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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2017

Registration No. 333-215998


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



Amendment No. 1
to

FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



FTS International, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  1389
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  30-0780081
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)



777 Main Street, Suite 2900
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 862-2000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)



Michael J. Doss
Chief Executive Officer
FTS International, Inc.
777 Main Street, Suite 2900
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 862-2000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



Copies to:
Charles T. Haag
Jones Day
2727 North Harwood Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 220-3939
  Merritt S. Johnson
Shearman & Sterling LLP
599 Lexington Ave.
New York, New York 10022
(212) 848-4000



Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.



          If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box:     o

          If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:     o

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:     o

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:     o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Large accelerated filer  o   Accelerated filer  o   Non-accelerated filer  ý
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company  o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

       
 
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)(2)

  Amount of
Registration Fee(3)

 

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  $100,000,000   $11,590

 

(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.

(2)
Includes the aggregate offering price of additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase.

(3)
The registration fee was previously paid.

           The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

   


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED FEBRUARY 27, 2017

P R E L I M I N A R Y    P R O S P E C T U S

             Shares

LOGO

FTS International, Inc.

Common Stock



        This is the initial public offering of shares of common stock of FTS International, Inc. We are selling             shares of our common stock.

        We expect the public offering price to be between $             and $             per share. Currently, no public market exists for the shares. After pricing of this offering, we expect that the shares will trade on The New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol "FTSI."

        We are an "emerging growth company" under the federal securities laws and, as such, will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. See "Prospectus Summary—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company."

         Investing in our common stock involves risks that are described in the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page 15 of this prospectus.

 
  Price to
Public
  Underwriting
Discounts and
Commissions
  Proceeds, before
expenses, to us
 
Per share   $                 $                 $                
Total   $                 $                 $                

(1)
See "Underwriting" for additional information regarding total underwriter compensation.

        The underwriters may also exercise their option to purchase up to an additional             shares,        from the Company and       shares from the selling stockholders, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, for 30 days after the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling stockholders.

        Each of the selling stockholders in this offering is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

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

        The underwriters expect to deliver the shares to purchasers on or about                  , 2017.

Credit Suisse       Morgan Stanley
Barclays   Citigroup   Wells Fargo Securities   Evercore ISI
Cowen and Company   Guggenheim Securities   Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co.

   

The date of this prospectus is                  , 2017.


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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

    1  

RISK FACTORS

    15  

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    34  

USE OF PROCEEDS

    36  

DIVIDEND POLICY

    37  

CAPITALIZATION

    38  

DILUTION

    40  

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

    42  

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

    45  

BUSINESS

    56  

MANAGEMENT

    75  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

    84  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

    92  

PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

    95  

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

    98  

DESCRIPTION OF INDEBTEDNESS

    102  

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

    105  

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

    108  

UNDERWRITING

    112  

LEGAL MATTERS

    119  

EXPERTS

    119  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    119  

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    F-1  

        We are responsible for the information contained in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered to you. Neither we, the selling stockholders nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information different from, or in addition to, that contained in this prospectus or any related free writing prospectus. We, the selling stockholders and the underwriters are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, these securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this prospectus or in any applicable free writing prospectus is accurate only as of its date, regardless of its time of delivery or any sale of these securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.


Industry and Market Data

        The market data and certain other statistical information used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications, government publications or other published independent sources. Some data is also based on our good faith estimates. Although we believe these third-party sources are reliable and that the information is accurate and complete, we have not independently verified the information.

        References to oil prices are to the spot price in U.S. Dollars per barrel of West Texas Intermediate, or WTI, an oil index benchmark used in the United States. References to natural gas prices are to the spot price in U.S. Dollars per one thousand cubic feet of natural gas using the Henry Hub index, a natural gas benchmark used in the United States.


Reverse Stock Split and Conversion

        Immediately before this offering (1) we will effect a            :            reverse stock split and (2) our Series A convertible preferred stock, or our convertible preferred stock, will be converted into issued and outstanding common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of             :             . Upon filing our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, each share of convertible preferred stock will convert into a number of shares of common stock equal to its accreted value at March 31, 2017, or $2,735 per share, divided by the initial public offering price per share, subject to adjustment based on the aggregate value of our common stock and convertible preferred stock immediately prior to this offering. Assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, our convertible preferred stock will convert into            shares of our common stock. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the public offering price would increase (decrease) the number of

(i)


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shares of our common stock that our convertible preferred stock will convert into by        %. For additional information regarding the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, see "Description of Capital Stock."

        Following the reverse stock split and conversion, our authorized capital stock will consist of            shares of common stock and            shares of preferred stock and             shares of common stock will be outstanding. In connection with this offering, we will issue an additional            shares of new common stock and, immediately following this offering, we will have            total shares of common stock outstanding.


Comparability of Operating and Statistical Metrics

        Throughout this prospectus, we refer to "stages fractured" and similar terms, including "stages per fleet" and "revenue per stage." Stages fractured is an operating and statistical metric referring to the number of individual hydraulic fracturing procedures we complete under service contracts with our customers. Likewise, stages per fleet is an operating efficiency measure referring to the stages fractured per fleet over a given time period. Because our customers typically compensate us based on the number of stages fractured, there is a strong correlation between stages fractured and our revenue. We believe stages fractured, stages per fleet and revenue per stage are important indicators of operating activity and operating efficiency because they demonstrate the demand for our services and our efficiency in meeting that demand with our fleets. Because we service a variety of customers in different basins with different formation characteristics, stages fractured, stages per fleet and revenue per stage are subject to a number of material factors affecting their usefulness and comparability. For example, based on customer specifications and formation characteristics, some of our fleets may complete longer stages involving higher pressure job designs or more intense proppant loading, while other fleets may complete shorter stages involving lower pressure job designs or less intense proppant loadings. Our fleets may also vary materially in hydraulic horsepower needed to accomodate the basin characteristics and customer specifications. For these reasons, stages fractured and stages per fleet are not the only measures of activity and efficiency that affect our financial results, however, we believe they are important measures in managing our business. You should carefully read and consider the other information presented in this prospectus, including information under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        This summary provides a brief overview of information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read the entire prospectus carefully before making an investment decision, including the information presented under the headings "Risk Factors," "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

        Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this prospectus to "FTS International," "Company," "we," "us," "our" or "ours" refer to FTS International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries. References in this prospectus to "selling stockholders" refer to those entities identified as selling stockholders in "Principal and Selling Stockholders."

Our Company

        We are one of the largest providers of hydraulic fracturing services in North America based on both active and total horsepower of our equipment. Our services enhance hydrocarbon flow from oil and natural gas wells drilled by exploration and production, or E&P, companies in shale and other unconventional resource formations. Our customers include large, independent E&P companies, such as Devon Energy Corporation, EOG Resources, EP Energy Corporation, EQT Production Company and Newfield Exploration Company, that specialize in unconventional oil and natural gas resources in North America. We are one of the top-three hydraulic fracturing companies in some of the most active basins in the United States, including the SCOOP/STACK Formation, Marcellus/Utica Shale, Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale. We also have an extensive, long-standing presence in the Permian Basin and have recently increased our presence in this basin by 50%. The following map shows the basins in which we operate and the number of fleets operated in each basin as of January 2017.

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC

        We currently have 1.6 million total hydraulic horsepower across 32 fleets, of which 20 were active as of January 31, 2017. We have experienced an increase in demand for our services and recently committed three additional fleets which began operations in January 2017. We intend to use a portion of the proceeds from this offering to reactivate additional fleets in 2017 and 2018.

        Our industry experienced a significant downturn beginning in late 2014 as oil and natural gas prices dropped significantly. The downturn materially impacted our results in 2015 and 2016, primarily due to reduced activity levels and lower pricing for our services. Recently, however, we have seen a rebound in the demand for our services as oil prices have more than doubled since the 12-year low of $26.19 in February 2016, reaching $53.75 in December 2016. Beginning in the third quarter of 2016, we

   


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were able to obtain higher prices for our services, reversing a downward trend that accompanied the decrease in oil and natural gas prices.

        We capitalized on the downturn by implementing measures to reduce our cost of operations and to improve the efficiency of our operations. As a result, we have been able to increase our efficiency by approximately 28% compared to the end of 2014, as measured by average stages per fleet, while maintaining a relatively consistent presence in each operating basin. We believe these cost reductions and efficiency improvements will continue even as activity levels increase.

        Our customers typically compensate us based on the number of stages fractured. As a result, we believe the number of stages fractured and the average number of stages completed per fleet in a given period of time are important measures of our activity and efficiency levels. The graphs below show our activity level, as measured by the number of stages completed per quarter, and our efficiency level, as measured by average stages per fleet per quarter. For additional information regarding average stages per fleet per quarter as a measure of efficiency, see "Business—Our Services—Hydraulic Fracturing."

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC

        We manufacture and refurbish many of the components used by our fleets, including consumables, such as fluid-ends. In addition, we perform substantially all the maintenance, repair and servicing of our hydraulic fracturing fleets. Our cost to produce components is significantly less than the cost to purchase comparable quality components from third-party suppliers. For example, we produce fluid-ends and power-ends at a cost that is approximately 50% to 60% less, respectively, than purchasing them from outside suppliers.

        The experience we gain from our large scale and basin diversity allows us to provide leading technological solutions to our customers. We are focused on identifying new technologies aimed at: increasing fracturing effectiveness for our customers; reducing the operating costs of our equipment; and enhancing the health, safety and environmental, or HSE, conditions at our well sites. We have a number of ongoing initiatives that build on industry innovations and data analytics to achieve these technology objectives and also conduct research and development activities through a strategic partnership with a third-party technology center. The research and development activities conducted for us at the third-party technology center are conducted by key employees who were previously affiliated with our Company. We have entered into a services agreement with this third-party technology center for a one-year term, with an option for us to renew for additional one-year terms.

Industry Overview and Trends

        The principal factor influencing demand for hydraulic fracturing services is the level of horizontal drilling activity by E&P companies in unconventional oil and natural gas reservoirs. Over the last

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decade, advances in drilling and completion technologies, including horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have made the development of North America's oil and natural gas shale formations economically attractive. As a result, there was a dramatic increase in the development of oil- and natural gas-producing basins in the United States and a corresponding increase in the demand for hydraulic fracturing services.

        The significant decline in oil and natural gas prices that began in the third quarter of 2014 resulted in a reduction in horizontal drilling activity. According to a Baker Hughes, Inc. report dated January 6, 2017, or the Baker Hughes Report, the horizontal rig count dropped approximately 76% from 1,336 at the end of December 2014 to a low of 314 in May 2016. The reduced drilling activity led to a reduction in demand for hydraulic fracturing services and has resulted in increased competition and lower prices for hydraulic fracturing services. As oil and natural gas prices have recovered in 2016, E&P companies in the United States are beginning to increase their level of horizontal drilling, resulting in an uptick in demand for hydraulic fracturing services.

        Technological advances in oil and natural gas extraction since 2014 have increased the efficiency of E&P companies. In particular, drilling speeds have increased dramatically, allowing rigs to drill longer laterals in fewer days. The longer lateral lengths increase the demand for pressure pumping services relative to the rig count as evidenced by significant increases in both the number of stages per well and the amount of proppant used per well, particularly in recent years. As a result, E&P companies are able to complete more stages using fewer rigs, and many analysts expect that total stages completed will surpass 2014 levels at a significantly lower corresponding rig count.

        In November 2016, certain oil producing nations and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, agreed to cut the production of crude oil. These cuts, combined with already falling levels of crude oil production, are expected to result in an increase in crude oil prices. As a result, U.S. E&P companies have begun to increase their level of horizontal drilling and, hence, the demand for hydraulic fracturing services has begun to increase from the lows seen in mid-2016. We believe this increase in demand coupled with industry contraction and the resulting reduction in hydraulic fracturing capacity since late 2014 will particularly benefit us. The financial distress of many other providers of hydraulic fracturing services, we believe, has led to significant maintenance deferrals and the use of idle fleets for spare parts, resulting in a material reduction in total deployable fracturing fleets. We believe all of our inactive fleets can be returned to service.

        We believe the foregoing trends and events will further increase demand for and pricing of our hydraulic fracturing services.

Competitive Strengths

        We believe that we are well-positioned because of the following competitive strengths:

Large scale and leading market share across the most active major U.S. unconventional resource basins

        With 1.6 million total hydraulic horsepower in our fleet, we are one of the largest hydraulic fracturing service providers in North America based on both active and total horsepower of our equipment. We are one of the top-three hydraulic fracturing companies in some of the most active basins in the United States, including the SCOOP/STACK Formation, Marcellus/Utica Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale. We also have an extensive, long-standing presence in the Permian Basin and have recently increased our presence in this basin by 50%. According to an industry report from December 2016, these basins will account for more than 75% of all new wells drilled in 2017 and 2018.

        This geographic diversity reduces the volatility in our revenue due to basin trends, relative oil and natural gas prices, adverse weather and other events. Our five hydraulic fracturing districts enable us to

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rapidly reposition our fleets based on demand trends among different basins. Additionally, our large market share in each of our operating basins allows us to spread our fixed costs over a greater number of fleets. Furthermore, our large scale strengthens our negotiating position with our suppliers and our customers.

Pure-play, efficient hydraulic fracturing services provider with extensive experience in U.S. unconventional oil and natural gas production

        Our primary focus is hydraulic fracturing. For the year ended December 31, 2016, 93% of our revenues came from hydraulic fracturing services. Since 2010, we have completed more than 130,000 fracturing stages across the most active major unconventional basins in the United States. This history gives us invaluable experience and operational capabilities that are at the leading edge of horizontal well completions in unconventional formations.

        We designed all of the hydraulic fracturing units and much of the auxiliary equipment used in our fleets to uniform specifications intended specifically for work in oil and natural gas basins requiring high pressures and high levels of sand intensity. In addition, we use proprietary pumps with fluid-ends that are capable of meeting the most demanding pressure, flow rate and proppant loading requirements encountered in the field.

        Our focus on hydraulic fracturing provides us the expertise and dedication to run our fleets in 24-hour operations, in contrast to several of our competitors that run their fleets in 12-hour operations. As a result, we have the opportunity to complete more stages per day than such competitors. In addition, rather than perform "spot work," we prefer to dedicate each of our fleets to a specific customer for a set period of time, such as six months, in exchange for specified minimum volume commitments and indexed pricing. These arrangements allow us to increase the number of days per month that our fleet is generating revenue and allow our crews to better understand customer expectations resulting in improved efficiency and safety.

In-house manufacturing, equipment maintenance and refurbishment capabilities

        We manufacture and refurbish many of the components used by our fleets, including consumables, such as fluid-ends. In addition, we perform substantially all the maintenance, repair and servicing of our hydraulic fracturing fleets. Our cost to produce components is significantly less than the cost to purchase comparable quality components from third-party suppliers. For example, we produce fluid-ends and power-ends at a cost that is approximately 50% to 60% less, respectively, than purchasing them from outside suppliers. In addition, we perform full-scale refurbishments of our fracturing units at a cost that is approximately half the cost of utilizing an outside supplier. We estimate that this cost advantage saves us approximately $85 million per year at peak production levels. As trends in our industry continue toward increasing proppant levels and service intensity, the added wear-and-tear on hydraulic fracturing equipment will increase the rate at which components need to be replaced for a typical fleet, increasing our long-term cost advantage versus our competitors that do not have similar in-house manufacturing capabilities.

        Our manufacturing capabilities also reduce the risk that we will be unable to source important components, such as fluid-ends, power-ends and other consumable parts. During periods of high demand for hydraulic fracturing services, external equipment vendors often report order backlogs of up to nine months. Our competitors may be unable to source components when needed or may be required to pay a much higher price for their components, or both, due to bottlenecks in supplier production levels. We have historically manufactured, and believe we have the capacity to manufacture, all major consumable components required to operate all 32 of our fleets at full capacity.

        Additionally, manufacturing our equipment internally allows us to constantly improve our equipment design in response to the knowledge we gain by operating in harsh geological environments

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under challenging conditions. This rapid feedback loop between our field operations and our manufacturing operations positions our equipment at the leading edge of developments in hydraulic fracturing design.

Uniform fleet of standardized, high specification hydraulic fracturing equipment

        We have a uniform fleet of hydraulic fracturing equipment. We designed our equipment to uniform specifications intended specifically for completions work in oil and natural gas basins requiring high levels of pressure, flow rate and sand intensity. The standardized, "plug and play" nature of our fleet provides us with several advantages, including: reduced repair and maintenance costs; reduced inventory costs; the ability to redeploy equipment among operating basins; and reduced complexity in our operations, which improves our safety and operational performance. We believe our technologically advanced fleets are among the most reliable and best performing in the industry with the capabilities to meet the most demanding pressure and flow rate requirements in the field.

        Our standardized equipment reduces our downtime as our mechanics can quickly and efficiently diagnose and repair our equipment. Our uniform equipment also reduces the amount of inventory we need on hand. We are able to more easily shift fracturing pumps and other equipment among operating areas as needed to take advantage of market conditions and to replace temporarily damaged equipment. This flexibility allows us to target customers that are offering higher prices for our services, regardless of the basins in which they operate. Standardized equipment also reduces the complexity of our operations, which lowers our training costs. Additionally, we believe our industry-leading safety record is partly attributable to the standardization of our equipment, which makes it easier for mechanics and equipment operators to identify and diagnose problems with equipment before they become safety hazards.

Safety leader

        Safety is at the core of our operations. Our safety record for 2016 was the best in our history and we believe significantly better than our industry peer group, based on data provided by reports of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2011 through 2015. For the past three years, we believe our total recordable incident rate was less than half of the industry average. Additionally, we have not had a loss time incident since May 2015, a period of over 10 million man-hours. Many of our customers impose minimum safety requirements on their suppliers of hydraulic fracturing services, and some of our competitors are not permitted to bid on work for certain customers because they do not meet those customers' minimum safety requirements. Because safety is important to our customers, our safety score helps our commercial team to win business from our customers. Our safety focus is also a morale benefit for our crews, which enhances our employee retention rates. Finally, we believe that continually searching for ways to make our operations safer is the right thing to do for our employees and our customers.

Experienced management and operating team

        During the downturn, our management team focused on reducing costs, increasing operating efficiency and differentiating ourselves through innovation. The team has an extensive and diverse skill set, with an average of 24 years of professional experience. Our operational and commercial executives have a deep understanding of unconventional resource formations, with an average of 30 years of oil and natural gas industry experience. In addition, as a result of our pure-play focus on hydraulic fracturing and dedicated fleet strategy, our operations teams have extensive knowledge of the geographies in which we operate as well as the technical specifications and other requirements of our customers. We believe this knowledge and experience allows us to service a variety of E&P companies across different basins efficiently and safely.

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Our Strategy

        Our primary business objective is to be the largest pure-play provider of hydraulic fracturing services within U.S. unconventional resource basins. We intend to achieve this objective through the following strategies:

Capitalize on expected recovery and demand for our services

        As the demand for oilfield services in the United States recovers, the hydraulic fracturing sector is expected to grow significantly. Industry reports have forecasted that the North American onshore stimulation sector, which includes hydraulic fracturing, will increase at a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 31% from 2016 through 2020. As one of the largest hydraulic fracturing service providers in North America based on the active and total horsepower of our equipment, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on the recovery of the North American oil and natural gas exploration market. We have 1.6 million total hydraulic horsepower across 32 total fleets, and we believe all of this equipment can be returned to service. As of January 31, 2017, we had 20 active fleets and continue to receive customer interest in reactivating further fleets. We estimate the total cost to reactivate our inactivate fleets to be approximately $44.0 million, which includes capital expenditures, repairs charged as operating expenses, labor costs and other operating expenses. In addition to repaying a portion of our indebtedness, we intend to use a portion of the proceeds from this offering to reactivate additional fleets in 2017 and 2018.

Deepen and expand relationships with customers that value our completions efficiency

        We service our customers primarily with dedicated fleets and 24-hour operations. We dedicate one or more of our fleets exclusively to the customer for a period of time, allowing for those fleets to be integrated into the customer's drilling and completion schedule. As a result, we are able to achieve higher levels of utilization, as measured by the number of days each fleet is working per month, which increases our profitability. In addition, we operate our fleets on a 24-hour basis, allowing us to complete our services in less time than our competitors that run their fleets for only 12 hours per day. Accordingly, we seek to partner with customers that have a large number of wells awaiting completion and that value efficiency in the performance of our service. Specifically, we target customers whose completions activity typically involves minimal downtime between stages, a high number of stages per well, multiple wells per pad and a short distance from one well pad site to the next. This strategy aligns with the strategy of many of our customers, who are trying to achieve a manufacturing-style model of drilling and completing wells in a sequential pattern to maximize effective acreage. We plan to leverage this strategy to expand our relationships with our existing customers as we continue to attract new customers.

Capitalize on our uniform fleet, leading scale and significant basin diversity to provide superior performance with reduced operating costs

        We primarily serve large independent E&P companies that specialize in unconventional oil and natural gas resources in North America. Because we operate for customers with significant scale in each of our operating basins, we have the diversity to react to and benefit from positive activity trends in any basin. Our uniform fleet allows us to cost-effectively redeploy equipment and fleets among existing operating basins to capture the best pricing and activity trends. The uniform fleet is easier to operate and maintain, resulting in reduced downtime as well as lower training costs and inventory stocking requirements. Our geographic breadth also provides us with opportunities to capitalize on customer relationships in one basin in order to win business in other basins in which the customer operates. We intend to leverage our scale, standardized equipment and cost structure to gain market share and win new business.

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Rapidly adopt new technologies in a capital efficient manner

        We have been a fast adopter of new technologies focused on: increasing fracturing effectiveness for our customers, reducing the operating costs of our equipment and enhancing the HSE conditions at our well sites. We help customers monitor and modify fracturing fluids and designs through our fluid research and development operations that we conduct through a strategic partnership with a third-party technology center. The research and development activities conducted for us at the third-party technology center are conducted by key employees who were previously affiliated with our Company. We have entered into a services agreement with this third-party technology center for a one-year term, with an option for us to renew for additional one-year terms. This partnership allows us to work closely with our customers to rapidly adopt and integrate next-generation fluid breakthroughs, such as our NuFlo® 1000 fracturing fluid diverter, into our product offerings.

        Recent examples of initiatives aimed at reducing our operating costs include: vibration sensors with predictive maintenance analytics on our heavy equipment; stainless steel fluid-ends with a longer useful life; high-definition cameras to remotely monitor the performance of our equipment; and proprietary chemical coatings and lubricant blends for our consumables. Recent examples of initiatives aimed at improving our HSE conditions include: dual fuel engines that can run on both natural gas and diesel fuel; electronic pressure relief systems; spill prevention and containment solutions; dust control mitigation; and leading containerized proppant delivery solutions.

Reduce debt and maintain a more conservative capital structure

        We believe that our capital structure and liquidity upon completion of this offering will improve our financial flexibility to capitalize efficiently on an industry recovery, ultimately increasing value for our stockholders. Our focus will be on the continued prudent management and reduction of our debt balances during the industry recovery. We believe this focus creates potential for significant operating leverage and strong free cash flow generation during an industry upcycle. As a result, we believe we should be able to not only make the investments necessary to remain a market leader in hydraulic fracturing, but also to continue to strengthen our balance sheet. Additionally, we believe that our growth opportunities will be organic and funded by cash flow from operations.

Selected Risks Associated with Our Business

        An investment in our common stock involves risks. You should carefully read and consider the information presented under the heading "Risk Factors" for an explanation of these risks before investing in our common stock. In particular, the following considerations may offset our competitive strengths or have a negative effect on our strategy or operating activities, which could cause a decrease in the price of our common stock and a loss of all or part of your investment:

    The oil and natural gas industry is cyclical and prices are volatile. A further reduction or sustained decline in oil and natural gas industry or prices could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to meet our capital expenditure obligations and financial commitments.

    Competition has intensified during the downturn and we rely upon a few customers for a significant portion of our revenues. Decreased demand for our services or the loss of one or more of these relationships could adversely affect our revenues.

    Our operations are subject to operational hazards for which we may not be adequately insured.

    Our operations are subject to various governmental regulations that require compliance that can be burdensome and expensive and may adversely affect the feasibility of conducting our operations.

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    Any failure by us to comply with applicable governmental laws and regulations, including those relating to hydraulic fracturing, could result in governmental authorities taking actions that could adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

    We have substantial indebtedness and any failure to meet our debt obligations would adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.

    Our major stockholders, Maju Investments (Mauritius) Pte. Ltd., or Maju, CHK Energy Holdings, Inc., or Chesapeake, and Senja Capital Ltd, or Senja, will continue to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, and their interests may conflict with those of our other stockholders.

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

        As a company with less than $1.0 billion in revenue during our last completed fiscal year, we qualify as an "emerging growth company" as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These reduced reporting requirements include:

    an exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirement on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting;

    an exemption from compliance with any requirement that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, may adopt regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor's report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements;

    reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements;

    an exemption from the requirements to obtain a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or stockholder approval of any golden parachute arrangements;

    extended transition periods for complying with new or revised accounting standards; and

    the ability to present more limited financial data in this registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part.

        We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of: (1) the end of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenue is $1.0 billion or more; (2) the end of the fiscal year in which the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates is at least $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter; (3) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities; and (4) the end of the fiscal year during which the fifth anniversary of this offering occurs. We may choose to take advantage of some, but not all, of the available benefits under the JOBS Act.

        We have elected to take advantage of all of the applicable JOBS Act provisions, except that we will elect to opt out of the exemption that allows emerging growth companies to extend the transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards (this election is irrevocable). Accordingly, the information that we provide you may be different than what you may receive from other public companies in which you hold equity interests.

Our Principal Stockholders

        Upon the conversion of our convertible preferred stock into common stock and the completion of this offering, Maju, Chesapeake and Senja will beneficially own approximately        %,        % and        %, respectively, of our common stock, or        %,        % and        %, respectively, if the

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underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full. For more information regarding our beneficial ownership see "Principal and Selling Stockholders."

        Maju is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited, or Temasek. Temasek is an investment company based in Singapore with a net portfolio of S$242 billion as of March 31, 2016. Chesapeake is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation, or Chesapeake Parent. Established in 1989, Chesapeake Parent is an oil and natural gas exploration and production company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Senja is an investment company affiliated with RRJ Capital Limited, or RRJ. RRJ is an Asian investment firm with a total of assets under management of close to $11 billion.

        These stockholders will continue to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, changes to our organizational documents and significant corporate transactions. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Investors' Rights Agreements." Furthermore, we anticipate that several individuals who will serve as our directors upon completion of this offering will be affiliates of Maju, Chesapeake and Senja. See "Risk Factors—Our three largest stockholders control a significant percentage of our common stock, and their interests may conflict with those of our other stockholders."

History and Conversion

        We were originally formed in 2000. In 2011, our prior majority owners sold their interest to a newly formed Delaware limited liability company controlled by an investor group comprised mainly of Maju, Chesapeake and Senja. We converted from a limited liability company to a corporation in 2012.

Company Information

        Our principal executive offices are located at 777 Main Street, Suite 2900, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, and our telephone number at that address is (817) 862-2000. Our website address is www.ftsi.com. Information contained on our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.

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The Offering

Common stock offered by us

          shares and        shares if the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full.

Common stock offered by the selling stockholders

 

        shares if the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full.

Over-allotment option

 

We and the selling stockholders have granted the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days, to purchase up to an aggregate of        additional shares of our common stock to cover over-allotments, if any.

Common stock outstanding after this offering

 

        shares, or        shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full.

Use of proceeds

 

We expect to receive approximately $        million (or approximately $        million if the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares in this offering is exercised in full) of net proceeds from the sale of the common stock offered by us, assuming an initial public offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the public offering price would increase (decrease) our net proceeds by approximately $        million. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which will include repaying indebtedness under our senior secured floating rate notes due May 1, 2020, or the 2020 Notes, our term loan due April 16, 2021, or the Term Loan, and our 6.250% senior secured notes due May 1, 2022, or the 2022 Notes. Subject to completion of the initial public offering, we have provided notice to the holders for redemption of all of our outstanding 2020 Notes at a redemption price of 103.000% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including the redemption date. We expect the redemption date to be the closing date of this offering. See "Use of Proceeds."

