time to time, as requested by the unrelated third party and subject to certain limitations, an amount up to $5 million. Advances made under the revolving credit commitment bear interest at prime rate plus 2% and are collateralized by inventory and receivables. As of December 31,

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2004, the Company determined that a portion of the total outstanding advances of $1.3 million had been impaired and recorded a loss of $0.8 million. The loss is recorded as impairment of note receivable in the income statement.

6. Credit Facilities

        On March 26, 2003, the Company distributed the $10.9 million note outstanding under the existing credit facility to NEG as a distribution of Priority Amount. Also, on March 26, 2003 NEG, Arnos and Operating LLC entered into an agreement to assign the existing credit facility to Operating LLC. Effective with this assignment, Arnos amended the credit facility to increase the revolving commitment to $150 million, increase the borrowing base to $75 million and extend the revolving due date until June 30, 2004. Concurrently, Arnos extended a $42.8 million loan to Operating LLC under the amended credit facility; Operating LLC then distributed $42.8 million to the Company who, thereafter, made a $40.5 million distribution of Priority Amount and a $2.3 million Guaranteed Payment to NEG. NEG utilized these funds to pay the entire amount of the long-term interest payable on the Senior Notes and interest accrued thereon outstanding on March 27, 2003. The Arnos facility was canceled on December 29, 2003 in conjunction with the Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. financing.

        On December 29, 2003, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with certain commercial lending institutions, including Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. as the Administrative Agent and the Bank of Texas, N.A. and the Bank of Nova Scotia as Co-Agents.

        The Credit Agreement provides for a loan commitment amount of up to $120 million and a letter of credit commitment of up to $15 million (provided, the outstanding aggregate amount of the unpaid borrowings, plus the aggregate undrawn face amount of all outstanding letters of credit shall not exceed the borrowing base under the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides further that the amount available to the Company at any time is subject to certain restrictions, covenants, conditions and changes in the borrowing base calculation. In partial consideration of the loan commitment amount, the Company has pledged a continuing security interest in all of its oil and natural gas properties and its equipment, inventory, contracts, fixtures and proceeds related to its oil and natural gas business.

        At the Company's option, interest on borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate based upon either the prime rate or the LIBOR rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin that, in the case of prime rate loans, can fluctuate from 0.75%to 1.50% per annum, and, in the case of LIBOR rate loans, can fluctuate from 1.75% to 2.50% per annum. Fluctuations in the applicable interest rate margins are based upon Operating LLC's total usage of the amount of credit available under the Credit Agreement, with the applicable margins increasing as the Company's total usage of the amount of the credit available under the Credit Agreement increases. The Credit Agreement expires on September 1, 2006.

        At the closing of the Credit Agreement, the Company borrowed $43.8 million to repay $42.9 million owed by the Company to Arnos under the secured loan arrangement which was then terminated and to pay administrative fees in connection with this borrowing. The Company intends to use any future borrowings under the Credit Agreement to finance potential acquisitions. The Company

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has capitalized $1.4 million of loan issuance costs in connection with the closing of this transaction. These costs will be amortized over the life of the loan using the interest method.

        As a condition to the lenders obligations under the Credit Agreement, the lenders required that the NEG, Gascon, Operating LLC and the Company execute and deliver at the closing that certain Pledge Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy in favor of Bank of Texas, N.A., its successors and assigns, the ("Pledge Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Pledge Agreement, in order to secure the performance of the obligations of the Company (i) each of NEG and Gascon have pledged their 50% membership interest in the Company (such interests constituting 100% of the outstanding equity membership interest of the Company); (ii) the Company has pledged its 100% equity membership interest in Operating LLC; and (iii) Operating LLC has pledged its 100% equity membership interest in its subsidiary, Shana National LLC (the membership interests referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above are collectively referred to as the "Collateral"). The Pledge Agreement also provides for a continuing security interest in the Collateral and that Bank of Texas, N.A. as the Collateral Agent is the duly appointed attorney-in-fact of the Company. The Collateral Agent may take all action deemed reasonably necessary for the maintenance, preservation and protection of the Collateral and the security interest therein until such time that all of the Company's obligations under the Credit Agreement are fulfilled, terminated or otherwise expired. If under the Credit Agreement an event of default shall have occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent may enforce certain rights and remedies, including, but not limited to the sale of the Collateral, the transfer of all or part of the Collateral to the Collateral Agent or its nominee and/or the execution of all endorsements.

        Draws made under the credit facility are normally made to fund working capital requirements, acquisitions and capital expenditures. During the current fiscal year, the Company's outstanding balances thereunder have ranged from a low of $44 million to a high of $52 million. As of December 31, 2004 the outstanding balance under the credit facility was $52 million.

        The Credit Agreement requires, among other things, semiannual engineering reports covering oil and natural gas properties, and maintenance of certain financial ratios, including the maintenance of a minimum interest coverage, a current ratio, and a minimum tangible net worth. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2003. Operating LLC was not in compliance with the minimum interest coverage ratio covenant at December 31, 2004. Operating LLC obtained a waiver of compliance with respect to this covenant for the period ended December 31, 2004. Operating LLC was in compliance with all other covenants at December 31, 2004.

7. Commitments and Contingencies

        The Company has entered into a management agreement with NEG to manage Operating LLC's oil and natural gas assets until the earlier of November 1, 2006, or such time as Operating LLC no longer owns any oil and natural gas assets.

        The Company is obligated to make semi-annual payments to NEG "Guaranteed Payments" as defined in the Holding LLC Operating Agreement referred herein. Two payments totaling $16.0 million were made in 2004, three payments totaling $18.2 million were made in 2003 and two payments totaling $21.7 million were made in 2002 under this obligation. In March 2003, the Company made a distribution of Priority Amount of $51.4 million to NEG.

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        On July 7, 2003, NEG filed a request with the American Arbitration Association for dispute resolution of a claim in the amount of $21,000 against Osprey Petroleum Company, Inc. ("Osprey") arising out of Osprey's failure to post bond for certain plugging and abandonment liabilities associated with oil and gas properties sold by the Company to Osprey in September 2000. Osprey has counterclaimed against the NEG and its affiliates (Holding LLC and Operating LLC) in an amount up to $15 million, alleging fraud and breach of contract related to the sale of such oil and gas properties. The Purchase and Sale Agreement transferring the properties from the Company to Osprey provides for dispute resolution through binding arbitration utilizing arbitrator(s) experienced in oil and gas transactions. The exclusive venue for any such arbitration is in Dallas, Texas, and the binding, nonappealable judgment by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having competent jurisdiction.

        On February 24, 2005, the American Arbitration Association issued a ruling in favor of NEG on all issues. The Company was awarded the following:

        NEG intends to pursue the judgement awarded by the American Arbitration Association. Whether or not NEG recovers 100% of the award will have no material adverse effect on NEG's or the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

        With respect to certain claims of the Company against Enron North America Corp. relating to the oil and natural gas properties contributed to Holding LLC, a representative of the Company has been appointed to the official committee of unsecured creditors in the Enron bankruptcy proceeding, and the Company has filed a claim for damages in that bankruptcy proceeding. The Company estimates its claim against Enron related to these contracts is approximately $7.25 million. The $7.25 million claim represents a hedge against future oil and natural gas prices and does not reflect a cash gain or loss. Any recoveries from Enron North America Corp. will become the property of Operating LLC as a result of the LLC Contribution. No receivable has been recorded as a result of this claim.

        Other than routine litigation incidental to its business operations which are not deemed by the Company to be material, there are no additional legal proceedings in which the Company nor Operating LLC, is a defendant.

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8. Asset Retirement Obligation

        In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" ("SFAS 143"). The Company adopted SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003 and recorded an abandonment obligation of $3.0 million. SFAS No. 143 required the Company to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. It also requires the Company to record a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation will be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The Company would have recorded accretion of the asset abandonment obligation of $0.2 million for both 2001 and 2002 had SFAS 143 been adopted in these years.

        The following is a rollforward of the abandonment obligation as of December 31, 2003 and 2004.

Balance as of January 1, 2003   $ 3,034,395  
Add:   Accretion     242,752  
    Additions     89,548  
    Revisions     9,396  
Less:   Settlements     (57,008 )
    Dispositions     (50,702 )
       
 
Balance as of December 31, 2003   $ 3,268,381  
Add:   Accretion     261,471  
    Additions     93,838  
Less:   Revisions     (250,650 )
    Settlements     (24,354 )
    Dispositions     (293,446 )
       
 
Balance as of December 31, 2004   $ 3,055,240  
       
 

9. Distributions under the Holding LLC Operating Agreement

        Under the Holding LLC Operating Agreement, NEG is to receive both Guaranteed Payments and the Priority Amount of $202.2 million before Gascon receives any monies. The distribution of Priority Amount is to be made on or before November 1, 2006. Guaranteed Payments are to be paid, on a semi annual basis, based on an annual interest rate of 10.75% of the outstanding Priority Amount. After the payments to NEG, Gascon is to receive distributions equivalent to the Priority Amount and Guaranteed Payments plus other amounts as defined. Following the above distributions to NEG and Gascon, additional distributions, if any, are to be made in accordance with their respective capital accounts. The order of distributions is listed below.

        The Holding LLC Operating Agreement requires that distributions shall be made to both NEG and Gascon as follows:

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10. Crude Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities

        Costs incurred in connection with the exploration acquisition, development, and exploitation of the Company's crude oil and natural gas properties for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, (all of which occurred after the contribution of assets by NEG and Gascon) are as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Acquisition of properties   $   $   $ 49,049,174
Exploration costs     29,006,772     6,950,706     1,072,997
Development costs     38,480,640     29,083,572     16,124,610
Depletion rate per Mcfe   $ 1.28   $ 1.25   $ 1.29

        Revenues from individual purchasers that exceed 10% of total crude oil and natural gas sales are as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Plains Marketing and Transportation   $ 19,786,979   $ 15,666,690   $ 12,512,767
Crosstex Energy Services, Inc     5,080,974     9,225,086     4,843,756
Riata Energy, Inc     29,884,850     30,420,624    
Seminole Energy Services     19,572,461     7,215,735    

11. Supplementary Crude Oil and Natural Gas Reserve Information (Unaudited)

        The revenues generated by the Company's operations are highly dependent upon the prices of, and demand for, oil and natural gas. The price received by the Company for its oil and natural gas production depends on numerous factors beyond the Company's control, including seasonality, the

F-127



condition of the U.S. economy, foreign imports, political conditions in other oil and natural gas producing countries, the actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and domestic governmental regulations, legislation and policies.

        The Company has made ordinary course capital expenditures for the development and exploitation of oil and natural gas reserves, subject to economic conditions. The Company has interests in crude oil and natural gas properties that are principally located onshore in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The Company does not own or lease any crude oil and natural gas properties outside the United States.

        In 2004 and 2003, estimates of the Company's reserves and future net revenues were prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Prator Bett, LLC and DeGolyer and MacNaughton. In 2002, estimates of the Company's net recoverable crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquid reserves were prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and Prator Bett, LLC. Estimated proved net recoverable reserves as shown below include only those quantities that can be expected to be recoverable at prices and costs in effect at the balance sheet dates under existing regulatory practices and with conventional equipment and operating methods.

        Proved developed reserves represent only those reserves expected to be recovered through existing wells. Proved undeveloped reserves include those reserves expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells on which a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

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        Net quantities of proved developed and undeveloped reserves of natural gas and crude oil, including condensate and natural gas liquids, are summarized as follows:

 
  Crude Oil
  Natural Gas
 
 
  (Barrels)

  (Thousand
Cubic Feet)

 
December 31, 2001   5,158,883   82,431,275  
  Purchases of reserves in place   30,436   34,196,450  
  Sales of reserves in place   (223,214 )  
  Extensions and discoveries   28,892   14,403,643  
  Revisions of previous estimates   842,776   (636,931 )
  Production   (629,100 ) (7,827,100 )
   
 
 
December 31, 2002   5,208,673   122,567,337  
  Purchase of reserves in place      
  Sales of reserves in place   (25,399 ) (744,036 )
  Extensions and discoveries   494,191   61,637,828  
  Revisions of previous estimates   (7,092 ) (2,419,969 )
  Production   (628,923 ) (13,436,865 )
   
 
 
December 31, 2003   5,041,450   167,604,295  
  Purchase of reserves in place      
  Sales of reserves in place   (15,643 ) (344,271 )
  Extensions and discoveries   445,636   33,350,666  
  Revisions of previous estimates   (30,249 ) 15,441,298  
  Production   (565,100 ) (13,106,103 )
   
 
 
December 31, 2004   4,876,094   202,945,885  
   
 
 
Proved developed reserves:          
  December 31, 2002   3,539,450   92,382,411  
  December 31, 2003   4,096,596   104,207,660  
  December 31, 2004   3,798,341   111,126,829  

        Reservoir engineering is a subjective process of estimating the volumes of underground accumulations of oil and natural gas which cannot be measured precisely. The accuracy of any reserve estimates is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Reserve estimates prepared by other engineers might differ from the estimates contained herein. Results of drilling, testing, and production subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify revision of such estimate. Future prices received for the sale of oil and natural gas may be different from those used in preparing these reports. The amounts and timing of future operating and development costs may also differ from those used. Accordingly, reserve estimates are often different from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered.

        The following is a summary of a standardized measure of discounted net cash flows related to the Company's proved crude oil and natural gas reserves. For these calculations, estimated future cash flows from estimated future production of proved reserves were computed using crude oil and natural gas prices as of the end of each period presented. Future development, production and net asset

F-129



retirement obligations attributable to the proved reserves were estimated assuming that existing conditions would continue over the economic lives of the individual leases and costs were not escalated for the future.

        The Company cautions against using the following data to determine the fair value of its crude oil and natural gas properties. To obtain the best estimate of fair value of the crude oil and natural gas properties, forecasts of future economic conditions, varying discount rates, and consideration of other than proved reserves would have to be incorporated into the calculation. In addition, there are significant uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in projecting rates of production that impair the usefulness of the data.

        The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved crude oil and natural gas reserves are summarized as follows:

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Future cash inflows   $ 1,466,369,163   $ 1,184,869,747  
Future production and development costs     (489,331,736 )   (374,829,047 )
   
 
 
Future net cash flows     977,037,427     810,040,700  
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows     (442,213,801 )   (353,980,596 )
   
 
 
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows   $ 534,823,626   $ 456,060,104  
   
 
 

        The following are the principal sources of change in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Purchases of reserves   $   $   $ 102,916,472  
Sales of reserves in place     (1,375,463 )   (2,475,742 )   (2,509,704 )
Sales and transfers of crude oil and natural gas produced, net of production costs     (83,004,073 )   (57,424,780 )   (31,115,247 )
Net changes in prices and production costs     31,039,998     44,711,900     112,380,701  
Development costs incurred during the period and changes in estimated future development costs     (81,370,910 )   (75,286,532 )   (45,230,813 )
Extensions and discoveries, less related costs     118,570,850     211,324,414     43,640,702  
Revisions of previous quantity estimates     49,194,080     (6,789,000 )   8,510,824  
Accretion of discount     45,606,010     31,063,232     11,312,180  
Changes in production rates (timing) and other     103,030     304,290     (2,394,593 )
   
 
 
 
Net change   $ 78,763,522   $ 145,427,782   $ 197,510,522  
   
 
 
 

        During recent years, there have been significant fluctuations in the prices paid for crude oil in the world markets. This situation has had a destabilizing effect on crude oil posted prices in the United States, including the posted prices paid by purchasers of the Company's crude oil. The net weighted average prices of crude oil and natural gas at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 used in the above table were $42.10, $31.14 and $29.86 per barrel of crude oil, respectively, and $5.92, $5.87 and $4.92 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas, respectively.

F-130



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors
Panaco, Inc.

        We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Panaco, Inc. (the "Company" or "Panaco") as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Panaco, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

        As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations.

    /s/  PANNELL KERR FOSTER OF TEXAS P.C.      

March 18, 2005

F-131



PANACO, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Assets  
Current assets              
  Cash   $ 23,753,000   $ 3,152,000  
  Restricted cash         8,716,000  
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $5,947,000 and $5,847,000 as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively     8,641,000     8,233,000  
  Accounts receivable—other     1,841,000      
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     4,652,000     1,001,000  
  Deferred taxes, net     1,943,000      
   
 
 
    Total current assets     40,830,000     21,102,000  
   
 
 
Property, plant and equipment              
  Oil and natural gas properties, successful efforts method of accounting     326,733,000     323,001,000  
  Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization     (263,140,000 )   (246,803,000 )
   
 
 
    Oil and natural gas properties, net     63,593,000     76,198,000  
   
 
 
  Pipelines and other property, plant and equipment     26,114,000     26,303,000  
  Less accumulated depreciation     (17,789,000 )   (16,023,000 )
   
 
 
    Pipelines and other property, plant and equipment, net     8,325,000     10,280,000  
   
 
 
Other assets              
  Restricted deposits     23,519,000     18,234,000  
  Deferred taxes, net     21,341,000      
   
 
 
Total assets   $ 157,608,000   $ 125,814,000  
   
 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

 
Liabilities not subject to compromise              
  Current liabilities              
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 13,517,000   $ 6,506,000  
    Accounts payable—related party     555,000      
    Interest payable—related party     288,000      
    Interest payable         220,000  
    Income tax payable     157,000      
    Current maturities of long-term debt—related party     5,429,000      
    Revolving credit facility         35,272,000  
   
 
 
      Total current liabilities     19,946,000     41,998,000  
   
 
 
  Long-term debt—related party, net of current maturities     32,571,000      
  Deferred credits     263,000     556,000  
  Asset retirement obligation     49,538,000     43,933,000  
   
 
 
      Total liabilities not subject to compromise     102,318,000     86,487,000  
   
 
 
Liabilities subject to compromise              
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities         19,838,000  
  Interest payable         3,115,000  
  Natural gas imbalance payable         1,311,000  
  Senior notes due 2004         100,000,000  
   
 
 
      Total liabilities subject to compromise         124,264,000  
   
 
 
Commitments and contingencies          

Stockholders' equity (deficit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Preferred shares, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2003; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2003 (see Note 1)          
  New common shares, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; 1,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2004          
  Old common shares, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 24,359,695 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2003         247,000  
  Additional paid-in capital     121,140,000     69,089,000  
  Accumulated deficit     (65,850,000 )   (154,273,000 )
   
 
 
      Total stockholders' equity (deficit)     55,290,000     (84,937,000 )
   
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit   $ 157,608,000   $ 125,814,000  
   
 
 

See accompany notes to financial statements.

F-132



PANACO, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Oil and natural gas sales   $ 51,234,000   $ 50,160,000   $ 39,065,000  
Costs and expenses:                    
  Lease operating expenses and ad valorem taxes     14,040,000     17,218,000     14,508,000  
  Production taxes     711,000     1,021,000     720,000  
  Geological and geophysical expenses     76,000     105,000     119,000  
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization     19,008,000     12,812,000     36,986,000  
  Impairment of oil and natural gas properties             23,291,000  
  General and administrative expenses     2,284,000     2,290,000     3,550,000  
  Management fees and other—related party     884,000          
  Bad debt expense     100,000     1,896,000     510,000  
  Accretion of asset retirement obligation     3,132,000     2,843,000      
  Gain on expiration of production payment         (2,249,000 )    
   
 
 
 
    Total cost and expenses     40,235,000     35,936,000     79,684,000  
   
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)     10,999,000     14,224,000     (40,619,000 )
Other income (expense):                    
  Interest income     684,000     274,000     500,000  
  Other income     48,000          
  Interest expense     (912,000 )   (2,929,000 )   (9,298,000 )
  Interest expense—related party     (1,605,000 )        
  Loss on sale of assets     (76,000 )        
   
 
 
 
    Total other expense. net     (1,861,000 )   (2,655,000 )   (8,798,000 )
   
 
 
 
Income (loss) before reorganization costs, income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change     9,138,000     11,569,000     (49,417,000 )
Reorganization costs:                    
  Deferred debt costs             (962,000 )
  Professional fees     (3,794,000 )   (2,898,000 )   (1,296,000 )
  Loss on restructuring of debt—related party     (3,561,000 )        
  Gain on restructuring of senior notes due 2004     51,268,000          
  Gain on restructuring of payables     12,495,000          
   
 
 
 
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change     65,546,000     8,671,000     (51,675,000 )
Income tax benefit, net     22,877,000          
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax         (12,149,000 )    
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss)   $ 88,423,000   $ (3,478,000 ) $ (51,675,000 )
   
 
 
 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (see Note 2):                    
  Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change         $ 0.36   $ (2.12 )
  Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax           (0.50 )    
         
 
 
    Net loss         $ (0.14 ) $ (2.12 )
         
 
 
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding           24,359,695     24,359,695  
         
 
 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

F-133



PANACO, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

 
  Number of
New Common
Shares

  Number of
Old Common
Shares

  Common
Share Par
Value

  Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  Accumulated
Deficit

  Total
Stockholders'
Equity (Deficit)

 
Balance, December 31, 2001     24,359,695   $ 247,000   $ 69,089,000   $ (99,120,000 ) $ (29,784,000 )
Net loss                 (51,675,000 )   (51,675,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2002     24,359,695     247,000     69,089,000     (150,795,000 )   (81,459,000 )
Net loss                 (3,478,000 )   (3,478,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2003     24,359,695     247,000     69,089,000     (154,273,000 )   (84,937,000 )
Cancellation Old Common Stock     (24,359,695 )   (247,000 )   247,000          
Issuance of New Common Stock   1,000           51,804,000         51,804,000  
Net income                 88,423,000     88,423,000  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2004   1,000     $   $ 121,140,000   $ (65,850,000 ) $ 55,290,000  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

F-134



PANACO, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Cash flows from operating activities                    
  Net income (loss)   $ 88,423,000   $ (3,478,000 ) $ (51,675,000 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided from operating activities                    
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization     19,008,000     12,812,000     36,986,000  
    Impairment of oil and natural gas properties             23,291,000  
    Deferred income taxes     (23,284,000 )        
    Loss on sale of assets     76,000          
    Unrealized loss on derivative instruments     903,000          
    Loss on restructuring of debt—related party     3,561,000          
    Gain on restructuring of senior notes due 2004     (51,268,000 )        
    Gain on restructuring of payables     (12,495,000 )        
    Allowance for doubtful accounts     100,000     1,896,000     510,000  
    Accretion of asset retirement obligation     3,132,000     2,843,000      
    Deferred debt costs             962,000  
    Gain on expiration of production payment         (2,249,000 )    
    Cumulative effect of accounting change         12,149,000      
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities                    
    Accounts receivable     (508,000 )   (1,353,000 )   (924,000 )
    Accounts receivable—other     (1,841,000 )        
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (3,651,000 )   20,000     (103,000 )
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (3,278,000 )   (5,306,000 )   (3,560,000 )
    Accounts payable—related party     555,000          
    Natural gas imbalance payable     (1,311,000 )   154,000     8,000  
    Deferred credits     (293,000 )   (397,000 )   (552,000 )
    Interest payable     1,385,000     (661,000 )   1,132,000  
    Income taxes payable     157,000          
   
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by operating activities     19,371,000     16,430,000     6,075,000  
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities                    
  Capital expenditures     (1,994,000 )   (3,875,000 )   (6,494,000 )
  Proceeds from property sale     150,000          
  Increase in restricted deposits     (5,285,000 )   (4,907,000 )   (2,316,000 )
  Asset retirement obligation     (207,000 )   (1,028,000 )    
   
 
 
 
      Net cash used in investing activities     (7,336,000 )   (9,810,000 )   (8,810,000 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities                    
  Proceeds from borrowings of debt             8,101,000  
  Repayment of debt     (150,000 )   (2,450,000 )   (3,250,000 )
   
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (150,000 )   (2,450,000 )   4,851,000  
   
 
 
 
      Net increase in cash     11,885,000     4,170,000     2,116,000  
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash     8,716,000     (8,716,000 )    
Cash at beginning of year     3,152,000     7,698,000     5,582,000  
   
 
 
 
Cash at end of year   $ 23,753,000   $ 3,152,000   $ 7,698,000  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:                    
  Interest paid   $ 1,129,000   $ 3,590,000   $ 8,166,000  
  Income taxes paid   $ 272,000   $   $  
Supplemental Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:                    
  Oil and natural gas properties for asset retirement obligation   $ 2,680,000   $ 26,344,000   $  
  Interest payable—related party converted to debt principal   $ 1,317,000   $   $  
  Senior notes due 2004 and accrued interest converted to new common stock and additional paid-in capital   $ 51,804,000   $   $  
  Old common stock converted to additional paid-in capital   $ 247,000   $   $  

See accompanying notes to financial statements

F-135



PANACO, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1—VOLUNTARY PETITION FOR RELIEF UNDER CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY

        On July 16, 2002, Panaco, Inc. (the "Company" or "Panaco") filed a Voluntary Petition for Relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of Texas. The filing was made primarily due to the Company's inability to pay its debts as they became due including the existence of a significant working capital deficit at December 31, 2001 and continuing through June 30, 2002. In addition, at the time of filing the voluntary petition for relief, the Company was not in compliance with certain financial and technical covenants of its $40 million revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") and the indenture entered into in connection with its indebtedness of $100 million of Senior Notes due 2004, (the "Senior Notes" and the "Senior Notes Indenture"). The Company's forecasts of future results from operations indicated that the Company would not be able to reverse its working capital deficit, cure its covenant violations or provide capital required to develop its oil and natural gas reserves.

        An order for relief was entered by the Bankruptcy Court, placing the Company under protection of the Bankruptcy Court, which precludes payment of the interest on the Senior Notes. In addition, payment of liabilities existing as of July 15, 2002 to certain unsecured creditors and pending litigation are stayed during the Bankruptcy proceeding. For the period from July 16, 2002 through November 15, 2004, the Company operated as a debtor-in-possession and continued to operate and manage its assets in the ordinary course of business during the Chapter 11 proceeding. On November 3, 2004, the Court entered a confirmation order for the Company's Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"). The Plan became effective November 16, 2004 ("Effective Date") and the Company began operating as a reorganized entity.

        The Plan generally provided that the Company's liabilities, classified as "Subject to Compromise" on the accompanying balance sheets, be satisfied in full in exchange for the following:

        The Plan also further specified that the Company no longer has the authority to issue non-voting equity shares. As such, there are no authorized or issued preferred shares as of December 31, 2004.

        For the period from July 16, 2002 through November 15, 2004, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Position 90-7, "Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code," ("SOP 90-7"). In accordance with SOP 90-7, as of the petition date, the Company discontinued accruing interest and amortization of deferred debt costs related to liabilities subject to compromise.

        As a result of the Plan, a gain was recognized on the restructuring in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 15 ("SFAS No. 15"), "Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings." The total gain on restructuring was approximately $63.8 million which is

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comprised of the forgiveness of $51.3 million of unsecured Senior Notes and $12.5 million of payables owed to unsecured creditors. Furthermore, approximately $51.8 million of unsecured Senior Notes and the corresponding accrued interest were exchanged for 100% of the new common stock (1,000 shares) (the "New Common Stock") of the reorganized Company.

        Due to the lack of change in control of the Company post bankruptcy, the reorganization of the Company was accounted for as a recapitalization and debt restructuring.

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of business

        The Company is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company with operations focused in the Gulf of Mexico and onshore in the Gulf Coast region. The Company operates a majority of its oil and natural gas producing assets in order to control the operations and the timing of expenditures. The majority of the Company's properties are located in state or federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico, where the costs of operations, productions rates and reserve potential are generally greater than properties located onshore. The Company's assets and operations are primarily concentrated on a small group of properties.

Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

        The Company's financial statements, and the notes to financial statements, are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Oil and Natural Gas Properties and Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

        The Company utilizes the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and natural gas properties. Under the successful efforts method, lease acquisition costs are initially capitalized. Exploratory drilling costs are also capitalized pending determination of proved reserves. If proved reserves are not discovered, these costs are expensed. All development costs are capitalized. Non-drilling exploratory costs, including geological and geophysical costs and rentals, are expensed as incurred. Unproved leaseholds with significant acquisition costs are assessed periodically, on a property-by-property basis, and a loss is recognized to the extent, if any, that the cost of the property has been impaired. Unproved leaseholds whose acquisition costs are not individually significant are aggregated, and such costs estimated to ultimately prove nonproductive, based on experience, are amortized over an average holding period. As unproved leaseholds are determined to be productive, the related costs are transferred to proved leaseholds. Provision for depletion is determined on a depletable unit basis using the unit-of-production method. As of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 there were no unproved leasehold costs recorded. The depletion rates per Mcfe for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $2.09, $1.09 and $3.02, respectively. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2004 was due to a significant downward revision of natural gas reserves. The significant decrease for the year ended December 31, 2003 was due to the impairment of oil and natural gas properties recorded during the year ended December 31, 2002 which substantially reduced the cost subject to depletion during 2003.

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        The Company performs a review for impairment of proved oil and natural gas properties on a depletable unit basis each quarter and when circumstances suggest there is a need for such a review. For each depletable unit determined to be impaired, an impairment loss equal to the difference between the sum of the carrying value and anticipated future costs, including plugging and abandonment, and the fair value of the depletable unit will be recognized. Fair value, on a depletable unit basis, is estimated to be the present value of expected future cash flows computed by applying estimated future oil and natural gas prices, as determined by management, to estimated future production of oil and natural gas reserves over the economic lives of the reserves discounted at 10%. Future cash flows are based upon the Company's estimate of proved reserves.

        During 2002, the Company recorded an oil and natural gas asset impairment totaling $23.3 million. The impairment was primarily due to lower estimates of future net cash flow from the Company's proved reserves caused mainly by an increase in the estimate of future obligations to plug and abandon the wells and platforms used on its properties and a negative revision to previous estimates of total proved oil and natural gas reserves. The Company was not required to record any oil and natural gas asset impairments in 2004 and 2003.

Revenue Recognition

        The Company recognizes its ownership interest in oil and natural gas production as revenue as it is produced and sold. Natural gas balancing arrangements with partners in natural gas wells are accounted for by the entitlements method. Fees for processing oil and natural gas for others are recorded as they are earned and treated as a reduction of lease operating expense related to the facilities and infrastructure since they are a reimbursement of operating costs of the facilities.

Earnings Per Share

        Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings or loss by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, after giving effect to potentially dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common share equivalents are not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share if they are anti-dilutive. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share are the same as basic earnings (loss) per share for all periods presented because no dilutive common share equivalents existed.

        In connection with the Plan, all of the Old Common Stock outstanding as of November 16, 2004 was canceled and 1,000 shares of Panaco, Inc. New Common Stock were issued. Since the number of shares of the Old Common Stock and the New Common Stock are not comparable, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is not meaningful, therefore, the earnings per share computation for the period ended December 31, 2004 has been omitted from the statement of operations and throughout the footnote disclosures contained herein. If the New Common Stock had been outstanding for the entire year ending December 31, 2004, the net income per common share would have been $88,423 per New Common Stock share.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers all cash investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

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Stock-Based Compensation

        The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123—"Accounting for Stock Based Compensation," ("SFAS NO. 123"). Under SFAS No. 123, the Company is permitted to either record expenses for stock options and other employee compensation plans based on their fair value at the date of grant or to continue to apply the current accounting policy under Accounting Principles Board, ("APB") Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," ("APB No. 25") and recognize compensation expense, if any, based on the intrinsic value of the equity instrument at the measurement date. In December of 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock- Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—An Amendment to FASB Statement No. 123," ("SFAS No. 148") to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The Company elected to not change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock based employee compensation and continues to follow APB No. 25 and when required, to provide the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123. Additionally, SFAS No. 148 amended disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require more prominent disclosure in both annual and interim financial statements.

        Had compensation costs for the stock option plan been determined based on the fair value at the grant date, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have increased or decreased to the pro forma amounts indicated below for the years ended December31:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Net income (loss)—as reported   $ 88,423,000   $ (3,478,000 ) $ (51,675,000 )
Plus: stock-based compensation expense determined using the intrinsic value of the option at the measurement date              
Less: stock-based employee compensation determined under fair value method for all awards granted to employees         (34,000 )   (77,000 )
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss)—pro forma   $ 88,423,000   $ (3,512,000 ) $ (51,752,000 )
   
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share—as reported         $ (0.14 ) $ (2.12 )
         
 
 
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share—pro forma         $ (0.14 ) $ (2.12 )
         
 
 

        When determining the fair value of each option granted the Company uses the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model and considers the following weighted average assumptions: fair market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, expected stock price volatility, risk free interest rate, average expected option lives and forfeiture rate. The Company did not grant options to employees during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 (see Note 8).

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Fair Value

        The Company values financial instruments as required by SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments." The carrying amount of cash is fair value and the carrying amount of other balance sheet financial instruments approximate fair value on the date of each balance sheet.

Asset Retirement Obligations

        During 2003, the Company implemented SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Long-Term Asset Retirement Obligations," ("SFAS No. 143"). As required by SFAS No. 143, the Company recorded a charge for the cumulative effect of accounting change of $12.1 million, which represents the accretion expense on the asset retirement obligation liability and depletion expense on the asset retirement obligation asset for the period from when the wells and platforms were either drilled or acquired through December 31, 2002 (see Note 3).

Restricted cash

        Under the terms of a cash collateral order entered by the United States Bankruptcy Court during December 2003, the Company established an escrow account for its excess cash as defined in the order. On the Effective Date of the Plan, the requirement to maintain restricted cash was no longer necessary and since the Effective Date such cash has been available for working capital, capital expenditures, settlement of claims, and for general operations of the Company.

Accounts Receivable

        The Company reviews its accounts receivable on a regular basis and when appropriate, records an allowance when conditions warrant that such account may not be collectible. The total allowance for doubtful accounts was $5.9 million and $5.8 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Pipelines and Other Property, Plant and Equipment

        Property and equipment is carried at cost. Oil and natural gas pipelines and equipment are depreciated on the straight-line method over their estimated lives, primarily fifteen years. Other property is also depreciated on the straight-line method over their estimated lives, ranging from three to ten years.

Amortization of Deferred Debt Costs

        Costs incurred in debt financing transactions are typically amortized over the term of the debt instrument using the effective interest rate method. During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company wrote-off the balance of its deferred debt costs totaling $962,000 related to the Senior Notes due to a potential compromise of the principal. The amount was recorded as a component of reorganization costs.

Natural gas Imbalances

        The Company accounts for its natural gas sales under the entitlement method. As such, the Company records its contractual percentage ("entitled") of production as revenue and any amounts sold in excess of what the Company is entitled to, or not sold to which the Company is entitled to, are

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recorded as an imbalance with the other parties to the contract. The values of such imbalances are based on the prices received by the Company during the month in which the imbalance occurs. At December 31, 2004, the Company's imbalance was an under-produced, or asset balance of $0.4 million which has been recorded within accounts receivable—other. At December 31, 2003, the Company's imbalance position was an over-produced, or payable balance of $1.3 million.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

        As conditions warrant, the Company hedges the prices of its oil and natural gas production through the use of oil and natural gas swap contracts and put options within the normal course of its business. To qualify as hedging instruments, swaps or put options must be highly correlated to anticipated future sales such that the Company's exposure to the risk of commodity price changes is reduced. All hedge transactions are subject to the Company's risk management policy. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking the hedge. This process includes specific identification of the hedging instrument and the hedge transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the hedging instrument's effectiveness will be assessed. Both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Company assesses whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.

        Effective January 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement was amended by SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133." These statements establish accounting and reporting standards requiring that derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded at fair market value and included in the balance sheet as assets or liabilities. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation, which is established at the inception of a derivative. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the statement of operations. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value, to the extent the hedge is effective, are recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Hedge effectiveness is measured at least quarterly based on the relative changes in fair value between the derivative contract and the hedged item over time. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness, as defined by SFAS No. 133, is recognized immediately in oil and natural gas sales. As of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company did not have any open derivative agreements that qualified as a hedge instrument in accordance with SFAS No. 133.

        At December 31, 2004, the Company had certain no-cost commodity price collars that management elected to not designate as hedge instruments for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the change in unrealized gains and losses are included in oil and natural gas sales. These derivative agreements are for 2005 production thus there have been no cash settlements recorded in 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2002, realized losses on hedging settlements totaled $282,000.

        While the use of derivative contracts can limit the downside risk of adverse price movements, it may also limit future gains from favorable movements. The Company addresses market risk by selecting instruments whose value fluctuations correlate strongly with the underlying commodity. Credit risk

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related to derivative activities is managed by requiring minimum credit standards for counterparties, periodic settlements, and mark to market valuations.

        The following is a summary of the oil and natural gas no-cost commodity price collars entered into by the Company.

Date of Contract

  Volume/Month
  Beginning
  Ending
  Floor
  Ceiling
November 2004   25,000 Bbls   January 2005   December 2005   $ 42.50   $ 46.00
November 2004   150,000 MMBTU   January 2005   December 2005   $ 6.00   $ 8.35

        At December 31, 2004, a liability of $0.9 million was recorded by the Company in connection with these contracts to record the derivative instruments at their fair market value.

Income Taxes

        Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes that enactment date (see Note 7).

Environmental Liabilities

        The Company accrues for losses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than the time of the completion of the remedial feasibility study. These accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable. As of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company did not have any liabilities related to environmental remediation that were required to be recorded.

Concentration of Credit Risk

        Substantially all of the Company's accounts receivable result from oil and natural gas sales or joint interest billings to third parties in the oil and natural gas industry. This concentration of customers and joint interest owners may impact the Company's overall credit risk in that these entities may be similarly affected by changes in economic and other industry conditions. The Company does not require collateral from its customers. Further, the Company generally has the right to offset revenue against related billings to joint interest owners. Derivative contracts subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk. The Company transacts the majority of its derivative contracts with one counterparty.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of

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assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the financial statements. The most significant estimates include the use of estimates for oil and natural gas reserve information, fair market values of derivative instruments, the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes, the valuation allowance for accounts receivable, the asset retirement obligation for plugging and abandonment of wells and platforms, impairments tests and depletion expense. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates related to oil and natural gas reserve information are based on estimates provided by independent petroleum engineering firms. Changes in oil and natural gas prices could significantly affect the estimates from year to year, thus directly affecting the rate of depletion, impairment tests and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and accounts receivable.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment." This statement requires companies to measure the cost of employee services in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on a grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions), and that cost must generally be recognized over the vesting period. SFAS No. 123(R) amends the original SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 95 that had allowed companies to choose between expensing stock options or showing pro forma disclosure only. This statement eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using APB Opinion No. 25. We currently account for our stock-based compensation plans under the principles prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25. Accordingly, no stock option compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under the plan had an exercise price equal to or less than the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) will not impact our results of operations since the Company has no options outstanding. SFAS No. 123(R) becomes effective as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005.

