Charles W. Berard

Since first opening of their doors in Calgary in 1912, Macleod Dixon has been an integral part of the Canadian business community. Their professionals are known for the depth of their business savvy and the strength and diversity of their legal expertise. Their commitment to achieving the best results for their clients has earned them a reputation as a 'law firm of choice.' While the company's roots are uniquely Canadian, their reach has become increasingly international. As their clients have expanded their business operations, Macleod Dixon has also expanded its geographical horizons, establishing international offices and strengthening and diversifying their service offerings in such key areas as energy and emerging markets. Today, their ability to serve clients via a closely linked network of international offices, as well as their commitment to excellence, and the depth and breadth of their legal 'know-how' form the hallmark of the Macleod Dixon Advantage.

Connacher Oil & Gas Ltd. engages in the development, production, and marketing of bitumen. It holds interests in the Pod One and Algar oil sand projects. The company was founded on July 3, 1997 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

Part of Crescent Point Energy Corp., Empire Energy, Inc. explores for and produces crude oil. The company is based in Calgary, Canada. The Canadian company was founded by Charles W. Berard. Empire Energy was acquired by Upton Resources, Inc., part of Crescent Point Energy Corp. from February 06, 2004 on April 26, 2002 for $17.58 million.

Verenex Energy, Inc. explores and produces oil and gas. The company was founded by Jim McFarland, Lorenzo Donadeo, Chayan Chakrabarty and Blair Anderson in March 2004 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

Part of Versus Systems, Inc., Opal Energy, Inc. is a company based in Katy, TX. Opal Energy, Inc. was founded by Charles W. Berard. Opal Energy was acquired by Boulder Mining Corp. on October 24, 2006 for $1.58 million.

Part of Calgary Sinoenergy Investment Corp., Diamond Tree Energy Ltd. develops, produces, and explores for oil and natural gas. The company is based in Calgary, Canada. The Canadian company was founded by Donald Darrell Copeland. Diamond Tree Energy was acquired by Crocotta Energy, Inc. on October 15, 2007.

Fairmount Energy, Inc. explored for oil and natural gas. It was an oil and natural gas exploration and development company which explored oil and natural gas throughout western Canada. The company was headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

Newcast Energy Corp. engages in exploration and production of oil and gas. It also engages in development of drilling and lower risk exploration activities. The company was founded in June 2005 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

ArPetrol Inc. is a privately owned, independent Canadian exploration and production company focusing on Latin America. The company is led by an experienced team of proven petroleum finders possessing an enviable track record in sourcing quality, undervalued oil and gas assets in Canada and internationally. ArPetrol's directive is to identify and secure stable oil and gas reserves with untapped exploitation upside and exploration potential. This mandate is accomplished through measured acquisitions, asset optimization and strategic partnerships. ArPetrol has identified Latin America as its core business focus and has chosen Argentina for its initial core asset base due to the country's significant exploration and development growth potential. In addition Argentina's unsustainable low commodity price environment coupled with an improving political mandate provides immediate cost effective access to production and reserves. Arpetrol successfully closed a private financing for $15 million in July 2008. The funds are being utilized to develop its existing assets while the company continues to review growth alternatives in Latin America.