Dividend policy

 

After completion of this offering, we intend to retain future earnings, if any, for use in the repayment of our existing indebtedness and in the operation and expansion of our business. Therefore, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future following this offering. See "Dividend Policy."

Listing and trading symbol

 

We intend to apply to list our common stock on the NYSE under the symbol "FTSI."

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Directed Share Program

 

At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to        % of the common stock being offered by this prospectus for sale to our directors, executive officers, employees, business associates and related persons at the public offering price. The sales will be made by the underwriters through a directed share program. We do not know if these persons will choose to purchase all or any portion of this reserved common stock, but any purchases they do make will reduce the number of shares available to the general public. To the extent the allotted shares are not purchased in the directed share program, we will offer these shares to the public. These persons must commit to purchase no later than the close of business on the day following the date of this prospectus. Any directors or executive officers purchasing such reserved common stock will be prohibited from selling such stock for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus.

Risk Factors

 

You should carefully read and consider the information beginning on page 15 of this prospectus set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" and all other information set forth in this prospectus before deciding to invest in our common stock.

        Immediately before this offering (1) we will effect a            :            reverse stock split and (2) all shares of our convertible preferred stock will be converted into issued and outstanding common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of            :            . Upon filing our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, each share of convertible preferred stock will convert into a number of shares of common stock equal to its accreted value at March 31, 2017, or $2,735 per share, divided by the initial public offering price per share, subject to adjustment based on the aggregate value of our common stock and convertible preferred stock immediately prior to this offering. Assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, our convertible preferred stock will convert into                shares of our common stock. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the public offering price would increase (decrease) the number of shares of our common stock that our convertible preferred stock will convert into by        %. For additional information regarding the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, see "Description of Capital Stock."

        Following the reverse stock split and conversion, our authorized capital stock will consist of          shares of common stock and            shares of preferred stock and             shares of common stock will be outstanding. In connection with this offering, we will issue an additional            shares of new common stock and, immediately following this offering, we will have            total shares of common stock outstanding.

        Unless otherwise noted, all information contained in this prospectus:

    Assumes the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares;

    Other than historical financial data, reflects (1)  our            :            reverse stock split and (2) the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, into shares of common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of            :            immediately prior to the consummation of this offering; and

    Excludes shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the FTS International, Inc. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the 2014 LTIP and under the FTS International, Inc. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan, or the 2017 Plan.

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

        The following tables set forth our summary historical consolidated financial data for the periods and the dates indicated. The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015 and 2016 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our results in any future period.

        You should read this information together with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts and average fracturing revenue per stage)
  2015   2016  

Statements of Operations Data:

             

Revenue

  $ 1,375.3   $ 532.2  

Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization

    1,257.9     510.5  

Selling, general and administrative

    154.7     64.4  

Depreciation and amortization

    272.4     112.6  

Impairments and other charges(1)

    619.9     12.3  

Loss on disposal of assets, net

    5.9     1.0  

Gain on insurance recoveries

        (15.1 )

Operating income (loss)

    (935.5 )   (153.5 )

Interest expense, net

    77.2     87.5  

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net

    0.6     (53.7 )

Equity in net loss of joint venture affiliate

    1.4     2.8  

Loss before income taxes

    (1,014.7 )   (190.1 )

Income tax benefit(2)

    (1.5 )   (1.6 )

Net loss

  $ (1,013.2 ) $ (188.5 )

Net loss attributable to common stockholders

  $ (1,158.1 ) $ (370.1 )

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders

  $ (0.32 ) $ (0.10 )

Shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions)

    3,589.7     3,586.5  

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 264.6   $ 160.3  

Total assets

  $ 907.4   $ 616.8  

Total debt

  $ 1,276.2   $ 1,188.7  

Convertible preferred stock(3)

  $ 349.8   $ 349.8  

Total stockholders' equity (deficit)

  $ (830.5 ) $ (1,019.0 )

Pro Forma Data(4):

             

Pro forma net loss

        $                 

Pro forma basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders

        $                 

Pro forma shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions)

             

Pro forma total debt (at end of period)

        $                 

Pro forma total stockholders' equity (deficit) (at end of period)

        $                 

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  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts and average fracturing revenue per stage)
  2015   2016  

Other Data:

             

Adjusted EBITDA(5)

  $ (62.8 ) $ (50.8 )

Net debt(6)

  $ 1,011.6   $ 1,028.4  

Pro forma net debt (at end of period)(6)

        $    

Total fracturing stages(7)

    21,919     16,185  

Average fracturing revenue per stage (in thousands)

  $ 59   $ 31  

(1)
In 2014, this amount related to non-essential equipment and real property we identified to sell. For a discussion of amounts recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, see Note 10—"Impairments and Other Charges" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

(2)
Consists primarily of state margin taxes accounted for as income taxes. The tax effect of our net operating losses has not been reflected in our results because we have recorded a full valuation allowance with regards to the realization of our deferred tax assets since 2012.

(3)
The holders of the convertible preferred stock are also common stockholders of the Company and collectively appoint 100% of our board of directors. Therefore, the convertible preferred stockholders can direct the Company to redeem the convertible preferred stock at any time after all of our debt has been repaid; however, we did not consider this to be probable for any of the periods presented due to the amount of debt outstanding. Therefore, we have presented the convertible preferred stock as temporary equity but have not reflected any accretion of the convertible preferred stock in this table or in our Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2016, the liquidation preference of the convertible preferred stock was estimated to be $906.1 million. See Note 7—"Convertible Preferred Stock" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information.

(4)
Pro forma data gives effect to (1) the        :        reverse stock split, (2) the conversion of our convertible preferred stock into issued and outstanding common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of        :        , (3) the sale of      shares of common stock to be issued by us in this offering at an initial public offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus and (4) the use of proceeds therefrom, as if each of these events occurred on January 1, 2016 for purposes of the statement of operations and December 31, 2016, for purposes of the balance sheet. For additional information regarding the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, see "Description of Capital Stock." See Note 17—"Unaudited Pro Forma Information" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for discussion of these pro forma amounts.

(5)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as earnings before interest; income taxes; and depreciation and amortization, as well as, the following items, if applicable: gain or loss on disposal of assets; debt extinguishment gains or losses; inventory write-downs, asset and goodwill impairments; gain on insurance recoveries; acquisition earn-out adjustments; stock-based compensation; and acquisition or disposition transaction costs. The most comparable financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA under GAAP is net income or loss. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to evaluate the operating performance of our business for comparable periods and it is a metric used for management incentive compensation. Adjusted EBITDA should not be used by investors or others as the sole basis for formulating investment decisions, as it excludes a number of important items. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of operating performance because it excludes the effects of our capital structure and certain non-cash items from our operating results. Adjusted EBITDA is also commonly used by investors in the oilfield services industry to measure a company's operating performance, although our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other industry peer companies.

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    The following table reconciles our net loss to Adjusted EBITDA:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Net loss

  $ (1,013.2 ) $ (188.5 )

Interest expense, net

    77.2     87.5  

Income tax benefit

    (1.5 )   (1.6 )

Depreciation and amortization

    272.4     112.6  

Loss on disposal of assets, net

    5.9     1.0  

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net

    0.6     (53.7 )

Inventory write-down

    24.5      

Impairment of assets and goodwill

    572.9     7.0  

Gain on insurance recoveries

        (15.1 )

Acquisition earn-out adjustments

    (3.4 )    

Stock-based compensation

    1.8      

Adjusted EBITDA(a)(b)

  $ (62.8 ) $ (50.8 )

(a)
In 2015, Adjusted EBITDA has not been adjusted to exclude the following items: employee severance costs of $13.1 million, supply commitment charges of $11.0 million, significant legal costs of $8.1 million, lease abandonment charges of $1.8 million, and profit of $2.4 million from the sale of equipment to our joint venture affiliate.

(b)
In 2016, Adjusted EBITDA has not been adjusted to exclude the following items: employee severance costs of $0.8 million, supply commitment charges of $2.5 million and lease abandonment charges of $2.0 million.
(6)
Net debt is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. The most comparable financial measure to net debt under GAAP is debt. Net debt is used by management as a measure of our financial leverage. Net debt should not be used by investors or others as the sole basis in formulating investment decisions as it does not represent our actual indebtedness. Pro forma net debt is net debt adjusted as if we received the net proceeds from this offering and we redeemed $             million of our outstanding 2020 Notes as if each of these events occurred on December 31, 2016.

The following table reconciles our total debt to net debt:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Total debt

  $ 1,276.2   $ 1,188.7  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ (264.6 ) $ (160.3 )

Net debt

  $ 1,011.6   $ 1,028.4  

    The following table reconciles our total debt to pro forma net debt:

(In millions)
  Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Total debt

  $ 1,188.7  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ (160.3 )

Net proceeds from this offering

  $    

Repayment of 2020 Notes

  $    

Pro forma net debt

  $    
(7)
See "Business—Our Services—Hydraulic Fracturing" for details regarding fracturing stages and the types of service agreements we use to provide hydraulic fracturing services.

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RISK FACTORS

         An investment in our common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus, including the section titled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, before making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Our business depends on domestic spending by the onshore oil and natural gas industry, which is cyclical and significantly declined in 2015 and 2016.

        Our business is cyclical and depends on the willingness of our customers to make operating and capital expenditures to explore for, develop and produce oil and natural gas in the United States. The willingness of our customers to undertake these activities depends largely upon prevailing industry conditions that are influenced by numerous factors over which we have no control, such as:

    prices, and expectations about future prices, for oil and natural gas;

    domestic and foreign supply of, and demand for, oil and natural gas and related products;

    the level of global and domestic oil and natural gas inventories;

    the supply of and demand for hydraulic fracturing and other oilfield services and equipment in the United States;

    the cost of exploring for, developing, producing and delivering oil and natural gas;

    available pipeline, storage and other transportation capacity;

    lead times associated with acquiring equipment and products and availability of qualified personnel;

    the discovery rates of new oil and natural gas reserves;

    federal, state and local regulation of hydraulic fracturing and other oilfield service activities, as well as E&P activities, including public pressure on governmental bodies and regulatory agencies to regulate our industry;

    the availability of water resources, suitable proppant and chemicals in sufficient quantities for use in hydraulic fracturing fluids;

    geopolitical developments and political instability in oil and natural gas producing countries;

    actions of OPEC, its members and other state-controlled oil companies relating to oil price and production controls;

    advances in exploration, development and production technologies or in technologies affecting energy consumption;

    the price and availability of alternative fuels and energy sources;

    weather conditions and natural disasters;

    uncertainty in capital and commodities markets and the ability of oil and natural gas producers to raise equity capital and debt financing; and

    U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. governmental regulations and taxes.

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        Volatility or weakness in oil and natural gas prices (or the perception that oil and natural gas prices will decrease or remain depressed) generally leads to decreased spending by our customers, which in turn negatively impacts drilling, completion and production activity. In particular, the demand for new or existing drilling, completion and production work is driven by available investment capital for such work. When these capital investments decline, our customers' demand for our services declines. Because these types of services can be easily "started" and "stopped," and oil and natural gas producers generally tend to be risk averse when commodity prices are low or volatile, we typically experience a more rapid decline in demand for our services compared with demand for other types of energy services. Any negative impact on the spending patterns of our customers may cause lower pricing and utilization for our services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Oil and natural gas prices have declined significantly since 2014 and remain volatile, which has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

        The demand for our services depends on the level of spending by oil and natural gas companies for drilling, completion and production activities, which are affected by short-term and long-term trends in oil and natural gas prices, including current and anticipated oil and natural gas prices. Oil and natural gas prices, as well as the level of drilling, completion and production activities, historically have been extremely volatile and are expected to continue to be highly volatile. For example, oil prices have declined significantly since 2014, with WTI crude oil spot prices declining from a monthly average of $105.79 per barrel in June 2014 to $30.32 per barrel in February 2016. The spot price per barrel as of January 31, 2017 was $52.75. In line with this sustained volatility in oil and natural gas prices, we experienced a significant decline in pressure pumping activity levels across our customer base. The volatile oil and natural gas prices adversely affected, and could continue to adversely affect, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our customers may not be able to maintain or increase their reserve levels going forward.

        In addition to the impact of future oil and natural gas prices on our financial performance over time, our ability to grow future revenues and increase profitability will depend largely upon our customers' ability to find, develop or acquire additional shale oil and natural gas reserves that are economically recoverable to replace the reserves they produce. Hydraulic fractured wells are generally more short-lived than conventional wells. Our customers own or have access to a finite amount of shale oil and natural gas reserves in the United States that will be depleted over time. The production rate from shale oil and natural gas properties generally declines as reserves are depleted, while related per-unit production costs generally increase as a result of decreasing reservoir pressures and other factors. If our customers are unable to replace the shale oil reserves they own or have access to at the rate they produce such reserves, their proved reserves and production will decline over time. Reductions in production levels by our customers over time may reduce the future demand for our services and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our business may be adversely affected by a deterioration in general economic conditions or a weakening of the broader energy industry.

        A prolonged economic slowdown or recession in the United States, adverse events relating to the energy industry or regional, national and global economic conditions and factors, particularly a further slowdown in the exploration and production industry, could negatively impact our operations and therefore adversely affect our results. The risks associated with our business are more acute during periods of economic slowdown or recession because such periods may be accompanied by decreased exploration and development spending by our customers, decreased demand for oil and natural gas and decreased prices for oil and natural gas.

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Competition in our industry has intensified during the industry downturn, and we may not be able to provide services that meet the specific needs of our customers at competitive prices.

        The markets in which we operate are generally highly competitive and have relatively few barriers to entry. The principal competitive factors in our markets are price, service quality, safety, and in some cases, breadth of products. We compete with large national and multi-national companies that have longer operating histories, greater financial, technical and other resources and greater name recognition than we do. Several of our competitors provide a broader array of services and have a stronger presence in more geographic markets. In addition, we compete with several smaller companies capable of competing effectively on a regional or local basis. Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and services and changes in customer requirements. Some contracts are awarded on a bid basis, which further increases competition based on price. Pricing is often the primary factor in determining which qualified contractor is awarded a job. The competitive environment may be further intensified by mergers and acquisitions among oil and natural gas companies or other events that have the effect of reducing the number of available customers. As a result of competition, we have had to lower the prices for our services and may lose market share or be unable to maintain or increase prices for our present services or to acquire additional business opportunities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

        Pressure on pricing for our services resulting from the industry downturn has impacted, and may continue to impact, our ability to maintain utilization and pricing for our services or implement price increases. During periods of declining pricing for our services, we may not be able to reduce our costs accordingly, which could further adversely affect our results of operations. Also, we may not be able to successfully increase prices without adversely affecting our utilization levels. The inability to maintain our utilization and pricing levels, or to increase our prices as costs increase, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        In addition, some E&P companies have begun performing hydraulic fracturing on their wells using their own equipment and personnel. Any increase in the development and utilization of in-house fracturing capabilities by our customers could decrease the demand for our services and have a material adverse impact on our business.

We are dependent on a few customers operating in a single industry. The loss of one or more significant customers could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

        Our customers are engaged in the E&P business in the United States. Historically, we have been dependent upon a few customers for a significant portion of our revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our four largest customers generated approximately 52% of our total revenue. In fiscal years 2015 and 2014, our four largest customers generated approximately 44% and 45%, respectively, of our total revenue. For a discussion of our customers that make up 10% or more of our revenues, see "Business—Customers."

        Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if one or more of our significant customers ceases to engage us for our services on favorable terms or at all or fails to pay or delays in paying us significant amounts of our outstanding receivables. Although we do have contracts for multiple projects with certain of our customers, most of our services are provided on a project-by-project basis.

        Additionally, the E&P industry is characterized by frequent consolidation activity. Changes in ownership of our customers may result in the loss of, or reduction in, business from those customers, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition.

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We extend credit to our customers. The decline in oil and natural gas prices presents a risk of nonpayment of our accounts receivable.

        We extend credit to all our customers. Most, if not all, of our customers are experiencing the same financial and operational challenges that we are experiencing as a result of the decline in oil and natural gas prices. Many of our customers have experienced financial difficulties and some have filed for bankruptcy protection. As a result, we may have difficulty collecting outstanding accounts receivable from, or experience longer collection cycles with, some of our customers, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and cash flows.

Decreased demand for proppant has adversely affected, and could continue to adversely affect, our commitments under supply agreements.

        We have purchase commitments with certain vendors to supply the proppant used in our operations. Some of these agreements are take-or-pay arrangements with minimum purchase obligations. During the industry downturn, our minimum contractual commitments have exceeded the amount of proppant needed in our operations. As a result, we made minimum payments for proppant that we were unable to use. Furthermore, some of our customers have bought and in the future may buy proppant directly from vendors, reducing our need for proppant. If market conditions do not improve, or our customers buy proppant directly from vendors, we may be required to make minimum payments in future periods, which may adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

Our operations are subject to inherent risks, including operational hazards. These risks may not be fully covered under our insurance policies.

        Our operations are subject to hazards inherent in the oil and natural gas industry, such as accidents, blowouts, explosions, craters, fires and oil spills. These hazards may lead to property damage, personal injury, death or the discharge of hazardous materials into the environment. The occurrence of a significant event or adverse claim in excess of the insurance coverage that we maintain or that is not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

        As is customary in our industry, our service contracts generally provide that we will indemnify and hold harmless our customers from any claims arising from personal injury or death of our employees, damage to or loss of our equipment, and pollution emanating from our equipment and services. Similarly, our customers agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims arising from personal injury or death of their employees, damage to or loss of their equipment, and pollution caused from their equipment or the well reservoir. Our indemnification arrangements may not protect us in every case. In addition, our indemnification rights may not fully protect us if the customer is insolvent or becomes bankrupt, does not maintain adequate insurance or otherwise does not possess sufficient resources to indemnify us. Furthermore, our indemnification rights may be held unenforceable in some jurisdictions. Our inability to fully realize the benefits of our contractual indemnification protections could result in significant liabilities and could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

        We maintain customary insurance coverage against these types of hazards. We are self-insured up to retention limits with regard to, among other things, workers' compensation and general liability. We maintain accruals in our consolidated balance sheets related to self-insurance retentions by using third-party data and historical claims history. The occurrence of an event not fully insured against, or the failure of an insurer to meet its insurance obligations, could result in substantial losses. In addition, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable. Insurance may not be available to cover any or all of the risks to which we are subject, or, even if available, it may be inadequate.

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We are subject to laws and regulations regarding issues of health, safety, and protection of the environment, under which we may become liable for penalties, damages, or costs of remediation.

        Our operations are subject to stringent laws and regulations relating to protection of natural resources, clean air, drinking water, wetlands, endangered species, greenhouse gases, nonattainment areas, the environment, health and safety, chemical use and storage, waste management, and transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. These laws and regulations subject us to risks of environmental liability, including leakage from an operator's casing during our operations or accidental spills onto or into surface or subsurface soils, surface water, or groundwater.

        Some environmental laws and regulations may impose strict liability, joint and several liability or both. Strict liability means that we could be exposed to liability as a result of our conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred, or the conduct of or conditions caused by third parties without regard to whether we caused or contributed to the conditions. Additionally, environmental concerns, including air and drinking water contamination and seismic activity, have prompted investigations that could lead to the enactment of regulations that potentially could have a material adverse impact on our business. Sanctions for noncompliance with environmental laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties (administrative, civil or criminal), revocations of permits, expenditures for remediation, and issuance of corrective action orders, and actions arising under these laws and regulations could result in liability for property damage, exposure to waste and other hazardous materials, nuisance or personal injuries. Such claims or sanctions could cause us to incur substantial costs or losses and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Changes in laws and regulations could prohibit, restrict or limit our operations, increase our operating costs or result in the disclosure of proprietary information resulting in competitive harm.

        Various legislative and regulatory initiatives have been undertaken that could result in additional requirements or restrictions being imposed on our operations. Legislation and/or regulations are being considered at the federal, state and local levels that could impose chemical disclosure requirements (such as restrictions on the use of certain types of chemicals or prohibitions on hydraulic fracturing operations in certain areas) and prior approval requirements. If they become effective, these regulations would establish additional levels of regulation that could lead to operational delays and increased operating costs. Disclosure of our proprietary chemical information to third parties or to the public, even if inadvertent, could diminish the value of our trade secrets and could result in competitive harm to us, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

        Additionally, some jurisdictions are or have considered zoning and other ordinances, the conditions of which could impose a de facto ban on drilling and/or hydraulic fracturing operations, and are closely examining permit and disposal options for processed water, which if imposed could have a material adverse impact on our costs of operations. Moreover, any moratorium or increased regulation of our raw materials vendors, such as our proppant suppliers, could increase the cost of those materials and adversely affect the results of our operations.

        We are also subject to various transportation regulations that include certain permit requirements of highway and vehicle and hazardous material safety authorities. These regulations govern such matters as the authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, safety, equipment testing, driver requirements and specifications and insurance requirements. As these regulations develop and any new regulations are proposed, we may experience an increase in related costs. We cannot predict whether, or in what form, any legislative or regulatory changes or municipal ordinances applicable to our logistics operations will be enacted and to what extent any such legislation or regulations could increase our costs or otherwise adversely affect our business or operations.

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Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing could result in increased costs and additional operating restrictions or delays.

        Our business is dependent on our ability to conduct hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling activities. Hydraulic fracturing is used to stimulate production of hydrocarbons, particularly natural gas, from tight formations, including shales. The process, which involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals, or proppants, under pressure into formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production, is typically regulated by state oil and natural gas commissions. However, federal agencies have asserted regulatory authority over certain aspects of the process. For example, on May 9, 2014, the EPA issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on the development of regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act to require companies to disclose information regarding the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. The EPA projects publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by June 2018, which would describe a proposed mechanism—regulatory, voluntary or a combination of both—to collect data on hydraulic fracturing chemical substances and mixtures. On June 28, 2016, the EPA published a final rule prohibiting the discharge of wastewater from onshore unconventional oil and natural gas extraction facilities to publicly owned wastewater treatment plans. The EPA is also conducting a study of private wastewater treatment facilities (also known as centralized waste treatment, or CWT, facilities) accepting oil and natural gas extraction wastewater. The EPA is collecting data and information related to the extent to which CWT facilities accept such wastewater, available treatment technologies (and their associated costs), discharge characteristics, financial characteristics of CWT facilities and the environmental impacts of discharges from CWT facilities. Furthermore, legislation to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act, or SDWA, to repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing (except when diesel fuels are used) from the definition of "underground injection" and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, as well as legislative proposals to require disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process, were proposed in recent sessions of Congress. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, of the Department of the Interior has established regulations imposing drilling and construction requirements for operations on federal or Indian lands including management requirements for surface operations and public disclosures of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing fluids. While these regulations are subject to judicial review by the Tenth Circuit, imposition of these regulations could cause us or our customers to incur substantial compliance costs and any failure to comply could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

        On August 16, 2012, the EPA published final regulations under the federal Clean Air Act that establish new air emission controls for oil and natural gas production and natural gas processing operations. Specifically, the EPA's rule package includes New Source Performance Standards to address emissions of sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, and a separate set of emission standards to address hazardous air pollutants frequently associated with oil and natural gas production and processing activities. The final rule seeks to achieve a 95% reduction in VOCs emitted by requiring the use of reduced emission completions or "green completions" on all hydraulically fractured wells constructed or refractured after January 1, 2015. The rules also establish specific new requirements regarding emissions from compressors, controllers, dehydrators, storage tanks and other production equipment. These rules required a number of modifications to our operations, including the installation of new equipment to control emissions. The EPA received numerous requests for reconsideration of these rules from both industry and the environmental community, and court challenges to the rules were also filed. In response, the EPA has issued, and will likely continue to issue, revised rules responsive to some of the requests for reconsideration. Recently, on May 12, 2016, the EPA amended the New Source Performance Standards to impose new standards for methane and VOC emissions for certain new, modified, and reconstructed equipment, processes, and activities across the oil and natural gas sector. On the same day, the EPA finalized a plan to implement its minor new source review program in Indian country for oil and natural gas production, and it issued for public comment an information request that will require companies to provide extensive information instrumental for the

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development of regulations to reduce methane emissions from existing oil and natural gas sources. In 2016, BLM promulgated regulations aimed at curbing air pollution, including greenhouse gases, for oil and natural gas produced on federal and Indian lands. Various states have filed for a petition for review and a motion for a preliminary injunction of these regulations. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to eliminate the rule under the Congressional Review Act. To be revoked, the rule elimination will need to be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed by the President. At this point, we cannot predict the final regulatory requirements or the cost to comply with such requirements with any certainty.

        There are certain governmental reviews either underway or being proposed that focus on the environmental aspects of hydraulic fracturing practices. These ongoing or proposed studies, depending on their degree of pursuit and whether any meaningful results are obtained, could spur initiatives to further regulate hydraulic fracturing under the SDWA or other regulatory authorities. The EPA continues to evaluate the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources and the induced seismic activity from disposal wells and has recommended strategies for managing and minimizing the potential for significant injection-induced seismic events. For example, in December 2016, the EPA released its final report, entitled "Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States," on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The report states that the EPA found scientific evidence that hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources under some circumstances, noting that the following hydraulic fracturing water cycle activities and local- or regional-scale factors are more likely than others to result in more frequent or more severe impacts: water withdrawals for fracturing in times or areas of low water availability; surface spills during the management of fracturing fluids, chemicals or produced water; injection of fracturing fluids into wells with inadequate mechanical integrity; injection of fracturing fluids directly into groundwater resources; discharge of inadequately treated fracturing wastewater to surface waters; and disposal or storage of fracturing wastewater in unlined pits. Other governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Government Accountability Office, have evaluated or are evaluating various other aspects of hydraulic fracturing. These ongoing or proposed studies could spur initiatives to further regulate hydraulic fracturing, and could ultimately make it more difficult or costly to perform fracturing and increase the costs of compliance and doing business for our customers.

        Several states, including Texas and Ohio, have adopted or are considering adopting regulations that could restrict or prohibit hydraulic fracturing in certain circumstances, impose more stringent operating standards and/or require the disclosure of the composition of hydraulic fracturing fluids. Any increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing, in these or other states, could reduce the demand for our services and materially and adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.

        There has been increasing public controversy regarding hydraulic fracturing with regard to the use of fracturing fluids, induced seismic activity, impacts on drinking water supplies, use of water and the potential for impacts to surface water, groundwater and the environment generally. A number of lawsuits and enforcement actions have been initiated across the country implicating hydraulic fracturing practices. If new laws or regulations are adopted that significantly restrict hydraulic fracturing, such laws could make it more difficult or costly for us to perform fracturing to stimulate production from tight formations as well as make it easier for third parties opposing the hydraulic fracturing process to initiate legal proceedings based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect groundwater. In addition, if hydraulic fracturing is further regulated at the federal, state or local level, our customers' fracturing activities could become subject to additional permitting and financial assurance requirements, more stringent construction specifications, increased monitoring, reporting and recordkeeping obligations, plugging and abandonment requirements and also to attendant permitting delays and potential increases in costs. Such legislative or regulatory changes could cause us or our customers to incur substantial compliance costs, and compliance or the consequences of any failure to comply by us could have a material adverse effect on our financial

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condition and results of operations. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the impact on our business of newly enacted or potential federal, state or local laws governing hydraulic fracturing.

Existing or future laws and regulations related to greenhouse gases and climate change could have a negative impact on our business and may result in additional compliance obligations with respect to the release, capture, and use of carbon dioxide that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

        Changes in environmental requirements related to greenhouse gases and climate change may negatively impact demand for our services. For example, oil and natural gas exploration and production may decline as a result of environmental requirements, including land use policies responsive to environmental concerns. Local, state, and federal agencies have been evaluating climate-related legislation and other regulatory initiatives that would restrict emissions of greenhouse gases in areas in which we conduct business. Because our business depends on the level of activity in the oil and natural gas industry, existing or future laws and regulations related to greenhouse gases and climate change, including incentives to conserve energy or use alternative energy sources, could have a negative impact on our business if such laws or regulations reduce demand for oil and natural gas. Likewise, such restrictions may result in additional compliance obligations with respect to the release, capture, sequestration, and use of carbon dioxide or other gases that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Delays in obtaining, or inability to obtain or renew, permits or authorizations by our customers for their operations or by us for our operations could impair our business.