        In December 2004, SFAS No. 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets—an Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29" is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. This statement addresses the measurement of exchange of nonmonetary assets and eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets in paragraph 21(b) of APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions" and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. The Company expects the adoption of SFAS No. 153 to have no impact on its financial statements.

Note 3—ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

        The Company's asset retirement obligations ("ARO") relate to the plugging and abandonment of its oil and natural gas properties. The provisions of SFAS No. 143 requires the fair value of a liability for an ARO to be recorded and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the associated asset. The cost of the tangible asset, including the initially recognized asset retirement cost ("ARC") is depleted over the useful life of the asset. If the fair value of the estimated ARO changes in the future, an adjustment is recorded to the retirement obligation and the asset retirement cost. The offsetting ARO liability is recorded at fair value, and accretion expense recognized as the discounted liability is accredited to its expected settlement value. The fair value of the ARO asset and liability is measured using expected future cash out flows discounted at the Company's credit adjusted risk free interest rate.

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Differences in actual amounts incurred to plug and abandon a well or platform are compared to the amounts that have been accrued are recorded as a gain or loss upon settlement of the liability.

        The Company adopted SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003 which resulted in a net increase in the discounted ARO liability of $42.1 million and an increase in net oil and natural gas properties of $30 million. The related cumulative effect of implementing SFAS No. 143 since inception resulted in a non-cash charge to earnings of $12.1 million. There was no impact on the Company's cash flow or estimates of its plugging and abandoning costs as a result of adopting SFAS No. 143.

        The following table provides a roll forward of the ARO for the years ended December 31:

 
  2004
  2003
 
ARO at beginning of period   $ 43,933,000   $ 42,118,000  
Revision of estimate     2,680,000      
Liabilities settled     (207,000 )   (1,028,000 )
Accretion expense     3,132,000     2,843,000  
   
 
 
ARO at end of period   $ 49,538,000   $ 43,933,000  
   
 
 

        On a pro forma basis, for the year ended December 31, 2002, depletion expense would have decreased by $6.8 million, the impairment of oil and natural gas properties would have decreased by $5 million and accretion expense would have increased by $2.7 million decreasing the overall net loss to $42.6 million or $(1.74) per share.

Note 4—RESTRICTED DEPOSITS

        Pursuant to existing agreements with former property owners and in accordance with requirements of the U.S. Department of Interior's Minerals Management Service ("MMS"), the Company has put in place surety bonds and/or escrow agreements to provide satisfaction of its eventual responsibility to plug and abandon wells and remove structures when certain fields are no longer in use. As part of its agreement with the underwriter of the surety bonds, the Company has established bank trust and escrow accounts in favor of either the surety bond underwriter or the former owners of the particular fields. Restricted deposits are recorded on an accrual basis and are funded based upon the terms of the escrow agreements. Certain amounts are required to be paid upon receipt of proceeds from production. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, $1.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, have been accrued representing amounts owed that have not been funded.

        In the West Delta fields and the East Breaks 109 and 110 fields, the Company established an escrow for both fields in favor of the surety bond underwriter, who provides a surety bond to the former owners of the West Delta fields and to the MMS. The balance in this escrow account was $8.8 million at December 31, 2004 and is fully funded per the terms of the escrow agreement.

        In the East Breaks 165 and 209 fields, the Company established an escrow account in favor of the surety bond underwriter, who provides surety bonds to both the MMS and the former owner of the fields. The balance in this escrow account was $6.6 million at December 31, 2004, which is fully funded per the terms of the escrow agreement.

        The Company has also established an escrow account in favor of a major oil company under which the Company will deposit 10% of the net cash flows from the properties, as defined in the agreement,

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that were acquired from the major oil company. This balance in this escrow account was $2.9 million at December 31, 2004.

        Pursuant to an order entered by the United States Bankruptcy Court during 2003, the Company established the "Unocal Escrow Account" which requires monthly deposits based on cash flows from certain wells acquired, as defined in the agreement. The balance in this escrow account was $3.2 million at December 31, 2004.

        Pursuant to an agreement entered into with the MMS during December 2004, the Company established the "East Breaks Escrow Accounts" which require an initial deposit of $2.0 million and quarterly deposits of $0.8 million beginning March 2005. The balance in this escrow account was $2.0 million at December 31, 2004.

        Aggregate payments to the East Breaks Escrow accounts for the five years following December 31, 2004 are as follows:

Year Ended
December 31,

   
2005   $ 3,200,000
2006     3,200,000
2007     3,200,000
2008     3,200,000
2009     3,200,000
Thereafter     2,000,000
   
    $ 18,000,000
   

Note 5—DEBT

        The Company's outstanding debt as of December 31 is as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
 
Subject to compromise:              
  10.625% Senior Notes due 2004   $   $ 100,000,000  
   
 
 
Not subject to compromise:              
  Revolving Credit Facility due 2003   $   $ 35,272,000  
  Term loan due 2011—related party     38,000,000      
   
 
 
Total long-term debt     38,000,000     35,272,000  
Less current maturities     (5,429,000 )   (35,272,000 )
   
 
 
Long-term debt, less current maturities   $ 32,571,000   $  
   
 
 

Senior Notes

        In October 1997, the Company issued $100 million of 10.625% Senior Notes due 2004. Interest was payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The Senior Notes were general unsecured obligations of the Company and ranked senior in right of payment to any subordinated

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obligations. The Senior Note Indenture contained certain restrictive covenants that limited the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, consummate certain asset sales, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, incur liens, impose restrictions on the ability of a restricted subsidiary to pay dividends or make certain payments to the Company and its restrictive subsidiaries, merge or consolidate with any other person or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. In addition, under certain circumstances, the Company was required to offer to purchase the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase, with the proceeds of certain asset sales. As referred to in Note 1, on the Effective Date of the Plan, 51% of the Senior Notes were exchanged for 100% ownership of the reorganized Company in which such note holders received 1,000 shares of New Common Stock. These notes were held by an affiliate of a primary shareholder immediately prior to the confirmation of the Plan who then became the single shareholder of the Company. Holders of the remaining 49% of the Senior Notes were paid a cash payment equal to 2.5% of the face amount of the Senior Notes (see Note 1).

Revolving Credit Facility

        In November 2001, the Company amended the Credit Facility originally entered into in October 1999. The Credit Facility was for two years and provided a borrowing base of up to $40 million, depending on the borrowing base as calculated in accordance with the agreement. In May 2004, the Credit Facility was assumed by Mid River, LLC, a related party, the proponent of the Company's Plan of Reorganization. In November 2004, the Company converted the Credit Facility into the term loan described below.

Term Loan

        In November 2004, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the "Term Loan") for $38,000,000 with Mid River, LLC, a related party, which matures on December 15, 2011. The Term Loan accrues interest at Wall Street Journal LIBOR plus 4% (6.35% at December 31, 2004) and is payable in quarterly principal installments of $1,357,143 plus interest commencing March 15, 2005 with all unpaid interest and principal due at maturity. The loan is secured by all of the assets of the Company.

Production Payment

        Production payment represents an obligation to a former lender, which is repaid from a portion of the cash flows from certain wells. The production payment is a non-recourse loan related to the development of certain wells acquired. The agreement requires repayment of principal plus an amount sufficient to provide an internal rate of return of 18%. During 2003, the wells associated with the production payment ceased production and eliminated any further obligation by the Company to repay the indebtedness. The remaining production payment balance of $2.2 million was written off during the year ended December 31, 2003 and it was recorded as gain on expiration of production payment.

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        Aggregate maturities of principal of long-term debt-related party for the five years following December 31, 2004 are as follows:

Year Ended
December 31,

  Long-Term
Debt

2005   $ 5,429,000
2006     5,429,000
2007     5,429,000
2008     5,429,000
2009     5,429,000
Thereafter     10,855,000
   
    $ 38,000,000
   

Note 6—MAJOR CUSTOMERS

        During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, Plains Marketing, LLC, the purchaser of a majority of the Company's oil production, accounted for approximately 31%, 30% and 24%, respectively, of total oil and natural gas sales. During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, Louis Dreyfus Energy Services, the purchaser of a majority of the Company's natural gas production, accounted for 40% and 45% of total oil and natural gas sales and during the year ended December 31, 2002, Reliant Energy accounted for approximately 33% of total oil and natural gas sales, respectively.

Note 7—INCOME TAXES

        The (provision) benefit for United States ("U.S.") federal income taxes for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Current   $ (407,000 ) $   $
Deferred     23,284,000        
   
 
 
    $ 22,877,000   $   $
   
 
 

        The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to the benefit for income taxes for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Statutory federal income tax rate expense (benefit)   35 % 35 % (35 )%
Other   % 11 % 1 %
Change in valuation allowance   (70 )% (46 )% 34 %
   
 
 
 
    (35 )% % %
   
 
 
 

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        The income tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting that gave rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
 
Deferred tax assets              
  Net operating loss carryforwards   $ 14,917,000   $ 38,393,000  
  Asset retirement obligation accretion     6,343,000     6,516,000  
  Fixed asset basis differences         3,152,000  
  Allowance for bad debts     2,081,000     2,046,000  
  State taxes     795,000     2,615,000  
  AMT tax credits     610,000     290,000  
   
 
 
Total deferred tax assets     24,746,000     53,012,000  
Less valuation allowance         (53,012,000 )
   
 
 
Total net deferred tax assets     24,746,000      
   
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities              
  Fixed asset basis differences     (1,324,000 )    
  Natural gas balancing     (138,000 )    
   
 
 
Total deferred tax liabilities     (1,462,000 )    
   
 
 
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)   $ 23,284,000   $  
   
 
 

        The net change in the valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets was a decrease of $53.0 million in 2004. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. As of December 31, 2004, Management has determined that the realization of the Company's deferred tax assets is more likely than not and has reversed the valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets. The reversal of the valuation allowance resulted in the recording of a net $23 million tax benefit on the Company's statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004.

        At December 31, 2004, the Company has estimated net operating loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes of approximately $42.6 million which begin to expire in 2019.

Note 8—STOCK OPTIONS

        During 1992, the shareholders approved a long-term incentive plan allowing the Company to grant incentive and non-statutory stock options, performance units, restricted stock awards and stock appreciation rights to key employees, directors, and certain consultants and advisors of the Company up to a maximum of 20% of the total number of common shares outstanding.

        During 2000, the Company issued 500,000 options at $1.92 per share, the market closing price on the grant date of August 16, 2000, to officers of the Company. Through December 31, 2001, 75,000 of the options expired unexercised or were cancelled. The options vest ratably over five years and expire six years from the grant date.

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        A summary of the status of the Company's stock options at December 31 is presented in the table below:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
  Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding at beginning of year   100,000   $ 1.92   225,000   $ 1.92   425,000   $ 1.92
  Granted                  
  Exercised                  
  Forfeited               (200,000 )   1.92
  Cancelled   (100,000 )   1.92   (125,000 )   1.92      
   
       
       
     
Outstanding at end of year         100,000     1.92   225,000     1.92
   
       
       
     
Exercisable at end of year         60,000   $ 1.92   90,000   $ 1.92
Unexercisable at end of year         40,000     1.92   135,000     1.92

        Upon reorganization of the Company during November 2004, all incentive stock options outstanding were cancelled.

Note 9—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        On November 3, 2004, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas issued an order which became effective on November 16, 2004 confirming a plan of reorganization for the Company. Affiliates of Mr. Carl C. Icahn own all of the outstanding stock of the reorganized Company.

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company has entered into the transactions listed below with various entities which are directly or indirectly controlled by Mr. Carl C. Icahn:

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Note 10—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

        The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of liability, if any, with the respect to these actions would not materially affect the financial position of the Company or its results of operations.

        The company had an operating lease for office space which was cancelled effective November 30, 2004. Total rent expense was $442,469, $371,711 and $380,244 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Note 11—SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

        During January 2005, the Company approved and entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with National Offshore LP, a related party. As of March 18, 2005, the merger has not been consummated.

        In the first quarter of 2005, the Company made non-interest bearing advances of $10 million to a related party.

        In February 2005, the Company entered into a hedging agreement for 5,000 barrels of oil and 40,000 MMBTU of natural gas per month effective for production months March 2005 through December 2005 and a second hedging agreement for 17,000 barrels of oil and 140,000 MMBTU of natural gas effective for production months January 2006.

        In March 2005, the Company sold 100% of its interest in the West Delta 52-58 properties and 60% of its interest in a newly acquired lease in West Delta 56 for the assumption by the buyer of all of the environmental, general, plugging and abandonment and other liabilities related to these properties effective January 1, 2005. In connection with the sale, the Company agreed to transfer to the buyer $4.7 million of escrow funds for plugging and abandonment liabilities.

Note 12—SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION RELATED TO OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES (UNAUDITED)

Capitalized Costs

        The following table reflects the capitalized costs and accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization relating to the Company's oil and natural gas producing activities, all of which are conducted within the continental United States, are summarized as of December 31:

 
  2004
  2003
 
Developed oil and natural gas properties   $ 326,733,000   $ 323,001,000  
Unevaluated oil and natural gas properties          
Pipelines and other production equipment     26,114,000     25,554,000  
Accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization     (280,929,000 )   (262,077,000 )
   
 
 
Net capitalized costs(1)   $ 71,918,000   $ 86,478,000  
   
 
 

(1)
Included in net capitalized costs is approximately $30 million of net ARO asset recorded in 2003 relating to the cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003 (see Note 3) and $2.7 million of net ARO asset recorded in 2004 as a result of a revision in estimate.

F-150


Costs Incurred

        The following table reflects the costs incurred in oil and natural gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities for each of the years ended December 31:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Property acquisition costs, proved   $   $   $
Property acquisition costs, unproved            
Exploration expenses            
Development costs     1,994,000     3,875,000     6,494,000
Asset retirement cost(1)     207,000     1,028,000    
   
 
 
  Total cost incurred   $ 2,201,000   $ 4,903,000   $ 6,494,000
   
 
 

(1)
Excluded from asset retirement cost in 2003 is $26.3 million of asset retirement obligation asset recorded in 2003 related to the cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003 (see Note 3). Excluded from asset retirement cost in 2004 is $2.7 million of asset retirement obligation asset recorded in 2004 related to a revision in estimate.

Results of Operations

        The following table reflects the results of operations for the Company's oil and natural gas producing activities for each of the years ended December 31:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Oil and natural gas revenues   $ 51,234,000   $ 50,160,000   $ 39,065,000  
Operating expenses:                    
  Lease operating expenses and ad valorem taxes     14,040,000     17,218,000     14,508,000  
  Production taxes     711,000     1,021,000     720,000  
  Geological and geophysical expenses     76,000     105,000     119,000  
  Depletion expense     16,441,000     10,007,000     33,589,000  
  Depreciation of pipelines and other production equipment     2,567,000     2,468,000     2,468,000  
  Accretion expense     3,132,000     2,843,000      
  Impairment of oil and natural gas properties             23,291,000  
   
 
 
 
Results of operations from oil and natural gas producing activities   $ 14,267,000   $ 16,498,000   $ (35,630,000 )
   
 
 
 

Quantities of Oil and Natural gas Reserves

        The estimates of proved reserve quantities at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are based upon reports of third party petroleum engineers (Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. for 2004 and Ryder Scott Company, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., W.D. Von Gonten & Co. and McCune Engineering, P.E. for 2003 and 2002) and do not purport to reflect realizable values or fair market values of reserves. It should be emphasized that reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and

F-151



accordingly, these estimates are expected to change as future information becomes available. These are estimates only and should not be construed as exact amounts. All reserves are located in the United States.

        Proved reserves are estimated reserves of natural gas and crude oil and condensate that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are those expected to be recovered through existing wells, equipment and operating methods.

 
  Oil
(BBLS)

  Natural gas
(MCF)

 
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:          
Estimated reserves as of December 31, 2001   7,853,303   66,940,028  
Production   (916,030 ) (5,621,901 )
Extensions and discoveries   35,901   39,000  
Sale of minerals in-place      
Revisions of previous estimates   (270,378 ) (14,058,034 )
   
 
 
Estimated reserves as of December 31, 2002   6,702,796   47,299,093  
Production   (689,318 ) (5,043,527 )
Extensions and discoveries   151,197   1,026,000  
Sale of minerals in-place   (78,761 ) (1,908,300 )
Revisions of previous estimates   (106,515 ) (2,594,770 )
   
 
 
Estimated reserves as of December 31, 2003   5,979,399   38,778,496  
Production   (643,404 ) (3,938,379 )
Extensions and discoveries      
Sale of minerals in-place   (43,663 ) (3,695 )
Revisions of previous estimates   (88,733 ) (8,854,673 )
   
 
 
Estimated reserves as of December 31, 2004   5,203,599   25,981,749  
   
 
 
Proved developed reserves:          

December 31, 2002

 

2,062,680

 

8,057,440

 
   
 
 
December 31, 2003   1,600,376   5,115,501  
   
 
 
December 31, 2004   2,746,047   14,145,700  
   
 
 

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

        Future cash inflows are computed by applying year-end prices of oil and natural gas (with consideration of price changes only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements) to the year-end estimated future production of proved oil and natural gas reserves. The base prices used for the Pretax PV-10 calculation were public market prices on December 31 and adjusted by differentials to those market prices. These price adjustments were done on a property-by-property basis for the quality of the oil and natural gas and for transportation to the appropriate location. The average net prices in the pretax PV-10 value at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $6.18, $6.04 and $4.77 per Mcf of

F-152



natural gas, respectively, and $43.07, $32.02, and $30.78 per barrel of oil, respectively. Estimates of future development and production costs are computed by management and provided to the external independent reserve engineers as estimates of expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the Company's proved oil and natural gas reserves, are based on year-end costs and assume continuation of existing economic conditions and year-end prices. The estimated future net cash flows are then discounted using a rate of 10 percent per year to reflect the estimated timing of the future cash flows. The standardized measure of discounted cash flows is the future net cash flows less the computed discount.

        The accompanying table reflects the standardized measure of discounted future cash flows relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves for the years ended December 31:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Future cash inflows   $ 382,805,375   $ 425,695,797   $ 431,912,125  
Future costs:                    
  Production     (109,972,000 )   (139,335,808 )   (125,247,373 )
  Development and ARO     (103,386,010 )   (89,551,310 )   (91,096,741 )
   
 
 
 
Future production and development costs     (213,358,010 )   (228,887,118 )   (216,344,114 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash flows before tax     169,447,365     196,808,679     215,568,011  
Future income tax expense(1)     (32,979,000 )        
   
 
 
 
Future net cash flows     136,468,365     196,808,679     215,568,011  
10% discount for estimated timing of future cash flows     (61,229,531 )   (60,564,618 )   (71,565,128 )
   
 
 
 
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows   $ 75,238,834   $ 136,244,061   $ 144,002,883  
   
 
 
 

(1)
Prior to the year ended December 31, 2004, it was determine by management that the likelihood for the Company to have taxable income in the future was uncertain thus no future income tax expense was provided (see Note 7).

F-153


Changes Relating to the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows

        The accompanying table reflects the principal changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows attributable to proved oil and natural gas reserves for the years ended December 31:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Beginning of year balance   $ 136,244,061   $ 144,002,883   $ 89,242,543  
Changes due to current year operations:                    
  Sales, net of production costs     (36,483,000 )   (31,921,000 )   (23,837,000 )
  Sales of minerals in place     (5,365,497 )   (4,264,894 )    
  Development costs incurred     1,994,000     3,875,000     6,494,000  
  Extensions and discoveries, net of future production and development costs         1,286,545     358,972  
Changes due to revisions of standardized variables:                    
  Sales prices, net of production costs     56,915,433     15,264,428     115,325,081  
  Revisions of previous quantity estimates     (38,312,699 )   (8,306,671 )   (36,822,411 )
  Estimated future development costs     (26,166,440 )   (2,059,901 )   (16,156,317 )
  Income taxes(1)     (24,097,000 )        
  Accretion of discount     13,624,406     14,400,288     8,924,254  
  Production rates (timing) and other     (3,114,430 )   3,967,383     473,761  
   
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease)     (61,005,227 )   (7,758,822 )   54,760,340  
   
 
 
 
End of year balance   $ 75,238,834   $ 136,244,061   $ 144,002,883  
   
 
 
 

(1)
Prior to the year ended December 31, 2004, it was determine by management that the likelihood for the Company to have taxable income in the future was uncertain thus no future income tax expense was provided (see Note 7).

F-154



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders of GB Holdings, Inc.:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GB Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. In connection with our audits of the 2004, 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the related consolidated financial statement schedule. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of GB Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with US generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that GB Holdings, Inc. will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring net losses, has a net working capital deficiency and has significant debt obligations which are due within one year that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Notes 1 and 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

    /s/ KPMG LLP

Short Hills, New Jersey
March 11, 2005

 

 

F-155



GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
  As of December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
ASSETS  
Current Assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 12,756,000   $ 33,454,000  
  Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,862,000 and $5,918,000, respectively     5,223,000     5,247,000  
  Inventories     2,499,000     2,222,000  
  Deferred financing costs     2,260,000     762,000  
  Insurance deposits     3,017,000      
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,689,000     3,946,000  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     27,444,000     45,631,000  
   
 
 
Property and Equipment:              
  Land     54,344,000     54,344,000  
  Buildings and improvements     88,147,000     88,249,000  
  Equipment     73,675,000     64,722,000  
  Construction in progress     2,040,000     2,111,000  
   
 
 
      218,206,000     209,426,000  
  Less—accumulated depreciation and amortization     (46,566,000 )   (40,013,000 )
   
 
 
  Property and equipment, net     171,640,000     169,413,000  
   
 
 
Other Assets:              
  Obligatory investments, net of allowances of $12,500,000 and $11,340,000, respectively     11,647,000     10,705,000  
  Other assets     6,227,000     1,814,000  
   
 
 
    Total other assets     17,874,000     12,519,000  
   
 
 
    $ 216,958,000   $ 227,563,000  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
Current Liabilities:              
  Current portion debt   $ 43,741,000   $  
  Current portion capital leases     248,000      
  Accounts payable     7,082,000     6,815,000  
  Accrued liabilities—              
    Payroll and related expenses     4,379,000     4,241,000  
    Interest     1,216,000     3,092,000  
    Gaming obligations     3,363,000     2,725,000  
    Insurance     4,330,000     2,505,000  
    Other     2,175,000     2,821,000  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     66,534,000     22,199,000  
Long-Term Debt, net of current maturities     66,259,000     110,000,000  
Non-current capital leases     432,000      
Other Noncurrent Liabilities     4,920,000     3,729,000  
Commitments and Contingencies          
Warrants in Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc     43,587,000      
Shareholders' Equity:              
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding          
  Common Stock, $.01 par value per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 10,000,000 shares issued and outstanding     100,000     100,000  
  Additional paid-in capital     81,313,000     124,900,000  
  Accumulated deficit     (46,187,000 )   (33,365,000 )
   
 
 
    Total shareholders' equity     35,226,000     91,635,000  
   
 
 
    $ 216,958,000   $ 227,563,000  
   
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-156



GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Revenues:                    
  Casino   $ 157,643,000   $ 154,813,000   $ 175,065,000  
  Rooms     10,908,000     10,994,000     11,143,000  
  Food and beverage     21,898,000     21,962,000     23,330,000  
  Other     3,940,000     3,914,000     3,735,000  
   
 
 
 
      194,389,000     191,683,000     213,273,000  
  Less—promotional allowances     (23,146,000 )   (23,934,000 )   (23,356,000 )
   
 
 
 
    Net revenues     171,243,000     167,749,000     189,917,000  
   
 
 
 
Expenses:                    
  Casino     50,467,000     52,657,000     59,971,000  
  Rooms     3,397,000     2,677,000     3,639,000  
  Food and beverage     7,930,000     8,481,000     10,343,000  
  Other     870,000     1,297,000     1,222,000  
  Selling, general and administrative     90,423,000     90,010,000     93,871,000  
  Depreciation and amortization     14,898,000     14,123,000     13,292,000  
  Provision for obligatory investments     1,165,000     1,434,000     1,521,000  
  Loss on impairment of fixed assets             1,282,000  
  Loss on disposal of assets     152,000     28,000     185,000  
   
 
 
 
    Total expenses     169,302,000     170,707,000     185,326,000  
   
 
 
 
Income (loss) from operations     1,941,000     (2,958,000 )   4,591,000  
   
 
 
 
Non-operating income (expense):                    
  Interest income     422,000     627,000     1,067,000  
  Interest expense     (11,115,000 )   (12,581,000 )   (12,195,000  
  Debt restructuring costs     (3,084,000 )   (1,843,000 )    
   
 
 
 
  Total non-operating expense, net     (13,777,000 )   (13,797,000 )   (11,128,000 )
   
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes     (11,836,000 )   (16,755,000 )   (6,537,000 )
  Income tax provision     (986,000 )   (958,000 )   (784,000 )
   
 
 
 
Net loss   $ (12,822,000 ) $ (17,713,000 ) $ (7,321,000 )
   
 
 
 
Basic/diluted loss per common share   $ (1.28 ) $ (1.77 ) $ (0.73 )
   
 
 
 
Basic/diluted weighted average common shares outstanding     10,000,000     10,000,000     10,000,000  
   
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-157



GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
  Common Stock
   
   
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-in Capital

  Accumulated
Deficit

   
 
 
  Shares
  Amount
  Total
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2001   10,000,000   $ 100,000   $ 124,900,000   $ (8,331,000 ) $ 116,669,000  
  Net Loss               (7,321,000 )   (7,321,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2002   10,000,000   $ 100,000   $ 124,900,000   $ (15,652,000 ) $ 109,348,000  
  Net Loss               (17,713,000 )   (17,713,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2003   10,000,000   $ 100,000   $ 124,900,000   $ (33,365,000 ) $ 91,635,000  
  Net Loss               (12,822,000 )   (12,822,000 )
  Dividend to common shareholders in the form of warrants, exercisable for 2,750,000 common shares of Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc.           (43,587,000 )       (43,587,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2004   10,000,000   $ 100,000   $ 81,313,000   $ (46,187,000 ) $ 35,226,000  
   
 
 
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-158



GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                    
  Net loss   $ (12,822,000 ) $ (17,713,000 ) $ (7,321,000 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                    
    Depreciation and amortization     14,898,000     14,123,000     13,292,000  
    Provision for obligatory investments     1,165,000     1,434,000     1,521,000  
    Loss on impairment of fixed assets             1,282,000  
    Loss on disposal of assets     152,000     28,000     185,000  
    Provision for doubtful accounts     416,000     1,040,000     1,586,000  
    Decrease in deferred financing costs     1,229,000          
    Increase in insurance deposits     (3,017,000 )        
    (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable     (392,000 )   (1,312,000 )   2,349,000  
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities     360,000     (130,000 )   (3,080,000 )
    Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,187,000     (98,000 )   (426,000 )
    Increase in other noncurrent assets     (929,000 )   (11,000 )    
    Increase in other noncurrent liabilities     1,178,000     369,000     285,000  
   
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     4,425,000     (2,270,000 )   9,673,000  
   
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                    
  Purchase of property and equipment     (17,378,000 )   (12,825,000 )   (14,058,000 )
  Proceeds from disposition of assets     308,000     110,000     320,000  
  Proceeds from sale of obligatory investments     202,000     130,000     208,000  
  Purchase of obligatory investments     (2,308,000 )   (2,336,000 )   (2,496,000 )
   
 
 
 
    Net cash used in investing activities     (19,176,000 )   (14,921,000 )   (16,026,000 )
   
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                    
  Proceeds from long-term debt     758,000          
  Repayments of long-term debt     (79,000 )       (371,000 )
  Cost of issuing long-term debt     (6,626,000 )        
   
 
 
 
    Net cash used in financing activities     (5,947,000 )       (371,000 )
   
 
 
 
    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (20,698,000 )   (17,191,000 )   (6,724,000 )
      Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     33,454,000     50,645,000     57,369,000  
   
 
 
 
      Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 12,756,000   $ 33,454,000   $ 50,645,000  
   
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:                    
  Interest paid   $ 10,744,000   $ 12,100,000   $ 12,128,000  
   
 
 
 
  Interest Capitalized   $ 86,000   $ 300,000   $ 766,000  
   
 
 
 
  Income Taxes paid   $ 1,051,000   $ 899,000   $ 1,764,000  
   
 
 
 
  Dividends to Common Shareholders in the form of Warrants in Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc.   $ 43,587,000   $   $  
   
 
 
 
  Issuance of 3% Notes in exchange for 11% Notes   $ 66,259,000   $   $  
   
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

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GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Organization, Business and Basis of Presentation

        GB Holdings, Inc. ("GB Holdings") is a Delaware corporation and was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pratt Casino Corporation ("PCC") through December 31, 1998. PCC, a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in September 1993 and was wholly-owned by PPI Corporation ("PPI"), a New Jersey corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greate Bay Casino Corporation ("GBCC"). Effective after December 31, 1998, PCC transferred 21% of the stock ownership in GB Holdings to PBV, Inc. ("PBV"), a newly formed entity controlled by certain stockholders of GBCC. As a result of a certain confirmed plan of reorganization of PCC and others in October 1999, the remaining 79% stock interest of PCC in GB Holdings was transferred to Greate Bay Holdings, LLC ("GBLLC"), whose sole member as a result of the same reorganization was PPI. In February 1994, GB Holdings acquired Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc. ("GBHC"), a New Jersey corporation, through a capital contribution by its then parent. From its creation until July 22, 2004, GBHC's principal business activity was its ownership of The Sands Hotel and Casino located in Atlantic City, New Jersey ("The Sands"). GB Property Funding Corp. ("Property"), a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GB Holdings, was incorporated in September 1993 as a special purpose subsidiary of GB Holdings for the purpose of borrowing funds for the benefit of GBHC.

        On January 5, 1998, GB Holdings and its then existing subsidiaries filed petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (the "Bankruptcy Court"). On August 14, 2000, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order (the "Confirmation Order") confirming the Modified Fifth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code Proposed by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and High River Limited Partnership and its affiliates (the "Plan") for GB Holdings and its then existing subsidiaries. High River Limited Partnership ("High River") is an entity controlled by Carl C. Icahn. On September 13, 2000, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (the "Commission" or "CCC") approved the Plan. On September 29, 2000, the Plan became effective (the "Effective Date"). All material conditions precedent to the Plan becoming effective were satisfied on or before September 29, 2000. In addition, as a result of the Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the Effective Date, and in accordance with Statement of Position No. 90-7, "Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code" ("SOP 90-7"), GB Holdings has adopted "fresh start reporting" in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. GB Holdings' emergence from Chapter 11 resulted in a new reporting entity with no retained earnings or accumulated deficit as of September 30, 2000.

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GB Holdings, Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. ("Atlantic Holdings") and ACE Gaming, LLC ("ACE" and collectively with GB Holdings and Atlantic Holdings, the "Company" and also Property and GBHC until July 22, 2004). Until July 22, 2004, GBHC was the owner and operator of The Sands. Atlantic Holdings is a Delaware corporation and was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GBHC which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GB Holdings and was formed in October 2003. ACE a New Jersey limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Holdings was formed in November 2003. Atlantic Holdings and ACE were formed in connection with a transaction (the "Transaction"), which included a Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange in which holders of $110 million of 11% Notes due 2005 (the "11% Notes"), issued by GB Property Funding Corp. ("Property"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GB Holdings, were given the opportunity to exchange such notes, on a dollar for dollar basis, for $110 million of 3% Notes due 2008 (the "3% Notes"), issued by Atlantic Holdings. The Transaction and the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange were consummated on July 22, 2004, and holders

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of approximately $66.3 million of 11% Notes exchanged such notes for approximately $66.3 million 3% Notes. Also on July 22, 2004, in connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, the indenture governing the 11% Notes was amended to eliminate certain covenants and to release the liens on the collateral securing such notes. The Transaction included, among other things, the transfer of substantially all of the assets of GB Holdings to Atlantic Holdings. The transfer of assets has been accounted for as an exchange of net assets between entities under common control, whereby the entity receiving the assets shall initially recognize the assets and liabilities transferred at their historical carrying amount in the accounts of the transferring entity at the date of transfer. No gain or loss was recorded relating to the transfer. The 3% Notes are guaranteed by ACE. Atlantic Holdings and its subsidiary had limited operating activities prior to July 22, 2004. Also on July 22, 2004, in connection with the consummation of the Transaction and the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, Property and GBHC, merged into GB Holdings, with GB Holdings as the surviving entity. In connection with the transfer of the assets and certain liabilities of GB Holdings, including the assets and certain liabilities of GBHC, Atlantic Holdings issued 2,882,937 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Atlantic Holdings Common Stock") of Atlantic Holdings to GBHC which, following the merger of GBHC became the sole asset of GB Holdings. Substantially all of the assets and liabilities of GB Holdings and GBHC (with the exception of the remaining 11% Notes and accrued interest thereon, the Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, and the related pro rata share of deferred financing costs) were transferred to Atlantic Holdings or ACE. As part of the Transaction an aggregate of 10,000,000 warrants were distributed on a pro rata basis to the stockholders of GB Holdings upon the consummation of the Transaction. Such Warrants allow the holders to purchase from Atlantic Holdings at an exercise price of $.01 per share, an aggregate of 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and any only exercisable following the earlier of (a) either the 3% Notes being paid in cash or upon conversion, in whole or in part, into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, (b) payment in full of the outstanding principal of the 11% Notes exchanged, or (c) a determination by a majority of the board of directors of Atlantic Holdings (including at least one independent director of Atlantic Holdings) that the Warrants may be exercised. The Sands' New Jersey gaming license was transferred to ACE in accordance with the approval of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

        In connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange described above, holders of $66,258,970 of 11% Notes exchanged such notes for an equal principal amount of 3% Notes. As a result, $43,741,030 of principal amount of the 11% Notes remain outstanding and mature in September 2005. GB Holdings' ability to pay the interest and principal amount of the remaining 11% Notes at maturity in September 2005 will depend upon its ability to refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings Common Stock or from a borrowing. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the interest and principal due on the remaining 11% Notes at maturity it could result in, among other things, the possibility of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy protection or being forced into bankruptcy or reorganization. The status of the 11% Notes due September 2005 is currently being reviewed by the Company and various alternatives are being evaluated.

        Additionally, on July 22, 2004 in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, GB Holdings distributed warrants, issued by Atlantic Holdings, to its shareholders which will initially be exercisable for an aggregate of 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock to GB Holdings stockholders (the "Warrants"). The Warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $.01 per share.

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        Currently, affiliates of Mr. Icahn own approximately 96% of the 3% Notes and have the ability which they may exercise prior to the maturity of the 11% Notes at any other time, in their sole discretion, to determine when and whether the 3% Notes will be paid in or convertible into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock at, or prior to, maturity thereby making the Warrants exercisable. If the 3% Notes are converted into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and if the Warrants are exercised, GB Holdings will own 28.8% of the Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and affiliates of Carl Icahn will beneficially own approximately 63.4% of the Atlantic Holdings Common Stock (without giving effect to the affiliates of Mr. Icahn's interest in Atlantic Holdings Common Stock which is owned by GB Holdings). Affiliates of Carl Icahn currently own approximately 77.5% of GB Holdings' Common Stock.

        All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. All references herein to the Company and GB Holdings are on a consolidated basis and all operating assets, including cash, are owned by GB Holdings' subsidiaries, Atlantic Holdings and ACE, and GB Holdings' sole asset is 2,882,938 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock.

(2) Liquidity Matters

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed below, the Company has suffered recurring net losses, has a net working capital deficiency and significant current debt obligations. These factors raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described below. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

        Since emerging from bankruptcy in 2000, the Company has invested in refurbishments to the hotel product, gaming equipment and related technology and building infrastructure. Although the investments have improved the condition of the property and the investment in gaming technology has resulted in significant labor efficiencies and cost savings, those efficiencies and cost savings were not enough to offset the increased competition within the Atlantic City market. Since 2003, the Borgata opened in the marina district of Atlantic City and expansions which have added both hotel room and retail capacity to the Atlantic City market have occurred at the Showboat, Resorts and Tropicana casinos. Although these expansions have caused the gaming market to expand in Atlantic City, the expansion has not exceeded the added capacity, which has put substantial pressure on the Company to maintain gaming revenue market share. The Company continues to face competitive market conditions. During the three years ended December 31, 2004, the Company incurred net losses of $37,856,000.

        In connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, $66,258,970 of the 11% Notes were exchanged and $43,741,030 of the 11% Notes remain outstanding and will mature on September 29, 2005. GB Holdings' ability to pay the interest and principal amount of the remaining 11% Notes at maturity in September 2005 will depend upon its ability to refinance such Notes on favorable terms or at all or to derive sufficient funds from the sale of its Atlantic Holdings Common Stock or from a borrowing. If GB Holdings is unable to pay the interest and principal due on the remaining 11% Notes at maturity it could result in, among other things, the possibility of GB Holdings seeking bankruptcy protection or being forced into bankruptcy or reorganization. The status of the 11% Notes is currently being reviewed by the Company and various alternatives are being evaluated.

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(3) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        The significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements are discussed below. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with US generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheets, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with industry practice. Casino revenue is recorded as net win from gaming activities (the difference between gaming wins and losses) as casino revenues. Casino revenues are net of accruals for anticipated payouts of progressive and certain other slot machine jackpots. Such anticipated jackpots and payouts are included in gaming liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

        Cash and coin incentives are provided to attract new customers as well as reward loyal customers, through the use of loyalty programs, with points based on amounts wagered, that can be redeemed for a specified period of time for cash. We deduct the cash and coin incentive amounts from casino revenue.