        In most states, our customers are required to obtain permits or authorizations from one or more governmental agencies or other third parties to perform drilling and completion activities, including hydraulic fracturing. Such permits or approvals are typically required by state agencies, but can also be required by federal and local governmental agencies or other third parties. The requirements for such permits or authorizations vary depending on the location where such drilling and completion activities will be conducted. As with most permitting and authorization processes, there is a degree of uncertainty as to whether a permit will be granted, the time it will take for a permit or approval to be issued and the conditions which may be imposed in connection with the granting of the permit. In some jurisdictions, such as New York State and within the jurisdiction of the Delaware River Basin Commission, certain regulatory authorities have delayed or suspended the issuance of permits or authorizations while the potential environmental impacts associated with issuing such permits can be studied and appropriate mitigation measures evaluated. In Texas, rural water districts have begun to impose restrictions on water use and may require permits for water used in drilling and completion activities. Permitting, authorization or renewal delays, the inability to obtain new permits or the revocation of current permits could cause a loss of revenue and potentially have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, prospects or results of operations.

        We are also required to obtain federal, state, local and/or third-party permits and authorizations in some jurisdictions in connection with our wireline services. These permits, when required, impose certain conditions on our operations. Any changes in these requirements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, prospects and results of operations.

Restrictions on drilling activities intended to protect certain species of wildlife may adversely affect our ability to conduct drilling activities in some of the areas where we operate.

        Oil and natural gas operations in our operating areas can be adversely affected by seasonal or permanent restrictions on drilling activities designed to protect various wildlife, which may limit our ability to operate in protected areas. Permanent restrictions imposed to protect endangered species could prohibit drilling in certain areas or require the implementation of expensive mitigation measures.

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Additionally, the designation of previously unprotected species as threatened or endangered in areas where we operate could result in increased costs arising from species protection measures. Restrictions on oil and natural gas operations to protect wildlife could reduce demand for our services.

Conservation measures and technological advances could reduce demand for oil and natural gas and our services.

        Fuel conservation measures, alternative fuel requirements, increasing consumer demand for alternatives to oil and natural gas, technological advances in fuel economy and energy generation devices could reduce demand for oil and natural gas, resulting in reduced demand for oilfield services. The impact of the changing demand for oil and natural gas services and products may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

There may be a reduction in demand for our future services due to competition from alternative energy sources.

        Oil and natural gas competes with other sources of energy for consumer demand. There are significant governmental incentives and consumer pressures to increase the use of alternative energy sources in the United States and abroad. A number of automotive, industrial and power generation manufacturers are developing more fuel efficient engines, hybrid engines and alternative clean power systems using fuel cells or clean burning gaseous fuels. Greater use of these alternatives as a result of governmental incentives or regulations, technological advances, consumer demand, improved pricing or otherwise over time will reduce the demand for our products and services and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows going forward.

Limitations on construction of new natural gas pipelines or increases in federal or state regulation of natural gas pipelines could decrease demand for our services.

        There has been increasing public controversy regarding construction of new natural gas pipelines and the stringency of current regulation of natural gas pipelines. Delays in construction of new pipelines or increased stringency of regulation of existing natural gas pipelines at either the state or federal level could reduce the demand for our services and materially and adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.

Our operations require substantial capital and we may be unable to obtain needed capital or financing on satisfactory terms or at all, which could limit our ability to grow.

        The oilfield services industry is capital intensive. In conducting our business and operations, we have made, and expect to continue to make, substantial capital expenditures. Our total capital expenditures were $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Since 2015, we have financed capital expenditures primarily with funding from cash on hand. We may be unable to generate sufficient cash from operations and other capital resources to maintain planned or future levels of capital expenditures which, among other things, may prevent us from properly maintaining our existing equipment or acquiring new equipment. Furthermore, any disruptions or continuing volatility in the global financial markets may lead to an increase in interest rates or a contraction in credit availability impacting our ability to finance our operations. This could put us at a competitive disadvantage or interfere with our growth plans. Furthermore, our actual capital expenditures for future years could exceed our capital expenditure budgets. In the event our capital expenditure requirements at any time are greater than the amount we have available, we could be required to seek additional sources of capital, which may include debt financing, joint venture partnerships, sales of assets, offerings of debt or equity securities or other means. We may not be able to obtain any such alternative source of capital. We may be required to curtail or eliminate contemplated activities. If we can obtain alternative sources of capital, the terms of such alternative may not be favorable to us. In particular, the terms of

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any debt financing may include covenants that significantly restrict our operations. Our inability to grow as planned may reduce our chances of maintaining and improving profitability.

A third party may claim we infringed upon its intellectual property rights, and we may be subjected to costly litigation.

        Our operations, including equipment, manufacturing and fluid and chemical operations may unintentionally infringe upon the patents or trade secrets of a competitor or other company that uses proprietary components or processes in its operations, and that company may have legal recourse against our use of its protected information. If this were to happen, these claims could result in legal and other costs associated with litigation. If found to have infringed upon protected information, we may have to pay damages or make royalty payments in order to continue using that information, which could substantially increase the costs previously associated with certain products or services, or we may have to discontinue use of the information or product altogether. Any of these could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

New technology may cause us to become less competitive.

        The oilfield services industry is subject to the introduction of new drilling and completion techniques and services using new technologies, some of which may be subject to patent or other intellectual property protections. Although we believe our equipment and processes currently give us a competitive advantage, as competitors and others use or develop new or comparable technologies in the future, we may lose market share or be placed at a competitive disadvantage. Furthermore, we may face competitive pressure to implement or acquire certain new technologies at a substantial cost. Some of our competitors have greater financial, technical and personnel resources that may allow them to enjoy technological advantages and implement new technologies before we can. We cannot be certain that we will be able to implement all new technologies or products on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost. Thus, limits on our ability to effectively use and implement new and emerging technologies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Loss or corruption of our information or a cyberattack on our computer systems could adversely affect our business.

        We are heavily dependent on our information systems and computer-based programs, including our well operations information and accounting data. If any of such programs or systems were to fail or create erroneous information in our hardware or software network infrastructure, whether due to cyberattack or otherwise, possible consequences include our loss of communication links and inability to automatically process commercial transactions or engage in similar automated or computerized business activities. Any such consequence could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        The oil and natural gas industry has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct certain activities. At the same time, cyberattacks have increased. The U.S. government has issued public warnings that indicate that energy assets might be specific targets of cyber security threats. Our technologies, systems and networks may become the target of cyberattacks or information security breaches. These could result in the unauthorized access, misuse, loss or destruction of our proprietary and other information or other disruption of our business operations. Any access or surveillance could remain undetected for an extended period. Our systems for protecting against cyber security risks may not be sufficient. As cyber incidents continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to cyber incidents. Additionally, our insurance coverage for cyberattacks may not be sufficient to cover all the losses we may experience as a result of such cyberattacks. Any additional costs could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

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One or more of our directors may not reside in the United States, which may prevent investors from obtaining or enforcing judgments against them.

        Because one or more of our directors may not reside in the United States, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States on our non-U.S. resident directors, enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against our non-U.S. resident directors, enforce in foreign courts U.S. court judgments based on civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against our non-U.S. resident directors, or bring an original action in foreign courts to enforce liabilities based on the U.S. federal securities laws against our non-U.S. resident directors.

We may be unable to employ a sufficient number of key employees, technical personnel and other skilled or qualified workers.

        The delivery of our services and products requires personnel with specialized skills and experience who can perform physically demanding work. As a result of the volatility in the energy service industry and the demanding nature of the work, workers may choose to pursue employment with our competitors or in fields that offer a more desirable work environment. Our ability to be productive and profitable will depend upon our ability to employ and retain skilled workers. In addition, our ability to further expand our operations according to geographic demand for our services depends in part on our ability to relocate or increase the size of our skilled labor force. The demand for skilled workers in our areas of operations can be high, the supply may be limited and we may be unable to relocate our employees from areas of lower utilization to areas of higher demand. A significant increase in the wages paid by competing employers could result in a reduction of our skilled labor force, increases in the wage rates that we must pay, or both. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the wages paid by us or our competitors as a result of reduced industry demand could result in a reduction of the available skilled labor force, and there is no assurance that the availability of skilled labor will improve following a subsequent increase in demand for our services or an increase in wage rates. If any of these events were to occur, our capacity and profitability could be diminished and our growth potential could be impaired.

        We depend heavily on the efforts of executive officers, managers and other key employees to manage our operations. The unexpected loss or unavailability of key members of management or technical personnel may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, prospects or results of operations.

Adverse weather conditions could impact demand for our services or impact our costs.

        Our business could be adversely affected by adverse weather conditions. For example, unusually warm winters could adversely affect the demand for our services by decreasing the demand for natural gas or unusually cold winters could adversely affect our capability to perform our services, for example, due to delays in the delivery of equipment, personnel and products that we need in order to provide our services and weather-related damage to facilities and equipment, resulting in delays in operations. Our operations in arid regions can be affected by droughts and limited access to water used in our hydraulic fracturing operations. These constraints could adversely affect the costs and results of operations.

A terrorist attack or armed conflict could harm our business.

        Terrorist activities, anti-terrorist efforts and other armed conflicts involving the United States could adversely affect the U.S. and global economies and could prevent us from meeting financial and other obligations. We could experience loss of business, delays or defaults in payments from payors or disruptions of fuel supplies and markets if wells, operations sites or other related facilities are direct targets or indirect casualties of an act of terror or war. Such activities could reduce the overall demand

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for oil and natural gas, which, in turn, could also reduce the demand for our products and services. Terrorist activities and the threat of potential terrorist activities and any resulting economic downturn could adversely affect our results of operations, impair our ability to raise capital or otherwise adversely impact our ability to realize certain business strategies.

International operations subject us to additional economic, political and regulatory risks.

        In February 2016, our joint venture with the Sinopec Group, or Sinopec, commenced hydraulic fracturing operations in China. International operations require significant resources and may result in foreign operations that ultimately are not successful. Our joint venture operations and any further international expansion expose us to operational risks, including exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations, war or political instability, limitations on the movement of funds, foreign and domestic government regulation, including compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and bureaucratic delays. These may increase our costs and distract key personnel, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards may be limited.

        As of December 31, 2016, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs, of approximately $1,600 million and $628 million, respectively, which if not utilized will begin to expire in 2032 for federal purposes and 2017 for state purposes. We may use these NOLs to offset against taxable income for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. However, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, may limit the NOLs we may use in any year for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the event of certain changes in ownership of our Company. A Section 382 "ownership change" generally occurs if one or more stockholders or groups of stockholders who own at least 5% of a company's stock increase their ownership by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest ownership percentage within a rolling three year period. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. This offering or future issuances or sales of our stock, including certain transactions involving our stock that are outside of our control, could cause an "ownership change." If an "ownership change" has occurred in the past or occurs in the future, including in connection with this offering, Section 382 would impose an annual limit on the amount of pre-ownership change NOLs and other tax attributes we can use to reduce our taxable income, potentially increasing and accelerating our liability for income taxes, and also potentially causing those tax attributes to expire unused. Any limitation on using NOLs could, depending on the extent of such limitation and the NOLs previously used, result in our retaining less cash after payment of U.S. federal and state income taxes during any year in which we have taxable income, rather than losses, than we would be entitled to retain if such NOLs were available as an offset against such income for U.S. federal and state income tax reporting purposes, which could adversely impact our operating results.

Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness

We have substantial indebtedness. Any failure to meet our debt obligations would adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.

        At December 31, 2016, we had $1.2 billion of long-term indebtedness outstanding. Our indebtedness affects our operations in several ways, including the following:

    a portion of our cash flows from operating activities must be used to service our indebtedness and is not available for other purposes;

    the covenants contained in the debt agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness limit our ability to borrow additional funds, and may also affect our flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in the economy and in our industry; and

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    a lowering of the credit ratings of our debt may negatively affect the cost, terms, conditions and availability of future financing.

        If our cash flow and other capital resources are insufficient to fund our obligations under our debt agreements on a current basis and at maturity, or if we are otherwise unable to comply with the covenants in those agreements, we will need to refinance or restructure our debt. The proceeds of future borrowings may not be sufficient to refinance or repay the debt, and we may be unable to complete such transactions in a timely manner, on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, if we finance our operations through additional indebtedness, then the risks that we now face relating to our current debt level would intensify, and it would be more difficult to satisfy our existing financial obligations. Furthermore, if a default occurs under one debt agreement, then this could cause a cross-default under other debt agreements.

        We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which will include repayment of indebtedness. See "Use of Proceeds."

Liquidity is essential to our business, and it has been and may continue to be adversely affected.

        Liquidity is essential to our business to service our debt and purchase the labor, materials and equipment that we use to operate our business. Additionally, we believe that a service provider's liquidity is important to our customers because adequate liquidity provides assurance that a service provider will have the financial resources to continue to operate in challenging industry conditions.

        Our liquidity has been adversely affected by the industry downturn due to the low or non-existent profit margins for utilization of our services. Our liquidity may be further impaired by unforeseen cash expenditures, which may arise due to circumstances beyond our control.

        Additionally, the terms of our existing debt instruments restrict, and any future debt instruments may further restrict, our ability to incur additional indebtedness, sell certain assets and engage in certain business activities. These restrictions prohibit activities that we could use to increase our liquidity. Also, our current lenders and investors hold a first lien on a portion of our assets as collateral, including substantially all of our revenue-generating equipment. New lenders and investors may require additional collateral, which could additionally impair our access to liquidity. If alternate financing is not available on favorable terms or at all, we would be required to decrease our capital spending to an even greater extent. Any additional decrease in our capital spending would adversely affect our ability to sustain or improve our profits. Refinancing may not be available, and any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates, which could further adversely affect our liquidity.

Increases in interest rates could negatively affect our financing costs and our ability to access capital.

        We have exposure to future interest rates based on the variable rate debt under our Term Loan and 2020 Notes and to the extent we raise additional debt in the capital markets at variable rates to meet maturing debt obligations or to fund our capital expenditures and working capital needs. Daily working capital requirements are typically financed with operational cash flow and through the use of our existing borrowings. The interest rate on the Term Loan and the 2020 Notes is generally determined from the applicable LIBOR rate at the borrowing date plus a pre-set margin. We are therefore subject to market interest rate risk on that portion of our long-term debt that relates to the Term Loan and 2020 Notes. We do not employ risk management techniques, such as interest rate swaps, to hedge against interest rate volatility, and accordingly significant and sustained increases in market interest rates could materially increase our financing costs and negatively impact our reported results.

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Risks Relating to this Offering and Our Common Stock

Our three largest stockholders control a significant percentage of our common stock, and their interests may conflict with those of our other stockholders.

        Immediately prior to the completion of this offering and the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, (1) Maju, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek, (2) Chesapeake, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Parent, and (3) Senja, an investment company affiliated with RRJ, will beneficially own 40.7%, 30.3% and 11.2%, respectively, of our common stock and 50.7%, 30.0% and 13.87%, respectively, of our convertible preferred stock. Upon completion of this offering and the conversion of the preferred stock into common stock, Maju, Chesapeake and Senja will beneficially own approximately        %,        % and        %, respectively, of our common stock, or        %,         % and        %, respectively, if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." As a result, Maju, Chesapeake and Senja, together, will continue to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, changes to our organizational documents and significant corporate transactions. Furthermore, we anticipate that several individuals who will serve as our directors upon completion of this offering will be affiliates of Maju, Chesapeake and Senja. This concentration of ownership and relationships with Maju, Chesapeake and Senja make it unlikely that any other holder or group of holders of our common stock will be able to affect the way we are managed or the direction of our business. In addition, we have engaged, and expect to continue to engage, in related party transactions involving Chesapeake. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions." Furthermore, upon the completion of this offering, we will enter into investors' rights agreements with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton Asset Holding Ltd., or Hampton, which will contain agreements regarding, among other things, director nomination, information and observer rights. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Investors' Rights Agreements." The interests of Maju, Chesapeake and Senja with respect to matters potentially or actually involving or affecting us, such as future acquisitions and financings, may conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. This continued concentrated ownership will make it more difficult for another company to acquire us and for you to receive any related takeover premium for your shares unless these stockholders approve the acquisition.

A significant reduction by our major stockholders of their ownership interests in us could adversely affect us.

        We believe that the substantial ownership interests of Maju, Chesapeake and Senja in us provides them with an economic incentive to assist us to be successful. If Maju, Chesapeake or Senja sell all or a substantial portion of their ownership interest in us, they may have less incentive to assist in our success and their representatives that serve as members of our board of directors may resign. Such actions could adversely affect our ability to successfully implement our business strategies which could adversely affect our cash flows or results of operations.

The initial public offering price of our common stock may not be indicative of the market price of our common stock after this offering. In addition, an active liquid trading market for our common stock may not develop and our stock price may be volatile.

        Prior to this offering, our equity securities were not traded on any market. An active and liquid trading market for our common stock may not develop or be maintained after this offering. Liquid and active trading markets usually result in less price volatility and more efficiency in carrying out investors' purchase and sale orders. The market price of our common stock could vary significantly as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. In the event of a drop in the market price of our common stock, you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our common stock. The initial public offering price will be negotiated between us and representatives of the underwriters, based on numerous factors that we discuss in the "Underwriting" section of this prospectus, and may not be indicative of the market price of our common stock after this offering. Consequently, you may

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not be able to sell shares of our common stock at prices equal to or greater than the price paid by you in this offering.

        The following factors, among others, could affect our stock price:

    our operating and financial performance;

    quarterly variations in the rate of growth of our financial indicators, such as net income per share, net income and revenues;

    changes in revenue or earnings estimates or publication of reports by equity research analysts;

    speculation in the press or investment community;

    sales of our common stock by us or our stockholders, or the perception that such sales may occur;

    general market conditions, including fluctuations in actual and anticipated future commodity prices; and

    domestic and international economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance.

        The stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

Purchasers of common stock in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution.

        Based on an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, purchasers of our common stock in this offering will experience an immediate and substantial dilution of $            per share in the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock from the initial public offering price. Our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 after giving effect to this offering would be $            per share. See "Dilution" for a complete description of the calculation of net tangible book value.

The requirements of being a public company, including compliance with the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the Dodd-Frank Act, may increase our costs. We may be unable to comply with these requirements in a timely or cost-effective manner.

        As a public company with listed equity securities, we will have to comply with numerous laws, regulations and requirements, certain corporate governance provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, related regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and the requirements of the national stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, with which we are not required to comply as a private company. Complying with these statutes, regulations and requirements will require time and attention from our board of directors and management and will increase our costs and expenses. We will need to:

    institute a more comprehensive compliance function;

    expand, evaluate and maintain our system of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules and regulations of the SEC and the PCAOB;

    establish new internal policies, such as those relating to disclosure controls and procedures and insider trading;

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    comply with corporate governance and other rules promulgated by the national stock exchange on which our common stock is listed;

    prepare and file annual, quarterly and other periodic public reports in compliance with the federal securities laws;

    prepare proxy statements and solicit proxies in connection with annual meetings of our stockholders;

    involve and retain to a greater degree outside counsel and accountants in the above activities; and

    establish a public company investor relations function.

        In addition, we also expect that being a public company subject to these rules and regulations will require us to obtain increased director and officer liability insurance coverage and we may be required to incur substantial costs to obtain such coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors, particularly to serve on our Audit Committee, and qualified executive officers.

As an "emerging growth company" we will not be required to comply with certain SEC and PCAOB requirements and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements will make our common stock less attractive to investors.

        We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act, and are taking, and we may continue to take, advantage of certain exemptions from various SEC reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies. These reduced reporting requirements include:

    an exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirement on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting;

    an exemption from compliance with any requirement that the PCAOB may adopt regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor's report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements;

    reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements;

    an exemption from the requirements to obtain a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or stockholder approval of any golden parachute arrangements; and

    the ability to present more limited financial data in this registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

        We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a reduced market for our common stock and our common stock price may be more volatile.

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of us more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management and limit the market price of our common stock.

        Upon filing, provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our management. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will:

    provide that our board of directors is classified into three classes of directors;

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    provide that stockholders may, except as set forth in the investors' rights agreements, which we will enter into with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton prior to the completion of this offering, remove directors only for cause and only with the approval of holders of at least 66 2 / 3 % of our then outstanding capital stock;

    provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors;

    provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law or as set forth in the investors' rights agreements, which we will enter into with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton prior to the completion of this offering, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum;

    provide that our stockholders may not take action by written consent, and may only take action at annual or special meetings of our stockholders;

    provide that stockholders, other than Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton, seeking to present proposals before a meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders must provide notice in writing in a timely manner, and also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder's notice;

    restrict the forum for certain litigation against us to Delaware;

    not provide for cumulative voting rights (therefore allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election);

    provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by (1) the Chairman of the board of directors, (2) our CEO, (3) the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors or (4) stockholders with at least 25% of our then outstanding capital stock;

    provide that, except as set forth in the investors' rights agreements, which we will enter into with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton prior to the completion of this offering, stockholders will be permitted to amend our amended and restated bylaws only upon receiving at least 66 2 / 3 % of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class; and

    provide that, except as set forth in the investors' rights agreements, which we will enter into with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton prior to the completion of this offering, certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may only be amended upon receiving at least 66 2 / 3 % of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares then entitled to vote, voting together as a single class.

        These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. In addition, we will opt out of the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or DGCL, which generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with any "interested" stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which the stockholder became an "interested" stockholder. However, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide substantially the same limitations as are set forth in Section 203 but will also provide that            and            and their affiliates and any of their direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party do not constitute "interested stockholders" for purposes of this provision.

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We may be unsuccessful in implementing required internal controls over financial reporting.

        We are not currently required to comply with the SEC's rules implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and are therefore not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. Upon becoming a public company, we will be required to comply with the applicable SEC rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which will require our management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We will not be required to make our first assessment of our internal control over financial reporting until the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC. To comply with the requirements of being a public company, we will need to implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures and hire additional accounting, finance and legal staff.

        We are in the process of evaluating our internal control systems to allow management to report on our internal controls over financial reporting. Furthermore, upon completion of this process, we may identify control deficiencies of varying degrees of severity under applicable SEC and PCAOB rules and regulations that remain unremediated. As a public company, we will be required to report, among other things, control deficiencies that constitute a "material weakness" or changes in internal controls that materially affect, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls over financial reporting. The PCAOB has defined a material weakness as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and subsequently corrected, on a timely basis.

        Our efforts to develop and maintain effective internal controls may not be successful, and we may be unable to maintain effective controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future and comply with the certification and reporting obligations under Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Any failure to remediate future deficiencies and to develop or maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in our implementation or improvement of our internal controls over financial reporting could result in material misstatements that are not prevented or detected on a timely basis, which could potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC, the national stock exchange on which we listed our common stock or other regulatory authorities. Ineffective internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information.

We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock and, consequently, you will achieve a return on your investment only if the price of our stock appreciates.

        We do not plan to declare dividends on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Additionally, we are currently limited in our ability to make cash distributions to stockholders pursuant to the terms of our Term Loan and the indentures governing our 2020 Notes and 2022 Notes. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment in us will be if the market price of our common stock appreciates, which may not occur, and you sell your shares at a profit. There is no guarantee that the price of our common stock in the market after this offering will exceed the price that you pay. See "Dividend Policy."

Future sales of our common stock in the public market could lower our stock price, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity or convertible securities may dilute your ownership in us.

        We may sell additional shares of common stock in subsequent public offerings and may also issue securities convertible into our common stock. We also intend to register shares of common stock that we have granted as equity awards or may grant as equity awards under our 2014 LTIP and 2017 Plan. Once we register these shares, they will be able to be sold freely in the public market, subject to

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volume limitations applicable to affiliates, applicable vesting periods and lock-up agreements. Upon the completion of this offering, we will have                        outstanding shares of common stock. This number includes                        shares that we are selling in this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option), which may be resold immediately in the public market. Following the completion of this offering, certain of our affiliates will own the balance of our outstanding shares of common stock, consisting of                        shares or approximately         % of total outstanding shares, all of which are restricted from immediate resale under the federal securities laws and are subject to the lock-up agreements between such parties and the underwriters described in "Underwriting," but may be sold into the market in the future.

        We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock.

If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, publish inaccurate or unfavorable research or if they downgrade our stock or our sector, our common stock price and trading volume could decline.

        The trading market for our common stock will rely in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not control these analysts. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrade our stock or our industry, or the stock of any of our competitors, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our common stock.

        Our certificate of incorporation will authorize us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over our common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of our common stock. For example, we might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of our common stock.

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this prospectus are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements refer to our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, strategies, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "can have," "contemplate," "continue," "could," "design," "due," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "likely," "may," "might," "objective," "plan," "predict," "project," "potential," "seek," "should," "target," "will," "would" and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operational performance or other events. For example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected costs, expenditures and growth rates, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth or initiatives or strategies are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expect and, therefore, you should not unduly rely on such statements. The risks that could cause these forward looking statements to be inaccurate include but are not limited to:

    a decline in domestic spending by the onshore oil and natural gas industry;

    volatility in oil and natural gas prices;

    nonpayment by customers we extend credit to;

    the competitive nature of the industry in which we conduct our business;

    the effect of a loss of, or financial distress of, one or more significant customers;

    our inability to service our debt obligations;

    adverse effects on our financial strategy and liquidity;

    a decline in demand for proppant;

    the occurrence of a significant event or adverse claim in excess of the insurance coverage we maintain;

    fines or penalties (administrative, civil or criminal), revocations of permits, or issuance of corrective action orders for noncompliance with health, safety and environmental laws and regulations;

    demand for services in our industry;

    our ability to obtain permits, approvals and authorizations from governmental and third parties, and the effects of or changes to U.S. and foreign government regulation;

    introduction of new drilling or completion techniques, or services using new technologies subject to patent or other intellectual property protections;

    third party claims for possible infringement of intellectual property rights;

    loss or corruption of our information or a cyberattack on our computer systems;

    one or more of our directors may not reside in the United States limiting the ability of investors from obtaining or enforcing judgments against them;

    adverse weather conditions causing stoppage or delay in operations;

    the discovery rates of new oil and natural gas reserves;

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    actions of OPEC, its members and other state-controlled oil companies relating to oil price and production controls;

    lead times associated with acquiring equipment and products and availability of qualified personnel;

    the price and availability of alternative fuels and energy sources;

    uncertainty in capital and commodities markets and the ability of oil and natural gas producers to raise equity capital and debt financing;

    federal, state and local regulation of hydraulic fracturing and other oilfield service activities, as well as E&P activities, including public pressure on governmental bodies and regulatory agencies to regulate our industry;

    geopolitical developments and political instability in oil and natural gas producing countries;

    the level of global and domestic oil and natural gas inventories;

    the cost of exploring for, developing, producing and delivering oil and natural gas; and

    the availability of water resources, suitable proppant and chemicals in sufficient quantities for use in hydraulic fracturing fluids.

        We make many of our forward-looking statements based on our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results.

        See the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties mentioned above and for discussion of other risks and uncertainties we face that could cause our forward-looking statements to be inaccurate. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as others made in this prospectus and hereafter in our other SEC filings and public communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made by us in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

        We caution you that the risks and uncertainties identified by us may not be all of the factors that are important to you. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We estimate that we will receive net proceeds of approximately $             million from our sale of                shares of our common stock in this offering, assuming an initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses of approximately $             million. If the over-allotment option that we have granted to the underwriters is exercised in full, we estimate that the net proceeds to us will be approximately $             million.

        Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us by approximately $             million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

        We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which will include repaying indebtedness under our 2020 Notes, Term Loan or 2022 Notes as set forth below:

        The 2020 Notes bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 7.500% per annum. The 2020 Notes mature on June 15, 2020. Subject to completion of the initial public offering, we have provided notice to the holders for redemption of all of our outstanding 2020 Notes at a redemption price of 103.000% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including the redemption date. We expect the redemption date to be the closing date of this offering.

        Our Term Loan currently bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 4.75% per annum, with a 1.00% LIBOR floor. The final maturity date of the Term Loan is April 16, 2021 and can be repaid in full at 100.00%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, at the option of the Company.

        The 2022 Notes bear interest at a rate per annum equal to 6.250%. The 2022 Notes mature on May 1, 2022 and may be redeemed on or after May 1, 2017 at a redemption price of 104.688% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including the redemption date.

        See "Description of Indebtedness" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" for additional information regarding our indebtedness and a discussion of our capital needs for the next 12 months.

        We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.

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DIVIDEND POLICY

        We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, for use in the repayment of our existing indebtedness and in the operation and expansion of our business. Therefore, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future following this offering. The declaration and payment of future cash dividends will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable laws. Any decision to pay future cash dividends will depend upon various factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends, investment opportunities and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Our Term Loan and indentures governing our 2020 Notes and 2022 Notes contain restrictions and any future agreements may contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends or make any other distribution or payment on account of our common stock.

        For additional information regarding our indebtedness, see "Description of Indebtedness."

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of December 31, 2016:

    on an actual basis;

    on pro forma basis to give effect to (1) our        :        reverse stock split, (2) the conversion of all of our convertible preferred stock into shares of our common stock and (3) a share-based compensation expense of approximately $             million associated with restricted stock units that will vest immediately before this offering as if all of the foregoing events had occurred on December 31, 2016; and

    on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give further effect to (1) the sale of shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated fees and expenses and (2) the repayment of $             million principal amount of our long-term debt, which would have resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $             million, as if all of the foregoing events had occurred on December 31, 2016.

        You should read the following table in conjunction with "Use of Proceeds," "Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  As of December 31, 2016  
(In millions)
  Actual   Pro Forma   Pro Forma
As Adjusted(1)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 160.3         $    

Long-term debt:

                   

2020 Notes

    350.0            

Term Loan

    431.0              

2022 Notes

    426.3              

Total principal amount

    1,207.3              

Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

    (18.6 )            

Total long-term debt

  $ 1,188.7              

Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01(2)

    349.8          

Stockholders' equity(3):

                   

Common stock, par value $0.01

    35.9              

Additional paid-in capital

    3,712.1              

Accumulated deficit

    (4,767.0 )            

Total stockholders' deficit

    (1,019.0 )            

Total capitalization

  $ 519.5              

(1)
A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) cash and cash equivalents, total stockholders' deficit and total capitalization by $         million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover

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    page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

(2)
The holders of the convertible preferred stock are also common stockholders of the Company and collectively appoint 100% of our board of directors. Therefore, the convertible preferred stockholders can direct the Company to redeem the convertible preferred stock at any time after all of our debt has been repaid; however, we did not consider this to be probable for the period presented due to the amount of debt outstanding. Therefore, we have presented the convertible preferred stock as temporary equity, but we have not reflected any accretion of the convertible preferred stock in this table or in our Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2016, the liquidation preference of the convertible preferred stock was estimated to be $906.1 million. See Note 7—"Convertible Preferred Stock" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information.

(3)
As of December 31, 2016, our authorized capital stock consisted of 5,000,000,000 shares of common stock and 350,000 shares of our convertible preferred stock and 3,586,408,881 shares of common stock and 350,000 shares of convertible preferred stock were issued and outstanding. Immediately before this offering (1) we will effect a        :         reverse stock split and (2) all shares of our convertible preferred stock will be converted into issued and outstanding common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of        :         . For additional information regarding the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, see "Description of Capital Stock." Following the reverse stock split and conversion, our authorized capital stock will consist of        shares of common stock and        shares of preferred stock and        shares of common stock will be outstanding. In connection with this offering, we will issue an additional        shares of new common stock and, immediately following the completion of this offering, we will have        total shares of common stock outstanding.

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DILUTION

        If you invest in our common stock, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of our common stock and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering. We calculate net tangible book value per share by dividing the net tangible book value (tangible assets less total liabilities) by the number of outstanding shares of common stock.

        Our net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $         million, or $        per share of common stock, not taking into account our         :        reverse stock split or the conversion of our outstanding convertible preferred stock into shares of common stock at a rate of        :        . Our pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $         million, or $        per share, after giving effect to our        :         reverse stock split and the conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock into        shares of our common stock.

        After giving effect to the sale of        shares of common stock by us in this offering, assuming an initial public offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 would have been approximately $         million, or approximately $        per share. This represents an immediate increase (decrease) in the pro forma net tangible book value of $        per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $        per share to investors purchasing shares in this offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

Assumed initial public offering price per share

        $    

Net tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2016

  $          

Pro forma increase (decrease) in net tangible book value per share attributable to reverse stock split and conversion of convertible preferred stock

             

Pro forma increase per share attributable to this offering

             

Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering

             

Dilution per share to new investors in this offering

        $    

        If the over-allotment option that we have granted to the underwriters is exercised in full, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 would be $         million, the increase in the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share to existing stockholders would be $        per share and the dilution per share to investors purchasing shares in this offering would be $        per share.

        Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share by $        per share and the dilution per share to new investors by $        per share, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

        The following table shows, as of December 31, 2016, on a pro forma as adjusted basis as described above, the difference between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us and the average price per share (1) paid to us by existing stockholders and (2) to be paid by new investors purchasing common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public

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offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

 
   
   
  Total
Consideration
   
 
 
  Shares Purchased    
 
 
  Average Price
per Share
 
 
  Number   Percent   Amount   Percent  

Existing stockholders

                          % $                       % $           

New investors

                          %                  %      

Total

                          % $                       % $           

        Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) total consideration paid by new investors by $         million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

        If the over-allotment option that we have granted to the underwriters is exercised in full, sales by us in this offering will reduce the percentage of shares held by existing stockholders to        % and will increase the number of shares held by new investors to        , or        %.

        The discussion and tables above are based on        shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and excludes        shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2014 LTIP.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015 and 2016, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014 are derived from consolidated financial statements that are not included in this prospectus. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our results in any future period.

        You should read this information together with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in millions, except per share
amounts and average fracturing revenue per
stage)

 
  2012   2013   2014   2015   2016  

Statements of Operations Data:

                               

Revenue

  $ 1,925.0   $ 1,925.5   $ 2,368.4   $ 1,375.3   $ 532.2  

Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation, depletion, and amortization

    1,489.5     1,478.4     1,804.9     1,257.9     510.5  

Selling, general and administrative

    208.4     189.6     206.3     154.7     64.4  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization(1)

    364.5     355.7     294.4     272.4     112.6  

Impairments and other charges(2)

    1,534.9     1,147.4     9.8     619.9     12.3  

Loss on disposal of assets, net(3)

    6.1     295.8     5.8     5.9     1.0  

Gain on insurance recoveries

                    (15.1 )

Operating income (loss)

    (1,678.4 )   (1,541.4 )   47.2     (935.5 )   (153.5 )

Interest expense, net

    130.3     129.1     74.2     77.2     87.5  

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net

    7.0     20.3     28.4     0.6     (53.7 )

Equity in net loss of joint venture affiliate

                1.4     2.8  

Loss before income taxes

    (1,815.7 )   (1,690.8 )   (55.4 )   (1,014.7 )   (190.1 )

Income tax expense (benefit)(4)

    0.8     1.5     1.1     (1.5 )   (1.6 )

Net loss

  $ (1,816.5 ) $ (1,692.3 ) $ (56.5 ) $ (1,013.2 ) $ (188.5 )

Net loss attributable to common stockholders

  $ (1,837.4 ) $ (1,785.1 ) $ (172.4 ) $ (1,158.1 ) $ (370.1 )

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders

  $ (0.51 ) $ (0.50 ) $ (0.05 ) $ (0.32 ) $ (0.10 )

Shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions)

    3,575.1     3,586.3     3,589.6     3,589.7     3,586.5  

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 210.9   $ 80.2   $ 10.5   $ 264.6   $ 160.3  

Total assets

  $ 3,990.9   $ 1,871.0   $ 1,902.3   $ 907.4   $ 616.8  

Total debt

  $ 1,549.7   $ 1,076.6   $ 972.5   $ 1,276.2   $ 1,188.7  

Convertible preferred stock(5)

  $ 349.8   $ 349.8   $ 349.8   $ 349.8   $ 349.8  

Total stockholders' equity (deficit)

  $ 1,926.8   $ 235.8   $ 181.0   $ (830.5 ) $ (1,019.0 )

Pro Forma Data (6) :

                               

Pro forma net loss

                          $    

Pro forma basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders

                          $    

Pro forma shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions)

                               

Pro forma total debt (at end of period)

                          $    

Pro forma total stockholders' equity (deficit) (at end of period)

                          $    

                               

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  Year Ended December 31,  
(Dollars in millions, except per share
amounts and average fracturing revenue per
stage)

 
  2012   2013   2014   2015   2016  
Other Data:                                

Adjusted EBITDA(7)

  $ 237.5   $ 264.1   $ 359.3   $ (62.8 ) $ (50.8 )

Net debt(8)

  $ 1,338.8   $ 996.4   $ 962.0   $ 1,011.6   $ 1,028.4  

Pro forma net debt (at end of period)(8)

                          $    

Total fracturing stages(9)

    17,959     22,977     26,182     21,919     16,185  

Average fracturing revenue per stage (in thousands)

  $ 102   $ 82   $ 90   $ 59   $ 31  

(1)
We recorded depletion of $6.0 million and $4.2 million in 2012 and 2013, respectively, related to our sand mines before selling those assets in the third quarter of 2013.

(2)
In 2012, this amount includes a goodwill impairment of $1,484.9 million and a tradename impairment of $38.9 million. In 2013, this amount includes a goodwill impairment of $1,047.5 million and an asset impairment of $94.0 million related to the sale of our sand mining, processing and logistics assets. In 2014, this amount related to non-essential equipment and real property we identified to sell. For a discussion of amounts recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, see Note 10—"Impairments and Other Charges" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

(3)
In 2013, this amount includes a loss of $289.7 million related to the sale of our sand mining, processing and logistics assets.

(4)
Consists primarily of state margin taxes accounted for as income taxes. The tax effect of our net operating losses has not been reflected in our results because we have recorded a full valuation allowance with regards to the realization of our deferred tax assets since 2012.

(5)
The holders of the convertible preferred stock are also common stockholders of the Company and collectively appoint 100% of our board of directors. Therefore, the convertible preferred stockholders can direct the Company to redeem the convertible preferred stock at any time after all of our debt has been repaid; however, we did not consider this to be probable for any of the periods presented due to the amount of debt outstanding. Therefore, we have presented the convertible preferred stock as temporary equity but have not reflected any accretion of the convertible preferred stock in this table or in our Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2016, the liquidation preference of the convertible preferred stock was estimated to be $906.1 million. See Note 7—"Convertible Preferred Stock" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information.

(6)
Pro forma data gives effect to (1)  the                        :                         reverse stock split, (2) the conversion of our convertible preferred stock into issued and outstanding common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of                        :                         , (3) the sale of                        shares of common stock to be issued by us in this offering at an initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus and (4) the use of proceeds therefrom, as if each of these events occurred on January 1, 2016, for purposes of the statement of operations and December 31, 2016, for purposes of the balance sheet. For additional information regarding the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, see "Description of Capital Stock." See Note 17—"Unaudited Pro Forma Information" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for discussion of these pro forma amounts.

(7)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as earnings before interest; income taxes; and depreciation and amortization, as well as, the following items, if applicable: gain or loss on disposal of assets; debt extinguishment gains or losses; inventory write-downs, asset and goodwill impairments; gain on insurance recoveries; acquisition earn-out adjustments; stock-based compensation; and acquisition or disposition transaction costs. The most comparable financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA under GAAP is net income or loss. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to evaluate the operating performance of our business for comparable periods and it is a metric used for management incentive compensation. Adjusted EBITDA should not be used by investors or others as the sole basis for formulating investment decisions, as it excludes a number of important items. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of operating performance because it excludes the effects of our capital structure and certain non-cash items from our operating results. Adjusted EBITDA is also commonly used by investors in the oilfield services industry to measure a company's operating performance, although our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other industry peer companies.

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    The following table reconciles our net loss to Adjusted EBITDA:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
(In millions)
  2012   2013   2014   2015   2016  

Net loss

  $ (1,816.5 ) $ (1,692.3 ) $ (56.5 ) $ (1,013.2 ) $ (188.5 )

Interest expense, net

    130.3     129.1     74.2     77.2     87.5  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    0.8     1.5     1.1     (1.5 )   (1.6 )

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    364.5     355.7     294.4     272.4     112.6  

Loss on disposal of assets, net

    6.1     295.8     5.8     5.9     1.0  

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net

    7.0     20.3     28.4     0.6     (53.7 )

Inventory write-down

                24.5      

Impairment of assets and goodwill

    1,533.9     1,145.2     9.8     572.9     7.0  

Gain on insurance recoveries

                    (15.1 )

Acquisition earn-out adjustments

                (3.4 )    

Stock-based compensation

    1.4     1.6     2.1     1.8      

Transaction costs(a)

    10.0     7.2              

Adjusted EBITDA(b)(c)

  $ 237.5   $ 264.1   $ 359.3   $ (62.8 ) $ (50.8 )

(a)
In 2012, these costs related to a debt refinancing transaction that was not consummated and a loss on an uncollected receivable that was related to a change of control event in 2011. In 2013, these costs related to the sale of our proppant assets.

(b)
In 2015, Adjusted EBITDA has not been adjusted to exclude the following items: employee severance costs of $13.1 million, supply commitment charges of $11.0 million, significant legal costs of $8.1 million, lease abandonment charges of $1.8 million, and profit of $2.4 million from the sale of equipment to our joint venture affiliate.

(c)
In 2016, Adjusted EBITDA has not been adjusted to exclude the following items: employee severance costs of $0.8 million, supply commitment charges of $2.5 million and lease abandonment charges of $2.0 million.
(8)
Net debt is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. The most comparable financial measure to net debt under GAAP is debt. Net debt is used by management as a measure of our financial leverage. Net debt should not be used by investors or others as the sole basis in formulating investment decisions as it does not represent our actual indebtedness. Pro forma net debt is net debt adjusted as if we received the net proceeds from this offering and we redeemed $             million of our outstanding 2020 Notes as if each of these events occurred on December 31, 2016.

The following table reconciles our total debt to net debt:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
(In millions)
  2012   2013   2014   2015   2016  

Total debt

  $ 1,549.7   $ 1,076.6   $ 972.5   $ 1,276.2   $ 1,188.7  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ (210.9 ) $ (80.2 ) $ (10.5 ) $ (264.6 ) $ (160.3 )

Net debt

  $ 1,338.8   $ 996.4   $ 962.0   $ 1,011.6   $ 1,028.4  

    The following table reconciles our total debt to pro forma net debt:

(In millions)
  Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Total debt

  $ 1,188.7  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ (160.3 )

Net proceeds from this offering

  $    

Repayment of 2020 Notes

  $    

Pro forma net debt

  $    
(9)
See "Business—Our Services—Hydraulic Fracturing" regarding fracturing stages and the types of service agreements we use to provide hydraulic fracturing services.

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

        The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, or beliefs. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in "Risk Factors."

Overview

        We are one of the largest providers of hydraulic fracturing services in North America based on both active and total horsepower of our equipment. Our services enhance hydrocarbon flow from oil and natural gas wells drilled by E&P companies in shale and other unconventional resource formations. Our customers include large, independent E&P companies, and in 2016 included Devon Energy Corporation, EOG Resources, EP Energy Corporation, EQT Production Company and Newfield Exploration Company, that specialize in unconventional oil and natural gas resources in North America. We operate in the most active major unconventional basins in the United States, including the Permian Basin, the SCOOP/STACK Formation, Marcellus/Utica Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale. In particular we:

    provide high-pressure hydraulic fracturing services with a particular expertise in stimulating production of oil and natural gas from wells in shale and other unconventional formations;

    provide proppant purchasing and logistics management;

    manufacture and assemble many of the components of our hydraulic fracturing fleets, including all of the hydraulic pumps and consumables, such as fluid ends, we use in our operations; and

    perform substantially all refurbishment, repair and maintenance services on our hydraulic fracturing fleets.

    Significant developments in 2016

    In February, we sold substantially all of our remaining sand transportation equipment and related inventory for $8.0 million and began to take advantage of low pricing and sand transportation innovations by utilizing third-party freight providers to transport sand to our job sites.

    Our joint venture, SinoFTS Petroleum Services Ltd., or SinoFTS, completed its first five hydraulic fracturing jobs in Chongqing, China.

    In July, we completed a tender offer and subsequent purchases in the qualified institutional buyer/144A market for a portion of our long-term debt in which we repurchased approximately $90.7 million of aggregate principal amount of long-term debt and recorded a gain on debt extinguishment of $52.3 million.

    As of December 31, 2016, we completed 596 days and 9.5 million man-hours with zero incidents resulting in lost work time. We achieved a year-to-date Total Recordable Incident Rate, or TRIR, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, that is the lowest in company history and is significantly better than our industry peer group, as provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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    Trends that affected our business in 2016

        Our business is cyclical, and we depend on the willingness of our customers to make operating and capital expenditures to explore for, develop, and produce oil and natural gas in the United States. The willingness of our customers to undertake these activities depends largely upon prevailing industry conditions that are predominantly influenced by current and expected prices for oil and natural gas.

        In early 2016, we experienced the lowest commodity prices in over a decade; however, oil and natural gas prices started improving in the second quarter of the year and generally increased through the remainder of 2016. Historically, we have experienced a positive effect on our business within three to six months after a sustained trend of improving prices.

        The low commodity prices at the beginning of 2016 caused our customers to continue to reduce their activity levels, as well as continue to request lower pricing for our services. As commodity prices improved, we experienced an increase in demand for our services in the second half of 2016. This increase in activity combined with a lower level of available hydraulic fracturing equipment in the market allowed us to begin discussions with our customers for increased pricing of our services. Many of our customers have agreed to price increases; however, the effects of these increased prices will not be reflected in our results of operations until the first quarter of 2017.

    Business Outlook

        We anticipate that 2017 will provide an opportunity to continue increasing the pricing for our services. We also expect that industry activity levels will continue to increase in 2017, which will further increase the demand for our services. During the last two years, our company has focused on increasing the efficiency of our operations and lowering the costs needed to perform our services, which we believe will provide for positive returns on our invested capital as activity levels and the pricing for our services improve.

Results of Operations

    Revenue

        We recognize revenue upon the completion of a stage of a job. A stage is considered complete when we have met the specifications set forth by our customer. We typically complete one or more stages per day during the course of a job. Invoices typically include an equipment charge and material charges for proppant, chemicals and other products consumed during the course of providing our services. The following table includes certain operating statistics that affect our revenue:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(Dollars in millions, except average fracturing
revenue per stage)
  2015   2016  

Revenue

  $ 1,331.8   $ 529.5  

Revenue from related parties

    43.5     2.7  

Total revenue

  $ 1,375.3   $ 532.2  

Total fracturing stages

    21,919     16,185  

Average fracturing revenue per stage (in thousands)

  $ 59   $ 31  

        Total revenue in 2016 decreased by $843.1 million from 2015. This decrease was due to a 47.5% decrease in the average fracturing revenue per stage and a 26.2% decrease in fracturing stages completed. The decrease in average fracturing revenue per stage was due to a lower pricing environment for both our services and fracturing materials in 2016 as well as certain customers choosing to procure their own proppants in 2016. The decrease in fracturing stages completed was primarily due to lower customer activity and well completion levels. See "Business—Our Services—

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Hydraulic Fracturing" for details regarding fracturing stages and the types of service agreements we use to provide hydraulic fracturing services.

        The decrease in revenue from related parties in 2016 was due to a decrease in the activity levels for Chesapeake Parent.

    Costs of revenue

        The primary costs involved in conducting our hydraulic fracturing services are costs for materials used in the fracturing process and costs to operate, maintain, and repair our fracturing equipment. Costs related to the materials used in the fracturing process typically include costs for sand and other proppants, costs for chemicals added to the fracturing fluid, and freight costs to transport these materials to the well location. Costs to operate our fracturing equipment primarily consist of labor and fuel costs. While we exclude certain amounts of depreciation and amortization from our costs of revenue line item, we have included the amounts of depreciation that specifically relate to our revenue generating assets in our discussion below to provide further information regarding the total costs of generating our revenues. Costs of revenue as a percentage of total revenue is as follows:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2015   2016  
(Dollars in millions)
  Dollars   As a Percent
of Revenue
  Dollars   As a Percent
of Revenue
 

Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation

  $ 1,257.9     91.5 % $ 510.5     95.9 %

Depreciation—costs of revenue

    152.3     11.1 %   98.9     18.6 %

Total costs of revenue

  $ 1,410.2     102.5 % $ 609.4     114.5 %

        Total costs of revenue in 2016 decreased by $800.8 million from 2015. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in our costs of revenue, excluding depreciation, and a decrease in the depreciation expense for our service equipment.

        Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation, in 2016 decreased by $747.4 million from 2015. This decrease was partially due to a decrease in the number of fracturing stages completed during 2016. Materials costs decreased from 2015 as a result of both the reduced volume of materials used in our lower stage count and lower prices for these materials. The decrease in costs of revenue, excluding depreciation, was also due to our cost reduction initiatives, which resulted in significant savings in labor and repair costs, and changes in customer job requirements in 2016.

        Depreciation for our service equipment in 2016 decreased by $53.4 million from 2015. This decrease was the result of asset impairments, asset disposals and certain assets becoming fully depreciated. Additionally, in recent years we have chosen to refurbish our equipment as it approaches the end of its useful life, rather than to replace it by purchasing new equipment. The cost of refurbishing our equipment is significantly lower than it would be to purchase new equipment. As more of our fleet has become comprised of refurbished assets in recent years, our depreciation has correspondingly declined.

        Total costs of revenue as a percentage of total revenue increased by 12.0 percentage points from 102.5% in 2015 to 114.5% in 2016. This change was primarily due to increased price concessions we extended to our customers in 2016, which have been partially offset by lower material costs and our cost reduction initiatives. Our total costs of revenue has exceeded our total revenue during these periods due to the price concessions we have extended to our customers during these periods.

    Selling, general and administrative expense

        Selling, general and administrative expense in 2016 decreased by $90.3 million from 2015. Approximately $60 million of this decrease was related to a decrease in employee headcount in connection with the downturn in our business. Approximately $10 million of this decrease was due to lower legal costs. The remaining decrease was primarily the result of our various cost saving initiatives.

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    Depreciation and amortization

        The following table summarizes our depreciation and amortization:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Depreciation—costs of revenue(1)

  $ 152.3   $ 98.9  

Depreciation—other(2)

    17.6     13.7  

Amortization(3)

    102.5      

Total depreciation and amortization

  $ 272.4   $ 112.6  

(1)
Related to service equipment included in "Property, plant, and equipment, net" on our consolidated balance sheets discussed under the "Costs of revenue" heading of this discussion and analysis.

(2)
Related to all long-lived assets other than service equipment included in "Property, plant, and equipment, net" on our consolidated balance sheet.

(3)
Related to definite-lived intangible assets that were written down to zero during the year ended December 31, 2015.

        Depreciation and amortization in 2016 decreased by $159.8 million from 2015. This decrease was primarily due to the cessation of amortization associated with the intangible assets that were impaired during the year ended December 31, 2015, and the decrease in depreciation for our service equipment which has been previously discussed. The remaining decrease was primarily due to asset disposals and certain assets becoming fully depreciated.

    Impairments and other charges

        The following table summarizes our impairments and other charges:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Impairment of assets and goodwill

  $ 572.9   $ 7.0  

Supply commitment charges

    11.0     2.5  

Lease abandonment charges

    1.8     2.0  

Employee severance costs

    13.1     0.8  

Inventory write-down

    24.5      

Acquisition earn-out adjustments

    (3.4 )    

Total impairments and other charges

  $ 619.9   $ 12.3  

        Impairment of Assets and Goodwill :    During 2016, we recorded asset impairments of $7.0 million related to service equipment and real property that we no longer use and identified to sell. During the first nine months of 2015, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment of $7.1 million for our wireline reporting unit and an asset impairment of $0.5 million related to real property that we no longer use.

        In the fourth quarter of 2015, we concluded that the persistent low commodity price environment and its effect on our current and forecasted cash flows required us to perform multiple asset impairment tests. As a result, we recorded a number of asset impairments in the fourth quarter of 2015.

    We evaluated the long-lived assets of our pressure pumping asset group for impairment and concluded that the fair value of this asset group was lower than the carrying value of the assets

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      in the asset group. We recognized a total impairment for this asset group of $487.0 million. Of this amount, $461.4 million was attributable to our customer relationships, $20.6 million was attributable to certain equipment, and $5.0 million was attributable to our proprietary chemical blends.

    We evaluated the long-lived assets of our wireline asset group for impairment and concluded that the fair value of this asset group was lower than the carrying value of the assets in the asset group. We recognized a total impairment for this asset group of $33.3 million. Of this amount, $24.2 million was attributable to certain equipment and $9.1 million was attributable to our customer relationships.

    We evaluated our tradename intangible asset for impairment and concluded that the fair value of this asset was lower than its carrying value, which resulted in an impairment of $30.2 million.

    We recorded $14.8 million of impairments for certain land and buildings that we no longer use.

        We are closely monitoring current industry conditions and future expectations. Our current forecast anticipates improving industry conditions in 2017; however, if the industry conditions from the past two years continue for a prolonged period or worsen, we may be subject to additional impairments of long-lived assets or intangible assets in future periods.

        Supply Commitment Charges :    We have recorded supply commitment charges related to contractual inventory purchase commitments to certain proppant suppliers. In 2015 and 2016, we recorded charges under these supply arrangements of $11.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively. These charges were attributable to our decreased volume of purchases from these suppliers due to our lower activity levels in both periods. Additionally, in 2016, our decreased purchases were also due to certain customers procuring their own proppants.

        While we have successfully worked with our vendors to minimize charges related to these purchase commitments, if industry conditions do not improve or if we are unable to work with our vendors in the future, we may incur supply commitment charges in future periods.

        Lease Abandonment Charges :    During 2015 and 2016, we vacated certain leased facilities to consolidate our operations. In 2015 and 2016, we recognized expense of $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively, in connection with these actions.

        Employee Severance Costs :    During 2015 and 2016, we incurred employee severance costs of $13.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in connection with our corporate and operating restructuring initiatives. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, we had paid substantially all severance payments owed to former employees.

        Inventory Write-down :    During 2015, we made improvements to our supply chain that reduced our inventory requirements. In connection with this initiative, we executed a program to liquidate excess inventory. We recorded a $24.5 million inventory write-down charge in connection with this liquidation program.

        Acquisition Earn-Out Adjustments :    In the second quarter and fourth quarter of 2015, we remeasured the fair value of the contingent consideration related to our wireline acquisition and we recorded adjustments to reduce this liability by $3.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of the contingent consideration was zero and the period to earn the contingent consideration expired on October 31, 2016.

    Loss on disposal of assets, net

        We sold substantially all of our remaining sand transportation equipment and related inventory in February 2016. We received $8.0 million of proceeds and recognized a $0.3 million gain on this sale.

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During 2016, we sold a number of other surplus pieces of property and equipment. We received an additional $23.5 million of proceeds and recognized a $1.3 million net loss on the sale of these assets.

    Gain on insurance recoveries

        In January 2016, a fire at one of our job sites in Oklahoma destroyed substantially all of the equipment in one of our fleets. These assets were insured at values greater than their carrying values. We received $19.0 million of insurance recovery proceeds for these assets, which exceeded their carrying values by $15.1 million.

    Interest expense, net

        Interest expense, net of interest income, in 2016 increased by $10.3 million from 2015. The increase was due to a higher average long-term debt balance and a higher average interest rate for our 2020 Notes in 2016.

    Gain on extinguishment of debt, net

        In the third quarter of 2016, we completed a tender offer and subsequent purchases in the qualified institutional buyer/144A market for a portion of our long-term debt in which we repurchased $90.7 million of aggregate principal amount of long-term debt and recorded a gain on debt extinguishment of $52.3 million. See Note 6—"Debt" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information.

    Income tax expense

        In 2012, we recorded a valuation allowance to reduce our net deferred tax assets to zero. We continue to provide a valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets in excess of our deferred tax liabilities. As a result, we did not record any U.S. federal or state income tax benefit related to our losses in 2016, 2015 or 2014. See Note 13—"Income Taxes" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information regarding our income taxes and valuation allowance.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Sources of Liquidity

        At December 31, 2016, we had $160.3 million of cash, which represented our total liquidity position. We believe that our remaining liquidity is sufficient to fund our operations and capital expenditures over the next 12 months. We will continue to explore opportunities to improve our liquidity or capital structure in light of current and evolving business conditions.

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    Cash Flows

        The following table summarizes our cash flows:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Net loss adjusted for non-cash items

  $ (133.3 ) $ (130.9 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    183.9     21.1  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    50.6     (109.8 )

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (97.9 )   43.1  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    301.4     (37.6 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash

    254.1     (104.3 )

Cash, beginning of period

    10.5     264.6  

Cash, end of period

  $ 264.6   $ 160.3  

        Cash flows from operating activities have historically been a significant source of liquidity we use to fund capital expenditures and repay our debt. Changes in cash flows from operating activities are primarily affected by the same factors that affect our net income, excluding non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, and impairments of assets.

        Net cash used in operating activities was $109.8 million in 2016 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $50.6 million in 2015. Cash flows from operating activities consists of net loss adjusted for non-cash items and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Net loss adjusted for non-cash items resulted in a cash decrease of $133.3 million and $130.9 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The net change in operating assets and liabilities resulted in a cash increase of $183.9 million and $21.1 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The net change in operating assets and liabilities in 2016 was primarily due to decreased accounts receivable and inventories, partially offset by decreased accrued expenses, which were all due to our lower activity levels in 2016.

        Net cash provided by investing activities in 2016 was $43.1 million compared to net cash used in investing activities of $97.9 million in 2015. This change was primarily due to reduced capital expenditures in 2016, increased asset disposal proceeds in 2016, and insurance recovery proceeds received in 2016.

        Net cash used in financing activities in 2016 was $37.6 million compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $301.4 million in 2015. The net decrease in cash flows in 2016 was due to debt repurchases. The net increase in cash flows in 2015 was due to the issuance of $350 million aggregate principal amount of our 2020 Notes, partially offset by a repayment of borrowings under our previously existing revolving credit facility.

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    Contractual Commitments and Obligations

        The following table summarizes our contractual commitments at December 31, 2016 and does not give effect to the use of proceeds from this offering:

 
   
  Payments Due by Period  
(In millions)
  Total   Less Than
1 Year
  1 - 3 Years   3 - 5 Years   More than
5 Years
 

Long-term debt obligations

  $ 1,207.3   $   $   $ 781.0   $ 426.3  

Interest obligations(1)(2)

    359.8     82.0     163.6     100.9     13.3  

Operating lease obligations

    38.8     20.8     13.0     4.3     0.7  

Purchase obligations

    401.2     52.1     111.0     97.7     140.4  

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance sheet

    1.7           1.7          

Total

  $ 2,008.8   $ 154.9   $ 289.3   $ 983.9   $ 580.7  

(1)
Our term loan due in 2021 bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 4.75% per annum, but never less than 5.75% per annum due to a 1.00% LIBOR floor. At December 31, 2016, LIBOR was substantially equal to 1.00% per annum; therefore, the future interest payment amounts included in the table for this term loan have been calculated at the floor rate of 5.75%.

(2)
Our 2020 Notes bear interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 7.5% per annum. The future interest payment amounts included in the table for these notes have been calculated at the rate in effect at December 31, 2016.

        In 2016, we completed a tender offer and subsequent purchases in the qualified institutional buyer/144A market for a portion of our long-term debt in which we repurchased $90.7 million of aggregate principal amount of long-term debt and recorded a gain on debt extinguishment of $52.3 million. See Note 6—"Debt" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information on our long-term debt obligations.

    Capital Expenditures

        The nature of our capital expenditures consists of a base level of investment required to support our current operations and amounts related to growth and company initiatives. Our capital expenditures for 2016 represents the base level of capital expenditure to support our current operations, as we reduced expenditures to conserve liquidity during the market downturn. We estimate capital expenditures will increase in 2017 to a range of $40 million to $50 million. We believe this level of capital expenditure is the amount necessary to support our 2017 operations, but this amount could differ from actual expenditures because it is highly dependent upon the number of fleets we activate throughout the year. Our cash will be used to fund our capital expenditure needs, which we believe will be sufficient to support our operations in an improving environment in 2017. We continuously evaluate our capital expenditures and the amount we ultimately spend will primarily depend on industry conditions.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        Except for our normal operating leases, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, transactions, or special purpose entities.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related notes requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates on historical results and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, all of which form the basis for making estimates concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

        In the notes accompanying the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, we describe the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We believe that the following represent the most significant estimates and management judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

    Property, Plant, and Equipment

        We calculate depreciation based on the estimated useful lives of our assets. When assets are placed into service, we make estimates with respect to their useful lives that we believe are reasonable. However, the cyclical nature of our business, which results in fluctuations in the use of our equipment and the environments in which we operate, could cause us to change our estimates, thus affecting the future calculation of depreciation.

        We continuously perform repair and maintenance expenditures on our service equipment. Expenditures for renewals and betterments that extend the lives of our service equipment, which may include the replacement of significant components of service equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Other repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The determination of whether an expenditure should be capitalized or expensed requires management judgment with regard to the effect of the expenditure on the useful life of the equipment.

        We separately identify and account for certain significant components of our hydraulic fracturing units including the engine, transmission, and pump, which requires us to separately estimate the useful lives of these components. For our other service equipment, we do not separately identify and track depreciation of specific original components. When we replace components of these assets, we typically have to estimate the net book values of the components that are retired, which are based primarily upon their replacement costs, their ages and their original estimated useful lives.

    Definite-lived Intangible Assets

        The amortization of our definite-lived intangible assets reflected in our consolidated statements of operations was $102.5 million and zero for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. These intangible assets were primarily related to customer relationships and proprietary chemical blends acquired in business acquisitions. We calculated amortization for these assets based on their estimated useful lives. When these assets were recorded, we made estimates with respect to their useful lives that we believed were reasonable. However, these estimates contained judgments regarding the future utility of these assets and a change in our assessment of the useful lives of these assets could have materially changed the future calculation of amortization. At December 31, 2015, we impaired all of our definite-lived intangible assets.

    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, such as insufficient cash flows or plans to dispose of or sell long-lived assets before the end of their previously estimated useful lives. If the carrying amount is not recoverable, we

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recognize an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. We estimate fair value based on the income, market or cost valuation techniques. Our fair value calculations for long-lived assets and intangible assets contain uncertainties because they require us to apply judgment and estimates concerning future cash flows, strategic plans, useful lives and assumptions about market performance. We also apply judgment in the selection of a discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in our current business model.

        We have historically acquired goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets related to business acquisitions. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. We review our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill or an intangible asset may exceed its fair value. If the carrying value of goodwill or an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, we recognize an impairment loss for this difference. Our impairment loss calculations for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets contain uncertainties because they require us to estimate fair values of our reporting units and intangible assets, respectively. We estimate fair values based on various valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows and comparable market analyses. These types of analyses contain uncertainties because they require us to make judgments and assumptions regarding future profitability, industry factors, planned strategic initiatives, discount rates and other factors.

    Unconditional Purchase Obligations

        We have historically entered into supply arrangements, primarily for sand, with our vendors that contain unconditional purchase obligations. These represent obligations to transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices, such as "take-or-pay" contracts. We enter into these unconditional purchase obligation arrangements in the normal course of business to ensure that adequate levels of sourced product are available to us. To account for these arrangements, we must monitor whether we may be required to make a minimum payment to a vendor in a future period because our projected inventory purchases may not satisfy our minimum commitments. If we conclude that it is probable that we will make a minimum payment under these arrangements, we will record an estimated loss for these commitments in the current period.

        A loss related to an unconditional purchase obligation contains uncertainties because it requires us to make assumptions and apply judgment to forecast future demand, determine the ultimate allocation of a commitment shortfall to our various vendors, and assess our ability to cure a commitment shortfall during cure periods allowed for by certain vendors. Although we believe that our judgments and estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we may be subject to additional losses or gains that could be material in future periods.

    Tax Contingencies

        We are subject to income taxes and other state and local taxes. Our tax returns are periodically audited by federal, state and local tax authorities. These audits include questions regarding our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and the reporting of various taxable transactions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities. After evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we may record a liability for such exposures. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have established a liability, is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our liability for these tax exposures in the period in which a tax position is effectively settled, the period in which the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available.

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        Our liabilities for these tax positions contain uncertainties because management is required to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate the exposures associated with our various filing positions. Although we believe that our judgments and estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we may be subject to losses or gains that could be material.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        See Note 2—"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        At December 31, 2015 and 2016, we held no significant derivative instruments that materially increased our exposure to market risks for interest rates, foreign currency rates, commodity prices or other market price risks.

        We are subject to interest rate risk on a portion of our long-term debt. Our term loan due 2021 bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 4.75% per annum, with a 1.00% LIBOR floor. As of December 31, 2016 LIBOR was approximately equal to 1.00% per annum. Therefore a 1.00% increase in LIBOR would increase the annual interest payments for this debt by approximately $4.3 million.

        Our 2020 Notes bear interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 7.50% per annum. Therefore, a 1.00% increase in LIBOR would increase the annual interest payments for these notes by approximately $3.5 million.

        We are subject to commodity price risk related to our diesel fuel usage. A $0.25 per gallon change in the price of diesel fuel would have changed our costs of revenue, excluding depreciation, by approximately $8 million and $5 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

        During 2015 and 2016, substantially all of our operations were conducted within the United States; therefore we had no significant exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk.

Change in Accountants

        On November 10, 2015, our board of directors approved the dismissal of Ernst & Young LLP, or E&Y, from its role as our independent registered public accounting firm.

        The reports of E&Y on our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, which are not included herein, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

        During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, and in the subsequent interim period through November 10, 2015, we had no disagreements with E&Y on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of E&Y, would have caused E&Y to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports on the consolidated financial statements for such periods.

        We provided E&Y with a copy of this disclosure prior to its filing and requested that E&Y furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the above statements and, if not, stating the respect in which it does not agree. A copy of E&Y's letter, dated February 10, 2017, is attached as Exhibit 16.1.

        On November 10, 2015, our board of directors approved the engagement of Grant Thornton LLP as our new independent registered public accounting firm. We did not consult Grant Thornton LLP regarding (1) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, or (2) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) or any reportable event (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K), during the two years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

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BUSINESS

Our Company

        We are one of the largest providers of hydraulic fracturing services in North America based on both active and total horsepower of our equipment. Our services enhance hydrocarbon flow from oil and natural gas wells drilled by E&P companies in shale and other unconventional resource formations.

        We currently have 1.6 million total hydraulic horsepower across 32 fleets, of which 20 fleets were active at January 31, 2017. Since 2010, we have completed more than 130,000 fracturing stages across the most active major unconventional basins in the United States. This history gives us valuable experience and operational capabilities at the leading edge of horizontal well completions in unconventional formations. As one of the largest hydraulic fracturing service providers in North America based on the active and total horsepower of our equipment, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on the recovery of the North American oil and natural gas exploration market.

        We operate in the most active major unconventional basins in the United States, including the Permian Basin, the SCOOP/STACK Formation, Marcellus/Utica Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale. We are one of the top-three hydraulic fracturing companies in the SCOOP/STACK Formation, Marcellus/Utica Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale, and we have recently increased our presence in the Permian Basin by 50%. Our large-scale operating presence across a variety of active basins provides us with important strategic advantages, such as: the ability to serve large, multi-basin customers; better negotiating power with our customers and suppliers; reduced volatility in our activity levels as completions activity endures cycles in different basins; and a lower relative cost structure for fixed overhead and corporate costs. The following map shows the basins in which we operate and the number of fleets operated in each basin as of January 2017.

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC

        Our industry experienced a significant downturn beginning in late 2014 as oil and natural gas prices dropped significantly. The downturn materially impacted our results in 2015 and 2016, primarily due to reduced activity levels and lower pricing for our services. Recently, however, we have seen a rebound in the demand for our services as oil prices have more than doubled since the 12-year low of $26.19 in February 2016, reaching $53.75 in December 2016. Beginning in the third quarter of 2016, we were able to obtain higher prices for our services, reversing a downward trend that accompanied the decrease in oil and natural gas prices.

        During the downturn, we implemented a number of measures to reduce our cost of operations and to improve the efficiency of our operations. As a result, we have been able to increase our efficiency by approximately 28% compared to the end of 2014, as measured by average stages per fleet, while maintaining a relatively consistent presence in each operating basin. We believe these cost reductions and efficiency improvements will continue even as activity levels increase.

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        Our customers typically compensate us based on the number of stages fractured. As a result, we believe the number of stages fractured and the average number of stages completed per fleet in a given period of time are important measures of our activity and efficiency levels. The graphs below show our activity level, as measured by the number of stages completed per quarter, and our efficiency level, as measured by average stages per fleet per quarter. For additional information regarding average stages per fleet per quarter as a measure of efficiency, see "—Our Services—Hydraulic Fracturing."


GRAPHIC
 
GRAPHIC

        We manufacture and refurbish many of the components used by our fleets, including consumables, such as fluid-ends. In addition, we perform substantially all the maintenance, repair and servicing of our hydraulic fracturing fleets. Our cost to produce components is significantly less than the cost to purchase comparable quality components from third-party suppliers. For example, we produce fluid-ends and power-ends at a cost that is approximately 50% to 60% less, respectively, than purchasing them from outside suppliers. In addition, we perform full-scale refurbishments of our fracturing units at a cost that is approximately half the cost of utilizing an outside supplier. We estimate that this cost advantage saves us approximately $85 million per year at peak production levels.

        We have a uniform fleet of hydraulic fracturing equipment. We designed our equipment to uniform specifications intended specifically for completions work in oil and natural gas basins requiring high levels of pressure, flow rate and sand intensity. The standardized, "plug and play" nature of our fleet provides us with several advantages, including: reduced repair and maintenance costs; reduced inventory costs; the ability to redeploy equipment among operating basins; and reduced complexity in our operations, which improves our safety and operational performance.

        Our customers include large, independent E&P companies, such as Devon Energy Corporation, EOG Resources, EP Energy Corporation, EQT Production Company and Newfield Exploration Company, that specialize in unconventional oil and natural gas resources in North America. We believe our customer base is likely to remain among the most active consumers of hydraulic fracturing services as the oil and natural gas industry recovers.

        Our manufacturing capabilities also reduce the risk that we will be unable to source important components, such as fluid-ends, power-ends and other consumable parts. During periods of high demand for hydraulic fracturing services, external equipment vendors often report order backlogs of up to nine months. Our competitors may be unable to source components when needed or may be required to pay a much higher price for their components, or both, due to bottlenecks in supplier production levels. We have historically manufactured, and believe we have the capacity to manufacture, all major consumable components required to operate all 32 of our fleets at full capacity.

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        We have been a fast adopter of new technologies focused on: increasing fracturing effectiveness for our customers, reducing the operating costs of our equipment and enhancing the HSE conditions at our well sites. We help customers monitor and modify fracturing fluids and designs, through our fluid research and development operations that we conduct through a strategic partnership with a third-party technology center. The research and development activities conducted for us at the third-party technology center are conducted by key employees who were previously affiliated with our Company. We have entered into a services agreement with this third-party technology center for a one-year term, with an option for us to renew for additional one-year terms. This partnership allows us to work closely with our customers to rapidly adopt and integrate next-generation fluid breakthroughs, such as our NuFlo® 1000 fracturing fluid diverter, into our product offerings.

        We own a 45% interest in SinoFTS, which is a Chinese joint venture that we formed in June 2014 with Sinopec. SinoFTS fractured its first five wells in China in 2016. This joint venture provides us with experience in overseas operations that could be beneficial to us if hydraulic fracturing activity begins to grow significantly in international markets.

Our Services

Hydraulic Fracturing

        Our primary service offering is providing hydraulic fracturing services, also known as pressure pumping, to oil and natural gas E&P companies. These services are designed to enhance hydrocarbon flow in oil and natural gas wells, thus increasing the amount of hydrocarbons recovered. The development of resources in unconventional reservoirs, including oil and natural gas shales, is a technically and operationally challenging segment of the oilfield services market that has experienced strong growth worldwide, particularly in the United States. During 2014, which was the peak year of the recent industry upcycle, we completed nearly 26,200 fracturing stages for our customers utilizing as many as 32 fleets.

        Oil and natural gas wells are typically divided into one or more "stages," which are isolated zones that focus the high-pressure fluid and proppant from the hydraulic fracturing fleet into distinct portions of the well and surrounding reservoir. The number of stages that will divide a well is determined by the customer's proposed job design, which varies by basin and formation characteristics, and our customers typically compensate us based on each stage completed. We have historically maintained a relatively consistent presence in each operating basin, and the primary contributor to the number of stages completed in a quarter is our ability to reduce downtime on our equipment. Therefore, we believe the number of stages that each of our fleets completes in a given period of time is an important measure of our efficiency.

        Hydraulic fracturing represents the largest cost of completing a shale oil or natural gas well. The process consists of pumping a fracturing fluid into a well casing or tubing at sufficient pressure to fracture the formation. The fracturing fluid primarily consists of water mixed with a small amount of chemicals and guar, forming a highly viscous liquid. Materials known as proppants, in our case primarily sand, are suspended in the fracturing fluid and are pumped into the fracture to prop it open. Once the fractures are open, the fluid is designed to "break," or reduce its viscosity, so that it will more easily flow back out of the formation. The proppants, which remain behind in the formation, act as a wedge that keeps the fractures open, allowing the trapped hydrocarbons to flow more freely. As a result of a successful fracturing process, hydrocarbon recovery rates are substantially enhanced; thus, increasing the return on investment for our customer. The amount of hydrocarbons produced from a typical shale oil or natural gas well generally declines quickly, with production from a shale well typically falling 60% to 70% in the first year. As a result, E&P companies must fracture new wells to maintain production levels.

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        We designed all of the hydraulic fracturing units and much of the auxiliary equipment used in our fleets to uniform specifications intended specifically for work in oil and natural gas basins requiring high pressures and high levels of sand intensity. Each of our fleets typically consists of 16 to 25 hydraulic fracturing units; two or more blenders (one used as a backup), which blend the proppant and chemicals into the hydraulic fluid; sand kings and other types of large containers used to store sand on location; various vehicles used to transport chemicals, gels and other materials; and various service trucks. Each hydraulic fracturing fleet includes a mobile, on-site control center that monitors pressures, rates and volumes, as applicable. Each control center is equipped with high bandwidth satellite hardware that provides continuous upload and download of job telemetry data. The data is delivered on a real-time basis to on-site job personnel, the customer and an assigned coordinator at our headquarters for display in both digital and graphical form.

        Our hydraulic fracturing units consist primarily of a high-pressure pump, a diesel or combined diesel and natural gas engine, a transmission and various other supporting equipment mounted on a trailer. The high pressure pump consists of two key assemblies: the fluid-end and the power-end. Although the power-end of our pumps generally lasts several years, the fluid-end, which is the part of the pump through which the fracturing fluid is expelled under high pressure, is a shorter-lasting consumable, typically lasting less than one year. We refer to the group of hydraulic fracturing units, auxiliary equipment and vehicles necessary to perform a typical fracturing job is referred to as a "fleet" and the personnel assigned to each fleet as a "crew." Our fleets operate primarily on a 24-hour-per-day basis, in which we typically staff three crews per fleet, including one crew with the day off. Our focus on 24-hour operations allows us to keep our equipment working for more hours per day, which we believe enhances our return-on-assets over time.

        We primarily enter into service agreements with our customers for one or more "dedicated" fleets, rather than providing our fleets primarily for "spot work." Under our typical dedicated fleet agreement, we deploy one or more of our hydraulic fracturing fleets exclusively to the customer to follow the customer's completion schedule and job specifications until the agreement expires or is terminated in accordance with its terms. By contrast, under a typical spot work agreement, the fleet moves between customers as work becomes available. We believe that our strategy of pursuing dedicated fleet agreements leads to higher fleet utilization, as measured by the number of days each fleet is working per month, which we believe reduces our month-to-month revenue volatility and improves our revenue and profitability. See Note 2—"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Revenue Recognition" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of pricing under our service agreements and revenue recognized for services.

        An important element of hydraulic fracturing is the proper handling of the fracturing fluid. In all of our hydraulic fracturing jobs, our customers specify the composition of the fracturing fluid to be used. Sometimes this fluid includes products marketed by us. Our customers are responsible for the disposal of the fracturing fluid that flows back out of the well, and we are not involved in that process or in the disposal of the fluid.

Wireline Services

        Our wireline services primarily consist of setting plugs between hydraulic fracturing stages, creating perforations within hydraulic fracturing stages and logging the characteristics of resource formations. Our wireline services equipment is designed to operate under high pressure in unconventional resource formations without delaying hydraulic fracturing operations. We currently provide wireline services in each of the areas where our hydraulic fracturing fleets operate. As of December 31, 2016, we own 55 wireline units.

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Industry Overview and Trends

        The oil and natural gas industry has traditionally been volatile and is influenced by a combination of long-term, short-term and cyclical trends, including the domestic and international supply and demand for oil and natural gas, current and expected future prices for oil and natural gas and the perceived stability and sustainability of those prices, production depletion rates and the resultant levels of cash flows generated and allocated by E&P companies to their well completions budget. The oil and natural gas industry is also impacted by general domestic and international economic conditions, political instability in oil producing countries, government regulations (both in the United States and elsewhere), levels of customer demand, the availability of pipeline capacity and other conditions and factors that are beyond our control.

        The principal factor influencing demand for hydraulic fracturing services is the level of horizontal drilling activity by E&P companies. Since 2006, these companies have increasingly focused on exploiting the hydrocarbon reserves contained in North America's unconventional oil and natural gas reservoirs by utilizing horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Over the last decade, advances in these technologies have made the development of many unconventional resources, such as oil and natural gas shale formations, economically attractive. These advancements led to a dramatic increase in the development of oil- and natural gas-producing basins in the United States and a corresponding increase in the demand for hydraulic fracturing services. According to the Baker Hughes Report, the United States horizontal rig count dropped approximately 76% from 1,336 at the end of December 2014 to a low of 314 in May 2016. We believe this increase in demand coupled with industry contraction and the resulting reduction in hydraulic fracturing capacity since late 2014 will particularly benefit us. The financial distress of many other providers of hydraulic fracturing services, we believe, has led to significant maintenance deferrals and the use of idle fleets for spare parts, resulting in a material reduction in total deployable fracturing fleets. We believe all of our inactive fleets can be returned to service.

        The significant decline in oil and natural gas prices that began in the third quarter of 2014 continued into February 2016, when the closing price of oil reached a 12-year low of $26.19 in February 2016. The horizontal rig count in the United States declined by 77%, from its peak of 1,372 rigs in November 2014 to a low of 314 rigs in May 2016, according to the Baker Hughes Report. The low commodity price environment caused a reduction in the completion activities of most of our customers and their spending on our services, which has substantially reduced the prices we can charge our customers and has had a negative impact on our activity levels.

        However, oil prices have increased since the 12-year low recorded in February 2016, reaching $54.01 in December 2016. As commodity prices have rebounded, we have experienced an increase in the level of demand for our services. Although our industry traditionally has been volatile, the following trends in our industry should benefit our operations and our ability to achieve our business objectives as commodity prices recover:

        Large production growth from U.S. oil and natural gas formations.     The average oil field production in the United States has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 9.9% over the period from 2009 through 2015 due to production gains from unconventional reservoirs. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, or EIA, U.S. tight oil production grew from 405,891 barrels per day in 2007 to almost 4.4 million barrels per day in 2015, representing 47% of total U.S. crude oil production in 2015. A majority of this increase came from the Permian Basin, the SCOOP/STACK region, the Marcellus/Utica Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale, which are our five operating basins, as well as the Williston Basin. We expect that this continued growth will result in increased demand for our services as commodity prices continue to stabilize or increase.

        Increased use of horizontal drilling to develop high-pressure U.S. resource basins.     Although the U.S. horizontal rig count declined significantly from December 2014 to May 2016, the horizontal rig count as

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a percentage of the overall onshore rig count has increased every year since 2007, when horizontal rigs represented only approximately 25% of the total U.S. onshore rig count at year-end. We believe horizontal drilling activity will continue to grow as a portion of overall onshore wells drilled in the United States, primarily due to E&P companies increasingly developing unconventional resources such as shales. Successful economic production of these unconventional resource basins frequently requires hydraulic fracturing services like those we provide.

        Faster drilling speed.     The speed of drilling rigs is increasing significantly, which has increased the number of wells drilled for a given rig count. The speed of drilling means that more fracturing fleets are needed for every active drilling rig. On average there used to be four drilling rigs for each fracturing fleet, but that ratio is now less than 3-to-1, and continuing to decline. As a result, E&P companies are able to complete more stages using fewer rigs, and industry sources expect that total stages completed will surpass 2014 levels at a significantly lower corresponding rig count.

        Increasing completions intensity.     Longer lateral lengths for horizontal wells and more sand per lateral foot require increased horsepower to execute a completion, which means that more fracturing units will be required for each fleet. The increased amount of sand per lateral foot also increases the wear-and-tear on each unit's components and parts, which will increase the repair and maintenance costs for each fleet. We expect that the projected increase in drilling speed and sand intensity will result in an increased demand for, and diminished supply of, our services.

        Reduced supply of hydraulic fracturing services from our competitors.     The hydraulic fracturing industry in the United States is characterized by a few large providers (6 with over 1 million horsepower), several medium sized providers (10 with between 1 million and 300,000 horsepower) and a significant number of smaller providers. We believe that many of these providers have been deferring or declining to repair their hydraulic fracturing equipment as it breaks down from ordinary use. This phenomenon of providers choosing to retire rather than repair broken equipment is often referred to as "attrition." According to an industry report, the total working horsepower in North America declined from approximately 15 million in 2014 to approximately 6 million in 2016. Additionally, the large number of small service providers in our industry may make it an attractive candidate for industry consolidation, which would further reduce competition. These factors should lead to a better balance of supply and demand and to higher pricing levels for our services.

        Completion of refracturings and drilled-but-uncompleted wells.     As producing shale wells age, their level of production declines, typically falling 60% to 70% in the first year. Refracturing these wells can increase production levels. As the number and age of producing unconventional wells increases, the market for recompletions is expected to increase. In addition, because the cost of recompleting a well is generally lower than the total cost of drilling and completing a new well, the demand for recompletions is expected to increase relative to demand for new completions during depressed commodity price environments.

        Potential development of international markets for our hydraulic fracturing services.     There has been growing international interest in the development of unconventional resources such as oil and natural gas shales. This interest has resulted in a number of recently completed joint ventures between major U.S. and international E&P companies related to shale basins in the United States and acquisitions of significant acreage in shale basins in the United States by large, non-U.S. E&P companies. We believe that these acquisitions and joint ventures, which generally require the international partner to commit to significant future capital expenditures, will provide additional demand for hydraulic fracturing services in the coming years. Additionally, such activity may stimulate development of oil and natural gas shales outside the United States, such as the recent activity by our SinoFTS joint venture in Chongqing, China.

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        Increase in demand for oil and natural gas.     The EIA projects that the average WTI price will increase through 2040 from growing demand and the development of more costly oil resources. The EIA also anticipates continued growth in long-term U.S. domestic demand for natural gas. We believe that as demand for oil and natural gas increases, exploration and production activity will rise and demand for our services will increase. Recent events including declines in North American production, attrition in the supply of horsepower in our industry and agreements by OPEC and certain other oil-producing countries to reduce oil production have provided upward momentum for energy prices. If near-term commodity prices stabilize at current levels or recover further, we expect a more active demand environment during 2018 and 2019 than has been experienced in 2015 and 2016.