        The retail value of rooms, food and beverage and other items that were provided to customers without charge has been included in revenues and a corresponding amount has been deducted as promotional allowances. The costs of such complimentaries have been included in Casino and Selling, General and Administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Costs of complimentaries allocated from the Rooms, Food and Beverage and Other Operating departments to the Casino and Selling, General and Administrative departments were as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Allocation From:                  
Rooms   $ 6,511,000   $ 7,360,000   $ 8,274,000
Food and Beverage     16,116,000     16,482,000     17,399,000
Other Operating     2,294,000     2,070,000     1,324,000
   
 
 
    $ 24,921,000   $ 25,912,000   $ 26,997,000
   
 
 
Allocation To:                  
Casino   $ 3,846,000   $ 3,815,000   $ 4,186,000
Selling, General and Administrative     21,075,000     22,097,000     22,811,000
   
 
 
    $ 24,921,000   $ 25,912,000   $ 26,997,000
   
 
 

        Cash and cash equivalents are generally comprised of cash and investments with original maturities of three months or less, such as commercial paper, certificates of deposit and fixed repurchase agreements.

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        In its normal course of business the Company incurs receivables arising from credit provided to casino and hotel customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts adjusts these gross receivables to Management's estimate of their net realizable value. The provision for doubtful accounts charged to expense is determined by Management based on a periodic review of the receivable portfolio. This provision is based on estimates, and actual losses may vary from these estimates. The allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained at a level that Management considers adequate to provide for possible future losses. Provisions for doubtful accounts amounting to $416,000, $1,040,000 and $1,586,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, were recorded in expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market.

        Property and equipment purchased after September 29, 2000 have been recorded at cost and are being depreciated utilizing the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Buildings and improvements   25 - 40 years
Operating equipment   3 - 7 years

        Interest costs related to property and equipment acquisitions are capitalized during the acquisition period and are being amortized over the useful lives of the related assets.

        The costs of issuing long-term debt, including all related underwriting, legal, directors and accounting fees, were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the related debt issue. Deferred financing costs of $180,000 were incurred in connection with Property's offering of $110,000,000 11% Notes due 2005 (the "11% Notes"). During 2001, additional costs of $2,083,000 associated with a Consent Solicitation by Property to modify the original indenture for the 11% Notes were capitalized. In July 2004, holders of the 11% Notes that tendered in the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange also received their pro rata share of the aggregate consent fees ($6.6 million) at the rate of $100 per $1,000 of principal amount of the 11% Notes tendered. The pro rata share of the unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the 11% Notes tendered ($399,000) were included with the consent fees and recorded in Deferred Financing Costs ($1.9 million) and Other Assets ($4.5 million) on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets ("Deferred 3% Note Fees"). The exchange is being accounted for as a modification of debt. The Deferred 3% Note Fees are being amortized over the term of the 3% Notes using the effective yield method. All external costs associated with the issuance of the 3% Notes have been expensed. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amortization of deferred financing costs was $1,212,000, $555,000 and $555,000, respectively, and is included in Interest Expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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        In 2002, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS No. 144"), which excludes from the definition of long-lived assets goodwill and other intangibles that are not amortized in accordance with FASB Statement No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." FAS No. 144 requires that long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, whether reported in continuing operations or in discontinued operations. FAS No. 144 also expands the reporting of discontinued operations to include components of an entity that have been or will be disposed of rather than limiting such discontinuance to a segment of a business. The adoption of FAS No. 144 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairments are recognized when the expected future undiscounted cash flows derived from such assets are less than their carrying value. For such cases, losses are recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying amount. Assets to be disposed of by sale or abandonment, and where management has the current ability to remove such assets from operations, are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost of disposition. Depreciation for these assets is suspended during the disposal period, which is generally less than one year. Assumptions and estimates used in the determination of impairment losses, such as future cash flows and disposition costs, may affect the carrying value of long-lived assets and possible impairment expense in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Management does not believe that any impairment currently exists related to its long-lived assets.

        The Company is self insured for a portion of its general liability, workers compensation, certain health care and other liability exposures. A third party insures losses over prescribed levels. Accrued insurance includes estimates of such accrued liabilities based on an evaluation of the merits of individual claims and historical claims experience. Accordingly, the Company's ultimate liability may differ from the amounts accrued.

        GB Holdings' provision for federal income taxes is calculated and paid on a consolidated basis with its Subsidiaries.

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in income in the period of the enactment date.

        Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" (FAS 128), requires, among other things, the disclosure of basic and diluted earnings per share for public companies. Since the capital

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structure of GB Holdings is simple, in that no potentially dilutive securities were outstanding during the periods presented, basic loss per share is equal to diluted loss per share. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

        Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year consolidated financial statement presentations. The most significant reclassifications include the following: marketing costs that had been in Casino expense are now included in Selling, General and Administrative expense; Cash and coin incentives that were included in Promotional Allowances are now included in Casino Revenues and certain complimentary expenses that were included in Casino expense are now included in Promotional Allowances.

(4) Long-Term Debt

        Long-term debt is comprised of the following:

 
  As of December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
11% notes, due September 29, 2005(a)   $ 43,741,000   $ 110,000,000
3% Notes due July 22, 2008(b)     66,259,000    
   
 
  Total indebtedness     110,000,000     110,000,000
Less—current maturities     (43,741,000 )  
   
 
  Total long-term debt   $ 66,259,000   $ 110,000,000
   
 

(a)
In accordance with its approved plan of reorganization, GB Holdings through its then wholly-owned subsidiaries issued $110 million at 11% interest payable September 29, 2005 ("11% Notes"). Interest on the 11% Notes is payable on March 29 and September 29, beginning March 29, 2001. The outstanding principal is due on September 29, 2005.

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(b)
On July 22, 2004, Atlantic Holdings consummated the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange which it commenced and in which Atlantic Holdings offered to exchange its 3% Notes due July 22, 2008 for 11% Notes due September 29, 2005, issued by Property. Pursuant to the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, an aggregate principal amount of $66,258,970 of 11% Notes, representing 60.2% of the outstanding 11% Notes, were tendered to Atlantic Holdings, on a dollar for dollar basis, in exchange for an aggregate principal amount of $66,258,970 of 3% Notes. At the election of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding 3% Notes, each $1,000 principal amount of 3% Notes is payable in or convertible into 65.909 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, subject to adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations and the like. As a result of the Transaction, the $43.7 million in 11% Notes are no longer secured by any property or equipment of the Company. Holders of the 11% Notes that tendered in the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange also received their pro rata share of the aggregate consent fees ($6.6 million) at the rate of $100 per $1000 principal amount of the 11% Notes tendered, plus accrued interest ($2.3 million) on the 11% Notes tendered, which amounts were paid at the consummation of the Transaction. The exchange is being accounted for as a modification of debt. The consent fees paid are being amortized over the term of the 3% Notes using the effective yield method. All external costs associated with the issuance of the 3% Notes have been expensed. As indicated in the Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange, an aggregate of 10,000,000 warrants, issued by Atlantic Holdings, were distributed on a pro rata basis to the shareholders of GB Holdings upon the consummation of the Transaction. Such Warrants allow the holders to purchase, from Atlantic Holdings, at an exercise price of $.01 per share, an aggregate of 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings Common Stock and are only exercisable following the earlier of (a) either the 3% Notes being paid in cash or upon conversion, in whole or in part, into Atlantic Holdings Common Stock, (b) payment in full of the outstanding principal of the 11% Notes which have not been exchanged, or (c) a determination by a majority of the board of directors of Atlantic Holdings (including at least one independent director of Atlantic Holdings) that the Warrants may

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        On November 12, 2004, Atlantic Holdings and ACE entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement"), by and among Atlantic Holdings, as borrower, ACE, as guarantor, and Fortress Credit Corp. ("Fortress"), as lender, and certain related ancillary documents, pursuant to which, Fortress agreed to make available to Atlantic Holdings a senior secured revolving credit line providing for working capital loans of up to $10 million (the "Loans"), to be used for working capital purposes in the operation of The Sands, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Loan Agreement and the Loans thereunder have been designated by the Board of Directors of Atlantic Holdings and Atlantic Holdings, as manager of ACE, as Working Capital Indebtedness (as that term is defined in the Indenture) (the "Indenture"), dated as of July 22, 2004, among Atlantic Holdings, as issuer, ACE, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee").

        The aggregate amount of the Loans shall not exceed $10 million plus interest. All Loans under the Loan Agreement are payable in full by no later than the day immediately prior to the one-year anniversary of the Loan Agreement, or any earlier date on which the Loans are required to be paid in full, by acceleration or otherwise, pursuant to the Loan Agreement.

        The outstanding principal balance of the Loan Agreement will accrue interest at a fixed rate to be set monthly which is equal to one month LIBOR (but not less than 1.5%), plus 8% per annum. In addition to interest payable on the principal balance outstanding from time to time under the Loan Agreement, Atlantic Holdings is required to pay to Fortress an unused line fee for each preceding three-month period during the term of the Loan Agreement in an amount equal to .35% of the excess of the available commitment over the average outstanding monthly balance during such preceding three-month period.

        The Loans are secured by a first lien and security interest on all of Atlantic Holdings' and ACE's personal property and a first mortgage on The Sands. Fortress entered into an Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2004, with the Trustee pursuant to the Loan Agreement. The Liens (as that term defined in the Indenture) of the Trustee on the Collateral (as that term is defined in the Indenture), are subject and inferior to Liens which secure Working Capital Indebtedness such as the Loans.

        Fortress may terminate its obligation to advance and declare the unpaid balance of the Loans, or any part thereof, immediately due and payable upon the occurrence and during the continuance of customary defaults which include payment default, covenant defaults, bankruptcy type defaults, attachments, judgments, the occurrence of certain material adverse events, criminal proceedings, and defaults by Atlantic Holdings or ACE under certain other agreements. As of December 31, 2004 there had been no borrowings related to the Loans.

        The Borrower and Guarantor on the Loan Agreement are required to maintain the following financial covenants; (1) a minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Loan Agreement) of $12.5 million, which shall be measured and confirmed as of the twelve month period ended each respective January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year until the full and final satisfaction of the loan

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and (2) a Minimum Leverage Ratio of which the Borrower shall not permit its ratio of defined Total Debt to EBITDA, as measured and confirmed annually on a trailing twelve month basis to exceed 6.25:1. As of December 31, 2004, The Company is in compliance with these covenants.

        At December 31, 2004 and 2003, accrued interest on the 11% Notes was $1,216,000 and $3,092,000, respectively and is included in Accrued Interest. Accrued interest on the 3% Notes was $883,000 at December 31, 2004 and is included in Other Non-Current Liabilities. Interest on the 11% Notes is due semi-annually on March 29th and September 29th. Interest on the 3% Notes are due at maturity, on July 22, 2008.

(5) Income Taxes

        The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Federal income tax provision   $     $     $    
  Current              
  Deferred              
State income tax provision                    
  Current     (986,000 )   (958,000 )   (784,000 )
  Deferred              
   
 
 
 
    $ (986,000 ) $ (958,000 ) $ (784,000 )
   
 
 
 

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        Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes, and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The major components of deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

 
  2004
  2003
 
Deferred tax assets:              
  Bad debt reserve   $ 1,578,000   $ 2,418,000  
  Deferred financing costs         234,000  
  Group insurance     904,000     747,000  
  Accrued vacation     603,000     613,000  
  Action cash awards accrual     191,000     123,000  
  Jackpot accrual     407,000     298,000  
  Medical reserve     534,000     408,000  
  Debt restructuring costs         754,000  
  CRDA     6,293,000     5,724,000  
  Federal and state net operating loss carryforward     21,962,000     17,004,000  
  Workers Compensation     462,000      
  Grantors trust income     3,713,000     3,616,000  
  Credit carryforwards     3,345,000     3,385,000  
  Other     770,000     297,000  
   
 
 
    Total deferred tax assets     40,762,000     35,621,000  
    Less valuation allowance     (24,209,000 )   (17,685,000 )
   
 
 
    Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance     16,553,000     17,936,000  
   
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:              
  Noncurrent:              
    Depreciation of plant and equipment     (16,336,000 )   (17,812,000 )
    Deferred financing costs     (81,000 )    
    Other     (11,000 )    
    Chips and tokens     (125,000 )   (124,000 )
   
 
 
      Total deferred tax liabilities     (16,553,000 )   (17,936,000 )
   
 
 
        Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)   $   $  
   
 
 

        The net change in the valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets was an increase of $6.5 million in 2004 and an increase of $7.4 million in 2003. Federal net operating loss carryforwards totaled approximately $59 million as of December 31, 2004 and will begin expiring in the year 2022 and forward. New Jersey net operating loss carryforwards totaled approximately $20.2 million as of December 31, 2004. The Company also has general business credit carryforwards of approximately $1.1 million which expire in 2005 through 2024. Additionally, as of December 2004, the Company has a federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit carryforward of about $72,000 and a New Jersey alternative minimum assessment (AMA) credit carryforward of approximately $2.2 million, both of which can be carried forward indefinitely.

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        In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits of certain future deductible temporary differences will be realized based on the reversal of existing temporary differences, and therefore, a valuation allowance has not been provided for these deferred tax assets. Additionally, management has determined that the realization of certain of the Company's deferred tax assets is not more likely than not and, as such, has provided a valuation allowance against those deferred tax assets at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

        The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed at the federal statutory rate as a result of the following:

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Expected federal benefit   (35.0 )% (35.0 )% (35.0 )%
State taxes net of federal benefit   (0.4 )% (2.2 )% (1.6 )%
State tax rate correction   0.0 % 3.9 % 0.0 %
Expired tax credit   2.7 % 0.7 % 0.0 %
Permanent differences   0.4 % 0.2 % 0.9 %
Tax credits   (6.2 )% (5.2 )% (13.2 )%
Deferred tax valuation allowance   55.2 % 43.3 % 57.8 %
Other   (8.4 )% 0.0 % 3.1 %
   
 
 
 
    8.3 % 5.7 % 12.0 %
   
 
 
 

(6) Transactions with Related Parties

        The Company's rights to the trade name "The Sands" (the "Trade Name") were derived from a license agreement with an unaffiliated third party. Amounts payable by the Company for these rights were equal to the amounts paid to the unaffiliated third party. On September 29, 2000, High River assigned the Company the rights under a certain agreement with the owner of the Trade Name to use the Trade Name as of September 29, 2000 through May 19, 2086, subject to termination rights for a fee after a certain minimum term. High River is an entity controlled by Carl C. Icahn. High River received no payments for its assignment of these rights. Payment was made directly to the owner of the Trade Name. On or about July 14, 2004, the Company entered into a license agreement with Las Vegas Sands, Inc., for the use of the trade name "Sands" through May 19, 2086, subject to termination rights for a fee after a certain minimum term. This new license agreement superseded and replaced the above-mentioned trade name rights assigned to the Company by High River. In connection with the Transaction discussed above, the July 14, 2004 license agreement was assigned to ACE as of July 22, 2004. The payments made to the licensor in connection with the trade name amounted to $259,000, $263,000 and $272,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

        The Company has entered into an intercompany services arrangement with American Casinos & Entertainment Properties LLC ("ACEP"), which is controlled by affiliates of Mr. Icahn, whereby ACEP provides management and consulting services. The Company is billed based upon an allocation of salaries plus an overhead charge of 15% of the salary allocation plus reimbursement of reasonable

F-171



out-of-pocket expenses. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, we were billed approximately $387,500, $190,600 and $27,900, respectively.

        On February 28, 2003, the Company entered into a two year agreement with XO Communications, Inc. a long-distance phone carrier controlled by Carl C. Icahn. The agreement can be extended beyond the minimum two year term on a month-to-month basis. Payments for such charges incurred for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 amounted to $181,000 and $127,000, respectively. The agreement is currently continuing on a monthly basis.

        As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company owed approximately $371,000 and $48,000, respectively, for reimbursable expenses to related parties.

(7) New Jersey Regulations and Obligatory Investments

        The Company conducts gaming operations in Atlantic City, New Jersey and operates a hotel and several restaurants, as well as related support facilities. The operation of an Atlantic City casino/hotel is subject to significant regulatory control. Under the New Jersey Casino Control Act ("NJCCA"), ACE was required to obtain and is required to periodically renew its operating license. A casino license is not transferable and, after the initial licensing and two one-year renewal periods, is issued for a term of up to four years. The plenary license issued to The Sands was renewed by the Commission in September, 2004 and extended through September 2008. The Commission may reopen licensing hearings at any time. If it were determined that gaming laws were violated by a licensee, the gaming license could be conditioned, suspended or revoked. In addition, the licensee and other persons involved could be subject to substantial fines.

        In order to renew the casino license for The Sands, the Commission determined that Atlantic Holdings and ACE are financially stable. In order to be found "financially stable" under the NJCCA, Atlantic Holdings and ACE must demonstrate, among other things, their ability to pay, exchange, or refinance debts that mature or otherwise become due and payable during the license term, or to otherwise manage such debts. During July 2004, a timely renewal application of the casino license for a four year term was filed. The CCC approved the casino license renewal application for a four year term on September 29, 2004 with certain conditions, including monthly written reports on the status of the 11% Notes, and a definitive plan by GB Holdings to address the maturity of the 11% Notes to be submitted no later than August 1, 2005 as well as other standard industry reporting requirements.

        The NJCCA requires casino licensees to pay an investment alternative tax of 2.5% of Gross Revenue (the "2.5% Tax") or, in lieu thereof, to make quarterly deposits of 1.25% of quarterly Gross Revenue with the CRDA (the "Deposits"). The Deposits are then used to purchase bonds at below-market interest rates from the CRDA or to make qualified investments approved by the CRDA. The CRDA administers the statutorily mandated investments made by casino licensees and is required to expend the monies received by it for eligible projects as defined in the NJCCA. The Sands has elected to make the Deposits with the CRDA rather than pay the 2.5% Tax.

        As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had purchased bonds totaling $6,717,000 and $6,875,000, respectively. In addition, the Company had remaining funds on deposit and held in escrow by the CRDA at December 31, 2004 and 2003, of $17,430,000 and $15,171,000, respectively. The bonds purchased and the amounts on deposit and held in escrow are included in obligatory investments.

F-172



        Obligatory investments at December 31, 2004 and 2003, are net of accumulated valuation allowances of $12,500,000 and $11,340,000, respectively, based upon the estimated realizable values of the investments. Provisions for valuation allowances for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $1,165,000, $1,434,000 and 1,521,000, respectively.

        The Company has, from time to time, contributed certain amounts held in escrow by the CRDA to fund CRDA sponsored projects. During 2004 and 2003, the Company donated $333,000 and $694,000, respectively, of its escrowed funds to CRDA sponsored projects. No specific refund or future credit has been associated with the 2003 contributions. During 2002, the Company contributed $925,000 of its escrowed funds to CRDA sponsored projects and received $116,000 in a cash refund. Prior to this, the CRDA had granted the Company both cash refunds and waivers of certain of its future Deposit obligations in consideration of similar contributions. Other assets aggregating $414,000 and $621,000, respectively, have been recognized at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and are being amortized over a period of ten years commencing with the completion of the projects. Amortization of other assets totaled $207,000, $205,000 and $199,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and are included in depreciation and amortization, including provision for obligatory investments.

        The Company has agreed to contribute certain of its future investment obligations to the CRDA in connection with the renovation related to the Atlantic City Boardwalk Convention Center. The projected total contribution will amount to $6.9 million, which will be paid through 2011 based on an estimate of certain of the Company's future CRDA deposit obligations. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had satisfied $2.2 million of this obligation.

        In April 2004, the casino industry, the CRDA and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority agreed to a plan regarding New Jersey video lottery terminals ("VLTs"). Under the plan, casinos will pay a total of $96 million over a period of four years, of which $10 million will fund, through project grants, North Jersey CRDA projects and $86 million will be paid to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority which will then subsidize certain New Jersey horse tracks to increase purses and attract higher-quality races that would allow them to compete with horse tracks in neighboring states. In return, the race tracks and New Jersey have committed to postpone any attempts to install VLTs for at least four years. $52 million of the $86 million would be donated by the CRDA from the casinos' North Jersey obligations and $34 million would be paid by the casinos directly. It is currently estimated that the Company's current CRDA deposits for North Jersey projects are sufficient to fund the Company's proportionate obligations with respect to the $10 million and $52 million commitments. The Company's proportionate obligation with respect to the $34 million commitment is estimated to be approximately $1.3 million payable over a four year period in annual installments due October 15th ranging from $278,000 to $398,000 per year. The Company's proportionate obligation with respect to the combined $10 million and $52 million commitment is estimated to be approximately $2.5 million payable over a four year period. The amounts will be charged to operations, on a straight-line basis, through January 1, 2009. The Company made its initial cash payment of $278,000 in satisfaction of this obligation during October 2004.

F-173



(8) Commitments and Contingencies

        We are, from time to time, parties to various legal proceedings arising out of our businesses. We believe, however, that other than the proceedings discussed below, there are no proceedings pending or threatened against us, which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect upon our business financial conditions, results of operations or liquidity.

        Tax appeals on behalf of ACE and the City of Atlantic City challenging the amount of ACE's real property assessments for tax years 1996 through 2003 are pending before the NJ Tax Court.

        By letter dated January 23, 2004, Sheffield Enterprises, Inc. asserted potential claims against the Company under the Lanham Act for permitting a show entitled The Main Event, to run at The Sands during 2001. Sheffield also asserts certain copyright infringement claims growing out of the Main Event performances. This matter was concluded by a confidential settlement entered into by the parties in January 2005. Under the settlement, the Company was fully indemnified by Main Event's insurer for the amount of the stipulated damages. The Company was responsible for payment of its own legal fees, which were not material.

        The Company has collective bargaining agreements with three unions that represent approximately 804 employees, most of whom are represented byb the Hotel, Restaurant Employees and Bartenders International Union, AFL-CIO, Local 54. The collective bargaining agreement with Local 54 was renewed for a five year term in 2004. The collective bargaining agreements with the Carpenters, Local 623 (4.6% of union employees) and Entertainment Workers, Locals 68 and 917 (10.0% of union employees) expire in April and July 2006, respectively. Management considers its labor relations to be good.

(9) Employee Retirement Savings Plan

        ACE administers and participates in The Sands' Retirement Plan, a qualified defined contribution plan for the benefit of all of ACE employees, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements.

        The Sands' Retirement Plan is designed and operated to meet the qualification requirements under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and contains a qualified cash-or-deferred arrangement meeting the requirements of section 401(k) of the Code. All employees of ACE, who have completed one year of service, as defined, and who have attained the age of 21, are eligible to participate in the Savings Plan.

        The Sands' Retirement Plan provides for an employer matching contribution based upon certain criteria, including levels of participation by The Sands' employees. The Company incurred matching contributions totaling $441,000, $406,000 and $575,000, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

        The Company also contributes to multi-employer pension, health and welfare plans for its union employees. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company contributed $5,576,000, $5,411,000 and $5,750,000, respectively.

F-174



(10) Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        Disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments is required under FAS No 107, "Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments." The fair value estimates are made at discrete points in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. These estimates may be subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.

        Cash and cash equivalents are valued at the carrying amount. Such amount approximates the fair value of cash equivalents because of the short maturity of these instruments.

        Obligatory investments are valued at a carrying amount which includes an allowance reflecting the below market interest rate associated with such investments.

        The 11% Notes are valued at the market trading price at April 16, 2004 which was the last full trading day prior to the delisting of these Notes from trading on the American Stock Exchange.

        The 3% Notes are valued at the amount paid by American Real Estate Partnership, L.P. ("AREP") to purchase the Notes held by Icahn affiliates in January 2005.

        The estimated carrying amounts and fair values of GB Holdings' financial instruments are as follows:

 
  December 31, 2004
  December 31, 2003
 
  Carrying
Amount

  Fair Value
  Carrying
Amount

  Fair Value
Financial Assets:                        
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 12,756,000   $ 12,756,000   $ 33,454,000   $ 33,454,000
  Obligatory investments, net     11,647,000     11,647,000     10,705,000     10,705,000
Financial Liabilities:                        
  Interest payable     2,099,000     2,099,000     3,092,000     3,092,000
  11% Notes     43,741,000     35,430,000     110,000,000     91,300,000
  3% Notes     66,259,000     64,452,000        

(11) Leases

        The Company leases certain equipment and property under operating leases. Total lease expense was $2.0 million, $2.1 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002,

F-175



respectively. The following table sets forth the future minimum commitments for operating leases and capital leases having remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year:

 
  Operating Leases
  Capital Leases
 
2005   $ 1,967,000   $ 286,000  
2006     1,998,000     286,000  
2007     1,998,000     188,000  
2008     1,998,000      
2009     1,998,000      
  Thereafter     6,434,000      
   
 
 
    Total Minimum Lease Payments   $ 16,393,000     760,000  
   
       
  Less imputed interest costs           (80,000 )
         
 
    Present value of Net Minimum Capital Lease Payments         $ 680,000  
         
 

(12) Subsequent Events

        On January 21, 2005, AREP and Cyprus LLC ("Cyprus"), an affiliate of Mr. Icahn, entered into a Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which AREP agreed to purchase from Cyprus 4,121,033 shares of GB Holdings and warrants to purchase 1,133,284 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings. The warrants were distributed to Cyprus by GB Holdings in connection with the Transaction and will become exercisable upon certain conditions at an exercise price of $.01 per share.

(13) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 
  Quarter
 
 
  First
  Second
  Third
  Fourth
 
Year Ended December 31, 2004                          
 
Net revenues

 

$

40,990,000

 

$

44,570,000

 

$

44,160,000

 

$

41,523,000

 
   
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) from operations   $ 915,000   $ 1,911,000   $ 719,000   $ (1,604,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Net loss   $ (3,140,000 ) $ (2,493,000 ) $ (3,124,000 ) $ (4,065,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Net loss per share   $ (0.31 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (0.31 ) $ (0.41 )
   
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2003                          
 
Net revenues

 

$

39,303,000

 

$

45,464,000

 

$

45,211,000

 

$

37,771,000

 
   
 
 
 
 
  Income (loss) from operations   $ (1,298,000 ) $ 2,607,000   $ (144,000 ) $ (4,123,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Net loss   $ (4,401,000 ) $ (507,000 ) $ (3,456,000 ) $ (9,349,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Net loss per share   $ (0.44 ) $ (0.05 ) $ (0.35 ) $ (0.93 )
   
 
 
 
 

F-176



SCHEDULE II
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 
   
  Additions
   
   
 
  Balance of
Beginning of
Period

  Amounts
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

  Deductions
  Balance at
End of Period

Year Ended December 31, 2004:                        
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable   $ 5,918,000   $ 416,000   $ (2,472,000 )(1) $ 3,862,000
Allowance for obligatory investments     11,340,000     1,165,000     (5,000 )(2)   12,500,000
   
 
 
 
    $ 17,258,000   $ 1,581,000   $ (2,477,000 ) $ 16,362,000
   
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2003:                        
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable   $ 11,301,000   $ 1,040,000   $ (6,423,000 )(1) $ 5,918,000
Allowance for obligatory investments     10,028,000     1,434,000     (122,000 )(2)   11,340,000
   
 
 
 
    $ 21,329,000   $ 2,474,000   $ (6,545,000 ) $ 17,258,000
   
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2002:                        
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable   $ 14,406,000   $ 1,586,000   $ (4,691,000 )(1) $ 11,301,000
Allowance for obligatory investments     9,290,000     1,521,000     (783,000 )(2)   10,028,000
   
 
 
 
    $ 23,696,000   $ 3,107,000   $ (5,474,000 ) $ 21,329,000
   
 
 
 

(1)
Represents net write offs of uncollectible accounts.

(2)
Represents write offs of obligatory investments in connection with the contribution of certain obligatory investments to CRDA approved projects.

F-177



EXHIBIT INDEX


Opinion of Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc., dated January 21, 2005—NEG Holding

 

A

Opinion of Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc., dated January 21, 2005—Panaco

 

B

Opinion of Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc., dated January 21, 2005—GB Holdings

 

C

NEG Holding Acquisition Agreement

 

D

Panaco Merger Agreement

 

E

GB Holdings Acquisition Agreement

 

F

Form of Amendment No. 4 to AREP's Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership

 

G

Form of Amendment No. 3 to AREH's Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership

 

H

i


Exhibit A

         LOGO

CONFIDENTIAL

January 21, 2005

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
American Property Investors, Inc.
General Partner of American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
100 South Bedford Road
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

Gentlemen:

        We understand that American Real Estate Partners, L.P. ("AREP" or "Purchaser") proposes to acquire from Gascon Partners (the "Seller"), an entity directly or indirectly wholly-owned by Carl C. Icahn ("Icahn"), its 50% membership interest in NEG Holding LLC ("NEG Holding") for consideration consisting of 11,344,828 depositary units of AREP (the "Proposed Transaction"). AREP currently owns (i) approximately 50.1% of the outstanding common stock of National Energy Group, Inc. ("NEGI"), a publicly traded company which manages NEG Holding and which owns the other 50% membership interest in NEG Holding and (ii) approximately $148.6 million principal amount of 10.75% Senior Notes due 2006 of NEGI. We further understand that NEG Holding is required, pursuant to that certain Operating Agreement for NEG Holding dated as of May 1, 2001 (the "Operating Agreement"), to make certain prioritized distributions to both NEGI and Gascon. The Proposed Transaction is subject to approval by the audit committee of the board of directors of American Property Investors, Inc., the general partner of AREP (the "Audit Committee"). The terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction are set forth in more detail in the Purchase Agreement dated January 21, 2005 among Purchaser and Seller (the "Purchase Agreement"). AREP is a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange which is approximately 87% owned and may be deemed to be controlled by Icahn. In addition, NEG Holding, NEGI, and Seller are each affiliates of and may be deemed to be controlled by Icahn.

        AREP issued $353 million principal amount of 8.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2012 on May 12, 2004. The indenture for such transaction contains a provision that AREP shall obtain, in connection with certain affiliate transactions, an opinion to the effect that such affiliate transaction is fair to AREP from a financial point of view.

        You have requested our opinion, as investment bankers, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to AREP of the consideration to be paid by Purchaser in the Proposed Transaction.

        In conducting our analysis and arriving at our opinion as expressed herein, we have reviewed and analyzed, among other things, the following:


LOGO

EX-A-1


January 21, 2005
Page 2 of 3
  LOGO

        We have also met with certain officers and employees of NEGI concerning the business, operations, assets, present condition and prospects of NEG Holding and undertook such other studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed appropriate.

        In arriving at our opinion, we have, with your permission, assumed and relied, without independent verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other information and data publicly available or provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with us and upon the assurances of the management of NEGI and affiliates of Icahn that no relevant information has been omitted or remains undisclosed to us, including, without limitation, with respect to the Reserve Reports, and have not attempted independently to verify any such information, nor do we assume any responsibility to do so. We have assumed that NEG Holding's forecasts and projections provided to and reviewed by us have been reasonably prepared based on the best current estimates and judgment of the management of NEGI as to the future financial condition and results of operations of NEG Holding. We have made no independent investigation of any legal, accounting or tax matters affecting NEG Holding, and have assumed the completeness and correctness of all legal, accounting and tax advice given to AREP and the Audit Committee. We have not conducted a comprehensive physical inspection of the properties and facilities of NEG Holding, nor have we made or obtained any independent evaluation or appraisal of its properties and facilities except for the Reserve Reports provided to us. We have also taken into account our assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions and our experience in transactions that, in whole or in part, we deem to be relevant for purposes of our analysis hereunder, as well as our experience in securities valuation in general. Our opinion necessarily is based upon economic, financial, political, regulatory and other conditions as they exist and can be evaluated on the date hereof and we assume no responsibility to update or revise our opinion based upon events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof.

EX-A-2


January 21, 2005
Page 3 of 3
  LOGO

        This letter and the opinion expressed herein are for the sole use and benefit of the Audit Committee. This opinion does not address the underlying business decision by the Audit Committee or AREP to approve the Proposed Transaction. This opinion may not be reproduced, summarized, excerpted from or otherwise publicly referred to or disclosed in any manner without our prior written consent; provided however, the Audit Committee or American Property Investors, Inc. may provide a copy of this opinion letter to the trustee for the indenture related to AREP's 8.125% Senior Notes due 2012.

        We will receive a customary fee for our services. In addition, AREP has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc., as part of its investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses in connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwritings, private placements of listed and unlisted securities, financial restructurings and other financial services.

        Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as investment bankers that, as of the date hereof, the consideration to be paid by Purchaser in the Proposed Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to AREP.

EX-A-3


Exhibit B

         LOGO

CONFIDENTIAL

January 21, 2005

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
American Property Investors, Inc.
General Partner of American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
100 South Bedford Road
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

Gentlemen:

        We understand that National Offshore LP ("Purchaser"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. ("AREP"), proposes to acquire from Highcrest Investors Corp. and Arnos Corp. (collectively, the "Sellers"), both of which are entities indirectly wholly-owned by Carl C. Icahn ("Icahn"), all of the outstanding common stock of Panaco, Inc. (the "Company") for consideration consisting of 4,310,345 depositary units of AREP (the "Proposed Transaction"). The Company emerged from bankruptcy protection on November 16, 2004 and is managed by National Energy Group, Inc. ("NEGI"), a publicly traded company of which AREP owns (i) approximately 50.1% of its outstanding common stock and (ii) approximately $148.6 million principal amount of its 10.75% Senior Notes due 2006. The Proposed Transaction is subject to approval by the audit committee of the board of directors of American Property Investors, Inc., the general partner of AREP (the "Audit Committee"). The terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction are set forth in more detail in the Purchase Agreement dated January 21, 2005 among Purchaser, Sellers, AREP and the Company (the "Purchase Agreement"). AREP is a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange which is approximately 87% owned and may be deemed to be controlled by Icahn. In addition, NEGI, the Company and Sellers are each affiliates of and may be deemed to be controlled by Icahn.

        On December 6, 2004, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AREP acquired all of the outstanding membership interests in Mid River LLC, an entity whose sole asset was a $38.0 million principal amount term loan bearing interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 4.0% per annum (the "Term Loan") secured by certain assets of the Company and that has no liabilities, an affiliate of Icahn, for cash consideration of $38.0 million plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Term Loan. Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc. rendered a fairness opinion with respect to the foregoing transaction on that date.

        AREP issued $353 million principal amount of 8.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2012 on May 12, 2004. The indenture for such transaction contains a provision that AREP shall obtain, in connection with certain affiliate transactions, an opinion to the effect that such affiliate transaction is fair to AREP from a financial point of view.

        You have requested our opinion, as investment bankers, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to AREP of the consideration to be paid by Purchaser in the Proposed Transaction.

        In conducting our analysis and arriving at our opinion as expressed herein, we have reviewed and analyzed, among other things, the following:


LOGO

EX-B-1


January 21, 2005
Page 2 of 3
  LOGO

        We have also met with certain officers and employees of NEGI concerning the business, operations, assets, present condition and prospects of the Company and undertook such other studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed appropriate.

        In arriving at our opinion, we have, with your permission, assumed and relied, without independent verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other information and data publicly available or provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with us and upon the assurances of the management of NEGI and affiliates of Icahn that no relevant information has been omitted or remains undisclosed to us, including, without limitation, with respect to the Reserve Reports, and have not attempted independently to verify any such information, nor do we assume any responsibility to do so. We have assumed that the Company's forecasts and projections provided to and reviewed by us have been reasonably prepared based on the best current estimates and judgment of the management of NEGI as to the future financial condition and results of operations of the Company. We have made no independent investigation of any legal, accounting or tax matters affecting the Company, and have assumed the completeness and correctness of all legal, accounting and tax advice given to AREP and the Audit Committee. We have not conducted a comprehensive physical inspection of the properties and facilities of the Company, nor have we made or obtained any independent evaluation or appraisal of its properties and facilities except for the Reserve Reports provided to us. We have also taken into account our assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions and our experience in transactions that, in whole or in part, we deem to be relevant for purposes of our analysis hereunder, as well as our experience in securities valuation in general. Our opinion necessarily is based upon economic, financial, political, regulatory and other conditions as they exist and can be evaluated on the date hereof and we assume no responsibility to update or revise our opinion based upon events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof.

EX-B-2


January 21, 2005
Page 3 of 3
  LOGO

        This letter and the opinion expressed herein are for the sole use and benefit of the Audit Committee. This opinion does not address the underlying business decision by the Audit Committee or AREP to approve the Proposed Transaction. This opinion may not be reproduced, summarized, excerpted from or otherwise publicly referred to or disclosed in any manner without our prior written consent; provided however, the Audit Committee or American Property Investors, Inc. may provide a copy of this opinion letter to the trustee for the indenture related to AREP's 8.125% Senior Notes due 2012.

        We will receive a customary fee for our services. In addition, AREP has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc., as part of its investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses in connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwritings, private placements of listed and unlisted securities, financial restructurings and other financial services.

        Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as investment bankers that, as of the date hereof, the consideration to be paid by Purchaser in the Proposed Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to AREP.

EX-B-3


Exhibit C

         LOGO

CONFIDENTIAL

January 21, 2005

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
American Property Investors, Inc.
General Partner of American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
100 South Bedford Road
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

Gentlemen:

        We understand that American Real Estate Partners, L.P. ("AREP" or "Purchaser") proposes to purchase from Cyprus, LLC ("Seller"), an entity indirectly wholly-owned by Carl C. Icahn ("Icahn"), warrants (expiring July 22, 2011) to purchase an aggregate of 1,133,284 shares of common stock of Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. ("Atlantic Holdings") and 4,121,033 shares of common stock of GB Holdings, Inc. for consideration consisting of (i) 413,793 depositary units of AREP at the closing and (ii) the contingent issuance of 206,897 depositary units of AREP upon the achievement of certain EBITDA thresholds in each of 2005 and 2006 (the "Proposed Transaction"). The Proposed Transaction is subject to approval by the audit committee of the board of directors of American Property Investors, Inc., the general partner of AREP (the "Audit Committee"). The terms and conditions of the Proposed Transaction are set forth in more detail in an agreement dated January 21, 2005 (the "Purchase Agreement") among Purchaser and Seller. AREP is a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange which is approximately 87% owned and may be deemed to be controlled by Icahn. In addition, Atlantic Holdings, Seller and Barberry are each affiliates of and may be deemed to be controlled by Icahn.