Competitive Strengths

        We believe that we are well positioned because of the following competitive strengths:

Large scale and leading market share across the most active major U.S. unconventional resource basins

        With 1.6 million total hydraulic horsepower in our fleet, we are one of the largest hydraulic fracturing service providers in North America based on both active and total horsepower of our equipment. We are one of the top-three hydraulic fracturing companies in some of the most active basins in the United States, including the SCOOP/STACK Formation, Marcellus/Utica Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale. We also have an extensive, long-standing presence in the Permian Basin and have recently increased our presence in this basin by 50%. According to an industry report from December 2016, these basins will account for more than 75% of all new wells drilled in 2017 and 2018.

        This geographic diversity reduces the volatility in our revenue due to basin trends, relative oil and natural gas prices, adverse weather and other events. Our five hydraulic fracturing districts enable us to rapidly reposition our fleets based on demand trends among different basins. Additionally, our large market share in each of our operating basins allows us to spread our fixed costs over a greater number of fleets. Furthermore, our large scale strengthens our negotiating position with our suppliers and our customers.

Pure-play, efficient hydraulic fracturing services provider with extensive experience in U.S. unconventional oil and natural gas production

        Our primary focus is hydraulic fracturing. For the year ended December 31, 2016, 93% of our revenues came from hydraulic fracturing services. Since 2010, we have completed more than 130,000 fracturing stages across the most active major unconventional basins in the United States. This history gives us invaluable experience and operational capabilities at the leading edge of horizontal well completions in unconventional formations.

        We designed all of the hydraulic fracturing units and much of the auxiliary equipment used in our fleets to uniform specifications intended specifically for work in oil and natural gas basins requiring high pressures and high levels of sand intensity. In addition, we use proprietary pumps with fluid-ends that are capable of meeting the most demanding pressure, flow rate and proppant loading requirements encountered in the field.

        Our focus on hydraulic fracturing provides us the expertise and dedication to run our fleets in 24-hour operations, in contrast to several of our competitors that run their fleets in 12-hour operations. As a result, we have the opportunity to complete more stages per day than such competitors. In addition, rather than perform "spot work," we prefer to dedicate each of our fleets to a specific customer for a set period of time, such as six months, in exchange for specified minimum volume commitments and indexed pricing. These arrangements allow us to increase the number of days per

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month that our fleet is generating revenue and allow our crews to better understand customer expectations resulting in improved efficiency and safety.

In-house manufacturing, equipment maintenance and refurbishment capabilities

        We manufacture and refurbish many of the components used by our fleets, including consumables, such as fluid-ends. In addition, we perform substantially all the maintenance, repair and servicing of our hydraulic fracturing fleets. Our cost to produce components is significantly less than the cost to purchase comparable quality components from third-party suppliers. For example, we produce fluid-ends and power-ends at a cost that is approximately 50% to 60% less, respectively, than purchasing them from outside suppliers. In addition, we perform full-scale refurbishments of our fracturing units at a cost that is approximately half the cost of utilizing an outside supplier. We estimate that this cost advantage saves us approximately $85 million per year at peak production levels. As trends in our industry continue toward increasing proppant levels and service intensity, the added wear-and-tear on hydraulic fracturing equipment will increase the rate at which components need to be replaced for a typical fleet, increasing our long-term cost advantage versus our competitors that do not have similar in-house manufacturing capabilities.

        Our manufacturing capabilities also reduce the risk that we will be unable to source important components, such as fluid-ends, power-ends and other consumable parts. During periods of high demand for hydraulic fracturing services, external equipment vendors often report order backlogs of up to nine months. Our competitors may be unable to source components when needed or may be required to pay a much higher price for their components, or both, due to bottlenecks in supplier production levels. We have historically manufactured, and believe we have the capacity to manufacture, all major consumable components required to operate all 32 of our fleets at full capacity.

        Additionally, manufacturing our equipment internally allows us to constantly improve our equipment design in response to the knowledge we gain by operating in harsh geological environments under challenging conditions. This rapid feedback loop between our field operations and our manufacturing operations positions our equipment at the leading edge of developments in hydraulic fracturing design.

Uniform fleet of standardized, high specification hydraulic fracturing equipment

        We have a uniform fleet of hydraulic fracturing equipment. We designed our equipment to uniform specifications intended specifically for completions work in oil and natural gas basins requiring high levels of pressure, flow rate and sand intensity. The standardized, "plug and play" nature of our fleet provides us with several advantages, including: reduced repair and maintenance costs; reduced inventory costs; the ability to redeploy equipment among operating basins; and reduced complexity in our operations, which improves our safety and operational performance. We believe our technologically advanced fleets are among the most reliable and best performing in the industry with the capabilities to meet the most demanding pressure and flow rate requirements in the field.

        Our standardized equipment reduces our downtime as our mechanics can quickly and efficiently diagnose and repair our equipment. Our uniform equipment also reduces the amount of inventory we need on hand. We are able to more easily shift fracturing pumps and other equipment among operating areas as needed to take advantage of market conditions and to replace temporarily damaged equipment. This flexibility allows us to target customers that are offering higher prices for our services, regardless of the basins in which they operate. Standardized equipment also reduces the complexity of our operations, which lowers our training costs. Additionally, we believe our industry-leading safety record is partly attributable to the standardization of our equipment, which makes it easier for mechanics and equipment operators to identify and diagnose problems with equipment before they become safety hazards.

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Safety leader

        Safety is at the core of our operations. Our safety record for 2016 was the best in our history and we believe significantly better than our industry peer group, based on data provided by reports of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2011 through 2015. For the past three years, we believe our total recordable incident rate was less than half of the industry average. Additionally, we have not had a loss time incident since May 2015, a period of over 10 million man-hours. Many of our customers impose minimum safety requirements on their suppliers of hydraulic fracturing services, and some of our competitors are not permitted to bid on work for certain customers because they do not meet those customers' minimum safety requirements. Because safety is important to our customers, our safety score helps our commercial team to win business from our customers. Our safety focus is also a morale benefit for our crews, which enhances our employee retention rates. Finally, we believe that continually searching for ways to make our operations safer is the right thing to do for our employees and our customers.

Experienced management and operating team

        During the downturn, our management team focused on reducing costs, increasing operating efficiency and differentiating ourselves through innovation. The team has an extensive and diverse skill set, with an average of 24 years of professional experience. Our operational and commercial executives have a deep understanding of unconventional resource formations, with an average of 30 years of oil and natural gas industry experience. In addition, as a result of our pure-play focus on hydraulic fracturing and dedicated fleet strategy, our operations teams have extensive knowledge of the geographies in which we operate as well as the technical specifications and other requirements of our customers. We believe this knowledge and experience allows us to service a variety of E&P companies across different basins efficiently and safely.

Our Strategy

        Our primary business objective is to be the largest pure-play provider of hydraulic fracturing services within U.S. unconventional resource basins. We intend to achieve this objective through the following strategies:

Capitalize on expected recovery and demand for our services

        As the demand for oilfield services in the United States recovers, the hydraulic fracturing sector is expected to grow significantly. Industry reports have forecasted that the North American onshore stimulation sector, which includes hydraulic fracturing, will increase at a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 31% from 2016 through 2020. As one of the largest hydraulic fracturing service providers in North America based on the active and total horsepower of our equipment, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on the recovery of the North American oil and natural gas exploration market. We have 1.6 million total hydraulic horsepower across 32 total fleets, and we believe all of this equipment can be returned to service. As of January 31, 2017, we had 20 active fleets and continue to receive customer interest in reactivating further fleets. We estimate the total cost to reactivate our inactive fleets to be approximately $44.0 million, which includes capital expenditures, repairs charged as operating expenses, labor costs and other operating expenses. In addition to repaying a portion of our indebtedness, we intend to use a portion of the proceeds from this offering to reactivate additional fleets in 2017 and 2018.

Deepen and expand relationships with customers that value our completions efficiency

        We service our customers primarily with dedicated fleets and 24-hour operations. We dedicate one or more of our fleets exclusively to the customer for a period of time, allowing for those fleets to be

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integrated into the customer's drilling and completion schedule. As a result, we are able to achieve higher levels of utilization, as measured by the number of days each fleet is working per month, which increases our profitability. In addition, we operate our fleets on a 24-hour basis, allowing us to complete our services in less time than our competitors that run their fleets for only 12 hours per day. Accordingly, we seek to partner with customers that have a large number of wells awaiting completion and that value efficiency in the performance of our service. Specifically, we target customers whose completions activity typically involves minimal downtime between stages, a high number of stages per well, multiple wells per pad and a short distance from one well pad site to the next. This strategy aligns with the strategy of many of our customers, who are trying to achieve a manufacturing-style model of drilling and completing wells in a sequential pattern to maximize effective acreage. We plan to leverage this strategy to expand our relationships with our existing customers as we continue to attract new customers.

Capitalize on our uniform fleet, leading scale and significant basin diversity to provide superior performance with reduced operating costs

        We primarily serve large independent E&P companies that specialize in unconventional oil and natural gas resources in North America. Because we operate for customers with significant scale in each of our operating basins, we have the diversity to react to and benefit from positive activity trends in any basin. Our uniform fleet allows us to cost-effectively redeploy equipment and fleets among existing operating basins to capture the best pricing and activity trends. The uniform fleet is easier to operate and maintain, resulting in reduced downtime as well as lower training costs and inventory stocking requirements. Our geographic breadth also provides us with opportunities to capitalize on customer relationships in one basin in order to win business in other basins in which the customer operates. We intend to leverage our scale, standardized equipment and cost structure to gain market share and win new business.

Rapidly adopt new technologies in a capital efficient manner

        We have been a fast adopter of new technologies focused on: increasing fracturing effectiveness for our customers, reducing the operating costs of our equipment and enhancing the HSE conditions at our well sites. We help customers monitor and modify fracturing fluids and designs through our fluid research and development operations that we conduct through a strategic partnership with a third-party technology center. The research and development activities conducted for us at the third-party technology center are conducted by key employees who were previously affiliated with our Company. We have entered into a services agreement with this third-party technology center for a one-year term, with an option for us to renew for additional one-year terms. This partnership allows us to work closely with our customers to rapidly adopt and integrate next-generation fluid breakthroughs, such as our NuFlo® 1000 fracturing fluid diverter, into our product offerings.

        Recent examples of initiatives aimed at reducing our operating costs include: vibration sensors with predictive maintenance analytics on our heavy equipment; stainless steel fluid-ends with a longer useful life; high-definition cameras to remotely monitor the performance of our equipment; and proprietary chemical coatings and lubricant blends for our consumables. Recent examples of initiatives aimed at improving our HSE conditions include: dual fuel engines that can run on both natural gas and diesel fuel; electronic pressure relief systems; spill prevention and containment solutions; dust control mitigation; and leading containerized proppant delivery solutions.

Reduce debt and maintain a more conservative capital structure

        We believe that our capital structure and liquidity upon completion of this offering will improve our financial flexibility to capitalize efficiently on an industry recovery, ultimately increasing value for our stockholders. Our focus will be on the continued prudent management and reduction of our debt

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balances during the industry recovery. We believe this focus creates potential for significant operating leverage and strong free cash flow generation during an industry upcycle. As a result, we believe we should be able to not only make the investments necessary to remain a market leader in hydraulic fracturing, but also to continue to strengthen our balance sheet. Additionally, we believe that our growth opportunities will be organic and funded by cash flow from operations.

Properties

        Our principal properties include our district offices and manufacturing facilities. We believe our facilities are in good condition and suitable for the purposes for which they are used.

    Hydraulic Fracturing District Offices

        We have five district offices out of which we conduct hydraulic fracturing services. The following table provides certain information about our district office locations. We own the land and facilities at each of these locations.

 
   
   
  Facilities  
District Office
  Primary Area of Service   Formation   Size (Sq. Ft.)
(approx.)
  Acres
(approx.)
 

Odessa, Texas

  Southeast New Mexico and West Texas   Permian Basin     82,800     36  

Elk City, Oklahoma

  Oklahoma   SCOOP/STACK     42,330     40  

Washington County, Pennsylvania

  Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio   Marcellus/Utica Shale     41,660     27  

Pleasanton, Texas

  South Texas   Eagle Ford Shale     62,950     113  

Shreveport, Louisiana

  East Texas and West Louisiana   Haynesville Shale     55,600     40  

        We also lease a 22-acre, 250,000 square foot facility in Williamsport, Pennsylvania that we used as a district office until August 2015. We are actively seeking to sublease this facility. We may also reopen this facility if we determine it is needed for operations in the region in the future.

    Wireline District Offices

        We have five district offices out of which we conduct wireline services. The following table provides certain information about our district office locations.

 
   
   
  Facilities  
District Office
  Primary Area of Service   Formation   Size (Sq. Ft.)
(approx.)
  Acres
(approx.)
 

Odessa, Texas(1)

  Southeast New Mexico and West Texas   Permian Basin     7,200     3  

Yukon, Oklahoma(1)

  Oklahoma   SCOOP/STACK     10,950     10  

East Canton, Ohio

  Ohio and Pennsylvania   Marcellus/Utica Shale     13,482     10  

Pleasanton, Texas

  South Texas   Eagle Ford Shale     14,375     14  

Tyler, Texas(1)

  East Texas and West Louisiana   Haynesville Shale     31,000     10  

(1)
Leased facility.

    Manufacturing Facilities

        We manufacture the proprietary, high-pressure pumps, including the fluid-ends and power-ends, as well as certain other equipment, that we use in our hydraulic fracturing operations in a 89,522 square foot facility owned by us in Fort Worth, Texas.

        We own a 94,050-square foot facility in Aledo, Texas that is used for equipment repair, maintenance and electronics installation. We also manufacture, refurbish and assemble certain components of our hydraulic fracturing units and other service equipment at this facility.

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    Principal Executive Offices

        We maintain principal executive offices of approximately 90,000-square feet leased by us in Fort Worth, Texas.

    Sales Offices

        We have four sales offices, which we lease in Houston and Midland, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

Customers

        The customers we serve are primarily large, independent E&P companies that specialize in unconventional oil and natural gas resources in North America. The following table shows the customers that represented more than 10% of our total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016. The loss of any of our largest existing customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2015   2016  

Newfield Exploration

    8 %   18 %

EQT Production Company

    12 %   12 %

EP Energy Corporation

    6 %   11 %

Vine Oil and Gas, L.P.

    2 %   10 %

Murphy Oil Corporation

    11 %   2 %

Range Resources Corporation

    13 %   1 %

Suppliers

        We purchase some of the parts that we use in the refurbishment and repair of our heavy equipment, such as hydraulic fracturing units and blenders, and in the refurbishment, repair and manufacturing of certain major replacement components of our heavy equipment such as fluid-ends, power-ends, engines, transmissions, radiators and trailers. We also purchase the proppants and chemicals we use in our operations and the diesel fuel for our equipment from a variety of suppliers throughout the United States. We have long-term supply agreements with four vendors to supply a significant portion of the proppant used in our operations, ranging from two to ten years. These are take-or-pay agreements with minimum unconditional purchase obligations. These minimum purchase obligations would change based upon the vendors' ability to supply the minimum requirements. To date, we have generally been able to obtain the equipment, parts and supplies necessary to support our operations on a timely basis at a competitive price. We have experienced some delays in obtaining these materials during periods of high demand. We do not expect significant interruptions in the supply of these materials. While we believe that we will be able to make satisfactory alternative arrangements in the event of any interruption in the supply of these materials and/or products by one of our suppliers, there can be no assurance that there will be no price or supply issues over the long-term.

Competition

        The market in which we operate is highly competitive and highly fragmented. Our competition includes multi-national oilfield service companies as well as regional competitors. Our major multi-national competitors are Halliburton Company and Schlumberger Limited, each of which has significantly greater financial resources than we do. Our major domestic competitors are RPC, Inc., Superior Energy Services, C&J Energy Services, Inc., Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., and Keane Group, Inc. These large, multi-national and major domestic competitors provide a number of oilfield

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services and products in addition to hydraulic fracturing. We also face competition from smaller regional service providers in some of the geographies in which we operate.

        Competition in our industry is based on a number of factors, including price, service quality, safety, and in some cases, breadth of products. We believe we consistently deliver exceptional service quality, based in part on the durability of our equipment. Our durable equipment reduces downtime due to equipment failure and allows our customers to avoid costs associated with delays in completing their wells. By being able to meet the most demanding pressure and flow rate requirements, our equipment also enables us to operate efficiently in challenging geological environments in which some of our competitors cannot operate effectively.

Cyclical Nature of Industry

        We operate in a highly cyclical industry driven mainly by the level of horizontal drilling activity by E&P companies in unconventional oil and natural gas reservoirs, which in turn depends largely on current and anticipated future crude oil and natural gas prices and production depletion rates. A critical factor in assessing the outlook for the industry is the worldwide supply and demand for oil and the domestic supply and demand for natural gas. Demand for oil and natural gas is subject to large and rapid fluctuations. These fluctuations are driven by commodity demand in the industry and corresponding price increases. When oil and natural gas prices increase, producers generally increase their capital expenditures, which generally results in greater revenues and profits for oilfield service companies. However, increased capital expenditures also ultimately result in greater production, which historically, has resulted in increased supplies and reduced prices that, in turn, tends to reduce demand for oilfield services such as hydraulic fracturing services. For these reasons, our results of operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and from year to year, and these fluctuations may distort period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations.

Seasonality

        Seasonality has not significantly affected our overall operations. However, toward the end of some years, we experience slower activity in our pressure pumping operations in connection with the holidays and as customers' capital expenditure budgets are depleted. Occasionally, our operations have been negatively impacted by severe weather conditions.

Employees

        At February 20, 2017, we had approximately 1,800 employees. Our employees are not covered by collective bargaining agreements, nor are they members of labor unions. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Insurance

        Our operations are subject to hazards inherent in the oil and natural gas industry, including accidents, blowouts, explosions, fires, oil spills and hazardous materials spills. These conditions can cause personal injury or loss of life, damage to or destruction of property, equipment, the environment and wildlife and interruption or suspension of operations, among other adverse effects. If a serious accident were to occur at a location where our equipment and services are being used, it could result in our being named as a defendant to a lawsuit asserting significant claims.

        Despite our high safety standards, we from time to time have suffered accidents in the past and we anticipate that we could experience accidents in the future. In addition to the property and personal losses from these accidents, the frequency and severity of these incidents affect our operating costs and insurability, as well as our relationships with customers, employees and regulatory agencies. Any significant increase in the frequency or severity of these incidents, or the general level of compensation awards, could adversely affect the cost of, or our ability to obtain, workers' compensation and other

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forms of insurance and could have other adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations.

        We carry a variety of insurance coverages for our operations, and we are partially self-insured for certain claims, in types and amounts that we believe to be customary and reasonable for our industry. These coverages and retentions address certain risks relating to commercial general liability, workers' compensation, business auto, property and equipment, directors and officers, environment, pollution and other risks. Although we maintain insurance coverage of types and amounts that we believe to be customary in our industry, we are not fully insured against all risks, either because insurance is not available or because of the high premium costs relative to perceived risk.

Environmental Regulation

        Our operations are subject to stringent laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection. Numerous federal, state and local governmental agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the EPA, issue regulations that often require difficult and costly compliance measures that carry substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties and may result in injunctive obligations for non-compliance. In addition, some laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment may, in certain circumstances, impose strict liability for environmental contamination, rendering a person liable for environmental damages and cleanup costs without regard to negligence or fault on the part of that person. Strict adherence with these regulatory requirements increases our cost of doing business and consequently affects our profitability. However, environmental laws and regulations have been subject to frequent changes over the years, and the imposition of more stringent requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Hydraulic Fracturing Activities.     Certain governmental reviews are either underway or being proposed that focus on environmental aspects of hydraulic fracturing practices. For example, in December 2016, the EPA released its final report, entitled "Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States," on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The report states that the EPA found scientific evidence that hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources under some circumstances, noting that the following hydraulic fracturing water cycle activities and local- or regional-scale factors are more likely than others to result in more frequent or more severe impacts: water withdrawals for fracturing in times or areas of low water availability; surface spills during the management of fracturing fluids, chemicals or produced water; injection of fracturing fluids into wells with inadequate mechanical integrity; injection of fracturing fluids directly into groundwater resources; discharge of inadequately treated fracturing wastewater to surface waters; and disposal or storage of fracturing wastewater in unlined pits. The report does not make any policy recommendations. These ongoing or proposed studies could spur initiatives to further regulate hydraulic fracturing under the federal SDWA or other regulatory mechanisms.

        At the state level, several states have adopted or are considering legal requirements that could impose more stringent permitting, disclosure and well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing activities. For example, in May 2013, the Railroad Commission of Texas issued a "well integrity rule," which updates the requirements for drilling, putting pipe down and cementing wells. The rule also includes new testing and reporting requirements, such as (i) the requirement to submit cementing reports after well completion or after cessation of drilling, whichever is later, and (ii) the imposition of additional testing on wells less than 1,000 feet below usable groundwater. The well integrity rule took effect in January 2014. Local governments also may seek to adopt ordinances within their jurisdictions regulating the time, place and manner of drilling activities in general or hydraulic fracturing activities in particular. Some states, counties and municipalities are closely examining water-use issues, such as permit and disposal options for processed water. If new or more stringent federal, state or local legal

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restrictions relating to the hydraulic fracturing process are adopted in areas where we operate, we could incur potentially significant added costs to comply with such requirements, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of development activities and perhaps even be precluded from drilling wells. See "Risk Factors—Federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing could result in increased costs and additional operating restrictions or delays."

        Remediation of Hazardous Substances.     The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, referred to as "CERCLA" or the Superfund law, and comparable state laws generally impose liability, without regard to fault or legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons that are considered to be responsible for the release of hazardous or other state-regulated substances into the environment. These persons include the current owner or operator of a contaminated facility, a former owner or operator of the facility at the time of contamination and those persons that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances at the facility. Under CERCLA and comparable state statutes, persons deemed "responsible parties" are subject to strict liability that, in some circumstances, may be joint and several for the costs of removing or remediating previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators) or property contamination (including groundwater contamination), for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances released into the environment.

        Water Discharges.     The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended, also known as the "Clean Water Act," the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Oil Pollution Act and analogous state laws and regulations issued thereunder impose restrictions and strict controls regarding the unauthorized discharge of pollutants, including produced waters and other natural gas and oil wastes, into navigable waters of the United States, as well as state waters. On December 13, 2016, the EPA released a final report which identified discharge of inadequately treated hydraulic fracturing wastewater to surface water resources as having potential to impact drinking water resources. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or the state. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA has adopted regulations concerning discharges of storm water runoff, which require covered facilities to obtain permits.

        These laws and regulations also prohibit certain other activity in wetlands unless authorized by a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which we refer to as the Corps. In September 2015, a new rule became effective which was issued by the EPA and the Corps defining the scope of the jurisdiction of the EPA and the Corps over wetlands and other waters. The rule has been challenged in court on the grounds that it unlawfully expands the reach of Clean Water Act's programs, and implementation of the rule has been stayed pending resolution of the court challenge. Also, spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan requirements under federal law require appropriate containment berms and similar structures to help prevent the contamination of navigable waters. Noncompliance with these requirements may result in substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties, as well as injunctive obligations.

        Waste Handling.     Wastes from certain of our operations (such as equipment maintenance and past chemical development, blending, and distribution operations) are subject to the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, or RCRA, and comparable state statutes and regulations promulgated thereunder, which impose requirements regarding the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal and cleanup of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. With federal approval, the individual states administer some or all of the provisions of RCRA, sometimes in conjunction with their own, more stringent requirements. Although certain oil production wastes are exempt from regulation as hazardous wastes under RCRA, such wastes may constitute "solid wastes" that are subject to the less stringent requirements of non-hazardous waste provisions. In the EPA's 2016 final report on the impacts from hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources, the EPA identified

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disposal or storage of hydraulic fracturing wastewater in unlined pits as resulting in contamination of groundwater resources.

        Administrative, civil and criminal penalties can be imposed for failure to comply with waste handling requirements. Moreover, the EPA or state or local governments may adopt more stringent requirements for the handling of non-hazardous wastes or categorize some non-hazardous wastes as hazardous for future regulation. Legislation has been proposed from time to time in Congress to re-categorize certain oil and natural gas exploration, development and production wastes as "hazardous wastes." Several environmental organizations have also petitioned the EPA to modify existing regulations to recategorize certain oil and natural gas exploration, development and production wastes as "hazardous." Any such changes in the laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our capital expenditures and operating expenses.

        From time to time, releases of materials or wastes have occurred at locations we own, owed previously or at which we have operations. These properties and the materials or wastes released thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA, the federal Clean Water Act, and analogous state laws. Under these laws or other laws and regulations, we have been and may be required to remove or remediate these materials or wastes and make expenditures associated with personal injury or property damage. At this time, with respect to any properties where materials or wastes may have been released, but of which we have not been made aware, it is not possible to estimate the potential costs that may arise from unknown, latent liability risks.

        Air Emissions.     The federal Clean Air Act, as amended, and comparable state laws and regulations, regulate emissions of various air pollutants through the issuance of permits and the imposition of other requirements. In addition, the EPA has developed, and continues to develop, stringent regulations governing emissions of toxic air pollutants from specified sources. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with air permits or other requirements of the Clean Air Act and associated state laws and regulations. We are required to obtain federal and state permits in connection with some activities under applicable laws. These permits impose certain conditions and restrictions on our operations, some of which require significant expenditures for compliance. Changes in these requirements, or in the permits we operate under, could increase our costs or limit operations.

        Additionally, the EPA's Tier IV regulations apply to certain off-road diesel engines used by us to power equipment in the field. Under these regulations, we are required to retrofit or retire certain engines and we are limited in the number of non-compliant off-road diesel engines we can purchase. Tier IV engines are costlier and not widely available. Until Tier IV-compliant engines that meet our needs are more widely available, these regulations could limit our ability to acquire a sufficient number of diesel engines to expand our fleet and to replace existing engines as they are taken out of service.

        Other Environmental Considerations.     E&P activities on federal lands may be subject to the National Environmental Policy Act, which we refer to as NEPA. NEPA requires federal agencies, including the Department of Interior, to evaluate major agency actions that have the potential to significantly impact the environment. In the course of such evaluations, an agency will prepare an environmental assessment that assesses the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed project and, if necessary, will prepare a more detailed environmental impact statement that may be made available for public review and comment. E&P activities, as well as proposed exploration and development plans, on federal lands require governmental permits that are subject to the requirements of NEPA. This process has the potential to delay the development of oil and natural gas projects.

        Various state and federal statutes prohibit certain actions that adversely affect endangered or threatened species and their habitat, migratory birds, wetlands, and natural resources. These statutes include the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Clean Water Act and

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CERCLA. Where takings of or harm to species or damages to jurisdictional streams or wetlands habitat or natural resources occur or may occur, government entities or at times private parties may act to prevent oil and natural gas exploration activities or seek damages for harm to species, habitat, or natural resources resulting from filling of jurisdictional streams or wetlands or construction or releases of oil, wastes, hazardous substances or other regulated materials.

        BLM has established regulations to govern hydraulic fracturing on federal and Indian lands. The 2015 Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands Rule imposes drilling and construction requirements for operations on federal or Indian lands including management requirements for surface operations and public disclosures of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing fluids. In June 2016, the U.S. District Court of Wyoming ruled that the BLM lacked statutory authority to promulgate the 2015 Hydraulic Fracturing on Federal and Indian Lands Rule. The case is on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. BLM also promulgated the 2016 Methane and Waste Reduction Rule to reduce waste of natural gas supplies and reduce air pollution, including greenhouse gases, for oil and natural gas produced on federal and Indian lands. Various states have filed for a petition for review and a motion for a preliminary injunction of the Methane and Waste Reduction Rule. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to eliminate the rule under the Congressional Review Act. To be revoked, the rule elimination will need to be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed by the President. Imposition of these regulations could increase our costs or limit operations.