        On December 27, 2004, AREP purchased from Seller certain 3% Notes due 2008 of Atlantic Holdings in the principal amount of $37,009,500 (the "Notes"), which are convertible into 65.909 shares of common stock of Atlantic Holdings for each $1,000 of principal amount of such Notes, and which Notes are secured by all existing and future assets of Atlantic Holdings and Ace Gaming, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Holdings ("Ace Gaming" and together with Atlantic Holdings, collectively, the "Company"), for cash consideration of $36,000,000. Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc. rendered a fairness opinion with respect to the foregoing transaction on that date.

        AREP issued $353 million principal amount of 8.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2012 on May 12, 2004. The indenture for such transaction contains a provision that AREP shall obtain, in connection with certain affiliate transactions, an opinion to the effect that such affiliate transaction is fair to AREP from a financial point of view.

        You have requested our opinion, as investment bankers, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to AREP of the consideration to be paid by Purchaser in the Proposed Transaction.

        In conducting our analysis and arriving at our opinion as expressed herein, we have reviewed and analyzed, among other things, the following:

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        We have also met or conferred with certain officers and employees of the Company concerning the business, operations, assets, present condition and prospects of the Company and undertook such other studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed appropriate.

        In arriving at our opinion, we have, with your permission, made the following assumptions: (i) that there exist no facts as of the date of this opinion letter which would give rise to a claim by Purchaser against Seller under the Purchase Agreement, (ii) that we can rely upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other information and data that was publicly available, used by us or otherwise provided by the management of the Company, GB Holdings, Seller or Barberry, and we have not attempted independently to verify such information nor do we assume any responsibility to do so, (iii) that we can also rely upon the assurances of the management of the Company, GB Holdings, Seller and Barberry that no relevant information has been omitted or remains undisclosed to us, including without limitation, any relevant information regarding the financial condition of the Company, Seller or Barberry, and (iv) that the Company's forecasts and projections provided to and reviewed by us have been reasonably prepared based on the best current estimates and judgment of the Company's management as to the future financial condition and results of operations of the Company. We have made no independent investigation of any legal, accounting or tax matters affecting the Company, Seller, Barberry or the Notes, and have assumed the correctness of all legal, accounting and tax advice given to AREP and the Audit Committee. We have visited but have not conducted a comprehensive physical inspection of the properties of the Company, nor have we made or obtained any independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets or properties of the Company, Seller or Barberry. Our opinion, as

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set forth herein, relates solely to the consideration to the extent expressly specified herein and does not address any other terms or aspects of the Purchase Agreement or the Notes, including, without limitation, the perfection and priority of the security interest with respect to the Notes. We have also assumed, with your permission, that the Notes were validly issued and are enforceable in accordance with their terms. We have also taken into account our assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions and our experience in transactions that, in whole or in part, we deem to be relevant for purposes of our analysis hereunder, as well as our experience in securities valuation in general. Our opinion necessarily is based upon economic, financial, political, regulatory and other conditions as they exist and can be evaluated on the date hereof and we assume no responsibility to update or revise our opinion based upon events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof.

        This letter and the opinion expressed herein are for the sole use and benefit of the Audit Committee. This opinion does not address the underlying business decision by the Audit Committee or AREP to approve the Proposed Transaction. This opinion may not be reproduced, summarized, excerpted from or otherwise publicly referred to or disclosed in any manner without our prior written consent; provided however, the Audit Committee or American Property Investors, Inc. may provide a copy of this opinion letter to the trustee for the indenture related to AREP's 8.125% Senior Notes due 2012.

        We will receive a customary fee for our services. In addition, AREP has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. Morgan Joseph & Co. Inc., as part of its investment banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses in connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwritings, private placements of listed and unlisted securities, financial restructurings and other financial services.

        Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as investment bankers that, as of the date hereof, the consideration to be paid by Purchaser in the Proposed Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to AREP.

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Exhibit D

  

MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Dated as of January 21, 2005

by and among

American Real Estate Partners, L.P., as Purchaser,

and

Gascon Partners, as Seller

  

  

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Table of Contents

 
   
  Page
ARTICLE I
SALE OF MEMBERSHIP INTEREST AND CLOSING

1.1

 

Purchase and Sale

 

1
1.2   Purchase Price   1
1.3   Closing   2
1.4   Actions at the Closing   2
1.5   Tax Treatment   3

ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

2.1

 

Organization of Seller

 

3
2.2   Partnership Authority   3
2.3   Title   3
2.4   No Conflicts   3
2.5   Consents and Approvals   3
2.6   Brokers   4
2.7   Accuracy of Statements   4

ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
RELATING TO THE COMPANY AND THE SUBSIDIAIRIES

3.1

 

Due Organization of Company and the Subsidiaries; Status

 

4
3.2   Capitalization   4
3.3   Subsidiaries   5
3.4   Financial Statements   5
3.5   No Adverse Effects or Changes   5
3.6   Title to Properties   5
3.7   Litigation   5
3.8   Claims Against Officers and Directors   6
3.9   Insurance   6
3.10   Compliance with Law   6
3.11   Undisclosed Liabilities   6
3.12   Related Parties   6
3.13   Intellectual Property   7
3.14   Environmental Matters   7
3.15   Employees, Labor Matters, etc.   8
3.16   Employee Benefit Plans   8
3.17   Real Property   9
3.18   Tangible Personal Property   9
3.19   Contracts   10
3.20   Tax   10
3.21   Accuracy of Statements   11
3.22   Oil and Gas Properties   11
         

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ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

4.1

 

Organization of Purchaser

 

12
4.2   Authority   12
4.3   No Conflicts   12
4.4   Capitalization   12

ARTICLE V
COVENANTS

5.1

 

Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing

 

12
5.2   Efforts to Consummate Transaction   13

ARTICLE VI
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

6.1

 

Assignment and Assumption

 

14

ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER

7.1

 

Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date

 

15
7.2   Compliance by Seller   15
7.3   Seller's Certificates   15
7.4   No Material Adverse Change   15
7.5   Actions or Proceedings   15
7.6   Reserve Reports   15
7.7   Registration Rights Agreement   15

ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER

8.1

 

Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date

 

15
8.2   Compliance by Purchaser   15
8.3   Purchaser's Certificate   15
8.4   Consent of Required Lenders   16
8.5   Actions or Proceedings   16
8.6   Approval   16
8.7   Registration Rights Agreement   16
8.8   Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement   16

ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION

9.1

 

Termination

 

16
9.2   Effect of Termination   17

ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION

10.1

 

Indemnification by Seller

 

17
10.2   Claims   17
10.3   Notice of Third Party Claims; Assumption of Defense   17
10.4   Settlement or Compromise   18
10.5   Failure of Indemnifying Person to Act   18
10.6   Tax Character   18

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  Page

ARTICLE XI
DEFINITIONS

11.1

 

Defined Terms

 

19

ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS

12.1

 

Investigation

 

26
12.2   Survival of Representations and Warranties   26
12.3   Entire Agreement   26
12.4   Waiver   26
12.5   Amendment   26
12.6   No Third Party Beneficiary   26
12.7   Assignment; Binding Effect   26
12.8   Headings   26
12.9   Invalid Provisions   26
12.10   Governing Law   26
12.11   Counterparts   26
12.12   Waiver of Jury Trial   27
12.13   Consent to Jurisdiction   27
12.14   Expenses   27
12.15   Notices   27
12.16   Further Assurances   28

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        This MEMBERSHIP INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the or this "Agreement") dated as of January 21, 2005 is made and entered into by and among Gascon Partners, a New York general partnership ("Seller"), and American Real Estate Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Purchaser"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in Article XI.

        WHEREAS, Seller owns a membership interest (the "Membership Interest") in NEG Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Company") as described in that certain Operating Agreement for the Company dated as of May 1, 2001 ("Operating Agreement"), and Purchaser desires to purchase the Membership Interest from Seller on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

        WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell the Membership Interest to Purchaser on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:


ARTICLE I
SALE OF MEMBERSHIP INTEREST AND CLOSING

        1.1    Purchase and Sale.    Seller hereby agrees to sell to Purchaser the Membership Interest and Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from Seller the Membership Interest at the Closing on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

        1.2    Purchase Price.    

        All statements, reports, materials and other supporting documentation delivered under this Section 1.2(b) shall be in form and content reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser;

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        For purposes of this Section 1.2(c), the value of an AREP Unit shall be $29.

        1.3    Closing.    Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall take place (a) at the offices of Purchaser, located at 100 South Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, NY at 10:00 a. m., local time, on the second business day immediately following the day on which the last to be satisfied or waived of the conditions set forth in Articles VII and VIII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions) shall be satisfied or waived in accordance herewith or (b) at such other time, date or place as Purchaser and Seller may agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is herein referred to as the "Closing Date".

        1.4    Actions at the Closing.    

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        1.5    Tax Treatment.    The Sellers and AREP agree and acknowledge that the sale of the Membership Interest to Purchaser shall qualify as a nonrecognition transaction pursuant to Section 721(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.


ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

        As an inducement to Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, Seller hereby makes the following representations and warranties to Purchaser:

        2.1    Organization of Seller.    Seller is a general partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of New York. Seller has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation, to sell and transfer (pursuant to this Agreement) the Membership Interest.

        2.2    Partnership Authority.    The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement, and the performance by Seller of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by Seller's Managing General Partner and no other action on the part of Seller or its Managing General Partner is necessary for such execution, delivery or performance. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Seller and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms.

        2.3    Title.    The delivery of the Assignment Agreement and other instruments of transfer delivered by Seller to Purchaser at the Closing will transfer to Purchaser good and valid title to the Membership Interest, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens created by Purchaser and the Bank of Texas Lien.

        2.4    No Conflicts.    Except for any conflict relating to the matters for which the Proposed Consent is being sought, the execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement do not, and the performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

        2.5    Consents and Approvals.    Except for (i) any consent, authorization or approval relating to the matters for which the Proposed Consent is being sought, (ii) the approval of depositary unit holders of the Purchaser required by the New York Stock Exchange, and (iii) approvals to amend the Purchaser's amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated as of May 12, 1987, as amended, as contemplated by Section 8.8 hereof, no consent, authorization or approval of, filing or registration with, or cooperation from, any Governmental Authority or any other Person not a party to this Agreement is

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necessary in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        2.6    Brokers.    Neither Seller nor the Company nor any Subsidiary has used any broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither Purchaser nor any Affiliate of Purchaser has or shall have any liability or otherwise suffer or incur any Loss as a result of or in connection with any brokerage or finder's fee or other commission of any Person retained or purporting to be retained by Seller or by the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

        2.7    Accuracy of Statements.    Neither this Agreement nor any schedule, exhibit, statement, list, document, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of the Company, any Subsidiary or Seller to Purchaser or any representative or Affiliate of Purchaser in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.


ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF SELLER RELATING TO THE COMPANY AND THE SUBSIDIAIRIES

        As an inducement to Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, Seller hereby makes the following representations to Purchaser, except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule attached to this Agreement (it being agreed that any exceptions to such representations and warranties shall clearly identify the sections of this Agreement to which they apply).

        3.1    Due Organization of Company and the Subsidiaries; Status.    

        3.2    Capitalization.    Immediately prior to the Closing, the Seller will own the Membership Interest, free and clear of all Liens other than the Bank of Texas Lien. Immediately prior to the Closing, the Company will own 100% of the limited liability company interests of each of the Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens existing pursuant to the Mizuho Credit Documents. No Person holds any option, warrant, convertible security or other right to acquire any interest in the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. There are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of the Company or the Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any ownership interests of the Company or any Subsidiary or to provide funds to or make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any Subsidiary or any other Person.

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        3.3    Subsidiaries.    The Company has no subsidiaries other than NEG Operating LLC, Shana National LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Shana"), NGX Energy Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, NGX GP of Delaware LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and NGX LP of Delaware LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. NEG Operating LLC has no subsidiaries other than Shana, NGX GP of Delaware LLC and NGX LP of Delaware LLC. Shana has no subsidiaries. NGX GP of Delaware LLC is the general partner, and NGX LP of Delaware LLC is the limited partner, of NGX Energy Limited Partnership. NGX Energy Limited Partnership has no subsidiaries. Except for its interests in the Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries owns directly or indirectly any ownership or other investment interest, either of record, beneficially or equitably, in any Person.

        3.4    Financial Statements.    

        3.5    No Adverse Effects or Changes.    Since December 31, 2003, (i) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has suffered any Material Adverse Effect; (ii) there has been no change, event, development, damage or circumstance affecting the Company or the Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; (iii) there has not been any change by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries in its accounting methods, principles or practices, or any revaluation by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries of any of its assets, including writing down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts receivable; and (iv) the Company and each of the Subsidiaries has conducted its business only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

        3.6    Title to Properties.    Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to, and each Subsidiary is the lawful owner of, all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights used in connection with its respective businesses and all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights reflected in the Financial Statements, except for changes accruing in the ordinary course of business that would not, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect the ability of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries to conduct its business in the ordinary course, consistent with past practice.

        3.7    Litigation.    Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, there are no actions, suits, arbitrations, regulatory proceedings or other litigation, proceedings or governmental investigations, with

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such exceptions as are individually, or in the aggregate, not material in nature or amount, pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against or affecting the Company, the Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents in their capacity as such, or any of the Company's Assets and Properties or businesses of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, and to Seller's Knowledge, any facts or circumstances which may give rise to any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is subject to any order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation or consent order of or with any court or other Governmental Authority.

        3.8    Claims Against Officers and Directors.    There are no pending or, to the Seller's Knowledge, threatened claims against any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, the Subsidiaries or any other Person, which could give rise to any claim for indemnification against the Company or the Subsidiaries or cause the Company or the Subsidiaries to incur any material liability or otherwise suffer or incur any material Loss.

        3.9    Insurance.    

        3.10    Compliance with Law.    Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Company and the Subsidiaries are in compliance and, at all times, have been in compliance in all respects with all applicable Laws relating to the Company or the Subsidiaries or their respective Assets and Properties or businesses. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, no investigation or review by any governmental authority or self-regulatory authority is pending or, to Seller's Knowledge, threatened, nor has any such authority indicated orally or in writing to the Seller, the Company or any of the Subsidiaries an intention to conduct an investigation or review of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or, with respect to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or Seller.

        3.11    Undisclosed Liabilities.    Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has any material liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due, other than liabilities and obligations incurred after September 30, 2004 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (including as to amount and nature).

        3.12    Related Parties.    Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements or on Schedule 3.12 and except for transactions solely between the Company and the Subsidiaries or solely between the Company's Subsidiaries, (i) no Affiliate of the Company is a party to any Contract with the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; (ii) no Affiliate of the Company owes any material amount of money to, nor is such Affiliate owed any material amount of money by, the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, (iii) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, guaranteed or assumed any indebtedness for borrowed money or otherwise for the benefit of an Affiliate of the Company or

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any of the Subsidiaries; and (iv) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has made any material payment to, or engaged in any material transaction with, an Affiliate of the Company.

        3.13    Intellectual Property.    

        3.14    Environmental Matters.    Except as set forth in the disclosure documents of NEGI filed publicly with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") prior to the date hereof, or as set forth in the Financial Statements:

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        3.15    Employees, Labor Matters, etc.    Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by, and none of their employees is subject to, any collective bargaining agreement, and there are no labor unions or other organizations representing, purporting to represent or attempting to represent any employees employed by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. There has not occurred or been threatened any material strike, slow down, picketing, work stoppage, concerted refusal to work overtime or other similar labor activity with respect to any employees of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. There are no labor disputes currently subject to any grievance procedure, arbitration or litigation and there is no representation petition pending or threatened with respect to any employee of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. The Company and the Subsidiaries have complied with all applicable Laws pertaining to the employment or termination of employment of their respective employees, including, without limitation, all such Laws relating to labor relations, equal employment opportunities, fair employment practices, prohibited discrimination or distinction and other similar employment activities; except for any failure to comply that, individually and in the aggregate, is not reasonably likely to result in any Company Material Adverse Effect.

        3.16    Employee Benefit Plans.    

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        3.17    Real Property.    Schedule 3.17 contains a legal description of each parcel of real property, leases in real property, or other interests in real property, (including the address thereof) and a legal description of each parcel in which the Company and any of the Subsidiaries hold a valid easement to use such parcel (the "Real Property"). The Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable, has Good and Defensible Title to, or a valid and subsisting leasehold estate, or easement, in each such parcel of Real Property, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances. All of the real property leases in the Real Property are valid, binding, and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and are in full force and effect.

        3.18    Tangible Personal Property.    The Company or a Subsidiary is in possession of and has good title to, or have valid leasehold interests in or valid rights under contract to use, all of the real and personal property used or held for use in the business of the Company or the Subsidiaries, including the interest of the Company or a Subsidiary in all wells, well and leasehold equipment, pipelines, platforms, facilities, improvements, goods and other personal property located on or used in connection with the Real Property (the "Fixtures and Equipment"). All the Fixtures and Equipment is in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and its use complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws. All of the Fixtures and Equipment is adequate for the uses to which they are being put and are sufficient for the conduct of the business of the Company and the

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Subsidiaries in the manner as conducted prior to the Closing. The Company or a Subsidiary owns all of the Fixtures and Equipment free and clear of all Liens except the Permitted Encumbrances.

        3.19    Contracts.    

        3.20    Tax.    

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        3.21    Accuracy of Statements.    Neither this Agreement nor any schedule, exhibit, statement, list, document, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of the Company or Seller to Purchaser or any representative or Affiliate of Purchaser in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

        3.22    Oil and Gas Properties.    

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ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

        Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

        4.1    Organization of Purchaser.    Purchaser is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Purchaser has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform Purchaser's obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation to buy pursuant to this Agreement the Membership Interest and issue to Seller in consideration therefore the AREP Units.

        4.2    Authority.    The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement, and the performance by Purchaser of its obligations hereunder (including the issuance of the AREP Units), have been duly and validly authorized and, no other partnership action on the part of Purchaser is necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Purchaser and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Purchaser enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms.

        4.3    No Conflicts.    The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and the issuance of the AREP Units as contemplated hereby do not, the performance by Purchaser of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not:

        4.4    Capitalization.    The AREP Units have been duly authorized by all required action on the part of the Purchaser; the AREP Units, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will be free and clear of all liens, charges, restrictions, claims and encumbrances imposed by or through the Purchaser, except as expressly set forth in the Agreement.


ARTICLE V
COVENANTS

        5.1    Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing.    

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        5.2    Efforts to Consummate Transaction.    

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ARTICLE VI
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

        6.1    Assignment and Assumption.    At the Closing, Seller, the Company, Purchaser, AREH, AREP Oil and Gas and 6.2 AREP/NEG MGP LLC shall enter into the Assignment Agreement pursuant to which Seller will transfer, assign, convey and grant through Purchaser, AREH, and AREP Oil and Gas to AREP/NEG MGP LLC, its successors and assigns forever 100% of Seller's rights, title and interest to the Membership Interest.

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ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER

        The obligations of Purchaser under Article I of this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions precedent:

        7.1    Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date.    Each of the representations and warranties of Seller contained herein shall have been accurate, true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall also be accurate, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made by Seller on and as of the Closing Date.

        7.2    Compliance by Seller.    Seller shall have duly performed and complied with all of its covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be performed and complied with by Seller on or prior to the Closing Date.

        7.3    Seller's Certificates.    Purchaser shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing Date executed by an authorized officer of Seller certifying as to the fulfillment and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2.

        7.4    No Material Adverse Change.    No Material Adverse Change to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries shall have occurred and no event shall have occurred which, in the reasonable judgment of Purchaser, is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries.

        7.5    Actions or Proceedings.    No action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened, and no action or proceeding by other Person shall have been instituted, which (a) is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or (b) is reasonably likely to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or is reasonably likely to result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        7.6    Reserve Reports.    Purchaser shall have received the 2004 Reserve Reports.

        7.7    Registration Rights Agreement.    Purchaser shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.


ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER

        The obligations of Seller under Article I of this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions precedent:

        8.1    Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date.    Each of the representations and warranties of Purchaser contained herein shall have been accurate, true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall also be accurate, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made by Purchaser on and as of the Closing Date.

        8.2    Compliance by Purchaser.    Purchaser shall have duly performed and complied with its respective covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be performed and complied with by Purchaser on or prior to the Closing Date.

        8.3    Purchaser's Certificate.    Seller shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing Date executed by an authorized officer of Purchaser certifying as to the fulfillment and satisfying the conditions set forth in Sections 8.1 and 8.2.

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        8.4    Consent of Required Lenders.    The written consent of the Required Lenders (as defined in the Mizuho Pledge Agreement) shall have been obtained with respect to the sale of the Membership Interest and Purchaser shall have entered into the document contemplated in Section 5.2(a) or Purchaser shall have either (i) refinanced the loans under the Mizuho Credit Documents with loans that do not require such consent or (ii) consummated the Alternative Transaction.

        8.5    Actions or Proceedings.    No action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened, and no action or proceeding by other Person shall have been instituted, which (a) is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or (b) is reasonably likely to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or is reasonably likely to result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        8.6    Approval.    The transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been approved through all depositary unit holder action required by the New York Stock Exchange.

        8.7    Registration Rights Agreement.    Seller shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

        8.8    Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement.    The Purchaser's amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated as of May 12, 1987, as amended, shall have been amended (i) as necessary to consummate this transaction, (including without limitation, modification of Section 4.5(c) thereof to render such section inapplicable to any transactions approved by the audit committee of the Purchaser), and (ii) such that the general partner and the limited partners, as defined therein, may not cause Purchaser, or any successor entity of Purchaser, whether in its current form as a limited partnership or as converted to or succeeded by a corporation or other form of business association, to effect a merger or other business combination of Purchaser or such successor, in each case pursuant to Section 253 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, or any successor statute, or any similar short-form merger statute under the laws of Delaware or any other jurisdiction.


ARTICLE IX

TERMINATION

        9.1    Termination.    This Agreement may be terminated at any time on or prior to the Closing Date:

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        9.2    Effect of Termination.    If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, except for the obligations set forth in Article X and Article XII, which shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and except that no such termination shall relieve any party from liability for any prior willful breach of this Agreement.


ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION

        10.1    Indemnification by Seller.    Seller agrees to indemnify Purchaser, its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, stockholders, principals, partners, agents, or representatives (each an "Indemnified Person" and collectively, the "Indemnified Persons") against, and to hold each Indemnified Person harmless from, any and all Losses incurred or suffered by any Indemnified Person relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) any breach of or any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty made by Seller in this Agreement, or (b) any breach of or failure by any Seller to perform any of its covenants or obligations set out or contemplated in this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained herein, the aggregate liability of Seller and Barberry Corp. for any and all obligations under this Agreement shall in no event exceed the Purchase Price.

        10.2    Claims.    As promptly as is reasonably practicable after becoming aware of a claim for indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnified Person shall promptly give notice to the Seller ("Indemnifying Person") of such claim and the amount the Indemnified Person will be entitled to receive hereunder from the Indemnifying Person; provided that the failure of the Indemnified Person to promptly give notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of its obligations except to the extent (if any) that the Indemnifying Person shall have been prejudiced thereby. If the Indemnifying Person does not object in writing to such indemnification claim within 30 days of receiving notice thereof, the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to recover, on the thirty-fifth day after such notice was given, from the Indemnifying Person the amount of such claim, and no later objection by the Indemnifying Person shall be permitted; if the Indemnifying Person agrees that it has an indemnification obligation but objects that it is obligated to pay only a lesser amount, the Indemnified Person shall nevertheless be entitled to recover, on the thirty-fifth day after such notice was given, from the Indemnifying Person the lesser amount, without prejudice to the Indemnified Person's claim for the difference. In addition to the amounts recoverable by the Indemnified Person from the Indemnifying Person pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Indemnified Person shall also be entitled to recover from the Indemnifying Person interest on such amounts at the rate of Two Times Prime from, and including, the thirty-fifth day after such notice of an indemnification claim is given to, but not including, the date such recovery is actually made by the Indemnified Person.

        10.3    Notice of Third Party Claims; Assumption of Defense.    The Indemnified Person shall give notice as promptly as is reasonably practicable to the Indemnifying Person of the assertion of any claim, or the commencement of any suit, action or proceeding, by any Person not a party hereto (a "Third Party Claim") in respect of which indemnity may be sought under this Agreement; provided that the failure of the Indemnified Person to promptly give notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of its obligations except to the extent (if any) that the Indemnifying Person shall have been prejudiced thereby. The Indemnifying Person may, at its own expense, participate in the defense of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding (a) upon notice to the Indemnified Person and (b) upon delivery by the Indemnifying Person to the Indemnified Person a written agreement that the Indemnified Person is entitled to indemnification for all Losses arising out of such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding and that the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for the entire amount of any Loss, at any time during the course of any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding, assume the defense thereof; provided, however, that (i) the Indemnifying Person's counsel is reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person, and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall thereafter consult with

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the Indemnified Person upon the Indemnified Person's reasonable request for such consultation from time to time with respect to such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding. If the Indemnifying Person assumes such defense, the Indemnified Person shall have the right (but not the duty) to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Person. If, however, the Indemnified Person reasonably determines in its judgment that representation by the Indemnifying Person's counsel of both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person would present such counsel with a conflict of interest, then such Indemnified Person may employ separate counsel to represent or defend it in any such Third Party Claim, action, suit or proceeding and the Indemnifying Person shall pay all of the fees and disbursements in connection with the retention of such separate counsel. If the Indemnifying Person fails to promptly notify the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party desires to defend the Third Party Claim pursuant, or if the Indemnifying Person gives such notice but fails to prosecute vigorously and diligently or settle the Third Party Claim, then the Indemnified Party will have the right to defend, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Person, the Third Party Claim by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings will be prosecuted by the Indemnifying Person in good faith or will be settled at the discretion of the Indemnifying Person (with the consent of the Indemnifying Person, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld). The Indemnifying Person will have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement thereof. Whether or not the Indemnifying Person chooses to defend or prosecute any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding, all of the parties hereto shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution thereof.

        10.4    Settlement or Compromise.    Any settlement or compromise made or caused to be made by the Indemnified Person or the Indemnifying Person, of any claim, suit, action or proceeding shall also be binding upon the Indemnifying Person or the Indemnified Person, as the case may be, in the same manner as if a final judgment or decree had been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in the amount of such settlement or compromise thereof; provided, however, that no obligation, restriction or Loss shall be imposed on the Indemnified Person as a result of such settlement without its prior written consent. The Indemnified Person will give the Indemnifying Person at least 30 days' notice of any proposed settlement or compromise of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding it is defending, during which time the Indemnifying Person may reject such proposed settlement or compromise; provided, however, that from and after such rejection, the Indemnifying Person shall be obligated to assume the defense of and full and complete liability and responsibility for such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding and any and all Losses in connection therewith in excess of the amount of unindemnifiable Losses which the Indemnified Person would have been obligated to pay under the proposed settlement or compromise.

        10.5    Failure of Indemnifying Person to Act.    In the event that the Indemnifying Person does not assume the defense of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding brought against an Indemnified Person, then any failure of the Indemnified Person to defend or to participate in the defense of any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding or to cause the same to be done, shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

        10.6    Tax Character.    Seller and Purchaser agree that any payments pursuant to this Article X will be treated for federal and state income tax purposes as adjustments to the purchase price of the Membership Interest, and that they will report such payments on all Tax Returns consistently with such characterization.

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ARTICLE XI
DEFINITIONS

        11.1    Defined Terms.    As used in this Agreement, the following defined terms have the meanings indicated below:

        "2004 Reserve Reports" means the reserve reports prepared by an independent petroleum reserve engineering firm acceptable to both Purchaser and Seller which provides estimates of the net recoverable crude oil and natural gas reserves of the Company and the Subsidiaries, for each of the Reserve Categories, as of January 21, 2005. The proved undeveloped, probable, and possible reserve estimates shall be further subdivided into (i) reserves attributable to the properties of the Company in Pecos County, Texas known as Longfellow Ranch Field, and (ii) all other such reserves. The 2004 Reserve Reports shall be prepared consistent with industry standards, using methodologies consistent with reserve reports prepared for the Company and its Subsidiaries by independent petroleum reserve engineering firms for years prior to 2004.

        "Adjusted Low Reserve Valuation Amount" means the sum of A and B, where A equals the quotient, the dividend of which is the Low Reserve Valuation Amount minus $497,477,000, and the divisor of which is 2, and B equals $278,241,000.

        "Adjusted High Reserve Valuation Amount" means the sum of A and B, where A equals a quotient, the dividend of which is the High Reserve Valuation Amount minus $489,877,000, and the divisor of which is 2, and B equals $278,241,000.

        "Adjusted Purchase Amount" means the sum of A and B, where A equals the product of (a) the difference between the Adjusted High Reserve Valuation Amount and Adjusted Low Reserve Valuation Amount, and (b) 70.3%, and B equals the Adjusted Low Reserve Valuation Amount.

        "Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, owns or controls, is under common ownership or control with, or is owned or controlled by, such specified Person.

        "Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "Alternative Sellers" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(b)(i).

        "Alternative Transaction" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(b).

        "AREH" means American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership.

        "AREP Oil and Gas" means AREP Oil & Gas LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

        "AREP Units" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.2(c).

        "AREP/NEG MGP LLC" means AREP/NEG MGP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

        "Assets and Properties" of any Person means all assets and properties of every kind, nature, character and description (whether real, personal or mixed, whether tangible or intangible, and wherever situated), including the goodwill related thereto, operated, owned or leased by such Person.

        "Assignment Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(a).

        "Astral" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(b)(i).

        "Audited Financial Statements" means the audited financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004, consisting of the balance sheet at such date and the related statements of operations, statement of members' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended,

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each accompanied by the audit report of KPMG LLP, independent public auditors with respect to the Company.

        "Bank of Texas Lien" means that lien existing in connection with the pledge of the Membership Interest to Bank of Texas, N.A. pursuant to the Mizuho Pledge Agreement.

        "Business Day" means any day of the year other than (i) any Saturday or Sunday or (ii) any other day on which commercial banks located in New York City are generally closed for business.

        "Business or Condition" of any Person means the business, condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets or results of operations or prospects of such Person, taken as a whole.

        "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or any successor statutes and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

        "CERCLIS" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System List.

        "Cigas" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(b)(i).

        "Closing" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.3.

        "Closing Date" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.3.

        "Closing Reserve Value Ranges" means a calculation of the ranges of present values of the net estimated cash flows for each of the Reserve Categories of the Company and the Subsidiaries, as set forth in the 2004 Reserve Reports, utilizing the ranges of discount rates set forth below, and based on all of assumptions contained in the 2004 Reserve Reports (except that initial cash prices per barrel of oil and per mcf of natural gas shall be as described in Annex A and adjusted on a well-by-well basis consistent with the methodologies applied in the 2004 Reserve Reports for items such as transportation, basis differentials, marketing, the quality of the crude oil and the heating value of the natural gas).

 
  Discount Rates
 
Reserve Category

 
  Low
  High
 
Proved Developed Producing   10.0 % 10.0 %
Proved Developed Non-Producing   10.0 % 15.0 %
Proved Undeveloped          
  Longfellow   15.0 % 15.0 %
  All Other   15.0 % 20.0 %
Probable          
  Longfellow   20.0 % 25.0 %
  All Other   25.0 % 40.0 %
Possible          
  Longfellow   40.0 % 40.0 %
  All Other   40.0 % 60.0 %

        "Closing Statement" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.2(b).

        "Closing Statement Date" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.2(b).

        "Company" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "Contract" means any contract, lease, commitment, understanding, sales order, purchase order, agreement, indenture, mortgage, note, bond, right, warrant, instrument, plan, permit or license, whether written or oral, which is intended or purports to be binding and enforceable.

        "Dollars" or numbers proceeded by the symbol "$" means amounts in United States Dollars.

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        "Environmental Claim" means any third party (including, without limitations, governmental agencies and employees) action, lawsuit, claim or proceeding (including claims or proceedings under OSHA or similar laws relating to safety of employees) that seeks to impose liability for (a) pollution or contamination of the ambient air, surface water, ground water or land; (b) solid, gaseous or liquid waste generation, handling, treatment, storage, disposal or transportation; (c) exposure to hazardous or toxic substances; (d) the safety or health of employees; or (e) the transportation, processing, distribution in commerce, use or storage of hydrocarbons or chemical substances. An Environmental Claim includes, but is not limited to, a common law action, as well as a proceeding to issue, modify or terminate an Environmental Permit.

        "Environmental Law" means any law, rule, regulation or order of other requirements of law (including common law) any federal, foreign, state or local executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative agency, board or authority with jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets that relates to (a) pollution or protection of human health, natural resources and the environment, including ambient air, surface water, ground water or land; (b) solid, gaseous or liquid waste generation, treatment, storage, disposal or transportation; (c) exposure to Hazardous Materials; (d) the safety or health of employees; or (e) regulation of the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use or storage of Hazardous Materials, including hydrocarbons or chemical substances. Environmental Laws include but are not limited to OSHA, CERCLA, the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 ("SARA"), as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 ("RCRA"), as amended, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Act of 1984, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA"), as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and any other federal, foreign, state and local law whose purpose is to conserve or protect human health, the environment, wildlife or natural resources.

        "Environmental Permit" means any permit, license, approval or other authorization under any Environmental Law, applicable law, regulation and other requirement of the United States or any foreign country or of any state, municipality or other subdivision thereof relating to pollution or protection of health or the environment, including laws, regulations or other requirements relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants or hazardous substances or toxic materials or wastes into ambient air, surface water, ground water or land, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation or handling of hydrocarbons or chemical subsidiaries, pollutants, contaminants or hazardous or toxic materials or wastes.

        "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

        "Financial Statements" means the Audited Financial Statements and the Interim 2004 Financial Statements.

        "Fixtures and Equipment" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.18.

        "GAAP" means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles at the time in effect.

        "Good and Defensible Title" means such right title and interest that is (a) evidenced by an instrument or instruments filed of record in accordance with the conveyance and recording laws of the applicable jurisdiction to the extent necessary to prevail against competing claims of bona fide purchasers for value without notice, and (b) subject to Permitted Encumbrances, free and clear of all Liens, claims, infringements, burdens and other defects.

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        "Governmental or Regulatory Authority" means any court, tribunal, arbitrator, authority, administrative or other agency, commission, authority, licensing board official or other instrumentality of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision.

        "GP Interest" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(b)(i).

        "GP Interests" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(b)(i).

        "Hazardous Material" means (a) any "hazardous substance," as defined by CERCLA; (b) any "hazardous waste" or "solid waste," in either case as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended; (c) any hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical, material, waste or substance, regulated by any Environmental Law; (d) any radioactive material, including any naturally occurring radioactive material, and any source, special or byproduct material as defined in 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. and any amendments or authorizations thereof; (e) any asbestos-containing materials in any form or condition; (f) any polychlorinated biphenyls in any form or condition; (g) petroleum, petroleum hydrocarbons, or any fraction or byproducts thereof; (h) any air pollutant which is so designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as authorized by the Clean Air Act; or (i) any mold or microbial/microbiological contaminants that pose a risk to human health or the environment.

        "High Reserve Valuation Amount" means the sum of the high range of the Closing Reserve Value Ranges (based on the low discount rates) for each of Reserve Categories.

        "Imbalance" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.2(b)(i).

        "Imbalance Value" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.2(b)(ii).

        "Indemnified Person" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.1.

        "Indemnifying Person" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.2.

        "Interim 2004 Financial Statements" means the unaudited internal financial statements of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, consisting of the balance sheet at such date and the related statements of operations for the period then ended.

        "Knowledge" means, with respect to the Seller, the Company and/or the Subsidiaries, in each case the knowledge of any director, officer, senior executive, partner or member of Seller, Company or any Subsidiary.

        "Laws" means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and other pronouncements having the effect of law of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision or of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "Lease" means each of the oil and gas or mineral leases set forth on Schedule 3.22(a).

        "License" means licenses, permits, certificates of authority, authorizations, approvals, registrations, findings of suitability, variances, exemptions, certificates of occupancy, orders, franchises and similar consents granted or issued by any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "Lien" means any mortgage, lien (except for any lien for Taxes not yet due and payable), charge, restriction, pledge, security interest, option, lease or sublease, claim, right of any third party, easement, encroachment, encumbrance or other adverse claim of any kind or description.

        "Loss" or "Losses" means any and all liabilities, losses, costs, claims, damages (including consequential damages), penalties and expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses and costs of investigation and litigation).

        "Low Reserve Valuation Amount" means the sum of the low range of the Closing Reserve Value Ranges (based on the high discount rates) for each of Reserve Categories.

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        "Managing GP Interest" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(b)(i).

        "Material Adverse Effect" or "Material Adverse Change," as to any Person, means a material adverse change (or circumstance involving a prospective change) in the Business or Condition of such Person, other than changes resulting from changes or fluctuations in the market price of oil, gas or natural gas.

        "Meeting" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(c).

        "Membership Interest" has the meaning ascribed to it in the Recitals of this Agreement.

        "Mizuho Credit Agreement" means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2003, among NEG Operating LLC, certain lenders party thereto, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent, Bank of Texas, N.A. and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as Co-Agents, Bank of Texas, N.A., as Collateral Agent and Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., as Sole Arranger and Bookrunner.

        "Mizuho Credit Documents" means the Mizuho Credit Agreement, the Seller Pledge Agreement, the NEG Operating Pledge Agreement, the NEGI Pledge Agreement, the Security Agreement and all documents entered into or delivered in connection therewith and all amendments and modifications thereto.

        "NEGI" means National Energy Group, Inc.

        "NEGI Pledge Agreement" means that certain Pledge Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy, dated as of December 29, 2003, by National Energy Group, Inc. in favor of Bank of Texas, N.A., as Collateral Agent.

        "National Priorities List" means the list of priority contaminated sites maintained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as contemplated by Section 105 of CERCLA.

        "NEG Operating Pledge Agreement" means that certain Pledge Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy, dated as of December 29, 2003, by NEG Operating LLC in favor of Bank of Texas, N.A., as Collateral Agent.

        "Oil and Gas Properties" means all of the rights, titles and interests in and to oil and gas or mineral properties of the Company and the Subsidiaries including all oil and gas or mineral leases and other mineral interests of the Company and the Subsidiaries and all of the surface leases, rights-of-way, easements, licenses, permits, servitudes and other rights-of-use (whether surface, subsurface or subsea) of the Company and the Subsidiaries.

        "Operating Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

        "Order" means any writ, judgment, decree, injunction or similar order of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority (in each such case whether preliminary or final).

        "OSHA" means the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended, or any successor statute, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

        "Panaco Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 21, 2005, by and among National Offshore LP, Highcrest Investors Corp., Arnos Corp, Purchaser and Panaco Inc..

        "Permitted Encumbrances" means, as applicable,

EX-D-27


        "Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, other business organization, trust, union, association or Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "Plans" means all material pension and profit sharing, retirement and post retirement welfare benefit, health insurance benefit (medical, dental and vision), disability, life and accident insurance, sickness benefit, vacation, employee loan and banking privileges, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, workers compensation, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock and other equity-based, severance, employment, change of control or fringe benefit plans, programs, arrangements or agreements, whether written or oral, including any employee benefit plans defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA., maintained or contributed to by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries.

        "Proposals" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(c).

        "Proposed Consent" means the consent of the Required Lenders under the Mizuho Credit Agreement to the transfer of the Membership Interest as contemplated by this Agreement.

        "Purchase Price" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.2(c).

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        "Purchaser" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals of this Agreement.

        "Real Property" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.17.

        "Reserve Categories" means (i) proved developed producing, (ii) proved developed non-producing, (iii) proved undeveloped, (iv) probable, and (v) possible.

        "Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights Agreement between Purchaser, Seller, and the other parties thereto, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

        "SEC" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.14.

        "Section 1.4 Notice" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(c).

        "Security Agreement" means that certain Security Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2003, by NEG Operating LLC in favor of Bank of Texas, N.A., as Collateral Agent.

        "Seller" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals of this Agreement.

        "Seller Pledge Agreement" means that certain Pledge Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy, dated as of December 29, 2003, by Seller in favor of Bank of Texas, N.A., as Collateral Agent.

        "Shana" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.3.

        "Statement" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(c).

        "Subsidiary" means NEG Operating LLC, Shana National LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, NGX Energy Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, NGX GP of Delaware LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and NGX LP of Delaware LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

        "Substitute Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4(b).

        "Tax Return" means any report, return, document, declaration or other information or filing required to be supplied to any taxing authority or jurisdiction (foreign or domestic) with respect to Taxes, including attachments thereto and amendments thereof, and including, without limitation, information returns, any documents with respect to or accompanying payments of estimated Taxes, or with respect to or accompanying requests for the extension of time in which to file any such report, return, document, declaration or other information.

        "Taxes" means any and all taxes, charges, fees, levies, duties, liabilities, impositions or other assessments, including, without limitation, income, gross receipts, profits, excise, real or personal property, environmental, recapture, sales, use, value-added, withholding, social security, retirement, employment, unemployment, occupation, service, license, net worth, payroll, franchise, gains, stamp, transfer and recording taxes, fees and charges, imposed by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or any other taxing authority (whether domestic or foreign including, without limitation, any state, county, local or foreign government or any subdivision or taxing agency thereof (including a United States possession)), whether computed on a separate, consolidated, unitary, combined or any other basis; and such term shall include any interest whether paid or received, fines, penalties or additional amounts attributable to, or imposed upon, or with respect to, any such taxes, charges, fees, levies, duties, liabilities, impositions or other assessments.

        "Third Party Claim" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.3.

        "TransTexas Agreement" means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 21, 2005, by and among National Onshore LP, Highcrest Investors Corp. and TransTexas Gas Corporation.

        "Two Times Prime" means two times the prime rate published by Citibank, N.A.

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        "Well" or "Wells" means all of the oil, gas and condensate wells, (whether producing, not producing or abandoned or temporarily abandoned) in which the Company holds an interest.


ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS

        12.1    Investigation.    It shall be no defense to an action for breach of this Agreement that Purchaser or its agents have (or have not) made investigations into the affairs of the Company or that the Company or Seller could not have known of the misrepresentation or breach of warranty.

        12.2    Survival of Representations and Warranties.    The representations and warranties of the parties hereunder shall survive the Closing.

        12.3    Entire Agreement.    This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are incorporated herein and made an integrated part hereof, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior discussions and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.

        12.4    Waiver.    Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the party waiving such term or condition. No waiver by any party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Law or otherwise afforded, will be cumulative and not alternative.

        12.5    Amendment.    This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of each party hereto.

        12.6    No Third Party Beneficiary.    The terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the parties to confer third party beneficiary rights upon any other Person, except that each Indemnified Persons shall be a third party beneficiary of Article X.

        12.7    Assignment; Binding Effect.    No party may assign this Agreement or any right, interest or obligation hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Parties. This Agreement is binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

        12.8    Headings.    The headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.

        12.9    Invalid Provisions.    If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future Law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, (a) such provision will be fully severable, (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, and (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance here from.

        12.10    Governing Law.    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

        12.11    Counterparts.    This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

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        12.12    Waiver of Jury Trial.    EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY ANY OF THEM AGAINST ANY OTHER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE ADMINISTRATION THEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN. No party to this Agreement shall seek a jury trial in any lawsuit, proceeding, counterclaim, or any other litigation procedure based upon, or arising out of, this Agreement or any related instruments or the relationship between the parties. No party will seek to consolidate any such action in which a jury trial has been waived with any other action in which a jury trial cannot be or has not been waived. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY THE PARTIES HERETO, AND THESE PROVISIONS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO NO EXCEPTIONS. NO PARTY HAS IN ANY WAY AGREED WITH OR REPRESENTED TO ANY OTHER PARTY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION WILL NOT BE FULLY ENFORCED IN ALL INSTANCES.

        12.13    Consent to Jurisdiction.    Each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any NY State Court in the County of New York or any courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District of New York, and each party hereby agrees that all suits, actions and proceedings brought by such party hereunder shall be brought in any such court. Each party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court, any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum and the right to object, with respect to any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court, that such court does not have jurisdiction over such party or the other party. In any such suit, action or proceeding, each party waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, personal service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service thereof may be made by any means permitted by Section 0 (other than facsimile transmission). Each party agrees that a final non-appealable judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court shall be conclusive and binding.

        12.14    Expenses.    All expenses, costs and fees in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (including fees and disbursements of counsel, consultants and accountants) incurred by (a) Seller shall be paid and borne exclusively by Seller, and (b) Purchaser shall be paid and borne exclusively by Purchaser. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Agreement is terminated prior to the Closing and such termination results from any breach by Seller or Purchaser, as the case may be, of any representation, warranty or covenant by such party, then such breaching party shall reimburse the non-breaching party for all such expenses, fees and cash, including for all expenses, fees and cash incurred in connection with obtaining high yield or other financing.

        12.15    Notices.    All notices, request, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and postage prepaid, by courier, or by facsimile transmission, addressed as follows:

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or to such other address as a party may from time to time designate in writing in accordance with this Section. Each notice or other communication given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been received (a) on the Business Day it is sent, if sent by personal delivery, (b) the earlier of receipt of three Business Days after having been sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, (c) on the Business Day it is sent, if sent by facsimile transmission and an activity report showing the correct facsimile number of the party on whom notice is served and the correct number of pages transmitted is obtained by the sender (provided, however, that such notice or other communication is also sent by some other means permitted by this Section 12.15, or (d) on the first Business Day after sending, if sent by courier or overnight delivery.

        12.16    Further Assurances.    Each of 12.17 the parties hereto covenants and agrees that, from time to time subsequent to Closing, it will, at the request of the other party, execute and deliver (or, in the case of Purchaser, cause AREH or AREP Oil and Gas to execute and deliver) all such documents, including, without limitation, all such additional conveyances, transfers, consents and other assurances and do all such other acts and things as such other party may from time to time request be executed or done in order to better evidence, perfect or effect any provision of this Agreement, or of any agreement or other document executed pursuant to this Agreement, or any of the respective obligations intended to be created hereby or thereby.

[Signature Page Follows]

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each party hereto as of the date first above written.

    Gascon Partners

 

 

By:

Cigas Corp., its managing general partner

 

 

By:

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
Name: Edward E. Mattner
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

 

 

By:

American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

 

 

By:

/s/  
KEITH A. MEISTER      
Name: Keith A. Meister
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

For Purposes of Section 1.4 only:

 

 

CIGAS CORP.

 

 

By:

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
Name: Edward E. Mattner
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

ASTRAL GAS CORP.

 

 

By:

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
Name: Edward E. Mattner
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

For Purposes of Section 5.2(c) only:

 

 

BARBERRY CORP.

 

 

By:

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
Name: Edward E. Mattner
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

HIGH COAST LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

 

 

By:

Little Meadow Corp., its general partner

 

 

By:

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
Name: Edward E. Mattner
Title: Authorized Signatory

[Signature Page to the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement between Gascon Partners and AREP with respect to interest in NEGH.]

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        GUARANTY:    The undersigned hereby guarantees the payment and performance by each of Gascon Partners, Cigas Corp. and Astral Gas Corp. of all of its respective duties and obligations under this Agreement when due.

BARBERRY CORP.      

By:

 

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
Name: Edward E. Mattner
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

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Exhibit A

Assignment and Assumption Agreement

        Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of              , 2005, among American Real Estate Partners, L.P. ("AREP"), American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership ("AREH"), AREP Oil & Gas LLC ("AREP Oil and Gas"), AREP/NEG MP LLC ("AREP/NEG") and Gascon Partners ("Gascon"). Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings attributed to them in the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of even date herewith, between AREP and Gascon (the "Membership Interest Purchase Agreement").

        In consideration of the purchase and sale of the membership interests in accordance with the Membership Purchase Agreement, Purchaser, AREH, AREP Oil and Gas and Seller agree as follows:

        1.     Gascon hereby transfers and conveys all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Operating Agreement of NEG Holding LLC (the "Company") to AREP (the "AREP Transfer"). Simultaneously with the AREP Transfer, AREP hereby transfers and conveys all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Operating Agreement to AREH (the "AREH Transfer"). Simultaneously with the AREH Transfer, AREH hereby transfers and conveys all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Operating Agreement to AREP Oil and Gas (the "AREP Oil and Gas Transfer"). Simultaneously with the AREP Oil and Gas Transfer, AREP Oil and Gas hereby transfers and conveys all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Operating Agreement to AREP/NEG.

        2.     Each of such transferees hereby accepts all of Gascon's right, title and interest in, to and under the Operating Agreement as contemplated above.

        3.     As a result of the foregoing, AREP/NEG is the owner of the Membership Interest and is hereby admitted as a member of the Company having all of the rights, powers and interest formerly owned by Gascon.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this document on              , 2004.

    Gascon Partners

 

 

By:

Cigas Corp., its managing general partner

 

 

By:

    

Name:
Title:

[Signature Page to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Gascon Partners, AREP, AREH and AREP Oil & Gas with respect to the membership interest in NEGH]

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    American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

 

 

By:

 

American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

    

Name:
Title:

 

 

American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership

 

 

By:

 

American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

    

Name:
Title:

 

 

AREP Oil & Gas LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

    

Name:
Title:

 

 

AREP/NEG MGP LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

    

Name:
Title:
ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED TO:      

NEG HOLDING LLC

 

 

 

By:

 

    

Name:
Title:

 

 

 

[Signature Page to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Gascon Partners, AREP, AREH and AREP Oil & Gas with respect to the membership interest in NEGH]

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Exhibit B

Form Of Registration Rights Agreement

        This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated as of [                ], 2005 is made and entered into by and between American Real Estate Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "Company"), and the other signatories listed hereto (each a "Holder" and collectively the "Holders"). Capitalized terms used herein, but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Company (as amended from time to time, the "Partnership Agreement").

        WHEREAS, the Company contemplates the issuance to Holders (the "Issuance") of depositary units representing limited partnership interests the Company ("Depositary Units"); and

        WHEREAS, the Holders desire, and the Company agrees to grant to the Holders, certain registration rights with respect to the Depositary Units.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
GRANT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS

        Section 1.1 RIGHTS GRANTED. The Company agrees that, upon consummation of the Issuance, the Holders shall be entitled to the registration rights described in Article IV herein.

ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

        The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Holders as follows:

        Section 2.1    DUE FORMATION OF THE COMPANY. The Company is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform the Company's obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

        Section 2.2    AUTHORITY. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, and the performance by such party of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by the Board of Directors of its general partner, no other corporate action on the part of the Company or its partners being necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

        Section 2.3    CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The Depositary Units, when issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

        Section 2.4    NO CONFLICTS. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement do not, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE HOLDERS

        Each of the Holders severally represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

        Section 3.1    ORGANIZATION OF THE HOLDERS. Such Holder is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the state of its organization. Such Holder is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform such Holder's obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

        Section 3.2    AUTHORITY. The execution and delivery by such Holder of this Agreement, and the performance by such Holder of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized, no other action on the part of such Holder being necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Holder and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Holder enforceable against the Holder in accordance with its terms.

        Section 3.3    NO CONFLICTS. The execution and delivery by such Holder of this Agreement does not, the performance by such Holder of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

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ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

        The Company covenants and agrees with the Holders that the Company will comply with the covenants and provisions of this ARTICLE IV, except to the extent the Holders may otherwise consent in writing:

        Section 4.1    PIGGY-BACK REGISTRATION. If at any time the Company shall determine to register for its own account or the account of others under the Securities Act (including pursuant to a demand for registration made by any Holder of Registrable Securities) any of its equity securities, or warrants to purchase equity securities, other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or their then equivalents relating to Depositary Units to be issued solely in connection with any acquisition of any entity or business, it shall send to each Holder of Registrable Securities as reflected on the books and records of or maintained on behalf of the Company, including each Holder who has the right to acquire, who is entitled to registration rights under this SECTION 4.1 written notice of such determination and, if within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such notice, such Holder shall so request in writing, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to include in such registration statement all or any part of the Registrable Securities such Holder requests to be registered, except that if, in connection with any underwritten public offering of the Company the managing underwriter shall impose a limitation on the number of Units which may be included in the registration statement because, in its judgment, such limitation is necessary to effect an orderly public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such registration statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which such Holder has requested inclusion hereunder. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities, in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities which are not entitled by right to inclusion of securities in such registration statement pursuant to this ARTICLE IV. No incidental right under this SECTION 4.1 shall be construed to limit any registration required under SECTION 4.2. The obligations of the Company to a Holder under this SECTION 4.1 may be waived only by such Holder. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, no other registration rights (demand or piggy-back) with respect to any debt or equity securities shall be granted to any Person without the consent of the Holders.

        Section 4.2    DEMAND REGISTRATION.

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        Section 4.3    REGISTRATIONS ON FORM S-3. In addition to the rights provided the Holders of Registrable Securities in SECTIONS 4.1 and 4.2, if the registration of Registrable Securities under the Securities Act can be effected on Form S-3 (or any similar form promulgated by the Commission), then upon the written request of one or more Holders of Registrable Securities for the registration of at least twenty percent (20%) of the Registrable Securities, the Company will so notify each Holder of Registrable Securities, including each Holder who has a right to acquire Registrable Securities, and then will, as expeditiously as possible, use its best efforts to effect qualification and registration under the Securities Act on Form S-3 of all or such portion of the Registrable Securities as the Holder or Holders shall specify in the initial request to the Company or upon written request of a Holder to the Company given within fifteen (15) days after the receipt by the Holders from the Company of such notification.

        Section 4.4    EFFECTIVENESS. The Company will use its best efforts to maintain the effectiveness for up to 90 days (or such shorter period of time as the underwriters need to complete the distribution of the registered offering, or one year in the case of a "shelf" registration statement on Form S-3) of any registration statement pursuant to which any of the Registrable Securities are being offered, and from time to time will use reasonable efforts to amend or supplement such registration statement and the prospectus contained therein to the extent necessary to comply with the Securities Act and any applicable state securities statute or regulation. The Company will also provide each Holder of Registrable Securities with as many copies of the prospectus contained in any such registration statement as it may reasonably request.

        Section 4.5    INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY. (a) In the event that the Company registers any of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Holder and each underwriter of the Registrable Securities (including their officers, directors, affiliates and partners) so registered (including any broker or dealer through whom such Units may be sold) and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder or any such underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them become subject under the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or under any other statute or at common law or otherwise, as incurred, and, except as hereinafter provided, will reimburse each such Holder, each such underwriter and each such controlling Person, if any, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them or any of them in connection with investigating or defending any actions whether or not resulting in any liability, as incurred, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, expenses, liabilities or

EX-D-40



actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, in any preliminary or amended preliminary prospectus or in the final prospectus (or the registration statement or prospectus as from time to time amended or supplemented by the Company) or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or any violation by the Company of any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act or any state securities laws applicable to the Company and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration, unless (i) such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in such registration statement, preliminary or amended preliminary prospectus or final prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company in connection therewith by any such Holder of Registrable Securities (in the case of indemnification of such Holder), any such underwriter (in the case of indemnification of such underwriter) or any such controlling Person (in the case of indemnification of such controlling Person) expressly for use therein, or unless (ii) in the case of a sale directly by such Holder of Registrable Securities (including a sale of such Registrable Securities through any underwriter retained by such Holder of Registrable Securities to engage in a distribution solely on behalf of such Holder of Registrable Securities), such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was contained in a preliminary prospectus and corrected in a final or amended prospectus copies of which were delivered to such Holder of Registrable Securities or such underwriter on a timely basis, and such Holder of Registrable Securities failed to deliver a copy of the final or amended prospectus at or prior to the confirmation for the sale of the Registerable Securities to the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or liability in any case where such delivery is required by the Securities Act.

EX-D-41


        Section 4.6    INDEMNIFICATION BY HOLDERS OF REGISTRABLE SECURITIES. (a) In the event that the Company registers any of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, each Holder of the Registrable Securities so registered will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who have signed or otherwise participated in the preparation of the registration statement, each underwriter of the Registrable Securities so registered (including any broker or dealer through whom such of the Units may be sold) and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or under any other statute or at common law or otherwise, and, except as hereinafter provided, will reimburse the Company and each such director, officer, underwriter or controlling Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them or any of them in connection with investigating or defending any actions whether or not resulting in any liability, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, expenses, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, in any preliminary or amended preliminary prospectus or in the final prospectus (or in the registration statement or prospectus as from time to time amended or supplemented) or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, but only insofar as (i) any such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company in connection therewith by such Holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein and (ii) in the case of a sale directly by such Holder of Registrable Securities (including a sale of such Registrable Securities through any underwriter retained by such Holder of Registrable Securities to engage in a distribution solely on behalf of such Holder of Registrable Securities), such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was contained in a preliminary prospectus and corrected in a final or amended prospectus copies of which were delivered to such Holder of Registrable Securities or such underwriter on a timely basis, and such Holder of Registrable Securities failed to deliver a copy of the final or amended prospectus at or prior to the confirmation for the sale of the Registerable Securities to the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or liability in any case where such delivery is

EX-D-42


required by the Securities Act; provided, however, that such Holder's obligations hereunder shall be limited to an amount equal to the aggregate public offering price of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder in such registration, net of any underwriting discounts or commissions paid by such Holder.

        Section 4.7    EXCHANGE ACT REGISTRATION. If the Company at any time shall list any class of equity securities on any national securities exchange or obtain authorization for Units of such class to be quoted on an automated quotation system and shall register such class of equity securities under the Exchange Act, the Company will, at its expense, simultaneously list on such exchange or qualify for trading on such automated quotation system and maintain such listing or authorization of, the

EX-D-43


Registrable Securities of such class. If the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of either Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company will use its best efforts to timely file with the Commission such information as the Commission may require under either of said Sections; and in such event, the Company shall use its best efforts to take all action as may be required as a condition to the availability of Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act (or any successor exemptive rule hereafter in effect) with respect to such equity securities. The Company shall furnish to any Holder of Registrable Securities forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company as filed with the Commission, and (iii) such other reports and documents as a Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing a Holder to sell any such Registrable Securities without registration. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to facilitate and expedite transfers of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, which efforts shall include timely notice to its transfer agent to expedite such transfers of Registrable Securities.

        Section 4.8    DAMAGES. The Company recognizes and agrees that the Holder of Registrable Securities will not have an adequate remedy if the Company fails to comply with this ARTICLE IV and that damages may not be readily ascertainable, and the Company expressly agrees that, in the event of such failure, it shall not oppose an application by the Holder of Registrable Securities or any other Person entitled to the benefits of this ARTICLE IV requiring specific performance of any and all provisions hereof or enjoining the Company from continuing to commit any such breach of this ARTICLE.

        Section 4.9    FURTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. Whenever under the preceding SECTIONS of this ARTICLE IV, the Company is required hereunder to register Registrable Securities, it agrees that it shall also do the following:

EX-D-44


        Whenever under the preceding SECTIONS of this ARTICLE IV the Holders of Registrable Securities are registering such securities pursuant to any registration statement, each such Holder agrees to timely provide to the Company, at its request, such information and materials as it may reasonably request in order to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities.

        Section 4.10    EXPENSES. In the case of each registration effected under this Article IV, the Company shall bear all reasonable costs and expenses of each such registration on behalf of the selling Holders of Registrable Securities, including, but not limited to, the Company's printing, legal and accounting fees and expenses, Commission and NASD filing fees and "Blue Sky" fees; provided, however, that the Company shall have no obligation to pay or otherwise bear any portion of the underwriters' commissions or discounts attributable to the Registrable Securities being offered and sold by the Holders of the Registrable Securities, or the fees and expenses of counsel for the selling Holders of Registrable Securities in connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities. The Company shall also pay all expenses of the Holders of the Registrable Securities in connection with any registration initiated pursuant to this ARTICLE IV which is withdrawn or abandoned at the request of the Company.

        Section 4.11    TRANSFERABILITY. (a) For all purposes of ARTICLE IV of this Agreement, a Holder or assignee thereof who becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with SECTION 4.11(b) hereof shall be deemed at any particular time to be the Holder of all Registrable Securities of which such Person shall at such time be the "beneficial owner," determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

        Section 4.12    MERGERS, ETC. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into any merger, consolidation or reorganization in which the Company shall not be the surviving entity unless the proposed surviving entity shall, prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization, agree in writing to assume the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, and for that purpose

EX-D-45


references hereunder to Registrable Securities shall be deemed to be references to the securities which the Holders would be entitled to receive in exchange for Registrable Securities under any such merger, consolidation or reorganization; provided, however, that the provisions of this SECTION 4.12 shall not apply in the event of any merger, consolidation, or reorganization in which the Company is not the surviving entity if all Holders are entitled to receive in exchange for their Registrable Securities consideration consisting solely of (i) cash, or (ii) securities of the acquiring entity which may be immediately sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act.

ARTICLE V
DEFINITIONS

        Section 5.1    DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following defined terms have the meanings indicated below:

        "Affiliate" means any Person that directly, or indirectly through one of more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the Person specified. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person means the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by Contract or otherwise.

        "Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Assets and Properties" of any Person means all assets and properties of every kind, nature, character and description (whether real, personal or mixed, whether tangible or intangible, and wherever situated), including the goodwill related thereto, operated, owned or leased by such Person.

        "Business or Condition of the Company" means the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

        "Commission" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

        "Company" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Contract" means any agreement, lease, license, evidence of indebtedness, mortgage, indenture, security agreement or other contract.

        "Depositary Units" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals of this Agreement.

        "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission (or of any other Federal agency then administering the Exchange Act) thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

        "Governmental or Regulatory Authority" means any court, tribunal, arbitrator, authority, agency, commission, official or other instrumentality of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision.

        "Holder" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Holders" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Issuance" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals of this Agreement.

        "Laws" means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and other pronouncements having the effect of law of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision or of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "License" means all licenses, permits, certificates of authority, authorizations, approvals, registrations, franchises and similar consents granted or issued by any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

EX-D-46



        "Liens" means any mortgage, pledge, assessment, security interest, lease, lien, adverse claim, levy, charge or other encumbrance of any kind, or any conditional sale Contract, title retention Contract or other Contract to give any of the foregoing.

        "NASD" means the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

        "Order" means any writ, judgment, decree, injunction or similar order of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority (in each such case whether preliminary or final).

        "Partnership Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, other business organization, trust, union, association or Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "Registrable Securities" shall mean and include the Depositary Units owned by a Holder; provided, however, that Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the consummation of any sale pursuant to a registration statement or Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

        "Required Holders" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.2(a) of this Agreement.

        "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission (or of any other federal agency then administering the Securities Act) thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

        "Subsidiaries" means all Persons in which the Company, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns more than 50% of either the equity interests in, or the voting control of, such Persons.

ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS

        Section 6.1    ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement supersedes all prior discussions and agreements between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and contains the sole and entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

        Section 6.2    WAIVER. Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the party waiving such term or condition. No waiver by any party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Law or otherwise afforded, will be cumulative and not alternative.

        Section 6.3    AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of each party hereto.

        Section 6.4    NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY. The terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon any other Person.

        Section 6.5    ASSIGNMENT; BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement and any right, interest or obligation hereunder may be assigned by Holder without the prior written consent of the Company. This Agreement is binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

        Section 6.6    HEADINGS. The headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.

EX-D-47



        Section 6.7    INVALID PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future Law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, (a) such provision will be fully severable, (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, and (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance here from.

        Section 6.8    GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York applicable to a Contract executed and performed in such State, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

        Section 6.9    COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each party hereto as of the date first above written.


 

 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
    By:   American Property Investors, Inc.,
    Its general partner

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

HOLDERS:

 

 

HIGHCREST INVESTORS CORP.,

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

ARNOS CORP.,

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

CYPRUS, LLC

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

GASCON PARTNERS

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

EX-D-49


ANNEX A

Year

  Oil Price
($/Bbl)

  Gas Price
($/mcf)

2005   $ 44.36   $ 6.184
2006   $ 41.35   $ 6.267
2007   $ 39.57   $ 5.921
2008   $ 37.50   $ 5.750
2009   $ 35.00   $ 5.500
Thereafter   $ 35.00   $ 5.500

EX-D-50


Exhibit E

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
Dated as of January 21, 2005
by and among
National Offshore LP,
Highcrest Investors Corp.,
Arnos Corp.
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
and
Panaco, Inc.

EX-E-1



ARTICLE I
TERMS OF THE MERGER

1.1

 

The Merger

 

1
1.2   Organizational Documents of Partnership   2
1.3   Officers of Partnership   2
1.4   Effective Time   2
1.5   Closing   3
1.6   Actions at the Closing   3
1.7   Tax Treatment   3

ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

2.1

 

Organization of Shareholder

 

3
2.2   Authority   3
2.3   Title   3
2.4   No Conflicts   4
2.5   Consents and Approvals   4
2.6   Brokers   4
2.7   Accuracy of Statements   4

ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS RELATING TO THE CORPORATION

3.1

 

Due Organization of Corporation; Authority

 

4
3.2   Capitalization   5
3.3   Subsidiaries   5
3.4   Financial Statements   5
3.5   No Adverse Effects or Changes   5
3.6   Title to Properties   6
3.7   Litigation   6
3.8   Claims Against Officers and Directors   6
3.9   Insurance   6
3.10   Compliance with Law   6
3.11   Undisclosed Liabilities   6
3.12   Related Parties   6
3.13   Intellectual Property   7
3.14   Environmental Matters   7
3.15   Employees, Labor Matters, etc.   8
3.16   Employee Benefit Plans   8
3.17   Real Property   9
3.18   Tangible Personal Property   9
3.19   Contracts   9
3.20   Tax   10
3.21   Accuracy of Statements   11
3.22   Oil and Gas Properties   11

ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTNERSHIP

4.1

 

Organization of the Partnership

 

11
4.2   Authority   11
         

EX-E-2


4.3   No Conflicts   11
4.4   Capitalization   12

ARTICLE V
COVENANTS

5.1

 

Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing

 

12
5.2   Efforts to Consummate Transaction   13
5.3   Tax Returns   14

ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTNERSHIP

6.1

 

Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date

 

14
6.2   Compliance by the Shareholders   14
6.3   Shareholders' Certificates   14
6.4   No Material Adverse Change   14
6.5   Actions or Proceedings   14
6.6   Reserve Reports   14
6.7   Registration Rights Agreement   14

ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLERS

7.1

 

Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date

 

15
7.2   Compliance by the Partnership   15
7.3   The Partnership's Certificate   15
7.4   Actions or Proceedings   15
7.5   Approval   15
7.6   Registration Rights Agreement   15
7.7   Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement   15
7.8   Good Standing   15

ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION

8.1

 

Termination

 

15
8.2   Effect of Termination   16

ARTICLE IX
INDEMNIFICATION

9.1

 

Indemnification by the Shareholders

 

16
9.2   Claims   16
9.3   Notice of Third Party Claims; Assumption of Defense   17
9.4   Settlement or Compromise   17
9.5   Failure of Indemnifying Person to Act   17
9.6   Tax Character   18

ARTICLE X
DEFINITIONS

10.1

 

Definitions

 

18

ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS

11.1

 

Investigation

 

24
         

EX-E-3


11.2   Survival of Representations and Warranties   24
11.3   Entire Agreement   24
11.4   Waiver   24
11.5   Amendment   24
11.6   No Third Party Beneficiary   24
11.7   Assignment; Binding Effect   24
11.8   Headings   24
11.9   Invalid Provisions   25
11.10   Governing Law   25
11.11   Counterparts   25
11.12   Waiver of Jury Trial   25
11.13   Consent to Jurisdiction   25
11.14   Expenses   25
11.15   Notices   26
11.16   Further Assurances   26

EX-E-4


        This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (the or this "Agreement") dated as of January 21, 2005 is made and entered into by and between National Offshore LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the "Partnership" or after the Effective Time, the "Surviving Entity"), Highcrest Investors Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Highcrest"), Arnos Corp., a Nevada Corporation ("Arnos") (each of Highcrest and Arnos being hereinafter referred to individually as a "Shareholder" and collectively as the "Shareholders"), American Real Estate Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("AREP"), and Panaco, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in Article X.

        WHEREAS, the Partnership is a limited partnership duly formed and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware;

        WHEREAS, the Corporation is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware;

        WHEREAS, the Shareholders collectively own 100% of the outstanding common stock of the Corporation, par value $.01 per share (the "Panaco Common Stock");

        WHEREAS, the General Corporation Law of Delaware, 8 Del. C. §§ 101 et seq. (the "GCL"), and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 17-101 et seq. (the "LP Act"), each permits a corporation organized and existing under the GCL to merge with and into a limited partnership formed and existing under the LP Act; and

        WHEREAS, the general partner and the limited partner of the Partnership and the board of directors of the Corporation have duly authorized the merger of the Corporation with and into the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and each Shareholder's board of directors has taken action authorizing the Shareholders to approve and adopt this Agreement as the sole stockholders of the Corporation;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, it is agreed that, in accordance with the applicable statutes of the State of Delaware, the Corporation shall be, at the Effective Time, merged with and into the Partnership (the "Merger"), with the Partnership to be the Surviving Entity. The mode of carrying the Merger into effect shall be as follows:

ARTICLE I

TERMS OF THE MERGER

        1.1    The Merger.    

        (a)   At the Effective Time and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, all of the Panaco Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Shareholders, shall be canceled and converted into the right to receive a number of depositary units representing limited partnership interests of AREP to be determined in accordance with Section 1.1(c) (the "Merger Price"). Certificates representing the Merger Price shall be delivered by AREP to the Shareholders upon surrender of the certificate(s) formerly representing the Panaco Common Stock. The shares of Panaco Common Stock converted into the right to receive the Merger Price are hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Merger Shares". All such Merger Shares, from and after the Effective Time, shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist, and the Shareholders shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive the Merger Price therefor upon the surrender of such certificate(s) to the Partnership.

EX-E-5



        (b)   On or before the fifth Business Day prior to the anticipated Closing Date (the "Closing Statement Date"), Shareholders will deliver to AREP (i) true and correct copies of the 2004 Reserve Reports, and (ii) a statement (the "Closing Statement"), certified by an officer of each Shareholder, setting forth

        All statements, reports, materials and other supporting documentation delivered under this Section 1.1(b) shall be in form and content reasonably satisfactory to Buyer;

        (c)   the Merger Price shall be 4,310,345 depositary units representing limited partnership interests of AREP ("AREP Units"), provided that:

        For purposes of this Section 1.1(c), the value of an AREP Unit shall be $29.

        (d)   At the Effective Time, (i) the general partnership interest held by Offshore GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "General Partner"), and the limited partnership interest held by Offshore LP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Limited Partner"), immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding, (ii) the General Partner and the Limited Partner shall continue as the general partner and limited partner, respectively, of the Surviving Entity and (iii) 100% of the membership interests in each of the General Partner and the Limited Partner (the "Interests") shall be owned by AREP. Immediately following the Effective Time, (i) AREP shall contribute 100% of the Interests to American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership ("AREH"), and (ii) AREH shall contribute 100% of the Interests to AREP Oil & Gas LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

        1.2    Organizational Documents of Partnership.    From and after the Effective Time, and until thereafter amended as provided by law, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the Certificate of Limited Partnership and Limited Partnership Agreement of the Surviving Entity.

        1.3    Officers of Partnership.    From and after the Effective Time, and until their successors are duly elected or appointed, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal, the partners and officers of the Surviving Entity shall be the same as the partners and officers of the Partnership immediately prior to the Effective Time.

        1.4    Effective Time.    A certificate of merger to effect the Merger ("Certificate of Merger") shall be filed on the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware

EX-E-6



("Secretary of State") pursuant to the GCL and the LP Act and shall specify that the Merger shall become effective upon the filing of the Certificate of Merger (such time of effectiveness, the "Effective Time").

        1.5    Closing.    Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall take place (a) at the offices of the Partnership, located at 100 South Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, NY at 10:00 a. m., local time, on the second business day immediately following the day on which the last to be satisfied or waived of the conditions set forth in Articles VI and VII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions) shall be satisfied or waived in accordance herewith or (b) at such other time, date or place as the Corporation and the Partnership may agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is herein referred to as the "Closing Date."

        1.6    Actions at the Closing.    At the Closing: (i) the Shareholders shall deliver to the Partnership one or more certificates representing the Panaco Common Stock; (ii) the Partnership shall deliver to the Shareholders the Merger Price and the certificate described in Section 7.3; (iii) each Shareholder shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Partnership the certificate described in Section 6.3; and (iv) the Shareholders and Partnership shall cause the Certificate of Merger to be filed as provided in Section 1.4 hereof.

        1.7    Tax Treatment.    The Shareholders and AREP agree and acknowledge that the transfer of the Corporation's assets pursuant to the Merger and the Shareholder's receipt of the Merger Price qualify for nonrecognition treatment under Section 721(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

        As an inducement to the Partnership to enter into this Agreement, each Shareholder hereby makes the following representations and warranties to the Partnership:

        2.1    Organization of Shareholder.    Highcrest is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Arnos is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Nevada. Each Shareholder has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation, to sell and transfer (pursuant to this Agreement) the Panaco Common Stock.

        2.2    Authority.    The execution and delivery by each Shareholder of this Agreement, and the performance by such Shareholder of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by such Shareholder's board of directors and stockholders and no other action on the part of such Shareholder, its board of directors or stockholders is necessary for such execution, delivery or performance. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each Shareholder and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Shareholder, enforceable against such Shareholder in accordance with its terms. Each Shareholder's board of directors has authorized its officers to execute and deliver to the Corporation a unanimous written consent of the Shareholders, as the sole stockholders of the Corporation, approving and adopting this Agreement ("Written Consent").

        2.3    Title.    The delivery of the Panaco Common Stock and other instruments of transfer delivered by the Shareholders to the Partnership at the Closing will transfer to the Partnership good and valid title to the Panaco Common Stock, free and clear of all Liens.

EX-E-7



        2.4    No Conflicts.    The execution and delivery by each Shareholder of this Agreement do not, and the performance by such Shareholder of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

        2.5    Consents and Approvals.    Except for (i) the approval of depositary unit holders of the Purchaser required by the New York Stock Exchange, and (ii) approvals to amend the Purchaser's amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated as of May 12, 1987, as amended, as contemplated by Section 7.7 hereof, no consent, authorization or approval of, filing or registration with, or cooperation from, any Governmental Authority or any other Person not a party to this Agreement is necessary in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Shareholders of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        2.6    Brokers.    Neither the Shareholders nor the Corporation has used any broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither the Partnership nor any Affiliate of the Partnership has or shall have any liability or otherwise suffer or incur any Loss as a result of or in connection with any brokerage or finder's fee or other commission of any Person retained or purporting to be retained by the Shareholders or by the Corporation in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

        2.7    Accuracy of Statements.    Neither this Agreement nor any schedule, exhibit, statement, list, document, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of the Corporation or the Shareholders to the Partnership or any representative or Affiliate of the Partnership in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF THE SELLERS RELATING TO THE CORPORATION

        As an inducement to the Partnership to enter into this Agreement, each Shareholder hereby makes the following representations to the Partnership, except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule attached to this Agreement (it being agreed that any exceptions to such representations and warranties shall clearly identify the sections of this Agreement to which they apply).

        3.1    Due Organization of Corporation; Authority.    (a) The Corporation is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the state of Delaware, with all requisite power and authority to own,

EX-E-8



lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as they are now being owned, leased, operated and conducted. Except for the State of Delaware, the Corporation is licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing (where the concept of "good standing" is applicable) as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the nature of the properties owned, leased or operated by it and the business transacted by it require such licensing or qualification.

        (b)   The Shareholders have delivered to the Partnership true, correct and complete copies of the organizational documents of the Corporation, which organizational documents are in full force and effect.