        The Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA, requires manufacturers of new chemical substances to provide specific information to the Agency for review prior to manufacturing chemicals or introducing them into commerce. EPA has permitted manufacture of new chemical nanoscale materials through the use of consent orders or Significant New Use Rules under TSCA. The Agency has also allowed the manufacture of new chemical nanoscale materials under the terms of certain regulatory exemptions where exposures were controlled to protect against unreasonable risks. On May 19, 2014, the EPA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to obtain data on hydraulic fracturing chemical substances and mixtures. The EPA projects publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking in June of 2018. Any changes in TSCA regulations could increase our capital expenditures and operating expenses.

        Climate Change.     In December 2009, the EPA issued an Endangerment Finding that determined that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases present an endangerment to public health and the environment because, according to the EPA, emissions of such gases contribute to warming of the earth's atmosphere and other climatic changes. The EPA later adopted two sets of related rules, one of which regulates emissions of greenhouse gases from motor vehicles and the other of which regulates emissions from certain large stationary sources of emissions. The motor vehicle rule, which became effective in July 2010, limits emissions from motor vehicles. The EPA adopted the stationary source rule, which we refer to as the tailoring rule, in May 2010, and it became effective January 2011. The tailoring rule established new emissions thresholds that determine when stationary sources must obtain permits under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration, or PSD, and Title V programs of the Clean Air Act. On June 23, 2014, in Utility Air Regulatory Group v. EPA , the Supreme Court held that stationary sources could not become subject to PSD or Title V permitting solely by reason of their greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Court ruled that the EPA may require installation of best available control technology for greenhouse gas emissions at sources otherwise subject to the PSD and Title V programs. On December 19, 2014, the EPA issued two memoranda providing guidance on greenhouse gas permitting requirements in response to the Supreme Court's decision. In its preliminary guidance, the EPA stated that it would undertake a rulemaking action to rescind any PSD permits issued under the portions of the tailoring rule that were vacated by the Court. In the interim, the EPA issued a narrowly crafted "no action assurance" indicating it will exercise its enforcement discretion not to pursue enforcement of the terms and conditions relating to greenhouse gases in an EPA-issued PSD permit, and for related terms and conditions in a Title V permit. On April 30, 2015, the EPA issued a final rule allowing permitting authorities to rescind PSD permits issued under the invalid regulations. In October 2015, the EPA amended the greenhouse gas reporting

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rule to add the reporting of emissions from oil wells using hydraulic fracturing. Because of this continued regulatory focus, future emission regulations of the oil and natural gas industry remain a possibility, which could increase the cost of our operations.

        In addition, the U.S. Congress occasionally attempts to adopt legislation to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and almost one-half of the states have taken legal measures to reduce emissions primarily through the planned development of greenhouse gas emission inventories or regional cap and trade programs. Although the U.S. Congress has not yet adopted such legislation, it may do so in the future. Several states continue to pursue related regulations as well. In December 2015, the United States joined the international community at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France. The resulting Paris Agreement calls for the parties to undertake "ambitious efforts" to limit the average global temperature, and to conserve and enhance sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases. The Paris Agreement, which came into force on November 4, 2016, establishes a framework for the parties to cooperate and report actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The United States has formally signed and ratified the Paris Agreement via executive agreement; however, the U.S. Senate has not ratified the agreement. Restrictions on emissions of methane or carbon dioxide that may be imposed in various states could adversely affect the oil and natural gas industry which could have a material adverse effect on future demand for our services. At this time, it is not possible to accurately estimate how potential future laws or regulations addressing greenhouse gas emissions would impact our customers' business and consequently our own.

        In addition, claims have been made against certain energy companies alleging that greenhouse gas emissions from oil and natural gas operations constitute a public nuisance under federal or state common law. As a result, private individuals may seek to enforce environmental laws and regulations and could allege personal injury or property damages, which could increase our operating costs.

        NORM.     In the course of our operations, some of our equipment may be exposed to naturally occurring radioactive materials associated with oil and natural gas deposits and, accordingly may result in the generation of wastes and other materials containing naturally occurring radioactive materials, or NORM. NORM exhibiting levels of naturally occurring radiation in excess of established state standards are subject to special handling and disposal requirements, and any storage vessels, piping and work area affected by NORM may be subject to remediation or restoration requirements. Because certain of the properties presently or previously owned, operated or occupied by us may have been used for oil and natural gas production operations, it is possible that we may incur costs or liabilities associated with NORM.

        Pollution Risk Management.     We seek to minimize the possibility of a pollution event through equipment and job design, as well as through employee training. We also maintain a pollution risk management program if a pollution event occurs. This program includes an internal emergency response plan that provides specific procedures for our employees to follow in the event of a chemical release or spill. In addition, we have contracted with several third-party emergency responders in our various operating areas that are available on a 24-hour basis to handle the remediation and clean-up of any chemical release or spill. We carry insurance designed to respond to foreseeable environmental exposures. This insurance portfolio has been structured in an effort to address incidents that result in bodily injury or property damage and any ensuing clean up needed at our owned facilities as a result of the mobilization and utilization of our fleet, as well as any claims resulting from our operations.

        We also seek to manage environmental liability risks through provisions in our contracts with our customers that allocate risks relating to surface activities associated with the fracturing process, other than water disposal, to us and risks relating to "downhole" liabilities to our customers. Our customers are responsible for the disposal of the fracturing fluid that flows back out of the well as waste water. The customers remove the water from the well using a controlled flow-back process, and we are not involved in that process or the disposal of the fluid. Our contracts generally require our customers to indemnify us against pollution and environmental damages originating below the surface of the ground

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or arising out of water disposal, or otherwise caused by the customer, other contractors or other third parties. In turn, we indemnify our customers for pollution and environmental damages originating at or above the surface caused solely by us. We seek to maintain consistent risk-allocation and indemnification provisions in our customer agreements to the greatest extent possible. Some of our contracts, however, contain less explicit indemnification provisions, which typically provide that each party will indemnify the other against liabilities to third parties resulting from the indemnifying party's actions, except to the extent such liability results from the indemnified party's gross negligence, willful misconduct or intentional act.

Safety and Health Regulation

        We are subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, which is administered and enforced by OSHA, and comparable state laws that regulate the protection of the health and safety of workers. In addition, the OSHA hazard communication standard requires that information be maintained about hazardous materials used or produced in operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local government authorities and the public. We believe that our operations are in substantial compliance with the OSHA requirements, including general industry standards, record keeping requirements, and monitoring of occupational exposure to regulated substances. OSHA continues to evaluate worker safety and to propose new regulations, such as but not limited to, the new rule regarding respirable silica sand. Although it is not possible to estimate the financial and compliance impact of the new respirable silica sand rule or any other proposed rule, the imposition of more stringent requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Intellectual Property Rights

        Our research and development efforts are focused on providing specific solutions to the challenges our customers face when fracturing and stimulating wells. In addition to the design and manufacture of innovative equipment, we have also developed proprietary blends of chemicals that we use in connection with our hydraulic fracturing services. We have four U.S. patents, one patent in Canada and one patent in Mexico, and have filed one patent application in the U.S., relating to fracturing methods, the technology used in fluid ends, hydraulic pumps and other equipment. We have also filed two applications with the Patent Cooperation Treaty, thereby preserving our right to seek patent protection in countries that are a party to the treaty.

        We believe the information regarding our customer and supplier relationships are also valuable proprietary assets. We have registered trademarks for various names under which our entities conduct business. Except for the foregoing, we do not own or license any patents, trademarks or other intellectual property that we believe to be material to the success of our business.

Legal Proceedings

        We are involved in various legal proceedings from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. However, we are not currently involved in any legal proceedings that we believe are likely to have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition.

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

        The following persons serve as our directors and executive officers:

Name
  Age*   Position

Michael J. Doss

    44   Chief Executive Officer

Buddy Petersen

    51   Chief Operating Officer

Lance Turner

    37   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Larry D. Cannon

    50   Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary

Perry A. Harris

    59   Senior Vice President, Commercial

Goh Yong Siang

    65   Chairman

Domenic J. Dell'Osso, Jr. 

    40   Director

Bryan J. Lemmerman

    42   Director

Ong Tiong Sin

    51   Director

Boon Sim

    54   Director

*
Ages are as of February 20, 2017

         Michael J. Doss has served as our Chief Executive Officer since October 2015. He joined our Company in January 2014 as Senior Vice President—Finance and Treasurer and was named Chief Financial Officer in December 2014. From July 2008 until joining our Company, Mr. Doss served as Vice President of Finance of Energy Transfer Partners, L.P., or ETP, a master limited partnership that owns and operates a portfolio of energy assets in the United States and then as Vice President of Strategic Planning for its affiliate Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. Prior to ETP, he was a Senior Credit Officer at Moody's Investors Service, a provider of credit ratings, research and risk analysis, covering a diverse portfolio of oil and natural gas issuers. Prior to that, Mr. Doss spent more than seven years of his career in public accounting at Ernst & Young LLP serving clients in the oil and natural gas industry. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Doss also earned a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

         Buddy Petersen has served as our Chief Operating Officer, or COO, since October 2015. He joined our Company in June 2015 as Senior Vice President, Continuous Improvement and was named Senior Vice President of Operations and Wireline in August 2015. He has over 24 years of experience in the oil and natural gas industry. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Petersen was COO of GoFrac LLC, an oil and natural gas stimulation company from October 2014 to June 2015, Vice President of Sales for Frac-Chem Inc., an oilfield chemical manufacturer and supplier and an affiliate of Koch Industries, from August 2013 to October 2014, President and COO of Compass Well Services LLC, a hydraulic fracturing and cementing services company from October 2010 to August 2013, and COO of Allied Cementing Co., a company providing cementing and acidizing services to the oil and natural gas industry from October 2007 to October 2010. Mr. Petersen spent 14 years working in various roles of increasing responsibility with Halliburton Energy Services, or Halliburton, an oilfield services and products company. He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from New Mexico State University.

         Lance Turner has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since October 2015. He joined our Company in April 2014 as Director of Finance and was promoted to Vice President of Finance in January 2015. Prior to joining our Company, Mr. Turner spent approximately 11 years with Ernst & Young LLP, with the majority of that time in their transaction services group coordinating and advising clients on buy side and sell side transactions in various industries. He earned a Bachelor of

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Business Administration and Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas.

         Larry D. Cannon has served as our Chief Administrative Officer since March 2013, our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since July 2014 and our Chief Compliance Officer since October 2015. Mr. Cannon previously served as our Chief Securities Counsel from the time he joined our Company in June 2011 to February 2013. Prior to joining our Company, he was a corporate lawyer at Jones Day, a law firm in Dallas, Texas, and at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, a law firm in Chicago, Illinois. He spent the first 10 years of his career in public accounting at Ernst & Young LLP serving clients in various industries. Mr. Cannon received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University and his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.

         Perry A. Harris has served as our Senior Vice President, Commercial since July 2015. Mr. Harris joined our Company as Senior Vice President of Wireline Operations in December 2014 upon our acquisition of J-W Wireline Company, a case-hole wireline company. Prior to the acquisition, Mr. Harris was President of J-W Wireline Company from February 2012 to December 2014. He has more than 35 years of experience in the oil and natural gas industry, including over 24 years at Halliburton. At Halliburton, Mr. Harris held various leadership positions, including Northeast U.S. Area Operations Manager, Northeast U.S. Senior District Manager and Wireline Global Business Development, Marketing & Technology Manager. He earned a bachelor's degree in mining engineering from West Virginia University.

         Goh Yong Siang has served as a director of our Company since May 2011 and currently is Chairman of the board of directors. Mr. Goh is a board designee of Maju, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek, an investment company based in Singapore and our largest stockholder. From July 2011 until his retirement in 2013, Mr. Goh served as the Head of Australia & New Zealand for Temasek. He served as Co-Head, Organization & Leadership for Temasek from April 2010 to July 2011 and Head of Strategic Relations for Temasek from August 2006 to April 2010. Prior to joining Temasek, Mr. Goh served as President of ST Engineering (USA). Mr. Goh provides significant insight to our board of directors, particularly as it relates to financial matters and business knowledge, from his many years of experience at Temasek and other private equity firms. Mr. Goh's international expertise is also beneficial to our board of directors.

         Domenic J. Dell'Osso, Jr. has served as a director of our Company since May 2011. He is a board designee of Chesapeake, an oil and natural gas producing company, and one of our customers and largest stockholders. Currently, Mr. Dell'Osso is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chesapeake Parent, a position he has held since November 2010. Mr. Dell'Osso served as Vice President—Finance of Chesapeake Parent and Chief Financial Officer of Chesapeake Parent's wholly owned subsidiary, Chesapeake Midstream Development, L.P., from August 2008 to November 2010. Prior to joining Chesapeake Parent, Mr. Dell'Osso was an energy investment banker with Jefferies & Co. from April 2006 to August 2008 and Banc of America Securities from 2004 to April 2006. Mr. Dell'Osso has served as a director of Sundrop Fuels, Inc. since 2011 and previously served as a director of the general partner of Chesapeake Midstream Partners from 2011 to 2014 and as a director of Chaparral Energy, Inc. from 2013 to 2014. Mr. Dell'Osso brings extensive financial and business expertise, as well as in-depth energy industry knowledge, to our board of directors from his service as Chief Financial Officer of Chesapeake Parent and from his background in investment banking.

         Bryan J. Lemmerman has served as a director of our Company since February 2013. He is a board designee of Chesapeake. He is currently Vice President—Business Development at Chesapeake Parent, a position he has held since June 2015. He served as Vice President—Marketing at Chesapeake Parent from October 2014 to June 2015, Vice President—Strategic Planning at Chesapeake Parent from

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October 2013 to October 2014, Vice President—Finance at Chesapeake Parent from January 2012 to September 2013 and Director—Finance at Chesapeake Parent from May 2010 to December 2011. Mr. Lemmerman has served as a director of Sundrop Fuels, Inc. since 2012. Prior to joining Chesapeake Parent, Mr. Lemmerman served as a consultant to various oil and natural gas companies and private equity firms. Mr. Lemmerman was also a portfolio manager at hedge funds Highview Capital Management and Ritchie Capital Management. Mr. Lemmerman provides extensive energy industry and business development insight to our board of directors from his service at Chesapeake Parent and from his background as a consultant to hedge funds, family offices and private equity firms.

         Ong Tiong Sin has served as a director of our Company since May 2011. Mr. Ong is a board designee of Senja, an investment company affiliated with RRJ and one of our largest stockholders. Mr. Ong is the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RRJ, the general partner of RRJ Capital Master Fund I, L.P., a private equity fund established in March 2011 which focuses on private equity investments in China and Southeast Asia. From January 2008 to March 2011, Mr. Ong was Chief Executive Officer of Hopu Fund, a China-focused private equity fund. Previously, Mr. Ong had a 15-year career with Goldman, Sachs & Co., an investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Based in Beijing, he was a co-head of Goldman Sachs Asian Ex-Japan Investment Banking Division. Mr. Ong became a managing director in the corporate finance department of a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs in 1996 and a partner in 2000. Prior to his transfer to Beijing, Mr. Ong was the co-president of Goldman Sachs Singapore and had previously worked in investment banking divisions in Hong Kong and New York. Mr. Ong brings extensive financial and banking expertise to our board of directors. His in-depth experience in private equity provides a great deal of knowledge with respect to investment in and operations of companies. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.

         Boon Sim has served as a director of our Company since June 2013. Mr. Sim is a board designee of Maju. He is currently Senior Advisory Director of Temasek. He was previously Head, Markets Group; President, Americas and Head, Credit Portfolio at Temasek from June 2012 to April 2016. Prior to joining Temasek, Mr. Sim was the Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, or M&A, at Credit Suisse, an investment banking, securities and investment management firm based in New York and a member of Credit Suisse Investment Bank's Operating Committee. During a 20 year career at Credit Suisse, Mr. Sim had held various management positions including Head of M&A Americas and Co-head of Technology Group. Prior to joining The First Boston Corporation, a predecessor company of Credit Suisse, Mr. Sim was a design engineer at Texas Instruments Inc., a semiconductor design and manufacturing company, focusing on semiconductor design. Mr. Sim provides significant insight to our board of directors, particularly as it relates to financial matters and business knowledge, from his many years of experience at Temasek and Credit Suisse.

Board of Directors

        Our board of directors currently consists of five directors, all of whom were elected as directors pursuant to our amended and restated stockholders agreement. Upon completion of this offering, we will terminate the amended and restated stockholders agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement." We are actively searching for additional board members, some of whom we expect to join our board of directors before the consummation of this offering.

        Upon consummation of this offering, our bylaws will be amended and restated to provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors. We will also amend and restate our certificate of incorporation upon consummation of this offering to provide that directors may only be removed for cause. To remove a director for cause,         % of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock must vote as a single class to remove the director at an annual or special meeting. The certificate will also provide that, if a director is removed or if a vacancy occurs

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due to either an increase in the size of the board or the death, resignation, disqualification or other cause, the vacancy will be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum remain.

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will enter into an investors' rights agreement with Maju and Chesapeake, pursuant to which, each of Maju and Chesapeake will have the right to nominate (1) two directors so long as it beneficially owns at least 15% of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock or (2) one director so long as it owns at least 5% but less than 15% of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock.

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will also enter into an investors' rights agreement with Senja and Hampton, pursuant to which, Senja and Hampton will have the right to collectively nominate one director so long as it owns at least 5% of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock.

        The ability of stockholders to remove directors only for cause and the inability of stockholders to call special meetings, may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or management. See "Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws" for a discussion of other anti-takeover provisions found in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

Classified Board of Directors

        Upon filing, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our board of directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. Only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. Our board of directors will be designated as follows:

        Messrs.                 and                 will be Class I directors, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2018;

        Messrs.                 and                 will be Class II directors, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2019; and

        Messrs.                 and                 will be Class III directors, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2020.

        Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of our directors.

        The division of our board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control. See "Description of Capital Stock—Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws" for a discussion of other anti-takeover provisions found in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Director Independence

        Upon the completion of this offering, our board of directors will review at least annually the independence of each director. During these reviews, the board will consider transactions and relationships between each director (and his or her immediate family and affiliates) and our Company and its management to determine whether any such transactions or relationships are inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent. This review will be based primarily on responses of the directors to questions in a directors' and officers' questionnaire regarding employment, business, familial, compensation and other relationships with the Company and our management. Prior to the consummation of this offering, our board will meet to formally assess the independence of each of our

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directors. As required by the NYSE, we anticipate that our independent directors will meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only non-management directors are present. We intend to comply with future governance requirements to the extent they become applicable to us.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

        Prior to the completion of this offering, we will adopt an amended and restated code of business conduct and ethics that is applicable to all of our employees, officers, and directors, including our chief executive and chief financial officer. The code of business conduct and ethics will be available on our website at www.ftsi.com prior to completion of this offering. We expect that any amendment to the code, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on our website. The inclusion of our website in this prospectus does not include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this prospectus.

Board Leadership Structure

        Upon completion of this offering, our board of directors will be led by                as Chairman. The Chairman will oversee the planning of the annual board of directors calendar and, in consultation with the other directors, will schedule and set the agenda for meetings of the board of directors. In addition, the Chairman will provide guidance and oversight to members of management and act as the board of directors' liaison to management. In this capacity, the Chairman will be actively engaged on significant matters affecting us. The Chairman may also lead our annual meetings of stockholders and perform such other functions and responsibilities as requested by the board of directors from time to time.

Committees of the Board of Directors

        Our board of directors has established an audit committee and a compensation committee, and has and may establish such other committees as the board of directors shall determine from time to time. Prior to the completion of this offering, our board of directors will adopt amended and restated charters for the audit and compensation committees and establish a nominating and corporate governance committee. The charters for each of our committees will be available on our website upon completion of this offering. Each of the standing committees of the board of directors has the responsibilities described below.

Audit Committee

        Prior to completion of this offering, our audit committee is expected to consist of                ,                 , and                , with                 serving as chair of the committee.                and                are independent under the NYSE listing standards and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and all the committee members will be independent under such provisions within one year of the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Each of the committee members is financially literate within the requirements of the NYSE listing standards and our board of directors has determined that                qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" as that term is defined by the applicable SEC regulations and NYSE corporate governance listing standards. We intend to comply with the independence requirements for all members of the audit committee within the time periods required under the NYSE listing rules and Exchange Act.

        Our audit committee will oversee our accounting and financial reporting process and the audit of our financial statements and assist our board of directors in monitoring our financial systems and legal and regulatory compliance. Our audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:

    appointing, approving the compensation of and assessing the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm;

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    pre-approving audit and permissible non-audit services, and the terms of such services, to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm;

    reviewing annually a report by our independent registered public accounting firm regarding the independent registered public accounting firm's internal quality control procedures and various issues relating thereto;

    coordinating the oversight and reviewing the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting with both management and our independent registered public accounting firm;

    reviewing and discussing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures;

    periodically reviewing legal compliance matters, including securities trading policies, periodically reviewing significant accounting and other financial risks or exposures to our company and reviewing and, if appropriate, approving all transactions between our company or its subsidiaries and any related party (as described in Item 404 of Regulation S-K);

    periodically reviewing our code of business conduct and ethics;

    establishing policies for the hiring of employees and former employees of our independent registered public accounting firm; and

    reviewing the audit committee report required by SEC regulations to be included in our annual proxy statement.

        The audit committee will have the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties and the authority to retain counsel and advisors at our expense to fulfill its responsibilities and duties.

Compensation Committee

        Prior to completion of this offering, our compensation committee is expected to consist of                ,                 , and                 , with                serving as chair of the committee.                ,                , and                are independent under the NYSE listing standards and Rule 10C-1 of the Exchange Act and qualify as "non-employee directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(d)(3) under the Exchange Act and as "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.

        Our compensation committee will be responsible for developing and maintaining our compensation strategies and policies. Our compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:

    reviewing and approving our overall executive and director compensation philosophy to support our overall business strategy and objectives;

    reviewing and approving, or as appropriate, recommending to our board of directors for approval, base salary, cash incentive compensation, equity compensation, and severance rights for our executive officers, including our CEO;

    administering our broad-based equity incentive plans, including the granting of stock awards;

    overseeing the management continuity and succession planning process (except as otherwise within the scope of our nominating and governance committee) with respect to our officers;

    preparing any report on executive compensation required by the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and other regulatory bodies;

    managing such other matters that are specifically delegated to our compensation committee by applicable law or by the board of directors from time to time; and

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    retain and terminate compensation consultants to assist in the evaluation of our compensation and approve the fees and other retention terms of such compensation consultants.

        The compensation committee will also have the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties and authority to retain counsel and advisors at our expense to fulfill its responsibilities and duties.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

        Prior to completion of this offering, our nominating and corporate governance committee is expected to consist of                ,                 , and                , with                serving as chair of the committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of Messrs.                 ,                , and                 is independent as defined by NYSE rules.

        Our nominating and corporate governance committee will oversee and assist our board of directors in reviewing and recommending corporate governance policies and nominees for election to our board of directors and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for, among other things:

    assessing, developing, and communicating with our board of directors concerning the appropriate criteria for nominating and appointing directors, including the size and composition of the board of directors, corporate governance policies, applicable listing standards, laws, rules and regulations, our nominating policy, and other factors considered appropriate by our board of directors;

    identifying and recommending to our board of directors the director nominees for meetings of our stockholders, or to fill a vacancy on the board of directors, in each case in accordance with the nominating policy;

    having sole authority to retain and terminate any search firm used to identify director candidates and approve the search firm's fees and other retention terms;

    if and when requested by our board of directors, assessing and recommending to the board of directors the composition of each of its committees;

    reviewing, as necessary, any executive officer's request to accept a directorship position with another company;

    developing, assessing and making recommendations to our board of directors concerning corporate governance matters, including appropriate revisions to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws, corporate governance policies, committee charters, and nominating policy;

    overseeing an annual evaluation of our board of directors, its committees, and each director;

    developing with management and monitoring the process of orienting new directors and continuing education for all directors; and

    regularly reporting its activities and any recommendations to our board of directors.

        The nominating and corporate governance committee will also have the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties. It will also have the authority to retain counsel and advisors at our expense for any matters related to the fulfillment of its responsibilities and duties.

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions) of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee.

Limitations of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

        We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person was an officer, director, employee, or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as an officer, director, employee, or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was illegal. A Delaware corporation may indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation by reason of the fact that such person was a director, officer, employee, or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him or her against the expenses that such officer or director has actually and reasonably incurred. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will provide for the indemnification of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL.

        Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duties as a director, except for liability for any:

    transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit;

    act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

    unlawful payment of dividends or redemption of shares; or

    breach of a director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws will include, such a provision. Expenses incurred by any director in defending any such action, suit or proceeding in advance of its final disposition shall be paid by us, provided such director must repay amounts in excess of the indemnification such director is ultimately entitled to.

        Section 174 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that a director who willfully or negligently approves of an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption may be

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held liable for such actions. A director who was either absent when the unlawful actions were approved, or dissented at the time, may avoid liability by causing his or her dissent to such actions to be entered in the books containing minutes of the meetings of the board of directors at the time such action occurred or immediately after such absent director receives notice of the unlawful acts.

Indemnification Agreements

        We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our current directors and executive officers. These agreements will require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We also intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our future directors and executive officers.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

        Our board of directors will adopt corporate governance guidelines in accordance with the corporate governance rules of the NYSE.

Director Compensation

        The following table provides information regarding the compensation of our directors for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Name
  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
  Total  

Goh Yong Siang

         

Domenic J. Dell'Osso, Jr. 

         

Bryan J. Lemmerman

         

Ong Tiong Sin

         

Boon Sim

         

Tom Bates(1)

  $ 169,000   $ 169,000  

(1)
Mr. Bates served as an independent director of our board of directors until September 2016.

        We do not pay any compensation to our directors designated by our stockholders pursuant to our amended and restated stockholders agreement. We do reimburse our directors for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that they incur in connection with their service as directors, in accordance with our general expense reimbursement policies. The cash fees Mr. Bates received in 2016 included: $110,000 for his service on the board of directors, $6,000 for his service on the audit committee and $3,000 for service on the strategy committee. In addition, Mr. Bates received $50,000 in recognition of his service to the Company during the industry downturn.

        We believe that attracting and retaining qualified non-employee directors will be critical to our future growth. Upon completion of this offering, our independent directors are expected to receive compensation that is comparable to the compensation that is offered to directors of companies that are similar to ours, including equity-based compensation. We expect to reimburse our independent directors for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that they incur in connection with their service as directors, in accordance with our general expense reimbursement policies.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

        The following table summarizes the compensation of our chief executive officer and our two other most highly compensated officers, or the named executive officers, during the year ended December 31, 2016.

Name and Principal
Position
  Year   Salary   Bonus(1)   Stock
Awards
  Option
Awards
  Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
  Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
  All Other
Compensation
  Total  

Michael J. Doss
Chief Executive Officer

    2016   $ 500,000   $ 60,000   $   $   $   $   $   $ 560,000  

Buddy Petersen
Chief Operating Officer

   
2016
 
$

350,000
 
$

40,000
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

390,000
 

Perry A. Harris
Senior Vice President, Commercial

   
2016
 
$

320,000
 
$

79,000

(2)

$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

399,000
 

(1)
Our board of directors approved a cash bonus pool amount to be paid as discretionary bonuses. Our board of directors delegated authority to allocate the bonus pool to our chief executive officer in his sole discretion. These discretionary bonuses were paid in recognition of each of the named executive officers' contributions to the Company's cost reduction initiatives.

(2)
Includes retention bonus payments of 20% of his base salary to be paid to Mr. Harris in 2017 for his 2016 service pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.

Employment Agreements

        We have not entered into employment agreements with any of our executive officers, other than Perry Harris. We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Harris in December 2014 in connection with our acquisition of the assets of J-W Wireline Company.