        (c)   The Corporation's board of directors has duly authorized and approved this Agreement and, subject to the due execution and delivery of the Written Consent by the Shareholders, this Agreement has been duly authorized by the Corporation by all necessary corporate action.

        3.2    Capitalization.    Immediately prior to the Closing, the Shareholders will own the Panaco Common Stock, free and clear of all Liens. No Person holds any option, warrant, convertible security or other right to acquire any interest in the Corporation. There are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of the Corporation to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any ownership interests of the Corporation or to provide funds to or make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any Person.

        3.3    Subsidiaries.    The Corporation has no subsidiaries. The Corporation does not own, directly or indirectly, any ownership or other investment interest, either of record, beneficially or equitably, in any Person.

        3.4    Financial Statements.    (a) The Shareholders have delivered to the Partnership true, correct and complete copies of the Audited Financial Statements. The Audited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present fairly the financial position, assets, liabilities and retained earnings of the respective companies as of the dates thereof and the revenues, expenses, results of operations, and cash flows of the respective companies for the periods covered thereby. The Audited Financial Statements are in accordance with the books and records of the respective companies, do not reflect any transactions which are not bona fide transactions and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact (whether or not required to be disclosed under GAAP) or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

        (b)   The Shareholders have delivered to the Partnership true and complete copies of the Interim 2004 Financial Statements. The Interim 2004 Financial Statements present fairly the financial position, assets, liabilities and retained earnings of the respective companies as of the dates thereof and the revenues, expenses, results of operations, and cash flows of the respective companies for the periods covered thereby. The Interim 2004 Financial Statements are in accordance with the books and records of the respective companies, do not reflect any transactions which are not bona fide transactions and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact (whether or not required to be disclosed under GAAP) or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

        3.5    No Adverse Effects or Changes.    Since December 31, 2003, (i) the Corporation has not suffered any Material Adverse Effect; (ii) there has been no change, event, development, damage or circumstance affecting the Corporation that, individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Corporation; (iii) there has not been any change by the Corporation in its accounting methods, principles or practices, or any revaluation by the Corporation of any of its assets, including writing down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts receivable; and (iv) the Corporation has conducted its business only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

EX-E-9



        3.6    Title to Properties.    The Corporation has good and marketable title to, and the Corporation is the lawful owner of, all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights used in connection with its business and all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights reflected in the Financial Statements, except for changes accruing in the ordinary course of business that would not, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect the ability of the Corporation to conduct its business in the ordinary course, consistent with past practice.

        3.7    Litigation.    Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, there are no actions, suits, arbitrations, regulatory proceedings or other litigation, proceedings or governmental investigations, with such exceptions as are individually, or in the aggregate, not material in nature or amount, pending or, to the Knowledge of the Shareholders, threatened against or affecting the Corporation or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents in their capacity as such, or any of the Corporation's Assets and Properties or business of the Corporation, and to the Shareholders', there are no facts or circumstances which may give rise to any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, the Corporation is not subject to any order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation or consent order of or with any court or other Governmental Authority.

        3.8    Claims Against Officers and Directors.    There are no pending or, to the Shareholders' Knowledge, threatened claims against any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or any other Person, which could give rise to any claim for indemnification against the Corporation or cause the Corporation to incur any material liability or otherwise suffer or incur any material Loss.

        3.9    Insurance.    

        (a)   The Corporation maintains insurance policies that provide adequate and suitable insurance coverage for the business of the Corporation and are on such terms, cover such risks and are in such amounts as the insurance customarily carried by comparable companies of established reputation similarly situated and carrying on the same or similar business.

        (b)   Prior to the date hereof, the Shareholders have delivered to the Partnership all insurance policies (including policies providing property, casualty, liability, workers' compensation, and bond and surety arrangements) under which the Corporation is an insured, a named insured or otherwise the principal beneficiary of coverage. All insurance policies of the Corporation are in full force and effect. The Corporation has not received notice of any refusal of coverage with respect to an existing policy. The Corporation has paid all premiums due under all such policies.

        3.10    Compliance with Law.    Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Corporation is in compliance and, at all times, have been in compliance in all respects with all applicable Laws relating to the Corporation or its Assets and Properties or business. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, no investigation or review by any Governmental or Regulatory Authority or self-regulatory authority is pending or, to the Shareholders' Knowledge, threatened, nor has any such authority indicated orally or in writing to the Shareholders or the Corporation an intention to conduct an investigation or review of the Corporation or, with respect to the Corporation or the Shareholders.

        3.11    Undisclosed Liabilities.    Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, the Corporation has no material liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due, other than liabilities and obligations incurred after September 30, 2004 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (including as to amount and nature).

        3.12    Related Parties.    Except for the Management Agreement with National Energy Group Inc. and the term loan with Mid River LLC (the "Panaco Note"), and except as set forth on Schedule 3.12 or as otherwise disclosed in the Financial Statements, (i) no Affiliate of the Corporation is a party to any Contract with the Corporation; (ii) no Affiliate of the Corporation owes any material amount of money to, nor is such Affiliate owed any material amount of money by, the Corporation, (iii) the

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Corporation does not have, directly or indirectly, guaranteed or assumed any indebtedness for borrowed money or otherwise for the benefit of an Affiliate of the Corporation; and (iv) the Corporation has not made any material payment to, or engaged in any material transaction with, an Affiliate of the Corporation.

        3.13    Intellectual Property.    

        (a)   The Corporation owns, or possesses adequate rights to use, all material patents, trade names, trademarks, copyrights, inventions, processes, designs, formula, trade secrets, know-how, seismic data and other intellectual property rights necessary for, used or held for use in the conduct of its business. All material intellectual property necessary for used or held for use in the conduct of the business of the Corporation has been duly registered with, filed in or issued by the relevant filing offices, domestic or foreign, to the extent necessary or desirable to ensure full protection under any applicable Law, and such registrations, filings or issuances remain in full force and effect.

        (b)   The conduct of the business of the Corporation does not infringe or otherwise conflict with any rights of any Person in respect of intellectual property rights. None of the intellectual property rights owned by the Corporation is being infringed or otherwise, in any way, used or available for use by any Person without a license or permission from the Corporation and the Corporation has not taken or omitted to take any action which would have the effect of waiving any of its rights thereunder. The Corporation has not received any claim of infringement or conflict by any third party in respect of any intellectual property used by the Corporation.

        3.14    Environmental Matters.    Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14 or in the Financial Statements:

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        3.15    Employees, Labor Matters, etc.    Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Corporation is not a party to or bound by, and none of its employees is subject to, any collective bargaining agreement, and there are no labor unions or other organizations representing, purporting to represent or attempting to represent any employees employed by the Corporation. There has not occurred or been threatened any material strike, slow down, picketing, work stoppage, concerted refusal to work overtime or other similar labor activity with respect to any employees of the Corporation. There are no labor disputes currently subject to any grievance procedure, arbitration or litigation and there is no representation petition pending or threatened with respect to any employee of the Corporation. The Corporation has complied with all applicable Laws pertaining to the employment or termination of employment of their respective employees, including, without limitation, all such Laws relating to labor relations, equal employment opportunities, fair employment practices, prohibited discrimination or distinction and other similar employment activities; except for any failure to comply that, individually and in the aggregate, is not reasonably likely to result in any Material Adverse Effect.

        3.16    Employee Benefit Plans.    

        (a)   Except as set forth in the Financial Statements or accrued thereafter in accordance with the terms of the Plans as of the date hereof, the Corporation has not incurred any material liability, and no event, transaction or condition has occurred or exists that could result in any material liability, on account of any Plans, including but not limited to liability for (i) additional contributions required to be made under the terms of any Plan or its related trust, insurance contract or other funding arrangement with respect to periods ending on or prior to the date hereof which are not reflected, reserved against or accrued in the Financial Statements; (ii) breaches by the Corporation or any of its employees, officers, directors, stockholders, or, to the Knowledge of the Shareholders, the trustees under the trusts created under the Plans, or any other Persons under ERISA or any other applicable Law; or (iii) income taxes by reason of non-qualification of the Plans. Each of the Plans has been operated and administered in all material respects in compliance with its terms, all applicable Laws and all applicable collective bargaining agreements. Since September 30, 2004, the Corporation has not communicated to any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant thereof any intention or commitment to amend or modify any Plan, or to establish or implement any other employee or retiree benefit or compensation plan or arrangement, which would materially increase the cost to the Corporation.

        (b)   Each Plan which is intended to be "qualified" within the meaning of section 401(a) of the Code, and the trust (if any) forming a part thereof has received a favorable determination letter or is covered by an opinion letter from the Internal Revenue Service and no event has occurred and no condition exists which could reasonably be expected to result in the revocation of any such determination. All amendments and actions required to bring each Plan into conformity with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, and any other applicable Laws have been made or taken.

        (c)   There are no pending or threatened claims (and no facts or circumstances exist that could give rise to any such claims) by or on behalf of any participant in any of the Plans, or otherwise involving any such Plan or the assets of any Plan, other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course.

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The Plans are not presently under audit or examination (nor has notice been received of a potential audit or examination) by the IRS, the Department of Labor, or any other Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        (d)   None of the Plans provides benefits of any kind with respect to current or former employees, officers, or directors (or their beneficiaries) of the Corporation beyond their retirement or other termination of employment, other than (i) coverage for benefits mandated by Section 4980B or the Code, (ii) death benefits or retirement benefits under an employee pension benefit plan (as defined by section 3(2) of ERISA), or (iii) benefits, the full cost of which is borne by such current or former employees, officers, directors, or beneficiaries.

        (e)   No Plan sponsored by the Corporation is a "multiemployer plan" within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA or a "multiple employer plan" as addressed in section 4063 or 4064 of ERISA. No Plan sponsored by the Corporation is subject to Title IV of ERISA.

        (f)    The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (alone or in combination with any other event, including, without limitation, the passage of time) result in (i) any payment (including, without limitation, severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute, bonus payments or otherwise) becoming due under any agreement or oral arrangement to any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant of the Corporation, (ii) any increase in the amount of salary, wages or other benefits payable to any director, officer, employee or consultant of the Corporation, or (iii) any acceleration of the vesting or timing of payment of any benefits or compensation (including, without limitation, any increased or accelerated funding obligation) payable to any director, officer, employee or consultant of the Corporation.

        3.17    Real Property.    Schedule 3.17 contains a legal description of each parcel of real property, leases in real property, or other interests in real property, (including the address thereof) and a legal description of each parcel in which the Corporation holds a valid easement to use such parcel (the "Real Property"). The Corporation has Good and Defensible Title to, or a valid and subsisting leasehold estate, or easement, in each such parcel of Real Property, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances. All of the real property leases in the Real Property are valid, binding, and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and are in full force and effect.

        3.18    Tangible Personal Property.    The Corporation is in possession of and has good title to, or have valid leasehold interests in or valid rights under contract to use, all of the real and personal property used or held for use in the business of the Corporation, including the interest of the Corporation in all wells, well and leasehold equipment, pipelines, platforms, facilities, improvements, goods and other personal property located on or used in connection with the Real Property (the "Fixtures and Equipment"). All the Fixtures and Equipment is in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and its use complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws. All of the Fixtures and Equipment is adequate for the uses to which they are being put and are sufficient for the conduct of the business of the Corporation in the manner as conducted prior to the Closing. The Corporation owns all of the Fixtures and Equipment free and clear of all Liens except the Permitted Encumbrances.

        3.19    Contracts.    (a) Schedules 3.19 and 3.17 contains a true and complete list of each of the following Contracts as of the date hereof:

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        (b)   Prior to the date hereof, true, correct and complete copies of each Contract required to be disclosed in Schedule 3.19 have been delivered to, or made available for inspection by, the Partnership. Each such Contract is in full force and effect and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms, of the Corporation and, of each other party thereto; and neither the Corporation nor, to the Knowledge of the Shareholders, any other party to such Contract, is in violation or breach of or default under any such Contract (or with notice or lapse of time or both, would be in violation or breach of or default under any such Contract). All conditions necessary to maintain the Contracts in force have been duly performed.

        3.20    Tax.    (a) The Corporation has duly and timely filed with the appropriate taxing authorities all material federal, state and local income Tax Returns and all other material Tax Returns required to be filed through the date hereof and will duly and timely file any such returns required to be filed on or prior to the Closing. Such Tax Returns and other information filed are (and, to the extent they will be filed prior to the Closing, will be) complete and accurate in all material respects. The Corporation does not have pending any request for an extension of time within which to file federal, state or local income Tax Returns.

        (b)   All Taxes of the Corporation in respect of periods (or portions thereof) ending at or prior to the Closing have been paid by the Corporation or such Taxes (other than income Taxes) are shown as due and payable after the Closing on the Financial Statements.

        (c)   No federal, state, local or foreign audits or other administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently pending with regard to any material Taxes or material Tax Returns of the Corporation. The Corporation has not received a written notice of any such pending audits or proceedings. There are no outstanding waivers extending the statutory period of limitation relating to the payment of Taxes due from the Corporation.

        (d)   Neither the IRS nor any other taxing authority (whether domestic or foreign) has asserted in writing, or to the best Knowledge of the Corporation, is threatening to assert, against the Corporation any material deficiency or material claim for Taxes in excess of the reserves established therefor.

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        (e)   There are no Liens for Taxes upon any property or assets of the Corporation, except for Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable and liens for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings as set forth on Schedule 3.20(e) and as to which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP. 12

        (f)    The Corporation has no obligation under any Tax sharing agreement or similar arrangement with any other Person with respect to Taxes of such other Person.

        3.21    Accuracy of Statements.    Neither this Agreement nor any schedule, exhibit, statement, list, document, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of the Corporation or the Shareholders to the Partnership or any representative or Affiliate of the Partnership in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

        3.22    Oil and Gas Properties.    

        (a)   The Corporation has Good and Defensible Title to all Oil and Gas Properties.

        (b)   To the Knowledge of Shareholder (i) all of the Wells of the Corporation have been drilled and completed within the boundaries of the Oil and Gas properties of the Corporation or within the limits otherwise permitted by Contract, and by applicable Laws; and (ii) all drilling and completion of such Wells and all operations with respect thereto have been conducted in compliance with all applicable Laws, except such violations that would not or could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Corporation.

        (c)   The Corporation has all material Licenses necessary for, used or held for use in the conduct of its businesses.


ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTNERSHIP

        The Partnership hereby represents and warrants to each Shareholder as follows:

        4.1    Organization of the Partnership.    The Partnership is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. The Partnership has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform the Partnership's obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation to merge with the Corporation pursuant to this Agreement.

        4.2    Authority.    The execution and delivery by the Partnership of this Agreement, and the performance by the Partnership of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized and, no other partnership action on the part of the Partnership or its partners is necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Partnership and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Partnership enforceable against the Partnership in accordance with its terms.

        4.3    No Conflicts.    The execution and delivery by the Partnership of this Agreement do not, and the performance by the Partnership of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not:

        (a)   conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the organizational documents of the Partnership;

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        (b)   conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of, any term or provision of any Law or Order applicable to the Partnership or any of its Assets and Properties (other than such conflicts, violations or breaches which will not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Partnership); or

        (c)   (i) conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of, (ii) constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, (iii) require the Partnership to obtain any consent, approval or action of, make any filing with or give any notice to any Person as a result or under the terms of, (iv) result in or give to any Person any right of termination, cancellation, acceleration or modification in or with respect to, or (v) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon the Partnership or any of its Assets and Properties under, any Contract or License to which the Partnership is a party or by which any of its Assets and Properties is bound.

        4.4    Capitalization.    The AREP Units have been duly authorized by all required action on the part of AREP; the AREP Units, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will be free and clear of all liens, charges, restrictions, claims and encumbrances imposed by or through AREP, except as expressly set forth in the Agreement.


ARTICLE V

COVENANTS

        5.1    Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing.    

        (a)   The Shareholders shall cause the Corporation from the date hereof through the Closing Date to:

        (b)   Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, from the date hereof through the Closing, the Shareholders shall not and shall cause the Corporation not to:

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        5.2    Efforts to Consummate Transaction.    

        (a)   From the date hereof through the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the parties shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The parties will use their commercially reasonable efforts and cooperate with one another (i) in promptly determining whether any filings are required to be made or consents, approvals, waivers, licenses, permits or authorizations are required to be obtained (or, which if not obtained, would result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Corporation or an event of default, termination or acceleration of any agreement or any put right under any agreement) under any applicable Law or regulation or from any Governmental or Regulatory Authority or third parties, and (ii) in promptly making any such filings, in furnishing information required in connection therewith and in timely seeking to obtain any such consents, approvals, permits or authorizations. For purposes of this Section 5.2, the Shareholders shall not be obligated to make any payment to any third party as a condition to obtaining such party's consent or approval, other than for required filing fees.

        (b)   As promptly as practicable following the date hereof: (i) AREP shall take all action necessary to call, give notice of and hold a meeting (the "Meeting") of the holders of AREP Units to vote on the matters described in Sections 7.5 and 7.7 hereof (the "Proposals"); and (ii) AREP shall prepare and file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a proxy or information statement (the "Statement") of AREP to be sent to the holders of AREP Units in connection with the Meeting. AREP shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Statement to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC and to respond promptly to any comments of the SEC or its staff. Each of such Proposals, and all Statements and other documents relating thereto, shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to AREP, Shareholder, Barberry Corp. and High Coast Limited Partnership. Each of Barberry Corp. and High Coast Limited Partnership hereby agrees to vote all of its AREP Units in favor of the Proposals at the Meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent practicable, the parties shall take all necessary and appropriate action to cause the Proposals to be approved without a meeting of the holders of AREP Units in accordance with applicable law.

        (c)   From the date hereof through the Closing Date, the Shareholders shall give prompt written notice to the Partnership of: (i) any occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event which occurrence or the failure would reasonably be expected to cause any representation or warranty of the Shareholders contained in this Agreement, if made on or as of the date of such event or as of the Closing Date, to

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be untrue or inaccurate, except for changes permitted by this Agreement and except to the extent that any representation and warranty is made as of a specified date, in which case, such representation and warranty shall be true, complete and accurate as of such date; or (ii) any failure of the Shareholders, the Corporation or any officer, general partner, director, employee, consultant or agent of the Shareholders or the Corporation, to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it or them under this Agreement; provided, however, that no such notification shall affect the representations or warranties of the Shareholders or the conditions to the obligations of the Partnership hereunder.

        (d)   The Shareholders shall take all actions required, at Shareholder's expense, to cause the Corporation to be in good standing in the state of Delaware as soon as possible after the date hereof.

        5.3    Tax Returns.    The Shareholders shall be responsible for filing the Tax Returns of the Corporation for all periods ending on or before the Effective Time and shall have sole control over the preparation and filing of such Tax Returns (including, the right to make any Tax election).


ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTNERSHIP

        The obligations of the Partnership under Article I of this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions precedent:

        6.1    Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date.    Each of the representations and warranties of the Shareholders contained herein shall have been accurate, true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall also be accurate, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made by the Shareholders on and as of the Closing Date.

        6.2    Compliance by the Shareholders.    Each Shareholder shall have duly performed and complied with all of its covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be performed and complied with by such Shareholder on or prior to the Closing Date.

        6.3    Shareholders' Certificates.    The Partnership shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing Date executed by an authorized officer of each Shareholder certifying as to the fulfillment and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.1 and 6.2.

        6.4    No Material Adverse Change.    No Material Adverse Change to the Corporation shall have occurred and no event shall have occurred which, in the reasonable judgment of the Partnership, is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Corporation.

        6.5    Actions or Proceedings.    No action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened, and no action or proceeding by other Person shall have been instituted, which (a) is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Corporation, or (b) is reasonably likely to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or is reasonably likely to result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        6.6    Reserve Reports.    AREP shall have received the 2004 Reserve Reports.

        6.7    Registration Rights Agreement.    AREP shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

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ARTICLE VII

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLERS

        The obligations of the Shareholders under Article I of this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions precedent:

        7.1    Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date.    Each of the representations and warranties of the Partnership contained herein shall have been accurate, true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall also be accurate, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made by the Partnership on and as of the Closing Date.

        7.2    Compliance by the Partnership.    The Partnership shall have duly performed and complied with its respective covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be performed and complied with by the Partnership on or prior to the Closing Date.

        7.3    The Partnership's Certificate.    The Shareholders shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing Date executed by an authorized officer of the Partnership certifying as to the fulfillment and satisfying the conditions set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2.

        7.4    Actions or Proceedings.    No action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened, and no action or proceeding by other Person shall have been instituted, which (a) is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Corporation, or (b) is reasonably likely to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or is reasonably likely to result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        7.5    Approval.    The transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been approved through all depositary unit holder action required by the New York Stock Exchange.

        7.6    Registration Rights Agreement.    Shareholder shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

        7.7    Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement.    AREP's amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated as of May 12, 1987, as amended, shall have been amended (i) as necessary to consummate this transaction, (including without limitation, modification of Section 4.5(c) thereof to render such section inapplicable to any transactions approved by the audit committee of AREP), and (ii) such that the general partner and the limited partners, as defined therein, may not cause AREP, or any successor entity of AREP, whether in its current form as a limited partnership or as converted to or succeeded by a corporation or other form of business association, to effect a merger or other business combination of AREP or such successor, in each case pursuant to Section 253 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, or any successor statute, or any similar short-form merger statute under the laws of Delaware or any other jurisdiction.

        7.8    Good Standing.    The Corporation shall have delivered a certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State of Delaware to the Partnership, dated within one week of the Closing Date.


ARTICLE VIII

TERMINATION

        8.1    Termination.    This Agreement may be terminated at any time on or prior to the Closing Date:

        (a)   By written notice of Shareholders or AREP, if the Closing shall not have taken place on or before September 30, 2005; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this

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Section 8.1 shall not be available to any party whose willful failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of or resulted in the failure of the Closing to occur on or before such date.

        (b)   By the Partnership, if there shall have been a material breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other agreement of the Shareholders hereunder, and such breach shall not have been remedied within ten Business Days after receipt by the Shareholders of a notice in writing from the Partnership specifying the breach and requesting such be remedied; or

        (c)   By the Shareholders, if there shall have been a material breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other agreement of the Partnership hereunder, and such breach shall not have been remedied within ten Business Days after receipt by the Partnership of notice in writing from the Shareholders specifying the breach and requesting such be remedied.

        8.2    Effect of Termination.    If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 8.1 all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, except for the obligations set forth in Article IX and Article XI, which shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and except that no such termination shall relieve any party from liability for any prior willful breach of this Agreement.


ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

        9.1    Indemnification by the Shareholders.    Each Shareholder agrees to indemnify the Partnership, its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, stockholders, principals, partners, agents, or representatives (each an "Indemnified Person" and collectively, the "Indemnified Persons") against, and to hold each Indemnified Person harmless from, any and all Losses incurred or suffered by any Indemnified Person relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) any breach of or any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty made by the Shareholders in this Agreement, or (b) any breach of or failure by any Shareholder to perform any of its covenants or obligations set out or contemplated in this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained herein, the aggregate liability of Shareholder and Barberry Corp. for any and all obligations under this Agreement shall in no event exceed the Merger Price.

        9.2    Claims.    As promptly as is reasonably practicable after becoming aware of a claim for indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnified Person shall promptly give notice to the Shareholders ("Indemnifying Person") of such claim and the amount the Indemnified Person will be entitled to receive hereunder from the Indemnifying Person; provided that the failure of the Indemnified Person to promptly give notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of its obligations except to the extent (if any) that the Indemnifying Person shall have been prejudiced thereby. If the Indemnifying Person does not object in writing to such indemnification claim within 30 days of receiving notice thereof, the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to recover, on the thirty-fifth day after such notice was given, from the Indemnifying Person the amount of such claim, and no later objection by the Indemnifying Person shall be permitted; if the Indemnifying Person agrees that it has an indemnification obligation but objects that it is obligated to pay only a lesser amount, the Indemnified Person shall nevertheless be entitled to recover, on the thirty-fifth day after such notice was given, from the Indemnifying Person the lesser amount, without prejudice to the Indemnified Person's claim for the difference. In addition to the amounts recoverable by the Indemnified Person from the Indemnifying Person pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Indemnified Person shall also be entitled to recover from the Indemnifying Person interest on such amounts at the rate of Two Times Prime from, and including, the thirty-fifth day after such notice of an indemnification claim is given to, but not including, the date such recovery is actually made by the Indemnified Person.

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        9.3    Notice of Third Party Claims; Assumption of Defense.    The Indemnified Person shall give notice as promptly as is reasonably practicable to the Indemnifying Person of the assertion of any claim, or the commencement of any suit, action or proceeding, by any Person not a party hereto (a "Third Party Claim") in respect of which indemnity may be sought under this Agreement; provided that the failure of the Indemnified Person to promptly give notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of its obligations except to the extent (if any) that the Indemnifying Person shall have been prejudiced thereby. The Indemnifying Person may, at its own expense, participate in the defense of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding (a) upon notice to the Indemnified Person and (b) upon delivery by the Indemnifying Person to the Indemnified Person a written agreement that the Indemnified Person is entitled to indemnification for all Losses arising out of such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding and that the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for the entire amount of any Loss, at any time during the course of any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding, assume the defense thereof; provided, however, that (i) the Indemnifying Person's counsel is reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person, and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall thereafter consult with the Indemnified Person upon the Indemnified Person's reasonable request for such consultation from time to time with respect to such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding. If the Indemnifying Person assumes such defense, the Indemnified Person shall have the right (but not the duty) to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Person. If, however, the Indemnified Person reasonably determines in its judgment that representation by the Indemnifying Person's counsel of both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person would present such counsel with a conflict of interest, then such Indemnified Person may employ separate counsel to represent or defend it in any such Third Party Claim, action, suit or proceeding and the Indemnifying Person shall pay all of the fees and disbursements in connection with the retention of such separate counsel. If the Indemnifying Person fails to promptly notify the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party desires to defend the Third Party Claim pursuant, or if the Indemnifying Person gives such notice but fails to prosecute vigorously and diligently or settle the Third Party Claim, then the Indemnified Party will have the right to defend, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Person, the Third Party Claim by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings will be prosecuted by the Indemnified Person in good faith or will be settled at the discretion of the Indemnified Person (with the consent of the Indemnifying Person, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld). The Indemnified Person will have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement thereof. Whether or not the Indemnifying Person chooses to defend or prosecute any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding, all of the parties hereto shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution thereof.

        9.4    Settlement or Compromise.    Any settlement or compromise made or caused to be made by the Indemnified Person or the Indemnifying Person, of any claim, suit, action or proceeding shall also be binding upon the Indemnifying Person or the Indemnified Person, as the case may be, in the same manner as if a final judgment or decree had been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in the amount of such settlement or compromise thereof; provided, however, that no obligation, restriction or Loss shall be imposed on the Indemnified Person as a result of such settlement without its prior written consent. The Indemnified Person will give the Indemnifying Person at least 30 days' notice of any proposed settlement or compromise of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding it is defending, during which time the Indemnifying Person may reject such proposed settlement or compromise; provided, however, that from and after such rejection, the Indemnifying Person shall be obligated to assume the defense of and full and complete liability and responsibility for such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding and any and all Losses in connection therewith in excess of the amount of unindemnifiable Losses which the Indemnified Person would have been obligated to pay under the proposed settlement or compromise.

        9.5    Failure of Indemnifying Person to Act.    In the event that the Indemnifying Person does not assume the defense of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding brought against an Indemnified

EX-E-21



Person, then any failure of the Indemnified Person to defend or to participate in the defense of any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding or to cause the same to be done, shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

        9.6    Tax Character.    Shareholders and the Partnership agree that any payments pursuant to this Article IX will be treated for federal and state income tax purposes as adjustments to the Merger Price, and that they will report such payments on all Tax Returns consistently with such characterization.


ARTICLE X

DEFINITIONS

        10.1    Definitions. Defined Terms.    As used in this Agreement, the following defined terms have the meanings indicated below:

        "2004 Reserve Reports" means the reserve reports prepared and certified by an independent petroleum reserve engineering firm acceptable to both Purchaser and Shareholder which provides estimates of the net recoverable crude oil and natural gas reserves of the Corporation, for each of the Reserve Categories, as of January 21, 2004. The 2004 Reserve Reports shall be prepared consistent with industry standards, using methodologies consistent with reserve reports prepared for the Corporation by independent petroleum reserve engineering firms for years prior to 2004.

        "Adjusted Low Reserve Valuation Amount" means the Low Reserve Valuation Amount minus $21,920,000.

        "Adjusted High Reserve Valuation Amount" means the High Reserve Valuation Amount minus $20,420,000.

        "Adjusted Purchase Amount" means the sum of A and B, where A equals the product of (a) the difference between the Adjusted High Reserve Valuation Amount and Adjusted Low Reserve Valuation Amount, and (b) 37.4%, and B equals the Adjusted Low Reserve Valuation Amount.

        "Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, owns or controls, is under common ownership or control with, or is owned or controlled by, such specified Person.

        "Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "AREH" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(d).

        "AREP" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "AREP Units" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(c).

        "Arnos" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "Assets and Properties" of any Person means all assets and properties of every kind, nature, character and description (whether real, personal or mixed, whether tangible or intangible, and wherever situated), including the goodwill related thereto, operated, owned or leased by such Person.

        "Audited Financial Statements" means the consolidated audited financial statements of the Corporation as of December 31, 2003, consisting of the balance sheet at such date and the related statements of operations, statement of stockholders equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, each accompanied by the audit report of KPMG LLP, independent public auditors with respect to the Corporation.

        "Business Day" means any day of the year other than (i) any Saturday or Sunday or (ii) any other day on which commercial banks located in New York City are generally closed for business.

EX-E-22



        "Business or Condition" of any Person means the business, condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets or results of operations or prospects of such Person, taken as a whole.

        "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or any successor statutes and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

        "CERCLIS" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System List.

        "Certificate of Merger" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4.

        "Closing" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.5.

        "Closing Date" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.5.

        "Closing Reserve Value Ranges" means a calculation of the ranges of present values of the net estimated cash flows for each of the Reserve Categories of the Corporation, as set forth in the 2004 Reserve Reports, utilizing the ranges of discount rates set forth below, and based on all of assumptions contained in the 2004 Reserve Reports (except that initial cash prices per barrel of oil and per mcf of natural gas shall be as described in Annex A and adjusted on a well-by-well basis consistent with the methodologies applied in the 2004 Reserve Reports for items such as transportation, basis differentials, marketing, the quality of the crude oil and the heating value of the natural gas).

 
  Discount Rates
 
Reserve Category

 
  Low
  High
 
Proved Developed Producing   10.0 % 10.0 %
Proved Developed Non-Producing   10.0 % 15.0 %
Proved Undeveloped   15.0 % 20.0 %
Probable   40.0 % 50.0 %

        "Closing Statement" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(b).

        "Closing Statement Date" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(b).

        "Contract" means any contract, lease, commitment, understanding, sales order, purchase order, agreement, indenture, mortgage, note, bond, right, warrant, instrument, plan, permit or license, whether written or oral, which is intended or purports to be binding and enforceable.

        "Corporation" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "Dollars" or numbers proceeded by the symbol "$" means amounts in United States Dollars.

        "Effective Time" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4.

        "Environmental Claim" means any third party (including, without limitations, Governmental or Regulatory Authorities and employees) action, lawsuit, claim or proceeding (including claims or proceedings under OSHA or similar laws relating to safety of employees) that seeks to impose liability for (a) pollution or contamination of the ambient air, surface water, ground water or land; (b) solid, gaseous or liquid waste generation, handling, treatment, storage, disposal or transportation; (c) exposure to hazardous or toxic substances; (d) the safety or health of employees; or (e) the transportation, processing, distribution in commerce, use or storage of hydrocarbons or chemical substances. An Environmental Claim includes, but is not limited to, a common law action, as well as a proceeding to issue, modify or terminate an Environmental Permit.

        "Environmental Law" means any law, rule, regulation or order of other requirements of law (including common law) any federal, foreign, state or local executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative agency, board or authority with jurisdiction over the Corporation or any of its properties

EX-E-23



or assets that relates to (a) pollution or protection of human health, natural resources and the environment, including ambient air, surface water, ground water or land; (b) solid, gaseous or liquid waste generation, treatment, storage, disposal or transportation; (c) exposure to Hazardous Materials; (d) the safety or health of employees; or (e) regulation of the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use or storage of Hazardous Materials, including hydrocarbons or chemical substances. Environmental Laws include but are not limited to OSHA, CERCLA, the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 ("SARA"), as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 ("RCRA"), as amended, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Act of 1984, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA"), as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and any other federal, foreign, state and local law whose purpose is to conserve or protect human health, the environment, wildlife or natural resources.

        "Environmental Permit" means any permit, license, approval or other authorization under any Environmental Law, applicable law, regulation and other requirement of the United States or any foreign country or of any state, municipality or other subdivision thereof relating to pollution or protection of health or the environment, including laws, regulations or other requirements relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants or hazardous substances or toxic materials or wastes into ambient air, surface water, ground water or land, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation or handling of hydrocarbons or chemical subsidiaries, pollutants, contaminants or hazardous or toxic materials or wastes.

        "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

        "Financial Statements" means the Audited Financial Statements and the Interim 2004 Financial Statements.

        "Fixtures and Equipment" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.18.

        "GAAP" means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles at the time in effect.

        "GCL" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "General Partner" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(d).

        "Good and Defensible Title" means such right title and interest that is (a) evidenced by an instrument or instruments filed of record in accordance with the conveyance and recording laws of the applicable jurisdiction to the extent necessary to prevail against competing claims of bona fide purchasers for value without notice, and (b) subject to Permitted Encumbrances, free and clear of all Liens, claims, infringements, burdens and other defects.

        "Governmental or Regulatory Authority" means any court, tribunal, arbitrator, authority, administrative or other agency, commission, authority, licensing board official or other instrumentality of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision.

        "Hazardous Material" means (a) any "hazardous substance," as defined by CERCLA; (b) any "hazardous waste" or "solid waste," in either case as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended; (c) any hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical, material, waste or substance, regulated by any Environmental Law; (d) any radioactive material, including any naturally occurring radioactive material, and any source, special or byproduct material as defined in 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. and any amendments or authorizations thereof; (e) any asbestos-containing materials in any form or condition; (f) any polychlorinated biphenyls in any form or condition; (g) petroleum, petroleum hydrocarbons, or any fraction or byproducts thereof; (h) any air pollutant

EX-E-24



which is so designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as authorized by the Clean Air Act; or (i) any mold or microbial/microbiological contaminants that pose a risk to human health or the environment.

        "Highcrest" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "High Reserve Valuation Amount" means the sum of the high range of the Closing Reserve Value Ranges (based on the low discount rates) for each of Reserve Categories.

        "Imbalance" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(b)(i).

        "Imbalance Value" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(b)(i).

        "Indemnified Person" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 9.1.

        "Indemnifying Person" has the meaning ascribed to in Section 9.2.

        "Interests" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(d).

        "Interim 2004 Financial Statements" means the unaudited internal financial statements of the Corporation for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, consisting of the balance sheet at such date and the related statements of operations for the period then ended.

        "Knowledge" means, with respect to the Shareholders and/or the Corporation, in each case the knowledge of any director, officer or senior executive of each Shareholder, or the Corporation.

        "Laws" means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and other pronouncements having the effect of law of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision or of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "License" means licenses, permits, certificates of authority, authorizations, approvals, registrations, findings of suitability, variances, exemptions, certificates of occupancy, orders, franchises and similar consents granted or issued by any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "Lien" means any mortgage, lien (except for any lien for Taxes not yet due and payable), charge, restriction, pledge, security interest, option, lease or sublease, claim, right of any third party, easement, encroachment, encumbrance or other adverse claim of any kind or description.

        "Limited Partner" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(d).

        "Loss" or "Losses" means any and all liabilities, losses, costs, claims, damages (including consequential damages), penalties and expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses and costs of investigation and litigation).

        "Low Reserve Valuation Amount" means the sum of the low range of the Closing Reserve Value Ranges (based on the high discount rates) for each of Reserve Categories.

        "LP Act" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "Material Adverse Effect" or "Material Adverse Change," as to any Person, means a material adverse change (or circumstance involving a prospective change) in the Business or Condition of such Person, other than changes resulting from changes or fluctuations in the market price of oil, gas or natural gas.

        "Meeting" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(b).

        "Merger" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "Merger Shares" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(a).

EX-E-25



        "NEG Agreement" means that certain Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, Dated as of January 21, 2005 by and between AREP and Gascon Partners,.

        "Oil and Gas Properties" means all of the rights, titles and interests in and to oil and gas or mineral properties of the Corporation including all oil and gas or mineral leases and other mineral interests of the Corporation and all of the surface leases, rights-of-way, easements, licenses, permits, servitudes and other rights-of-use (whether surface, subsurface or subsea) of the Corporation.

        "Order" means any writ, judgment, decree, injunction or similar order of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority (in each such case whether preliminary or final).

        "OSHA" means the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended, or any successor statute, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

        "Permitted Encumbrances" means, as applicable,

EX-E-26


        "Panaco Common Stock" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "Panaco Note" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.12.

        "Partnership" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, other business organization, trust, union, association or Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "Plans" shall mean all material pension and profit sharing, retirement and post retirement welfare benefit, health insurance benefit (medical, dental and vision), disability, life and accident insurance, sickness benefit, vacation, employee loan and banking privileges, bonus, incentive,deferred compensation, workers compensation, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock and other equity-based, severance, employment, change of control or fringe benefit plans, programs, arrangements or agreements, whether written or oral, including any employee benefit plans defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA., maintained or contributed to by the Corporation.

        "Proposals" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(b).

        "Merger Price" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.1(a).

        "Real Property" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.17.

        "Reserve Categories" means (i) proved developed producing, (ii) proved developed non-producing, (iii) proved undeveloped, and (iv) probable.

        "Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights Agreement between Purchaser, Shareholder, and the other parties thereto, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

        "SEC" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(b).

        "Secretary of State" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4.

        "Shareholder" and "Shareholders" have the meaning ascribed to them in the recitals.

        "Statement" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(b).

        "Surviving Entity" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.

        "Tax Return" means any report, return, document, declaration or other information or filing required to be supplied to any taxing authority or jurisdiction (foreign or domestic) with respect to Taxes, including attachments thereto and amendments thereof, and including, without limitation, information returns, any documents with respect to or accompanying payments of estimated Taxes, or with respect to or accompanying requests for the extension of time in which to file any such report, return, document, declaration or other information.

        "Taxes" means any and all taxes, charges, fees, levies, duties, liabilities, impositions or other assessments, including, without limitation, income, gross receipts, profits, excise, real or personal property, environmental, recapture, sales, use, value-added, withholding, social security, retirement, employment, unemployment, occupation, service, license, net worth, payroll, franchise, gains, stamp, transfer and recording taxes, fees and charges, imposed by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or any other taxing authority (whether domestic or foreign including, without limitation, any state, county, local or foreign government or any subdivision or taxing agency thereof (including a United States possession)), whether computed on a separate, consolidated, unitary, combined or any other basis; and such term shall include any interest whether paid or received, fines, penalties or additional amounts

EX-E-27



attributable to, or imposed upon, or with respect to, any such taxes, charges, fees, levies, duties, liabilities, impositions or other assessments.

        "Tax" shall have a correlative meaning.

        "Third Party Claim" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 9.3.

        "TransTexas Agreement" means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 21, 2005, by and among National Onshore LP, Highcrest Investors Corp. and TransTexas Gas Corporation.

        "Two Times Prime" means two times the prime rate published by Citibank, N.A.

        "Well" or "Wells" means all of the oil, gas and condensate wells, (whether producing, not producing or abandoned or temporarily abandoned) in which the Company holds an interest.

        "Written Consent" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 2.2.


ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

        11.1    Investigation.    It shall be no defense to an action for breach of this Agreement that the Partnership or its agents have (or have not) made investigations into the affairs of the Corporation or that the Corporation or the Shareholders could not have known of the misrepresentation or breach of warranty.

        11.2    Survival of Representations and Warranties.    The representations and warranties of the parties hereunder shall survive the Closing.

        11.3    Entire Agreement.    This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are incorporated herein and made an integrated part hereof, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior discussions and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.

        11.4    Waiver.    Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the party waiving such term or condition. No waiver by any party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Law or otherwise afforded, will be cumulative and not alternative.

        11.5    Amendment.    This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of each party hereto.

        11.6    No Third Party Beneficiary.    The terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the parties to confer third party beneficiary rights upon any other Person, except that each Indemnified Persons shall be a third party beneficiary of Article IX.

        11.7    Assignment; Binding Effect.    No party may assign this Agreement or any right, interest or obligation hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Parties. This Agreement is binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

        11.8    Headings.    The headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.

EX-E-28



        11.9    Invalid Provisions.    If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future Law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, (a) such provision will be fully severable, (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, and (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance here from.

        11.10    Governing Law.    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, except as to matters relating to the internal affairs of the Partnership, the Shareholders or the Corporation, which shall be governed by Delaware law.

        11.11    Counterparts.    This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

        11.12    Waiver of Jury Trial.    EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY ANY OF THEM AGAINST ANY OTHER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE ADMINISTRATION THEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN. No party to this Agreement shall seek a jury trial in any lawsuit, proceeding, counterclaim, or any other litigation procedure based upon, or arising out of, this Agreement or any related instruments or the relationship between the parties. No party will seek to consolidate any such action in which a jury trial has been waived with any other action in which a jury trial cannot be or has not been waived. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY THE PARTIES HERETO, AND THESE PROVISIONS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO NO EXCEPTIONS. NO PARTY HAS IN ANY WAY AGREED WITH OR REPRESENTED TO ANY OTHER PARTY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION WILL NOT BE FULLY ENFORCED IN ALL INSTANCES.

        11.13    Consent to Jurisdiction.    Each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any NY State Court in the County of New York or any courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District of New York, and each party hereby agrees that all suits, actions and proceedings brought by such party hereunder shall be brought in any such court. Each party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court, any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum and the right to object, with respect to any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court, that such court does not have jurisdiction over such party or the other party. In any such suit, action or proceeding, each party waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, personal service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service thereof may be made by any means permitted by Section 0 (other than facsimile transmission). Each party agrees that a final non-appealable judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court shall be conclusive and binding.

        11.14    Expenses.    All expenses, costs and fees in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (including fees and disbursements of counsel, consultants and accountants) incurred by (a) the Shareholders shall be paid and borne exclusively by the Shareholders, and (b) the Partnership shall be paid and borne exclusively by the Partnership. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Agreement is terminated prior to the Closing and such termination results from any breach by the Shareholders or the Partnership, as the case may be, of any representation, warranty or covenant by such party, then

EX-E-29



such breaching party shall reimburse the non-breaching party for all such expenses, fees and cash, including for all expenses, fees and cash incurred in connection with obtaining high yield or other financing.

        11.15    Notices.    All notices, request, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and postage prepaid, by courier, or by facsimile transmission, addressed as follows:

or to such other address as a party may from time to time designate in writing in accordance with this Section 11.15. Each notice or other communication given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been received (a) on the Business Day it is sent, if sent by personal delivery, (b) the earlier of receipt of three Business Days after having been sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, (c) on the Business Day it is sent, if sent by facsimile transmission and an activity report showing the correct facsimile number of the party on whom notice is served and the correct number of pages transmitted is obtained by the sender (provided, however, that such notice or other communication is also sent by some other means permitted by this Section 11.15, or (d) on the first Business Day after sending, if sent by courier or overnight delivery.

        11.16    Further Assurances.    Each of the parties hereto covenants and agrees that, from time to time subsequent to Closing, it will, at the request of the other party, execute and deliver all such documents, including, without limitation, all such additional conveyances, transfers, consents and other assurances and do all such other acts and things as such other party may from time to time request be executed or done in order to better evidence, perfect or effect any provision of this Agreement, or of any agreement or other document executed pursuant to this Agreement, or any of the respective obligations intended to be created hereby or thereby.

[Signature Page Follows]

EX-E-30


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each party hereto as of the date first above written.

    Highcrest Investors Corp.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
JON WEBER      
        Name:   Jon Weber
        Title:   Assistant Secretary

 

 

Arnos Corp.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
        Name:   Edward E. Mattner
        Title:   Vice President

 

 

Panaco, Inc.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
BOB G. ALEXANDER      
        Name:   Bob G. Alexander
        Title:   President

 

 

National Offshore LP
    By:   Offshore GP LLC, its general partner
    By:   AREP Oil & Gas LLC, its sole member
    By:   American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, its sole member
    By:   American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
KEITH A. MEISTER      
        Name:   Keith A. Meister
        Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
    By:   American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
KEITH A. MEISTER      
        Name:   Keith A. Meister
        Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer
             

EX-E-31



 

 

For Purposes of Section 5.2(b) only:

 

 

BARBERRY CORP.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
        Name:   Edward E. Mattner
        Title:   Authorized Signatory

 

 

HIGH COAST LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    By:   Little Meadow Corp., its general partner

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
        Name:   Edward E. Mattner
        Title:   Authorized Signatory

EX-E-32


GUARANTY: The undersigned hereby guarantees the payment and performance by National Offshore LP of all of its duties and obligations under this Agreement when due.

American Real Estate Partners, L.P.    
By:   American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

By:

 

/s/  
KEITH A. MEISTER      

 

 
    Name:   Keith A. Meister    
    Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer    

GUARANTY: The undersigned hereby guarantees the payment and performance by Arnos Corp. and Highcrest Investors Corp. of all of their duties and obligations under this Agreement when due.

BARBERRY CORP.    

By:

 

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      

 

 
    Name:   Edward E. Mattner    
    Title:   Authorized Signatory    

[Signature Page to the Panaco Merger Agreement—Highcrest and Arnos to AREP]

EX-E-33



Exhibit A

Form Of Registration Rights Agreement

        This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated as of [                ], 2005 is made and entered into by and between American Real Estate Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "Company"), and the other signatories listed hereto (each a "Holder" and collectively the "Holders"). Capitalized terms used herein, but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Company (as amended from time to time, the "Partnership Agreement").

        WHEREAS, the Company contemplates the issuance to Holders (the "Issuance") of depositary units representing limited partnership interests the Company ("Depositary Units"); and

        WHEREAS, the Holders desire, and the Company agrees to grant to the Holders, certain registration rights with respect to the Depositary Units.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
GRANT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS

        Section 1.1 RIGHTS GRANTED. The Company agrees that, upon consummation of the Issuance, the Holders shall be entitled to the registration rights described in Article IV herein.

ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

        The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Holders as follows:

        Section 2.1    DUE FORMATION OF THE COMPANY. The Company is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform the Company's obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

        Section 2.2    AUTHORITY. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, and the performance by such party of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by the Board of Directors of its general partner, no other corporate action on the part of the Company or its partners being necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

        Section 2.3    CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The Depositary Units, when issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

        Section 2.4    NO CONFLICTS. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement do not, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

EX-E-34


ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE HOLDERS

        Each of the Holders severally represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

        Section 3.1    ORGANIZATION OF THE HOLDERS. Such Holder is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the state of its organization. Such Holder is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform such Holder's obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

        Section 3.2    AUTHORITY. The execution and delivery by such Holder of this Agreement, and the performance by such Holder of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized, no other action on the part of such Holder being necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Holder and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Holder enforceable against the Holder in accordance with its terms.

        Section 3.3    NO CONFLICTS. The execution and delivery by such Holder of this Agreement does not, the performance by such Holder of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

EX-E-35


ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

        The Company covenants and agrees with the Holders that the Company will comply with the covenants and provisions of this ARTICLE IV, except to the extent the Holders may otherwise consent in writing:

        Section 4.1    PIGGY-BACK REGISTRATION. If at any time the Company shall determine to register for its own account or the account of others under the Securities Act (including pursuant to a demand for registration made by any Holder of Registrable Securities) any of its equity securities, or warrants to purchase equity securities, other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or their then equivalents relating to Depositary Units to be issued solely in connection with any acquisition of any entity or business, it shall send to each Holder of Registrable Securities as reflected on the books and records of or maintained on behalf of the Company, including each Holder who has the right to acquire, who is entitled to registration rights under this SECTION 4.1 written notice of such determination and, if within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such notice, such Holder shall so request in writing, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to include in such registration statement all or any part of the Registrable Securities such Holder requests to be registered, except that if, in connection with any underwritten public offering of the Company the managing underwriter shall impose a limitation on the number of Units which may be included in the registration statement because, in its judgment, such limitation is necessary to effect an orderly public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such registration statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which such Holder has requested inclusion hereunder. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities, in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities which are not entitled by right to inclusion of securities in such registration statement pursuant to this ARTICLE IV. No incidental right under this SECTION 4.1 shall be construed to limit any registration required under SECTION 4.2. The obligations of the Company to a Holder under this SECTION 4.1 may be waived only by such Holder. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, no other registration rights (demand or piggy-back) with respect to any debt or equity securities shall be granted to any Person without the consent of the Holders.

        Section 4.2    DEMAND REGISTRATION.

EX-E-36


        Section 4.3    REGISTRATIONS ON FORM S-3. In addition to the rights provided the Holders of Registrable Securities in SECTIONS 4.1 and 4.2, if the registration of Registrable Securities under the Securities Act can be effected on Form S-3 (or any similar form promulgated by the Commission), then upon the written request of one or more Holders of Registrable Securities for the registration of at least twenty percent (20%) of the Registrable Securities, the Company will so notify each Holder of Registrable Securities, including each Holder who has a right to acquire Registrable Securities, and then will, as expeditiously as possible, use its best efforts to effect qualification and registration under the Securities Act on Form S-3 of all or such portion of the Registrable Securities as the Holder or Holders shall specify in the initial request to the Company or upon written request of a Holder to the Company given within fifteen (15) days after the receipt by the Holders from the Company of such notification.

        Section 4.4    EFFECTIVENESS. The Company will use its best efforts to maintain the effectiveness for up to 90 days (or such shorter period of time as the underwriters need to complete the distribution of the registered offering, or one year in the case of a "shelf" registration statement on Form S-3) of any registration statement pursuant to which any of the Registrable Securities are being offered, and from time to time will use reasonable efforts to amend or supplement such registration statement and the prospectus contained therein to the extent necessary to comply with the Securities Act and any applicable state securities statute or regulation. The Company will also provide each Holder of Registrable Securities with as many copies of the prospectus contained in any such registration statement as it may reasonably request.

        Section 4.5    INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY. (a) In the event that the Company registers any of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Holder and each underwriter of the Registrable Securities (including their officers, directors, affiliates and partners) so registered (including any broker or dealer through whom such Units may be sold) and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder or any such underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them become subject under the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or under any other statute or at common law or otherwise, as incurred, and, except as hereinafter provided, will reimburse each such Holder, each such underwriter and each such controlling Person, if any, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them or any of them in connection with investigating or defending any actions whether or not resulting in any liability, as incurred, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, expenses, liabilities or

EX-E-37



actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, in any preliminary or amended preliminary prospectus or in the final prospectus (or the registration statement or prospectus as from time to time amended or supplemented by the Company) or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or any violation by the Company of any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act or any state securities laws applicable to the Company and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration, unless (i) such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in such registration statement, preliminary or amended preliminary prospectus or final prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company in connection therewith by any such Holder of Registrable Securities (in the case of indemnification of such Holder), any such underwriter (in the case of indemnification of such underwriter) or any such controlling Person (in the case of indemnification of such controlling Person) expressly for use therein, or unless (ii) in the case of a sale directly by such Holder of Registrable Securities (including a sale of such Registrable Securities through any underwriter retained by such Holder of Registrable Securities to engage in a distribution solely on behalf of such Holder of Registrable Securities), such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was contained in a preliminary prospectus and corrected in a final or amended prospectus copies of which were delivered to such Holder of Registrable Securities or such underwriter on a timely basis, and such Holder of Registrable Securities failed to deliver a copy of the final or amended prospectus at or prior to the confirmation for the sale of the Registerable Securities to the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or liability in any case where such delivery is required by the Securities Act.

EX-E-38


        Section 4.6    INDEMNIFICATION BY HOLDERS OF REGISTRABLE SECURITIES. (a) In the event that the Company registers any of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, each Holder of the Registrable Securities so registered will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who have signed or otherwise participated in the preparation of the registration statement, each underwriter of the Registrable Securities so registered (including any broker or dealer through whom such of the Units may be sold) and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or under any other statute or at common law or otherwise, and, except as hereinafter provided, will reimburse the Company and each such director, officer, underwriter or controlling Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them or any of them in connection with investigating or defending any actions whether or not resulting in any liability, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, expenses, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, in any preliminary or amended preliminary prospectus or in the final prospectus (or in the registration statement or prospectus as from time to time amended or supplemented) or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, but only insofar as (i) any such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company in connection therewith by such Holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein and (ii) in the case of a sale directly by such Holder of Registrable Securities (including a sale of such Registrable Securities through any underwriter retained by such Holder of Registrable Securities to engage in a distribution solely on behalf of such Holder of Registrable Securities), such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was contained in a preliminary prospectus and corrected in a final or amended prospectus copies of which were delivered to such Holder of Registrable Securities or such underwriter on a timely basis, and such Holder of Registrable Securities failed to deliver a copy of the final or amended prospectus at or prior to the confirmation for the sale of the Registerable Securities to the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or liability in any case where such delivery is

EX-E-39


required by the Securities Act; provided, however, that such Holder's obligations hereunder shall be limited to an amount equal to the aggregate public offering price of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder in such registration, net of any underwriting discounts or commissions paid by such Holder.

        Section 4.7    EXCHANGE ACT REGISTRATION. If the Company at any time shall list any class of equity securities on any national securities exchange or obtain authorization for Units of such class to be quoted on an automated quotation system and shall register such class of equity securities under the Exchange Act, the Company will, at its expense, simultaneously list on such exchange or qualify for trading on such automated quotation system and maintain such listing or authorization of, the

EX-E-40


Registrable Securities of such class. If the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of either Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company will use its best efforts to timely file with the Commission such information as the Commission may require under either of said Sections; and in such event, the Company shall use its best efforts to take all action as may be required as a condition to the availability of Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act (or any successor exemptive rule hereafter in effect) with respect to such equity securities. The Company shall furnish to any Holder of Registrable Securities forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company as filed with the Commission, and (iii) such other reports and documents as a Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing a Holder to sell any such Registrable Securities without registration. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to facilitate and expedite transfers of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, which efforts shall include timely notice to its transfer agent to expedite such transfers of Registrable Securities.

        Section 4.8    DAMAGES. The Company recognizes and agrees that the Holder of Registrable Securities will not have an adequate remedy if the Company fails to comply with this ARTICLE IV and that damages may not be readily ascertainable, and the Company expressly agrees that, in the event of such failure, it shall not oppose an application by the Holder of Registrable Securities or any other Person entitled to the benefits of this ARTICLE IV requiring specific performance of any and all provisions hereof or enjoining the Company from continuing to commit any such breach of this ARTICLE.

        Section 4.9    FURTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. Whenever under the preceding SECTIONS of this ARTICLE IV, the Company is required hereunder to register Registrable Securities, it agrees that it shall also do the following:

EX-E-41


        Whenever under the preceding SECTIONS of this ARTICLE IV the Holders of Registrable Securities are registering such securities pursuant to any registration statement, each such Holder agrees to timely provide to the Company, at its request, such information and materials as it may reasonably request in order to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities.

        Section 4.10    EXPENSES. In the case of each registration effected under this Article IV, the Company shall bear all reasonable costs and expenses of each such registration on behalf of the selling Holders of Registrable Securities, including, but not limited to, the Company's printing, legal and accounting fees and expenses, Commission and NASD filing fees and "Blue Sky" fees; provided, however, that the Company shall have no obligation to pay or otherwise bear any portion of the underwriters' commissions or discounts attributable to the Registrable Securities being offered and sold by the Holders of the Registrable Securities, or the fees and expenses of counsel for the selling Holders of Registrable Securities in connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities. The Company shall also pay all expenses of the Holders of the Registrable Securities in connection with any registration initiated pursuant to this ARTICLE IV which is withdrawn or abandoned at the request of the Company.

        Section 4.11    TRANSFERABILITY. (a) For all purposes of ARTICLE IV of this Agreement, a Holder or assignee thereof who becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with SECTION 4.11(b) hereof shall be deemed at any particular time to be the Holder of all Registrable Securities of which such Person shall at such time be the "beneficial owner," determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

        Section 4.12    MERGERS, ETC. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into any merger, consolidation or reorganization in which the Company shall not be the surviving entity unless the proposed surviving entity shall, prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization, agree in writing to assume the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, and for that purpose

EX-E-42


references hereunder to Registrable Securities shall be deemed to be references to the securities which the Holders would be entitled to receive in exchange for Registrable Securities under any such merger, consolidation or reorganization; provided, however, that the provisions of this SECTION 4.12 shall not apply in the event of any merger, consolidation, or reorganization in which the Company is not the surviving entity if all Holders are entitled to receive in exchange for their Registrable Securities consideration consisting solely of (i) cash, or (ii) securities of the acquiring entity which may be immediately sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act.

ARTICLE V
DEFINITIONS

        Section 5.1    DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following defined terms have the meanings indicated below:

        "Affiliate" means any Person that directly, or indirectly through one of more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the Person specified. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person means the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by Contract or otherwise.

        "Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Assets and Properties" of any Person means all assets and properties of every kind, nature, character and description (whether real, personal or mixed, whether tangible or intangible, and wherever situated), including the goodwill related thereto, operated, owned or leased by such Person.

        "Business or Condition of the Company" means the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

        "Commission" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

        "Company" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Contract" means any agreement, lease, license, evidence of indebtedness, mortgage, indenture, security agreement or other contract.

        "Depositary Units" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals of this Agreement.

        "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission (or of any other Federal agency then administering the Exchange Act) thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

        "Governmental or Regulatory Authority" means any court, tribunal, arbitrator, authority, agency, commission, official or other instrumentality of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision.

        "Holder" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Holders" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Issuance" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals of this Agreement.

        "Laws" means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and other pronouncements having the effect of law of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision or of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "License" means all licenses, permits, certificates of authority, authorizations, approvals, registrations, franchises and similar consents granted or issued by any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

EX-E-43



        "Liens" means any mortgage, pledge, assessment, security interest, lease, lien, adverse claim, levy, charge or other encumbrance of any kind, or any conditional sale Contract, title retention Contract or other Contract to give any of the foregoing.

        "NASD" means the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

        "Order" means any writ, judgment, decree, injunction or similar order of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority (in each such case whether preliminary or final).

        "Partnership Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, other business organization, trust, union, association or Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "Registrable Securities" shall mean and include the Depositary Units owned by a Holder; provided, however, that Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the consummation of any sale pursuant to a registration statement or Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

        "Required Holders" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.2(a) of this Agreement.

        "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission (or of any other federal agency then administering the Securities Act) thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

        "Subsidiaries" means all Persons in which the Company, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns more than 50% of either the equity interests in, or the voting control of, such Persons.

ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS

        Section 6.1    ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement supersedes all prior discussions and agreements between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and contains the sole and entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

        Section 6.2    WAIVER. Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the party waiving such term or condition. No waiver by any party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Law or otherwise afforded, will be cumulative and not alternative.

        Section 6.3    AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of each party hereto.

        Section 6.4    NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY. The terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon any other Person.

        Section 6.5    ASSIGNMENT; BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement and any right, interest or obligation hereunder may be assigned by Holder without the prior written consent of the Company. This Agreement is binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

        Section 6.6    HEADINGS. The headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.

EX-E-44



        Section 6.7    INVALID PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future Law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, (a) such provision will be fully severable, (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, and (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance here from.

        Section 6.8    GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York applicable to a Contract executed and performed in such State, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

        Section 6.9    COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

EX-E-45



        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each party hereto as of the date first above written.


 

 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
    By:   American Property Investors, Inc.,
    Its general partner

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

HOLDERS:

 

 

HIGHCREST INVESTORS CORP.,

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

ARNOS CORP.,

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

CYPRUS, LLC

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

GASCON PARTNERS

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

EX-E-46



ANNEX A

Year

  Oil Price
($/Bbl)

  Gas Price
($/mcf)

2005   $ 44.36   $ 6.184
2006   $ 41.35   $ 6.267
2007   $ 39.57   $ 5.921
2008   $ 37.50   $ 5.750
2009   $ 35.00   $ 5.500
Thereafter   $ 35.00   $ 5.500

EX-E-47


Exhibit F


PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Dated as of January 21, 2005

by and among

American Real Estate Partners, L.P., as Purchaser,

and

Cyprus, LLC, as Seller

EX-F-1


Table of Contents

 
   
  Page
    ARTICLE I
SALE OF SECURITIES AND CLOSING
   

1.1

 

Purchase and Sale

 

1
1.2   Purchase Price   1
1.3   Closing   1
1.4   Actions at the Closing   1
1.5   Contingent Consideration   1
1.6   Tax Treatment   2

 

 

ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

 

 

2.1

 

Organization of Seller

 

2
2.2   Authority   2
2.3   Title   2
2.4   No Conflicts   2
2.5   Consents and Approvals   2
2.6   Brokers   3
2.7   Accuracy of Statements   3

 

 

ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER RELATING TO THE COMPANY AND THE SUBSIDIAIRIES

 

 

3.1

 

Due Organization of Company and the Subsidiaries

 

3
3.2   Capitalization   3
3.3   Subsidiaries   4
3.4   Financial Statements   4
3.5   No Adverse Effects or Changes   4
3.6   Title to Properties   4
3.7   Litigation   4
3.8   Claims Against Officers and Directors   5
3.9   Insurance   5
3.10   Compliance with Law   5
3.11   Undisclosed Liabilities   5
3.12   Related Parties   5
3.13   Intellectual Property   6
3.14   Environmental Matters   6
3.15   Employees, Labor Matters, etc.   7
3.16   Employee Benefit Plans   7
3.17   Real Property   8
3.18   Tangible Personal Property   8
3.19   Contracts   9
3.20   Tax   10
3.21   Accuracy of Statements   10
         

EX-F-2



 

 

ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

 

 

4.1

 

Organization of Purchaser

 

10
4.2   Authority   11
4.3   No Conflicts   11
4.4   Capitalization   11

 

 

ARTICLE V
COVENANTS

 

 

5.1

 

Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing

 

11
5.2   Efforts to Consummate Transaction   12

 

 

ARTICLE VI
ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS RELATING TO THE SECURITIES

 

 

6.1

 

Assignment of Rights, etc.

 

13

 

 

ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER

 

 

7.1

 

Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date

 

13
7.2   Compliance by Seller   13
7.3   Seller's Certificates   14
7.4   No Material Adverse Change   14
7.5   Actions or Proceedings   14
7.6   Registration Rights Agreement   14

 

 

ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER

 

 

8.1

 

Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date

 

14
8.2   Compliance by Purchaser   14
8.3   Purchaser's Certificate   14
8.4   Actions or Proceedings   14
8.5   Approval   14
8.6   Registration Rights Agreement   14
8.7   Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement   14

 

 

ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION

 

 

9.1

 

Termination

 

15
9.2   Effect of Termination   15

 

 

ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION

 

 

10.1

 

Indemnification by Seller

 

15
10.2   Claims   16
10.3   Notice of Third Party Claims; Assumption of Defense   16
10.4   Settlement or Compromise   17
10.5   Failure of Indemnifying Person to Act   17
10.6   Tax Character   17
         

EX-F-3



 

 

ARTICLE XI
DEFINITIONS

 

 

11.1

 

Definitions

 

17

 

 

ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

12.1

 

Investigation

 

23
12.2   Survival of Representations and Warranties   23
12.3   Entire Agreement   23
12.4   Waiver   23
12.5   Amendment   23
12.6   No Third Party Beneficiary   23
12.7   Assignment; Binding Effect   23
12.8   Headings   23
12.9   Invalid Provisions   23
12.10   Governing Law   23
12.11   Counterparts   23
12.12   Waiver of Jury Trial   23
12.13   Consent to Jurisdiction   24
12.14   Expenses   24
12.15   Notices   24
12.16   Further Assurances   25

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        This PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the or this "Agreement") dated as of January 21, 2005 is made and entered into by and among Cyprus, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Seller"), and American Real Estate Partners, L.P. ("Purchaser"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in Article XI.

        WHEREAS, Seller owns the securities listed on Annex A hereto (collectively, the "Securities") and Purchaser desires to purchase the Securities from Seller on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

        WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell the Securities to Purchaser on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
SALE OF SECURITIES AND CLOSING

        1.1    Purchase and Sale.    Seller hereby agrees to sell to Purchaser the Securities and Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from Seller the Securities at the Closing on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

        1.2    Purchase Price.    The amount payable to Seller at the Closing is 413,793 depositary units representing limited partnership interests ("AREP Units") of Purchaser (the "Closing Consideration" and together with the Contingent Consideration, if any, determined in accordance with Section 1.6, the "Purchase Price").

        1.3    Closing.    Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall take place (a) at the offices of Purchaser, located at 100 South Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, NY at 10:00 a. m., local time, on the second business day immediately following the day on which the last to be satisfied or waived of the conditions set forth in Articles VII and VIII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions) shall be satisfied or waived in accordance herewith or (b) at such other time, date or place as Purchaser and Seller may agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is herein referred to as the "Closing Date."

        1.4    Actions at the Closing.    At the Closing: (i) Purchaser shall deliver to the Seller one or more certificates representing the AREP Units constituting the Closing Consideration, (ii) Seller shall deliver to Purchaser Designee (as defined below) the Securities, together with instruments of transfer satisfactory to Purchaser, or, in the case of Securities that are held in book-entry form at the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), Seller shall cause such Securities to be delivered to the DTC account designated in writing by Purchaser Designee, (iii) Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Purchaser the certificate described in Section 7.3 and (iv) Purchaser shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Seller the items required by Sections 8.3 and 8.5.

        1.5    Contingent Consideration.    

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        1.6    Tax Treatment.    The Sellers and AREP agree and acknowledge that the sale of the Securities to Purchaser shall qualify as a nonrecognition transaction pursuant to Section 721(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

        As an inducement to Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, Seller hereby makes the following representations and warranties to Purchaser:

        2.1    Organization of Seller.    Seller is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Seller has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation, to sell and transfer (pursuant to this Agreement) the Securities.

        2.2    Authority.    The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement, and the performance by Seller of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by Seller's Managing Member and no other action on the part of Seller or its Managing Member is necessary for such execution, delivery or performance. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Seller and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms.

        2.3    Title.    The delivery of the Securities and other instruments of transfer delivered by Seller to Purchaser at the Closing will transfer to Purchaser good and valid title to the Securities, free and clear of all Liens.

        2.4    No Conflicts.    The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement do not, and the performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

        2.5    Consents and Approvals.    Except for (i) the requirement that timely notice of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement be furnished to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, (ii) the approval of depositary unit holders of the Purchaser required by the New York Stock Exchange, and (iii) approvals to amend the Purchaser's amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated as of May 12, 1987, as amended, as contemplated by Section 8.7 hereof, no consent, authorization or approval of, filing or registration with, or cooperation from, any Governmental Authority or any other Person not a party to this Agreement is necessary in connection with the execution, delivery and

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performance by Seller of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        2.6    Brokers.    Neither Seller nor the Company nor any Subsidiary has used any broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither Purchaser nor any Affiliate of Purchaser has or shall have any liability or otherwise suffer or incur any Loss as a result of or in connection with any brokerage or finder's fee or other commission of any Person retained or purporting to be retained by Seller or by the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

        2.7    Accuracy of Statements.    Neither this Agreement nor any schedule, exhibit, statement, list, document, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of the Company, any Subsidiary or Seller to Purchaser or any representative or Affiliate of Purchaser in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF SELLER RELATING TO THE COMPANY AND THE SUBSIDIAIRIES

        As an inducement to Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, Seller hereby makes the following representations to Purchaser, except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule attached to this Agreement (it being agreed that any exceptions to such representations and warranties shall clearly identify the sections of this Agreement to which they apply).

        3.1    Due Organization of Company and the Subsidiaries.    

        3.2    Capitalization.    Immediately prior to the Closing, the Seller will own the Securities, free and clear of all Liens. The Company owns 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Atlantic Holdings"), and Atlantic Holdings owns 100% of the membership interests in ACE Gaming, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company ("Ace"). Except as set forth on Schedule 3.2, no Person holds any option, warrant, convertible security or other right to acquire any interest in the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. There are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of the Company or the Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any ownership interests of the Company or any Subsidiary or to provide funds to or make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any Subsidiary or any other Person.

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        3.3    Subsidiaries.    The Company has no subsidiaries other than Atlantic Holdings and Ace. Atlantic Holdings has no subsidiaries other than Ace. Ace has no subsidiaries. Except for its interests in the Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries owns directly or indirectly any ownership or other investment interest, either of record, beneficially or equitably, in any Person.

        3.4    Financial Statements.    (a) The Seller has delivered to Purchaser true, correct and complete copies of the Audited Financial Statements. The Audited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present fairly the financial position, assets, liabilities and retained earnings of the respective companies as of the dates thereof and the revenues, expenses, results of operations, and cash flows of the respective companies for the periods covered thereby. The Audited Financial Statements are in accordance with the books and records of the respective companies, do not reflect any transactions which are not bona fide transactions and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact (whether or not required to be disclosed under GAAP) or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

        3.5    No Adverse Effects or Changes.    Since December 31, 2003, (i) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has suffered any Material Adverse Effect; (ii) there has been no change, event, development, damage or circumstance affecting the Company or the Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; (iii) there has not been any change by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries in its accounting methods, principles or practices, or any revaluation by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries of any of its assets, including writing down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts receivable; and (iv) the Company and each of the Subsidiaries has conducted its business only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

        3.6    Title to Properties.    Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to, and each Subsidiary is the lawful owner of, all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights used in connection with its respective businesses and all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights reflected in the Financial Statements, except for changes accruing in the ordinary course of business that would not, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect the ability of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries to conduct its business in the ordinary course, consistent with past practice.

        3.7    Litigation.    Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, there are no actions, suits, arbitrations, regulatory proceedings or other litigation, proceedings or governmental investigations, with such exceptions as are individually, or in the aggregate, not material in nature or amount, pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against or affecting the Company, the Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents in their capacity as such, or any of the Company's Assets and Properties or businesses of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, and to Seller's Knowledge, any facts or circumstances which may give rise to any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is subject to any

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order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation or consent order of or with any court or other Governmental Authority.

        3.8    Claims Against Officers and Directors.    There are no pending or, to the Seller's Knowledge, threatened claims against any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, the Subsidiaries or any other Person, which could give rise to any claim for indemnification against the Company or the Subsidiaries or cause the Company or the Subsidiaries to incur any material liability or otherwise suffer or incur any material Loss.

        3.9    Insurance.    

        3.10    Compliance with Law.    Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Company and the Subsidiaries are in compliance and, at all times, have been in compliance in all respects with all applicable Laws relating to the Company or the Subsidiaries or their respective Assets and Properties or businesses. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, no investigation or review by any governmental authority or self-regulatory authority is pending or, to Seller's Knowledge, threatened, nor has any such authority indicated orally or in writing to the Seller, the Company or any of the Subsidiaries an intention to conduct an investigation or review of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or, with respect to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or Seller.

        3.11    Undisclosed Liabilities.    Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements and the Interim 2004 Financial Statements, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has any material liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due, other than liabilities and obligations incurred after September 30, 2004 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (including as to amount and nature).

        3.12    Related Parties.    Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements or in public filings of the Company or Atlantic Holdings, and except for transactions solely between the Company and the Subsidiaries or solely between the Company's Subsidiaries, (i) no Affiliate of the Company is a party to any Contract with the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; (ii) no Affiliate of the Company owes any material amount of money to, nor is such Affiliate owed any material amount of money by, the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, (iii) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, guaranteed or assumed any indebtedness for borrowed money or otherwise for the benefit of an Affiliate of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; and (iv) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has made any material payment to, or engaged in any material transaction with, an Affiliate of the Company.

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        3.13    Intellectual Property.    

        3.14    Environmental Matters.    Except as set forth in the disclosure documents of the Company or Atlantic Holdings filed publicly with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") prior to the date hereof, or as set forth in the Financial Statements:

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        3.15    Employees, Labor Matters, etc.    Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by, and none of their employees is subject to, any collective bargaining agreement, and there are no labor unions or other organizations representing, purporting to represent or attempting to represent any employees employed by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. There has not occurred or been threatened any material strike, slow down, picketing, work stoppage, concerted refusal to work overtime or other similar labor activity with respect to any employees of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. There are no labor disputes currently subject to any grievance procedure, arbitration or litigation and there is no representation petition pending or threatened with respect to any employee of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. The Company and the Subsidiaries have complied with all applicable Laws pertaining to the employment or termination of employment of their respective employees, including, without limitation, all such Laws relating to labor relations, equal employment opportunities, fair employment practices, prohibited discrimination or distinction and other similar employment activities; except for any failure to comply that, individually and in the aggregate, is not reasonably likely to result in any Company Material Adverse Effect.

        3.16    Employee Benefit Plans.    

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        3.17    Real Property.    (a) Schedule 3.17(a) contains a legal description of each parcel of real property owned by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries (including the address thereof) and a legal description of each parcel in which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries hold a valid easement to use such parcel. The Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable, has good and marketable title to or easement in each such parcel of real property, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances.

        3.18    Tangible Personal Property.    The Company or a Subsidiary is in possession of and have good title to, or have valid leasehold interests in or valid rights under contract to use, all of the real and personal property used or held for use in the business of the Company or the Subsidiaries. All such property is in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and its use complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws.

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        3.19    Contracts.    

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        3.20    Tax.    

        3.21    Accuracy of Statements.    Neither this Agreement nor any schedule, exhibit, statement, list, document, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of the Company or Seller to Purchaser or any representative or Affiliate of Purchaser in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.

ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

        Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

        4.1    Organization of Purchaser.    Purchaser is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Purchaser has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform Purchaser's obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation to buy pursuant to this Agreement the Securities and issue to Seller in consideration therefore the AREP Units.

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        4.2    Authority.    The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement, and the performance by Purchaser of its obligations hereunder (including the issuance of the AREP Units), have been duly and validly authorized and, no other corporate action on the part of Purchaser is necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Purchaser and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Purchaser enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms.

        4.3    No Conflicts.    The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and the issuance of the AREP Units as contemplated hereby do not, the performance by Purchaser of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not:

        4.4    Capitalization.    The AREP Units have been duly authorized by all required action on the part of the Purchaser; the AREP Units, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will be free and clear of all liens, charges, restrictions, claims and encumbrances imposed by or through the Purchaser, except as expressly set forth in the Agreement.

ARTICLE V
COVENANTS

        5.1    Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing.    

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        5.2    Efforts to Consummate Transaction.    

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ARTICLE VI
ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS RELATING TO THE SECURITIES

        6.1    Assignment of Rights, etc.    Seller hereby assigns to AREP Sands Holding LLC ("Purchase Designee") (the designee of Purchaser and American Real Estate Holdings, Limited Partnership), as of the Closing Date: (a) with no further action on the part of Seller or Purchaser all rights, claims and powers of every kind or nature that Seller had or may be deemed to have had as of the Closing Date with respect to, arising out of or associated with, the Securities, including, without limitation, all rights, claims and powers under or in any way relating to (i) the GBH Registration Rights Agreement, (ii) the Atlantic Registration Rights Agreement and (iii) the Warrant Agreement; and (b) Purchaser Designee hereby agrees to be bound by all of the provisions of each of (i) the GBH Registration Rights Agreement and (ii) the Atlantic Registration Rights Agreement, in each case, as contemplated by Section 4.11 thereof.

ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER

        The obligations of Purchaser under Article I of this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions precedent:

        7.1    Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date.    Each of the representations and warranties of Seller contained herein shall have been accurate, true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall also be accurate, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made by Seller on and as of the Closing Date.

        7.2    Compliance by Seller.    Seller shall have duly performed and complied with all of its covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be performed and complied with by Seller on or prior to the Closing Date.

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        7.3    Seller's Certificates.    Purchaser shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing Date executed by an authorized officer of Seller certifying as to the fulfillment and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2.

        7.4    No Material Adverse Change.    No Material Adverse Change to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries shall have occurred and no event shall have occurred which, in the reasonable judgment of Purchaser, is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries.

        7.5    Actions or Proceedings.    No action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened, and no action or proceeding by other Person shall have been instituted, which (a) is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or (b) is reasonably likely to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or is reasonably likely to result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        7.6    Registration Rights Agreement.    Purchaser shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER

        The obligations of Seller under Article I of this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions precedent:

        8.1    Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date.    Each of the representations and warranties of Purchaser contained herein shall have been accurate, true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall also be accurate, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made by Purchaser on and as of the Closing Date.

        8.2    Compliance by Purchaser.    Purchaser shall have duly performed and complied with its respective covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be performed and complied with by Purchaser on or prior to the Closing Date.

        8.3    Purchaser's Certificate.    Seller shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing Date executed by an authorized officer of Purchaser certifying as to the fulfillment and satisfying the conditions set forth in Sections 8.1 and 8.2.

        8.4    Actions or Proceedings.    No action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened, and no action or proceeding by other Person shall have been instituted, which (a) is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or (b) is reasonably likely to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or is reasonably likely to result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

        8.5    Approval.    The transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been approved through all depositary unit holder action required by the New York Stock Exchange.

        8.6    Registration Rights Agreement.    Seller shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

        8.7    Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement.    The Purchaser's amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated as of May 12, 1987, as amended, shall have been amended (i) as necessary to consummate this transaction, (including without limitation, modification of Section 4.5(c) thereof to render such section inapplicable to any transactions approved by the audit

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committee of the Purchaser), and (ii) such that the general partner and the limited partners, as defined therein, may not cause Purchaser, or any successor entity of Purchaser, whether in its current form as a limited partnership or as converted to or succeeded by a corporation or other form of business association, to effect a merger or other business combination of Purchaser or such successor, in each case pursuant to Section 253 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, or any successor statute, or any similar short-form merger statute under the laws of Delaware or any other jurisdiction.

ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION

        9.1    Termination.    This Agreement may be terminated at any time on or prior to the Closing Date:

        9.2    Effect of Termination.    If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, except for the obligations set forth in Article X and Article XII, which shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and except that no such termination shall relieve any party from liability for any prior willful breach of this Agreement.

ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION

        10.1    Indemnification by Seller.    Seller agrees to indemnify Purchaser, its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, stockholders, principals, partners, agents, or representatives (each an "Indemnified Person" and collectively, the "Indemnified Persons") against, and to hold each Indemnified Person harmless from, any and all Losses incurred or suffered by any Indemnified Person relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) any breach of or any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty made by Seller in this Agreement, (b) any breach of or failure by any Seller to perform any of its covenants or obligations set out or contemplated in this Agreement, (c) after giving effect to the exchange offer pursuant to which the 3% Notes due 2008 (CUSIP 048416AA9) (the "Notes") issued by Atlantic Holdings were issued (the "Exchange Offer") through the date hereof, (i) any failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to own assets with a fair market value in excess of its liabilities, (ii) the inability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay its debts as they become due, or (iii) the maintenance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of unreasonably small capital, (d) the Exchange Offer, (e) any claim by or on behalf of holders of the 11% Notes due 2005 issued by GB Property Funding Corp. challenging the validity or priority of the liens securing the Notes, or (f) any restructuring transaction, from and after the date hereof, whereby obligations of GB Property Funding Corp. are assumed or paid by Atlantic Holdings, in the case of

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clauses (c) through (f) only to the extent such Losses relate to the Securities acquired by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.

        10.2    Claims.    As promptly as is reasonably practicable after becoming aware of a claim for indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnified Person shall promptly give notice to the Seller ("Indemnifying Person") of such claim and the amount the Indemnified Person will be entitled to receive hereunder from the Indemnifying Person; provided that the failure of the Indemnified Person to promptly give notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of its obligations except to the extent (if any) that the Indemnifying Person shall have been prejudiced thereby. If the Indemnifying Person does not object in writing to such indemnification claim within 30 days of receiving notice thereof, the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to recover, on the thirty-fifth day after such notice was given, from the Indemnifying Person the amount of such claim, and no later objection by the Indemnifying Person shall be permitted; if the Indemnifying Person agrees that it has an indemnification obligation but objects that it is obligated to pay only a lesser amount, the Indemnified Person shall nevertheless be entitled to recover, on the thirty-fifth day after such notice was given, from the Indemnifying Person the lesser amount, without prejudice to the Indemnified Person's claim for the difference. In addition to the amounts recoverable by the Indemnified Person from the Indemnifying Person pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Indemnified Person shall also be entitled to recover from the Indemnifying Person interest on such amounts at the rate of Two Times Prime from, and including, the thirty-fifth day after such notice of an indemnification claim is given to, but not including, the date such recovery is actually made by the Indemnified Person.

        10.3    Notice of Third Party Claims; Assumption of Defense.    The Indemnified Person shall give notice as promptly as is reasonably practicable to the Indemnifying Person of the assertion of any claim, or the commencement of any suit, action or proceeding, by any Person not a party hereto (a "Third Party Claim") in respect of which indemnity may be sought under this Agreement; provided that the failure of the Indemnified Person to promptly give notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of its obligations except to the extent (if any) that the Indemnifying Person shall have been prejudiced thereby. The Indemnifying Person may, at its own expense, participate in the defense of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding (a) upon notice to the Indemnified Person and (b) upon delivery by the Indemnifying Person to the Indemnified Person a written agreement that the Indemnified Person is entitled to indemnification for all Losses arising out of such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding and that the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for the entire amount of any Loss, at any time during the course of any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding, assume the defense thereof; provided, however, that (i) the Indemnifying Person's counsel is reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person, and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall thereafter consult with the Indemnified Person upon the Indemnified Person's reasonable request for such consultation from time to time with respect to such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding. If the Indemnifying Person assumes such defense, the Indemnified Person shall have the right (but not the duty) to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Person. If, however, the Indemnified Person reasonably determines in its judgment that representation by the Indemnifying Person's counsel of both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person would present such counsel with a conflict of interest, then such Indemnified Person may employ separate counsel to represent or defend it in any such Third Party Claim, action, suit or proceeding and the Indemnifying Person shall pay all of the fees and disbursements in connection with the retention of such separate counsel. If the Indemnifying Person fails to promptly notify the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party desires to defend the Third Party Claim pursuant, or if the Indemnifying Person gives such notice but fails to prosecute vigorously and diligently or settle the Third Party Claim, then the Indemnified Party will have the right to defend, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Person, the Third Party Claim by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings will be prosecuted by the Indemnifying Person in good faith or will be settled at the discretion of the Indemnifying Person (with the consent of the Indemnifying Person,

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which consent will not be unreasonably withheld). The Indemnifying Person will have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement thereof. Whether or not the Indemnifying Person chooses to defend or prosecute any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding, all of the parties hereto shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution thereof.

        10.4    Settlement or Compromise.    Any settlement or compromise made or caused to be made by the Indemnified Person or the Indemnifying Person, of any claim, suit, action or proceeding shall also be binding upon the Indemnifying Person or the Indemnified Person, as the case may be, in the same manner as if a final judgment or decree had been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in the amount of such settlement or compromise thereof; provided, however, that no obligation, restriction or Loss shall be imposed on the Indemnified Person as a result of such settlement without its prior written consent. The Indemnified Person will give the Indemnifying Person at least 30 days' notice of any proposed settlement or compromise of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding it is defending, during which time the Indemnifying Person may reject such proposed settlement or compromise; provided, however, that from and after such rejection, the Indemnifying Person shall be obligated to assume the defense of and full and complete liability and responsibility for such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding and any and all Losses in connection therewith in excess of the amount of unindemnifiable Losses which the Indemnified Person would have been obligated to pay under the proposed settlement or compromise.

        10.5    Failure of Indemnifying Person to Act.    In the event that the Indemnifying Person does not assume the defense of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding brought against an Indemnified Person, then any failure of the Indemnified Person to defend or to participate in the defense of any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding or to cause the same to be done, shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

        10.6    Tax Character.    Seller and Purchaser agree that any payments pursuant to this Article X will be treated for federal and state income tax purposes as adjustments to the Purchase Price of the Securities, and that they will report such payments on all Tax Returns consistently with such characterization.

ARTICLE XI
DEFINITIONS

        11.1    Definitions. Defined Terms.    As used in this Agreement, the following defined terms have the meanings indicated below:

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ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS

        12.1    Investigation.    It shall be no defense to an action for breach of this Agreement that Purchaser or its agents have (or have not) made investigations into the affairs of the Company or that the Company or Seller could not have known of the misrepresentation or breach of warranty.

        12.2    Survival of Representations and Warranties.    The representations and warranties of the parties hereunder shall survive the Closing.

        12.3    Entire Agreement.    This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are incorporated herein and made an integrated part hereof, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior discussions and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.

        12.4    Waiver.    Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the party waiving such term or condition. No waiver by any party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Law or otherwise afforded, will be cumulative and not alternative.

        12.5    Amendment.    This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of each party hereto.

        12.6    No Third Party Beneficiary.    The terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the parties to confer third party beneficiary rights upon any other Person, except that each Indemnified Persons shall be a third party beneficiary of Article X.

        12.7    Assignment; Binding Effect.    No party may assign this Agreement or any right, interest or obligation hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Parties. This Agreement is binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

        12.8    Headings.    The headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.

        12.9    Invalid Provisions.    If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future Law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, (a) such provision will be fully severable, (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, and (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance here from.

        12.10    Governing Law.    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

        12.11    Counterparts.    This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

        12.12    Waiver of Jury Trial.    EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY ANY OF THEM AGAINST ANY OTHER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS

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AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE ADMINISTRATION THEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN. No party to this Agreement shall seek a jury trial in any lawsuit, proceeding, counterclaim, or any other litigation procedure based upon, or arising out of, this Agreement or any related instruments or the relationship between the parties. No party will seek to consolidate any such action in which a jury trial has been waived with any other action in which a jury trial cannot be or has not been waived. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY THE PARTIES HERETO, AND THESE PROVISIONS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO NO EXCEPTIONS. NO PARTY HAS IN ANY WAY AGREED WITH OR REPRESENTED TO ANY OTHER PARTY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION WILL NOT BE FULLY ENFORCED IN ALL INSTANCES.

        12.13    Consent to Jurisdiction.    Each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any NY State Court in the County of New York or any courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District of New York, and each party hereby agrees that all suits, actions and proceedings brought by such party hereunder shall be brought in any such court. Each party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court, any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum and the right to object, with respect to any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court, that such court does not have jurisdiction over such party or the other party. In any such suit, action or proceeding, each party waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, personal service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service thereof may be made by any means permitted by Section 0 (other than facsimile transmission). Each party agrees that a final non-appealable judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court shall be conclusive and binding.

        12.14    Expenses.    All expenses, costs and fees in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (including fees and disbursements of counsel, consultants and accountants) incurred by (a) Seller shall be paid and borne exclusively by Seller, and (b) Purchaser shall be paid and borne exclusively by Purchaser. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Agreement is terminated prior to the Closing and such termination results from any breach by Seller or Purchaser, as the case may be, of any representation, warranty or covenant by such party, then such breaching party shall reimburse the non-breaching party for all such expenses, fees and cash, including for all expenses, fees and cash incurred in connection with obtaining high yield or other financing.

        12.15    Notices.    All notices, request, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and postage prepaid, by courier, or by facsimile transmission, addressed as follows:

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or to such other address as a party may from time to time designate in writing in accordance with this Section. Each notice or other communication given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been received (a) on the Business Day it is sent, if sent by personal delivery, (b) the earlier of receipt of three Business Days after having been sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, (c) on the Business Day it is sent, if sent by facsimile transmission and an activity report showing the correct facsimile number of the party on whom notice is served and the correct number of pages transmitted is obtained by the sender (provided, however, that such notice or other communication is also sent by some other means permitted by this Section 12.15, or (d) on the first Business Day after sending, if sent by courier or overnight delivery.

        12.16    Further Assurances.    Each of the parties hereto covenants and agrees that, from time to time subsequent to Closing, it will, at the request of the other party, execute and deliver (or, in the case of Purchaser, cause AREH or Purchaser Designee to execute and deliver) all such documents, including, without limitation, all such additional conveyances, transfers, consents and other assurances and do all such other acts and things as such other party may from time to time request be executed or done in order to better evidence, perfect or effect any provision of this Agreement, or of any agreement or other document executed pursuant to this Agreement, or any of the respective obligations intended to be created hereby or thereby.

[Signature Page Follows]

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each party hereto as of the date first above written.

    Cyprus, LLC
    By:   Barberry Corp., member

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
Name: Edward E. Mattner
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

 

 

By:

 

American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

 

 

By

 

/s/  
KEITH A. MEISTER      
Name: Keith A. Meister
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Acknowledged and Agreed to
(Solely for purposes of Article VI):

 

 

AREP Sands Holding LLC

 

 

By:

 

American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, its sole member

 

 

By:

 

American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
KEITH A. MEISTER      
Name: Keith A. Meister
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to the Purchase Agreement between Cyprus and AREP with respect to Sands Securities.]

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    For Purposes of Section 5.2(b) only:

 

 

BARBERRY CORP.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
Name: Edward E. Mattner
Title: Authorized Signatory

 

 

HIGH COAST LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

 

 

By:

 

Little Meadow Corp., its general partner

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      
Name: Edward E. Mattner
Title: Authorized Signatory

[Signature Page to the Purchase Agreement between Cyprus and AREP with respect to Sands Securities.]

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        GUARANTY: The undersigned hereby guarantees the payment and performance by Cyprus LLC of all of its duties and obligations under this Agreement when due.

Barberry Corp.    

By:

 

/s/  
EDWARD E. MATTNER      

 

 
Name:   Edward E. Mattner    
Title:   Authorized Signatory    

[Signature Page to the Purchase Agreement between Cyprus and AREP with respect to Sands Securities.]

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Annex A

Issuer

  Amount and Title of Security
GB Holdings, Inc.   4,121,033 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (CUSIP 36150A109)

Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc.

 



4,121,033 Warrants exp. July 22, 2011 (CUSIP 048416119) to purchase 1,133,284 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock

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Schedule 3.2
(Options, Warrants, Convertible Securities of Company or Subsidiaries)

        1.     10,000,000 Atlantic Holdings Warrants exp. July 2011 have been issued pro rata to holders of the common stock of the Company entitling such holders to purchase 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock, in the aggregate.

        2.     4,367,068 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock have been reserved for issuance upon the conversion of $66,258,970 principal amount of Atlantic Holdings' 3% Notes due 2008.

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Exhibit A
[GBH Registration Rights Agreement]

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Exhibit B
[Atlantic Registration Rights Agreement]

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Exhibit C
(Form of Instruction Letter)

American Real Estate Holdings, Limited Partnership
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

100 South Bedford Road Mt. Kisco, New York 10549

[Date]

Cyprus, LLC
c/o Icahn Associates Corp.
767 Fifth Avenue
47th Floor
New York, New York 10153

Gentlemen:

        American Real Estate Partners, L.P. ("AREP") and American Real Estate Holdings, Limited Partnership ("AREH") hereby instruct you to deliver the Securities subject of that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2005, directly to AREP Sands Holding LLC, which entity is a limited liability company wholly owned and controlled by AREH and designates AREP Sands Holding LLC as their designee under Article VI of the Purchase Agreement.

    American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

 

 

By:

 

American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 
           
Name:
Title:

 

 

American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership

 

 

By:

 

American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 
           
Name:
Title:

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Exhibit D
Form Of Registration Rights Agreement

        This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated as of [                ], 2005 is made and entered into by and between American Real Estate Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "Company"), and the other signatories listed hereto (each a "Holder" and collectively the "Holders"). Capitalized terms used herein, but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Company (as amended from time to time, the "Partnership Agreement").

        WHEREAS, the Company contemplates the issuance to Holders (the "Issuance") of depositary units representing limited partnership interests the Company ("Depositary Units"); and

        WHEREAS, the Holders desire, and the Company agrees to grant to the Holders, certain registration rights with respect to the Depositary Units.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
GRANT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS

        Section 1.1 RIGHTS GRANTED. The Company agrees that, upon consummation of the Issuance, the Holders shall be entitled to the registration rights described in Article IV herein.

ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

        The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Holders as follows:

        Section 2.1    DUE FORMATION OF THE COMPANY. The Company is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform the Company's obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

        Section 2.2    AUTHORITY. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, and the performance by such party of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by the Board of Directors of its general partner, no other corporate action on the part of the Company or its partners being necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

        Section 2.3    CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The Depositary Units, when issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

        Section 2.4    NO CONFLICTS. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement do not, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE HOLDERS

        Each of the Holders severally represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

        Section 3.1    ORGANIZATION OF THE HOLDERS. Such Holder is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the state of its organization. Such Holder is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform such Holder's obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

        Section 3.2    AUTHORITY. The execution and delivery by such Holder of this Agreement, and the performance by such Holder of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized, no other action on the part of such Holder being necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Holder and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Holder enforceable against the Holder in accordance with its terms.

        Section 3.3    NO CONFLICTS. The execution and delivery by such Holder of this Agreement does not, the performance by such Holder of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:

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ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

        The Company covenants and agrees with the Holders that the Company will comply with the covenants and provisions of this ARTICLE IV, except to the extent the Holders may otherwise consent in writing:

        Section 4.1    PIGGY-BACK REGISTRATION. If at any time the Company shall determine to register for its own account or the account of others under the Securities Act (including pursuant to a demand for registration made by any Holder of Registrable Securities) any of its equity securities, or warrants to purchase equity securities, other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or their then equivalents relating to Depositary Units to be issued solely in connection with any acquisition of any entity or business, it shall send to each Holder of Registrable Securities as reflected on the books and records of or maintained on behalf of the Company, including each Holder who has the right to acquire, who is entitled to registration rights under this SECTION 4.1 written notice of such determination and, if within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such notice, such Holder shall so request in writing, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to include in such registration statement all or any part of the Registrable Securities such Holder requests to be registered, except that if, in connection with any underwritten public offering of the Company the managing underwriter shall impose a limitation on the number of Units which may be included in the registration statement because, in its judgment, such limitation is necessary to effect an orderly public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such registration statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which such Holder has requested inclusion hereunder. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities, in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities which are not entitled by right to inclusion of securities in such registration statement pursuant to this ARTICLE IV. No incidental right under this SECTION 4.1 shall be construed to limit any registration required under SECTION 4.2. The obligations of the Company to a Holder under this SECTION 4.1 may be waived only by such Holder. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, no other registration rights (demand or piggy-back) with respect to any debt or equity securities shall be granted to any Person without the consent of the Holders.

        Section 4.2    DEMAND REGISTRATION.

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        Section 4.3    REGISTRATIONS ON FORM S-3. In addition to the rights provided the Holders of Registrable Securities in SECTIONS 4.1 and 4.2, if the registration of Registrable Securities under the Securities Act can be effected on Form S-3 (or any similar form promulgated by the Commission), then upon the written request of one or more Holders of Registrable Securities for the registration of at least twenty percent (20%) of the Registrable Securities, the Company will so notify each Holder of Registrable Securities, including each Holder who has a right to acquire Registrable Securities, and then will, as expeditiously as possible, use its best efforts to effect qualification and registration under the Securities Act on Form S-3 of all or such portion of the Registrable Securities as the Holder or Holders shall specify in the initial request to the Company or upon written request of a Holder to the Company given within fifteen (15) days after the receipt by the Holders from the Company of such notification.

        Section 4.4    EFFECTIVENESS. The Company will use its best efforts to maintain the effectiveness for up to 90 days (or such shorter period of time as the underwriters need to complete the distribution of the registered offering, or one year in the case of a "shelf" registration statement on Form S-3) of any registration statement pursuant to which any of the Registrable Securities are being offered, and from time to time will use reasonable efforts to amend or supplement such registration statement and the prospectus contained therein to the extent necessary to comply with the Securities Act and any applicable state securities statute or regulation. The Company will also provide each Holder of Registrable Securities with as many copies of the prospectus contained in any such registration statement as it may reasonably request.

        Section 4.5    INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY. (a) In the event that the Company registers any of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Holder and each underwriter of the Registrable Securities (including their officers, directors, affiliates and partners) so registered (including any broker or dealer through whom such Units may be sold) and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder or any such underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them become subject under the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or under any other statute or at common law or otherwise, as incurred, and, except as hereinafter provided, will reimburse each such Holder, each such underwriter and each such controlling Person, if any, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them or any of them in connection with investigating or defending any actions whether or not resulting in any liability, as incurred, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, expenses, liabilities or

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actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, in any preliminary or amended preliminary prospectus or in the final prospectus (or the registration statement or prospectus as from time to time amended or supplemented by the Company) or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or any violation by the Company of any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act or any state securities laws applicable to the Company and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration, unless (i) such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in such registration statement, preliminary or amended preliminary prospectus or final prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company in connection therewith by any such Holder of Registrable Securities (in the case of indemnification of such Holder), any such underwriter (in the case of indemnification of such underwriter) or any such controlling Person (in the case of indemnification of such controlling Person) expressly for use therein, or unless (ii) in the case of a sale directly by such Holder of Registrable Securities (including a sale of such Registrable Securities through any underwriter retained by such Holder of Registrable Securities to engage in a distribution solely on behalf of such Holder of Registrable Securities), such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was contained in a preliminary prospectus and corrected in a final or amended prospectus copies of which were delivered to such Holder of Registrable Securities or such underwriter on a timely basis, and such Holder of Registrable Securities failed to deliver a copy of the final or amended prospectus at or prior to the confirmation for the sale of the Registerable Securities to the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or liability in any case where such delivery is required by the Securities Act.

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        Section 4.6    INDEMNIFICATION BY HOLDERS OF REGISTRABLE SECURITIES. (a) In the event that the Company registers any of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, each Holder of the Registrable Securities so registered will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who have signed or otherwise participated in the preparation of the registration statement, each underwriter of the Registrable Securities so registered (including any broker or dealer through whom such of the Units may be sold) and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or under any other statute or at common law or otherwise, and, except as hereinafter provided, will reimburse the Company and each such director, officer, underwriter or controlling Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them or any of them in connection with investigating or defending any actions whether or not resulting in any liability, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, expenses, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, in any preliminary or amended preliminary prospectus or in the final prospectus (or in the registration statement or prospectus as from time to time amended or supplemented) or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, but only insofar as (i) any such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company in connection therewith by such Holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein and (ii) in the case of a sale directly by such Holder of Registrable Securities (including a sale of such Registrable Securities through any underwriter retained by such Holder of Registrable Securities to engage in a distribution solely on behalf of such Holder of Registrable Securities), such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was contained in a preliminary prospectus and corrected in a final or amended prospectus copies of which were delivered to such Holder of Registrable Securities or such underwriter on a timely basis, and such Holder of Registrable Securities failed to deliver a copy of the final or amended prospectus at or prior to the confirmation for the sale of the Registerable Securities to the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or liability in any case where such delivery is

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required by the Securities Act; provided, however, that such Holder's obligations hereunder shall be limited to an amount equal to the aggregate public offering price of the Registrable Securities sold by such Holder in such registration, net of any underwriting discounts or commissions paid by such Holder.

        Section 4.7    EXCHANGE ACT REGISTRATION. If the Company at any time shall list any class of equity securities on any national securities exchange or obtain authorization for Units of such class to be quoted on an automated quotation system and shall register such class of equity securities under the Exchange Act, the Company will, at its expense, simultaneously list on such exchange or qualify for trading on such automated quotation system and maintain such listing or authorization of, the

EX-F-44


Registrable Securities of such class. If the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of either Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company will use its best efforts to timely file with the Commission such information as the Commission may require under either of said Sections; and in such event, the Company shall use its best efforts to take all action as may be required as a condition to the availability of Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act (or any successor exemptive rule hereafter in effect) with respect to such equity securities. The Company shall furnish to any Holder of Registrable Securities forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company as filed with the Commission, and (iii) such other reports and documents as a Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing a Holder to sell any such Registrable Securities without registration. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to facilitate and expedite transfers of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, which efforts shall include timely notice to its transfer agent to expedite such transfers of Registrable Securities.

        Section 4.8    DAMAGES. The Company recognizes and agrees that the Holder of Registrable Securities will not have an adequate remedy if the Company fails to comply with this ARTICLE IV and that damages may not be readily ascertainable, and the Company expressly agrees that, in the event of such failure, it shall not oppose an application by the Holder of Registrable Securities or any other Person entitled to the benefits of this ARTICLE IV requiring specific performance of any and all provisions hereof or enjoining the Company from continuing to commit any such breach of this ARTICLE.

        Section 4.9    FURTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. Whenever under the preceding SECTIONS of this ARTICLE IV, the Company is required hereunder to register Registrable Securities, it agrees that it shall also do the following:

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        Whenever under the preceding SECTIONS of this ARTICLE IV the Holders of Registrable Securities are registering such securities pursuant to any registration statement, each such Holder agrees to timely provide to the Company, at its request, such information and materials as it may reasonably request in order to effect the registration of such Registrable Securities.

        Section 4.10    EXPENSES. In the case of each registration effected under this Article IV, the Company shall bear all reasonable costs and expenses of each such registration on behalf of the selling Holders of Registrable Securities, including, but not limited to, the Company's printing, legal and accounting fees and expenses, Commission and NASD filing fees and "Blue Sky" fees; provided, however, that the Company shall have no obligation to pay or otherwise bear any portion of the underwriters' commissions or discounts attributable to the Registrable Securities being offered and sold by the Holders of the Registrable Securities, or the fees and expenses of counsel for the selling Holders of Registrable Securities in connection with the registration of the Registrable Securities. The Company shall also pay all expenses of the Holders of the Registrable Securities in connection with any registration initiated pursuant to this ARTICLE IV which is withdrawn or abandoned at the request of the Company.

        Section 4.11    TRANSFERABILITY. (a) For all purposes of ARTICLE IV of this Agreement, a Holder or assignee thereof who becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with SECTION 4.11(b) hereof shall be deemed at any particular time to be the Holder of all Registrable Securities of which such Person shall at such time be the "beneficial owner," determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

        Section 4.12    MERGERS, ETC. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into any merger, consolidation or reorganization in which the Company shall not be the surviving entity unless the proposed surviving entity shall, prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization, agree in writing to assume the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, and for that purpose

EX-F-46


references hereunder to Registrable Securities shall be deemed to be references to the securities which the Holders would be entitled to receive in exchange for Registrable Securities under any such merger, consolidation or reorganization; provided, however, that the provisions of this SECTION 4.12 shall not apply in the event of any merger, consolidation, or reorganization in which the Company is not the surviving entity if all Holders are entitled to receive in exchange for their Registrable Securities consideration consisting solely of (i) cash, or (ii) securities of the acquiring entity which may be immediately sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act.

ARTICLE V
DEFINITIONS

        Section 5.1    DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following defined terms have the meanings indicated below:

        "Affiliate" means any Person that directly, or indirectly through one of more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the Person specified. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person means the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by Contract or otherwise.

        "Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Assets and Properties" of any Person means all assets and properties of every kind, nature, character and description (whether real, personal or mixed, whether tangible or intangible, and wherever situated), including the goodwill related thereto, operated, owned or leased by such Person.

        "Business or Condition of the Company" means the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

        "Commission" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

        "Company" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Contract" means any agreement, lease, license, evidence of indebtedness, mortgage, indenture, security agreement or other contract.

        "Depositary Units" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals of this Agreement.

        "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission (or of any other Federal agency then administering the Exchange Act) thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

        "Governmental or Regulatory Authority" means any court, tribunal, arbitrator, authority, agency, commission, official or other instrumentality of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision.

        "Holder" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Holders" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Issuance" has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals of this Agreement.

        "Laws" means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and other pronouncements having the effect of law of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision or of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "License" means all licenses, permits, certificates of authority, authorizations, approvals, registrations, franchises and similar consents granted or issued by any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

EX-F-47



        "Liens" means any mortgage, pledge, assessment, security interest, lease, lien, adverse claim, levy, charge or other encumbrance of any kind, or any conditional sale Contract, title retention Contract or other Contract to give any of the foregoing.

        "NASD" means the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

        "Order" means any writ, judgment, decree, injunction or similar order of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority (in each such case whether preliminary or final).

        "Partnership Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to it in the forepart of this Agreement.

        "Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, other business organization, trust, union, association or Governmental or Regulatory Authority.

        "Registrable Securities" shall mean and include the Depositary Units owned by a Holder; provided, however, that Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the consummation of any sale pursuant to a registration statement or Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

        "Required Holders" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 4.2(a) of this Agreement.

        "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission (or of any other federal agency then administering the Securities Act) thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

        "Subsidiaries" means all Persons in which the Company, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns more than 50% of either the equity interests in, or the voting control of, such Persons.

ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS

        Section 6.1    ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement supersedes all prior discussions and agreements between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and contains the sole and entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

        Section 6.2    WAIVER. Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the party waiving such term or condition. No waiver by any party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Law or otherwise afforded, will be cumulative and not alternative.

        Section 6.3    AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of each party hereto.

        Section 6.4    NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY. The terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon any other Person.

        Section 6.5    ASSIGNMENT; BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement and any right, interest or obligation hereunder may be assigned by Holder without the prior written consent of the Company. This Agreement is binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

        Section 6.6    HEADINGS. The headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.

EX-F-48



        Section 6.7    INVALID PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future Law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, (a) such provision will be fully severable, (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, and (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance here from.

        Section 6.8    GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York applicable to a Contract executed and performed in such State, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

        Section 6.9    COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

EX-F-49



        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each party hereto as of the date first above written.


 

 

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
    By:   American Property Investors, Inc.,
    Its general partner

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

HOLDERS:

 

 

HIGHCREST INVESTORS CORP.,

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

ARNOS CORP.,

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

CYPRUS, LLC

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

 

 

GASCON PARTNERS

 

 

By:

 


Name:
Title:

EX-F-50


Exhibit G


AMENDMENT NO. 4
TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
(A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

        AMENDMENT NO. 4 ("Amendment No. 4") to the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of American Real Estate Partners, L.P., dated as of May [    ], 2005, by and among American Property Investors, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as general partner (the "General Partner"), and all other persons and entities who are or shall in the future become limited partners (the "Limited Partners") of the Partnership. Except as otherwise indicated, all capitalized terms used herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the Partnership Agreement.

WITNESSETH:

        WHEREAS, the Partnership desires to amend certain sections of its amended and restated Partnership Agreement; and

        WHEREAS, the Partnership has obtained the written consent of holders of more than 50% of the outstanding depositary units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the "Depositary Units");

        NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

        1.    Article I of the Partnership Agreement is hereby amended to include the following additional definitions in their respective appropriate alphabetical locations:

        2.    Section 3.01 of the Partnership Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

EX-G-1


        3.    Section 4.05(c) of the Partnership Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

        4.    The Partnership Agreement is hereby amended to include a new Section 4.13 to read in its entirety as follows:

EX-G-2


        5.    Section 5.03 of the Partnership Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

        5.03.    Distributions.

EX-G-3


        6.    Section 6.18(c)(iii) of the Partnership Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

        7.    Section 14.13 of the Partnership Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

        8.    Except as expressly amended hereby, all other provisions of the Partnership Agreement, as heretofore amended, shall continue in full force and effect.

        9.    This Amendment No. 4 shall become effective as of the date hereof upon its execution by all parties hereto.

EX-G-4


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have evidenced their adoption and ratification of the foregoing Amendment to the Partnership Agreement and have duly executed this Amendment to be duly executed on their behalf, as of the day and year first set forth above.

    General Partner
AMERICAN PROPERTY INVESTORS INC.

 

 

By:


Name: John P. Saldarelli
Title: Vice President

 

 

Limited Partners

 

 

By:

AMERICAN PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.,
(attorney-in-fact)

 

 

By:


Name: John P. Saldarelli
Title: Vice President

[Signature Page to Amendment No. 4 of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
Partnership of American Real Estate Partners, L.P.]

EX-G-5


Exhibit H


AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF AMERICAN REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
(A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

        AMENDMENT NO. 3 ("Amendment No. 3") to the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, dated as of May [    ], 2005, by and among American Property Investors, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as general partner (the "General Partner"), and American Real Estate Partners, L.P., as limited partner of the Partnership, and all other persons and entities who are or shall in he future become, limited partners (the "Limited Partners"). Except as otherwise indicated, all capitalized terms used herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the Partnership Agreement.

WITNESSETH:

        WHEREAS, the Partnership desires to amend certain sections of its amended and restated Partnership Agreement;

        NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

        1.    Section 3.01 of the Partnership Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

        2.    Section 5.03 of the Partnership Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

EX-H-1


        3.    Except as expressly amended hereby, all other provisions of the Partnership Agreement, as heretofore amended, shall continue in full force and effect.

        4.    This Amendment No. 3 shall become effective as of the date hereof upon its execution by all parties hereto.

EX-H-2


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have evidenced their adoption and ratification of the foregoing Amendment to the Partnership Agreement and have duly executed this Amendment to be duly executed on their behalf, as of the day and year first set forth above.


 

 

General Partner
AMERICAN PROPERTY INVESTORS INC.

 

 

By:


Name: John P. Saldarelli
Title: Vice President

 

 

Limited Partner
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.

 

 

By:

AMERICAN PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC.,
General Partner

 

 

By:


Name: John P. Saldarelli
Title: Vice President

[Signature Page to Amendment No. 3 of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
Partnership of American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership]

EX-H-3



FORM OF UNITHOLDER WRITTEN CONSENT CARD
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.

--X--
PLEASE MARK VOTES
AS IN THIS EXAMPLE


THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GENERAL PARTNER

        American Property Investors, Inc., the general partner of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. ("AREP"), is proposing action be taken with respect to the matters set forth below. Each of the matters has the meaning ascribed thereto in the proxy statement, dated May    , 2005, with respect to action to be taken by written consent of holders of Depositary Units of AREP:

 
   
  FOR

  AGAINST

I.   THE ACQUISITIONS   o   o

II.

 

THE LP AGREEMENT AMENDMENTS

 

o

 

o

III.

 

THE OLP AGREEMENT AMENDMENTS

 

o

 

o

IV.

 

THE GRANT OF THE MEISTER OPTION

 

o

 

o

THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS CONSENT CARD, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED UNIT HOLDER.

IMPORTANT: Please sign exactly as your name appears. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please set forth your full title. If signer is a corporation, please sign the full corporate name by a duly authorized officer. Joint owners should each sign.

Please be sure to sign and date this Consent Card in the box below   Date

Unitholder sign above    Co-holder (if any) sign above


Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided

AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.

PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY.
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THIS CONSENT CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE PREPAID ENVELOPE TODAY.

IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE CORRECT THE ADDRESS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW AND RETURN THIS PORTION WITH THE CONSENT FORM IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.

           


           


          





QuickLinks

MAY , 2005 AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. 100 SOUTH BEDFORD ROAD MT. KISCO, NEW YORK 10549 PROXY STATEMENT ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY WRITTEN CONSENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS TO SCHEDULE 14A PROXY STATEMENT
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
SUMMARY TERM SHEET
PROXY STATEMENT—CONSENT
ITEM 1: ACQUISITIONS
Median Multiples Observed in the Selected Gaming Transactions
Multiples Observed of the Selected Gaming Companies
Multiples Observed from the Selected Oil & Gas Companies
Multiples Implied by the Present Value Approach to Valuing NEG Holding Reserves
Multiples Observed from the Selected Oil & Gas Transactions
Multiples Implied by the Present Value Approach to Valuing NEG Holding Reserves
Multiples Observed from the Selected Local Asset Transactions
Multiples Implied by the Present Value Approach to Valuing NEG Holding Reserves
ITEM 3: AMENDMENT TO AREH'S LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
ITEM 4: GRANT OF OPTIONS TO KEITH MEISTER
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN OR OPPOSITION TO MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS
INDEX TO APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. OUR COMPANY
SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. SUMMARY SUPPLEMENTAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APPENDIX B: NEG HOLDING LLC BUSINESS
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APPENDIX C: PANACO, INC. BUSINESS
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APPENDIX D: GB HOLDINGS, INC.
OVERVIEW
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Dollars in thousands, except share data)
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APPENDIX E: UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA FOR AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS Year Ended December 31, 2003 (In $000's, except unit and per unit data)
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS Year Ended December 31, 2002 (In $000's, except unit and per unit data)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION
APPENDIX F: INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002 (in $000's)
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002 (in $000's)
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
AMERICAN PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC. BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 31, 2004
AMERICAN PROPERTY INVESTORS, INC. Notes to Financial Statements December 31, 2004
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
NEG HOLDING LLC CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
NEG HOLDING LLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
NEG HOLDING LLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NEG HOLDING LLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' EQUITY
NEG HOLDING LLC NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2004
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
PANACO, INC. BALANCE SHEETS
PANACO, INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
PANACO, INC. STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
PANACO, INC. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
PANACO, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SCHEDULE II GB HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
EXHIBIT INDEX
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I SALE OF MEMBERSHIP INTEREST AND CLOSING
ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER RELATING TO THE COMPANY AND THE SUBSIDIAIRIES
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
ARTICLE V COVENANTS
ARTICLE VI ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER
ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER
ARTICLE IX TERMINATION
ARTICLE X INDEMNIFICATION
ARTICLE XI DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTNERSHIP
ARTICLE V COVENANTS
ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTNERSHIP
ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLERS
ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION
ARTICLE IX INDEMNIFICATION
ARTICLE X DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS
Exhibit A Form Of Registration Rights Agreement
ANNEX A
PURCHASE AGREEMENT Dated as of January 21, 2005 by and among American Real Estate Partners, L.P., as Purchaser, and Cyprus, LLC, as Seller
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF AMERICAN REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
FORM OF UNITHOLDER WRITTEN CONSENT CARD American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GENERAL PARTNER