        Our agreement with Mr. Harris has a term of three years and provides for a base salary of not less than $320,000 per year. Mr. Harris is also eligible to participate in any short-term incentive plan and in any long-term incentive plan with an annual target award percentage under each plan equal to or exceeding 40% of his base salary. Mr. Harris is also subject to non-solicitation, confidentiality and non-compete provisions.

        Mr. Harris is also entitled to retention bonuses equal to 10%, 20% and 40% of his annual base salary set forth in the employment agreement upon his completion of one, two and three years of service, respectively, with the Company and subject to meeting certain performance criteria. Each retention bonus is payable in installments in the calendar year following the applicable service anniversary.

        Additionally, if Mr. Harris' employment is terminated before the end of the term:

    due to death or disability, he will receive any earned but unpaid compensation, any unpaid short-term incentive plan compensation for the calendar year ending before his termination, a prorated amount of his target short-term incentive plan compensation for the portion of the year he was employed and any earned but unpaid retention bonus;

    by us without cause or by him for good reason (each as defined in his employment agreement), he will receive any earned but unpaid compensation, his base salary through the one-year

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      anniversary of the termination and the average of his short-term incentive plan compensation paid or payable for the prior three years or the average of his short-term incentive plan compensation for the number of years during which he was eligible to participate in the short-term incentive plan if less than three and any earned but unpaid retention bonus;

    by us for cause or by him without good reason, he will receive any earned but unpaid compensation and if the termination is by him without good reason and occurs after the third anniversary of the date of the agreement, he will receive any earned but unpaid retention bonus; and

    by us without cause or by him for good reason within two years after a change of control (as defined in his employment agreement) has occurred, he will receive any earned but unpaid compensation and a lump sum cash payment equal to the sum of (1) his base salary at the highest annual rate in effect on or before his termination and (2) an amount equal to the greater of (a) the average of his short-term incentive compensation paid or payable had he remained employed for the prior three full fiscal years ending before the date of termination, or the average of his short-term incentive plan compensation for the number of years during which he was eligible to participate in the short-term incentive plan if less than three; (b) the short-term incentive plan compensation paid to him for the last full fiscal year of his employment; and (c) his target short-term incentive plan compensation for the fiscal year that includes the date of termination.

        All of the severance payments described above are subject to Mr. Harris' execution of a release of claims and compliance with the non-solicitation, confidentiality and non-compete provisions of the agreement.

Severance Agreements

        We have entered into severance agreements with Messrs. Doss and Petersen that provide for payments to be made to the respective named executive officer in connection with a termination of employment. These agreements have a one-year term expiring in May 2017. Each of Messrs. Doss and Petersen is eligible to receive a lump sum equal to 1.5 times his then-current annual base salary as severance following his termination of employment by us without cause (as defined in the agreement), or by the executive for good reason (as defined in the agreement), subject to his execution of a release of claims and compliance with the non-solicitation, confidentiality and non-compete provisions of the agreement.

        Mr. Harris' employment agreement provides for payment to be made to him in connection with a termination of his employment. For a discussion of the terms of the severance payments, see "—Employment Agreements."

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

        The following table contains information regarding outstanding equity awards issued under our 2014 LTIP, before adjusting for our         :        reverse stock split, held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2016.

Name
  Number of
Shares or Units of Stock
That Have Not Vested (#)
  Market Value of Shares or
Units of Stock That Have
Not Vested ($)(1)(2)
 

Michael J. Doss

    880,207   $    

Buddy Petersen

         

Perry A. Harris

    133,332   $    

(1)
The market value is based upon the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

(2)
The restricted stock units will vest upon the occurrence of a liquidity event, which includes an initial public offering for which the aggregate proceeds to be received by the Company are at least $250 million.

2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan

        In March 2014, our board of directors adopted, and our stockholders approved, the 2014 LTIP. The purposes of the 2014 LTIP are to provide an additional incentive to selected employees whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of our business in order to strengthen the commitment of employees to us, motivate employees to faithfully and diligently perform their responsibilities, and attract and retain competent and dedicated persons whose efforts will result in our long-term growth and profitability. The 2014 LTIP provides for grants of restricted stock units, and restricted stock under a CEO discretionary pool, to employee participants.

        Shares Available.     The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued under the 2014 LTIP, before adjusting for our        :         reverse stock split, is 55,025,000. Under the 2014 LTIP, 55,000,000 shares were available for issuance as restricted stock units and 25,000 were available for issuance as restricted stock or restricted stock units at the discretion of the CEO. The shares under the 2014 LTIP are subject to adjustment in the event of, among other things, a merger, recapitalization, reorganization, spin-off, spin-out, special dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares or other change in corporate structure affecting our common stock.

        Eligibility.     Any employee of the Company or its affiliates selected by the administrator in his or its sole discretion is eligible to participate in the 2014 LTIP.

        Administration.     The Compensation Committee administers the 2014 LTIP, except that the CEO administers the 2014 LTIP with respect to awards granted under the CEO discretionary pool. The administrator has broad discretion to administer the 2014 LTIP, including the power to determine to whom and when awards will be granted, to determine the amount of awards, to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the 2014 LTIP of each award granted, to determine the effect, if any of employment, severance and other agreements on the awards, to determine fair market value of the awards, to adopt, alter and repeal administrative practices governing the 2014 LTIP, to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of the 2014 LTIP and to execute all other responsibilities permitted or required under the 2014 LTIP. The 2014 LTIP will be administered in accordance with, to the extent applicable, Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

        Restricted Stock Awards.     A restricted stock award is a grant of shares of common stock subject to a risk of forfeiture, restrictions on transferability and any other restrictions determined by the

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administrator. Except as otherwise provided under the terms of the 2014 LTIP or an award agreement, the holder of a restricted stock award under the 2014 LTIP will generally have rights as a stockholder, including the right to vote or to receive dividends. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator, a restricted stock award will be forfeited and reacquired by us upon termination of employment. Common stock distributed in connection with a stock split or stock dividend, and other property distributed as a dividend, may be subject to the same restrictions and risk of forfeiture as the restricted stock with respect to which the distribution was made.

        Restricted Stock Units.     Restricted stock units are rights to receive common stock, cash or a combination of common stock and cash at the end of a specified period as determined by the administrator. Restricted stock units may be subject to restrictions, including a risk of forfeiture and conditions, as determined by the administrator. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator, restricted stock units will be forfeited upon termination of a participant's employment. The holder of a restricted stock unit award under the 2014 LTIP does not have rights as a stockholder.

        Upon completion of this offering, the 2014 LTIP will be terminated and no further awards will be made under the 2014 LTIP.

2016 Short-Term Incentive Plan

        In December 2015, the board of directors approved our 2016 short-term incentive plan, or STIP, to motivate employees to drive outstanding company performance, provide flexibility given the uncertain business environment and enhance employee retention. The named executive officers were eligible to participate.

        The 2016 incentives were based on the achievement of:

    Financial targets for Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures;

    Safety performance as measured by our total recordable incident rate, or TRIR; and

    Department key performance indicators, or KPIs, and individual performance.

        Each named executive officer had a target award calculated as a percentage of his base salary, depending on his position. The payout under the STIP was based 65% on the financial target, 10% on the safety target and 25% on KPI and individual performance. The Compensation Committee set the financial and KPI targets for the first quarter of 2016. The incentives were contingent upon the minimum financial targets being achieved. The Company did not achieve the minimum financial target in the first quarter of 2016. As a result, no payouts were made for the first quarter of 2016. After the first quarter of 2016, the Compensation Committee did not set financial and KPI targets and no one was eligible to receive an award under the STIP.

2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan.

        Prior to the completion of this offering, our board of directors and stockholders will adopt the 2017 Plan. The material terms of the 2017 Plan are as follows:

        Purpose.     The purpose of the 2017 Plan is to attract and retain officers, employees, directors, consultants and other key personnel and to provide those persons incentives and awards for performance.

        Administration; Effectiveness.     The 2017 Plan will generally be administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors. The compensation committee has the authority to determine eligible participants in the 2017 Plan, and to interpret and make determinations under the 2017 Plan. Any interpretation or determination by the compensation committee under the 2017 Plan will be final and conclusive. The compensation committee may delegate all or any part of its authority under the

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2017 Plan to any subcommittee thereof, and may delegate its administrative duties or powers to one or more of our officers, agents or advisors. The 2017 Plan will be effective prior to the completion of this offering.

        Shares Available for Awards under the 2017 Plan.     Subject to adjustment as described in the 2017 Plan, the number of shares of our common stock available for awards under the 2017 Plan shall be,        % of the aggregate value of our common stock and convertible preferred stock immediately prior to this offering, plus any shares of our common stock that become available under the 2017 Plan as a result of forfeiture, cancellation, expiration, or cash settlement of awards, or the Available Shares, with such shares subject to adjustment to reflect any split or combination of our common stock. The Available Shares may be shares of original issuance, treasury shares or a combination of the foregoing.

        The 2017 Plan also contains the following customary limits: (1) calendar year limits relating to the grant of stock options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares and/or other stock-based awards that are performance-based awards intended to satisfy the requirements for "qualified performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code, or Qualified Performance-Based Awards and; (2) limits on the aggregate maximum value that a participant may receive in respect of an award of performance units and/or other awards payable in cash that are Qualified Performance-Based Awards, or a cash incentive award that is a Qualified Performance-Based Award in any calendar year.

        Share Counting.     The aggregate number of shares of our common stock available for award under the 2017 Plan will be reduced by one share of our common stock for every one share of our common stock subject to an award granted under the 2017 Plan.

        The following shares of our common stock will be added (or added back, as applicable) to the aggregate number of shares of our common stock available under the 2017 Plan: (1) shares subject to an award that is cancelled or forfeited, expires or is settled for cash (in whole or in part); (2) shares of our common stock withheld by us in payment of the exercise price of a stock option granted under the 2017 Plan; (3) shares of our common stock tendered or otherwise used in payment of the exercise price of a stock option granted under the 2017 Plan; (4) shares of our common stock withheld by us or tendered or otherwise used to satisfy a tax withholding obligation; provided , however , that with respect to restricted stock, this provision will only be in effect until the ten-year anniversary of the date the 2017 Plan is approved by our stockholders, and (5) shares of our common stock subject to an appreciation right granted under the 2017 Plan that are not actually issued in connection with the settlement of such appreciation right. In addition, if under the 2017 Plan a participant has elected to give up the right to receive compensation in exchange for shares of our common stock based on fair market value, such shares of our common stock will not count against the aggregate number of shares of our common stock available under the 2017 Plan.

        Shares of our common stock issued or transferred pursuant to awards granted under the 2017 Plan in substitution for or in conversion of, or in connection with the assumption of, awards held by awardees of an entity engaging in a corporate acquisition or merger with us or any of our subsidiaries, or substitute awards, will not count against, nor otherwise be taken into account in respect of, the share limits under the 2017 Plan. Additionally, shares of common stock available under certain plans that we or our subsidiaries may assume in connection with corporate transactions from another entity may be available for certain awards under the 2017 Plan, but will not count against, nor otherwise be taken into account in respect of, the share limits under the 2017 Plan.

        Types of Awards Under the 2017 Plan.     Pursuant to the 2017 Plan, we may grant stock options (including incentive stock options as defined in Section 422 of the Code, or Incentive Stock Options), appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash incentive awards, and certain other awards based on or related to shares of our common stock.

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        Each grant of an award under the 2017 Plan will be evidenced by an award agreement or agreements, which will contain such terms and provisions as the compensation committee may determine, consistent with the 2017 Plan. Those terms and provisions include the number of our shares of our common stock subject to each award, vesting terms and provisions that apply upon events such as retirement, death or disability of the participant or in the event of a change in control. A brief description of the types of awards which may be granted under the 2017 Plan is set forth below.

        Restricted Stock Units.     Restricted stock units awarded under the 2017 Plan constitute an agreement by us to deliver shares of our common stock, cash, or a combination thereof, to the participant in the future in consideration of the performance of services, but subject to the fulfillment of such conditions (which may include the achievement of management objectives) during the restriction period as the compensation committee may specify. Each grant or sale of restricted stock units may be made without additional consideration or in consideration of a payment by the participant that is less than the fair market value of shares of our common stock on the date of grant. During the restriction period applicable to restricted stock units, the participant will have no right to transfer any rights under the award and will have no rights of ownership in the shares of our common stock underlying the restricted stock units and no right to vote them. Rights to dividend equivalents may be extended to and made part of any restricted stock unit award at the discretion of and on the terms determined by the compensation committee. Each grant of restricted stock units will specify that the amount payable with respect to such restricted stock units will be paid in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of the two.

        Restricted Stock.     Restricted stock constitutes an immediate transfer of the ownership of shares of our common stock to the participant in consideration of the performance of services, entitling such participant to dividend, voting and other ownership rights, subject to the substantial risk of forfeiture and restrictions on transfer determined by the compensation committee for a period of time determined by the compensation committee or until certain management objectives specified by the compensation committee are achieved. Each such grant or sale of restricted stock may be made without additional consideration or in consideration of a payment by the participant that is less than the fair market value per share of our common stock on the date of grant.

        Any grant of restricted stock may specify the treatment of dividends or distributions paid on restricted stock that remains subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.

        Stock Options.     Stock options granted under the 2017 Plan may be either Incentive Stock Option or non-qualified stock options Incentive Stock Options. Except with respect to substitute awards, Incentive Stock Options and non-qualified stock options must have an exercise price per share that is not less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of a stock option may not extend more than ten years after the date of grant.

        Each grant will specify the form of consideration to be paid in satisfaction of the exercise price.

        Appreciation Rights.     The 2017 Plan provides for the grant of appreciation rights. An appreciation right is a right to receive from us an amount equal to 100%, or such lesser percentage as the compensation committee may determine, of the spread between the base price and the value of shares of our common stock on the date of exercise.

        An appreciation right may be paid in cash, shares of our common stock or any combination thereof. Except with respect to substitute awards, the base price of an appreciation right may not be less than the fair market value of a common share on the date of grant. The term of an appreciation right may not extend more than ten years from the date of grant.

        Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares, and Performance Units.     Performance shares, performance units and cash incentive awards may also be granted to participants under the 2017 Plan.

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A performance share is a bookkeeping entry that records the equivalent of one share of our common stock, and a performance unit is a bookkeeping entry that records a unit equivalent to $1.00 or such other value as determined by the compensation committee. Each grant will specify the number or amount of performance shares or performance units, or the amount payable with respect to cash incentive awards, being awarded, which number or amount may be subject to adjustment to reflect changes in compensation or other factors.

        These awards, when granted under the 2017 Plan, become payable to participants upon of the achievement of specified management objectives and upon such terms and conditions as the compensation committee determines at the time of grant. Each grant may specify with respect to the management objectives a minimum acceptable level of achievement and may set forth a formula for determining the number of performance shares or performance units, or the amount payable with respect to cash incentive awards, that will be earned if performance is at or above the minimum or threshold level, or is at or above the target level but falls short of maximum achievement. Each grant will specify the time and manner of payment of cash incentive awards, performance shares or performance units that have been earned, and any grant may further specify that any such amount may be paid or settled in cash, shares of our common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units or any combination thereof. Any grant of performance shares may provide for the payment of dividend equivalents in cash or in additional shares of our common stock.

        Other Awards.     The compensation committee may grant such other awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of our common stock or factors that may influence the value of such shares of our common stock, including, without limitation, convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into shares of our common stock, purchase rights for shares of our common stock, awards with value and payment contingent upon our performance of specified subsidiaries, affiliates or other business units or any other factors designated by the compensation committee, and awards valued by reference to the book value of the shares of our common stock or the value of securities of, or the performance of our subsidiaries, affiliates or other business units.

        Adjustments; Corporate Transactions.     The compensation committee will make or provide for such adjustments in the: (1) number of shares of our common stock covered by outstanding stock options, appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units granted under the 2017 Plan; (2) if applicable, number of shares of our common stock covered by other awards granted pursuant to the 2017 Plan; (3) exercise price or base price provided in outstanding stock options and appreciation rights; (4) kind of shares covered thereby; (5) cash incentive awards; and (6) other award terms, as the compensation committee determines to be equitably required in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants that otherwise would result from (a) any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization or other change in our capital structure, (b) any merger, consolidation, spin-off, spin-out, split-off, split-up, reorganization, partial or complete liquidation or other distribution of assets, issuance of rights or warrants to purchase securities or (c) any other corporate transaction or event having an effect similar to any of the foregoing.

        In the event of any such transaction or event, or in the event of a change in control (as defined in the 2017 Plan), the compensation committee may provide in substitution for any or all outstanding awards under the 2017 Plan such alternative consideration (including cash), if any, as it may in good faith determine to be equitable under the circumstances and will require in connection therewith the surrender of all awards so replaced in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code. In addition, for each stock option or appreciation right with an exercise price greater than the consideration offered in connection with any such transaction or event or change in control, the compensation committee may in its discretion elect to cancel such stock option or appreciation right without any payment to the person holding such stock option or appreciation right. The compensation committee will make or provide for such adjustments to the numbers and kind of shares available for

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issuance under the 2017 Plan and the share limits of the 2017 Plan as the compensation committee in its sole discretion may in good faith determine to be appropriate in connection with such transaction or event. However, any adjustment to the limit on the number of shares of our common stock that may be issued upon exercise of Incentive Stock Options will be made only if, and to the extent, such adjustment would not cause any option intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option to fail to so qualify.

        Transferability of Award.     Except as otherwise provided by the compensation committee, no stock option, appreciation right, restricted share, restricted stock unit, performance share, performance unit, cash incentive award, other award or dividend equivalents paid with respect to awards made under the 2017 Plan may be transferred by a participant.

        Amendment and Termination of the 2017 Plan.     Our board of directors generally may amend the 2017 Plan from time to time, in whole or in part. However, if any amendment (1) would materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the 2017 Plan, (2) would materially increase the number of shares of our common stock which may be issued under the 2017 Plan, (3) would materially modify the requirements for participation in the 2017 Plan, or (4) must otherwise be approved by our stockholders in order to comply with applicable law or the rules of the NYSE, then such amendment will be subject to stockholder approval and will not be effective unless and until such approval has been obtained.

        Our board of directors may, in its discretion, terminate the 2017 Plan at any time. Termination of the 2017 Plan will not affect the rights of participants or their successors under any awards outstanding and not exercised in full on the date of termination. No grant will be made under the 2017 Plan more than ten years after the effective date of the 2017 Plan, but all grants made on or prior to such date shall continue in effect thereafter subject to the terms of the 2017 Plan.

        Grants of Awards.     Upon the completion of this offering, our board of directors will grant restricted stock units equal to            of the shares reserved for issuance under the 2017 Plan to our employees. Of the restricted stock units granted upon completion of this offering, our named executive officers will receive the following:

Name
  Percent of
Shares to be
Granted Upon
IPO
  Number of
Restricted
Stock Units
 

Michael J. Doss

                 %      

Buddy Petersen

                 %      

Perry A. Harris

                 %      

        The restricted stock units will be settled in shares of our common stock subject to the discretion of the compensation committee to settle the restricted stock units in cash.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        The following is a summary of transactions that occurred on or were in effect after January 1, 2014 that we have been a party and which the amount involved exceeded $120,000 and in which any of our executive officers, directors or beneficial holders of more than 5% of our capital stock had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Convertible Preferred Stock Conversion

        Our stockholders have agreed that upon filing our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that each share of our convertible preferred stock will convert into a number of shares of common stock equal to its accreted value at March 31, 2017, or $2,735 per share, divided by the initial public offering price per share, subject to adjustment based on the aggregate value of our common stock and convertible preferred stock immediately prior to this offering. Assuming an initial public offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, our convertible preferred stock will convert into        shares of our common stock. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the public offering price would increase (decrease) the number of shares of our common stock that our convertible preferred stock will convert into by      %. For additional information regarding the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, see "Description of Capital Stock."

Transactions with Chesapeake

        Chesapeake is one of our largest stockholders and is a wholly owned subsidiary of one of our customers, Chesapeake Parent. We recognized revenue from Chesapeake Parent for well-completion services in the amount of $32.1 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

        We are party to a master service agreement dated July 9, 2012, and a master commercial agreement dated December 24, 2016, with subsidiaries of Chesapeake Parent. These agreements govern the performance of services and the supply of materials or equipment to Chesapeake Parent, the specific terms of which are addressed in subsequent written purchase or work orders. These agreements contain standard terms and provisions, including insurance requirements and confidentiality obligations and allocates certain operational risks through indemnity provisions.

Stockholders Agreement

        In September 2012, we entered into an amended and restated stockholders agreement with Maju, Senja, Chesapeake, and other stockholders party thereto, as amended in November 2012, April 2014, June 2015, November 2015 and September 2016. The amended and restated stockholders agreement contains agreements among our stockholders regarding, among other things, transfer restrictions, tag along rights, drag along rights, right of first offer, preemptive rights and director nomination and information rights. Prior to completion of this offering, we will terminate the amended and restated stockholders agreement.

Investors' Rights Agreements

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will enter into an investors' rights agreement with Maju and Chesapeake, pursuant to which we will be required to take all necessary action for individuals designated by Maju and Chesapeake to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by the board of directors for election by our stockholders. Under the investors' rights agreement, each of Maju and Chesapeake will have the right to nominate (1) two directors so long as it beneficially owns at least 15% of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock or (2) one director so long as it beneficially owns at least 5% but less than 15% of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock. The investors'

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rights agreement will also provide that so long as Maju or Chesapeake beneficially owns at least 5% of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock, it may elect to designate one non-voting observer to attend all meetings of the board of directors and committees of the board of directors. The investors' rights agreement also provides Maju or Chesapeake with certain information rights for so long as it beneficially owns at least 5% of our then outstanding shares of capital stock. Each of Maju and Chesapeake have agreed to take all reasonable actions, including voting or providing a consent or proxy, to ensure the election of their respective nominees and other terms of the investors' rights agreement.

        Under the investors' rights agreement, Maju and Chesapeake may designate a director to be a member of each committee, subject to compliance with applicable stock exchange requirements. The investors' rights agreement restricts our ability to adopt a shareholder rights plan and similar arrangements or to become subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL without the consent of Maju and Chesapeake. The agreement also grants other consent rights to Maju and Chesapeake, including for charter and bylaw provisions inconsistent with the investors' rights agreement.

        The investors' rights agreement provides that (1) we renounce any interest in any business opportunities of Chesapeake and Maju, their affiliates and directors appointed by them, and that none of the foregoing have any obligation to offer or present us those opportunities or any related information or to use any information regarding other or competing business for us, (2) we acknowledge our prior and future agreements and transactions with Chesapeake and its affiliates and (3) we waive any claims or recourse relating to the foregoing matters.

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will also enter into an investors' rights agreement with Senja and Hampton, pursuant to which, we will be required to take all necessary action for the individual collectively designated by Senja and Hampton to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by the board of directors for election by our stockholders. Under the investors' rights agreement, Senja and Hampton will have the right to nominate one director so long as they collectively with their affiliates own at least 5% of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock. The investors' rights agreement will also provide that so long as Senja and Hampton collectively with their affiliates own at least 5% of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock, they may elect to designate one non-voting observer to attend all meetings of the board of directors and committees of the board of directors. The investors' rights agreement also provides Senja and Hampton with certain information rights for so long as they collectively with their affiliates own at least 5% of our then-outstanding shares of capital stock. The agreement will also grant other rights to Senja and Hampton, including consent rights for charter and bylaw provisions inconsistent with the investors' rights agreement.

Registration Rights Agreement

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton. Under the terms of the registration rights agreement, the parties may request registration, or a demand registration, of all or a portion of their common stock, or Registrable Shares, under the Securities Act. We will not be obligated to effectuate more than                    demand registrations for each of Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton. Any demand registration must be for an anticipated aggregate offering price of at least $                     million. In addition, in the event we register additional shares of common stock for sale to the public following the completion of this offering, we will be required to give notice of the registration to the parties to the registration rights agreement and, subject to certain limitations, include shares of common stock held by them in the registration. The agreement includes customary indemnification and contribution provisions in favor of the parties to the agreement against certain losses and liabilities arising out of or based upon any filing or other disclosure made by us under securities laws relating to such registration. In addition, each stockholder that has registration rights pursuant to this agreement will agree not to sell, otherwise dispose of any securities, or exercise registration rights without the prior written consent of the

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underwriters for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain terms and conditions. We will generally pay all registration expenses in connection with our registration obligations. See "Underwriting" for additional information regarding such restrictions.

Procedures for Approval of Related Party Transactions

        Following the completion of this offering, pursuant to our audit committee charter that will be in effect upon the effectiveness of this offering, our audit committee will have the primary responsibility for reviewing and approving or disapproving "related-party transactions," which are transactions between us and related persons in which the aggregate amount involved exceeds or may be expected to exceed $120,000 and in which a related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Upon the completion of this offering, our policy regarding transactions between us and related persons will provide that a related person is defined as a director, executive officer, nominee for director or greater than 5% beneficial owner of our common stock, in each case since the beginning of the most recently completed fiscal year, and any of their immediate family members.

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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

        The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our shares of common stock as of             by:

    the selling stockholders;

    each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our shares of common stock;

    each of our named executive officers;

    each of our directors; and

    all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

        We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares that they beneficially own, subject to community property laws where applicable.

        We have based percentage ownership of our common stock prior to this offering on            shares of our common stock outstanding as of              after giving effect to (1) the            :            reverse stock split and (2) the conversion of our convertible preferred stock into common stock at a fixed exchange rate of            :             . Upon filing our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, each share of convertible preferred stock will convert into a number of shares of common stock equal to its accreted value at March 31, 2017, or $2,735 per share, divided by the initial public offering price per share, subject to adjustment based on the aggregate value of our common stock and convertible preferred stock immediately prior to this offering. Assuming an initial public offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, our convertible preferred stock will convert into        shares of our common stock. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the public offering price would increase (decrease) the number of shares of our common stock that our convertible preferred stock will convert into by      %. For additional information regarding the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, see "Description of Capital Stock." Percentage ownership of our common stock after this offering assumes the sale by us of            shares of common stock in this offering. Percent ownership after this offering if the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full assumes the sales by us of            shares of our common stock.

        Unless otherwise noted, the address of each beneficial owner listed on the table below is c/o FTS International, Inc. 777 Main Street, Suite 2900, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Beneficial ownership representing less than 1% is denoted with an asterisk (*). The statements concerning voting and

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investment power included in the footnotes to this table shall not be construed as admissions that such persons are the beneficial owners of such shares of common stock.

 
  Shares
Beneficially
Owned Prior to
this Offering
  Shares
Beneficially
Owned After this
Offering
  Shares
Beneficially
Owned After this
Offering if the
Underwriters'
Option to
Purchase
Additional
Shares is
Exercised
in Full
Name of Beneficial Owner
  Number   %   Number   %   Number   %

Selling Stockholders and other 5% Stockholders:

                       

Maju Investments (Mauritius Pte Ltd)(1)(2)

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

 

 

 

CHK Energy Holdings, Inc.(2)(3)

                                                   

Senja Capital Ltd(4)

                                                   

Cowboy Investments(5)

                                                   

Named Executive Officer and Directors:

                       

Michael J. Doss

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

        

 

 

 

 

Buddy Petersen

                                                   

Perry A. Harris

                                                   

Goh Yong Siang

                                                   

Domenic J. Dell'Osso, Jr.(6)

                                                   

Bryan J. Lemmerman(6)

                                                   

Ong Tiong Sin(7)

                                                   

Boon Sim(8)

                                                   

All executive officers and current directors as a group (10 persons)

                                                   

*
Less than 1%

(1)
Maju Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd is indirectly wholly owned by Temasek. The business address of Maju Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd is Les Cascades, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius.

(2)
Upon the completion of this offering, we will enter into an investors' rights agreement with Maju and Chesapeake. Pursuant to the investors' rights agreement, Maju and Chesapeake may be deemed to have formed a group pursuant to Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. Such group could be deemed to have beneficial ownership, for purposes of Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Exchange Act, of all equity securities of the Company beneficially owned by such parties. Such parties would, as of                        , 2017 be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of            shares (      %) of our capital stock. Each stockholder party to the investors' rights agreement disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares of our common stock owned by the other stockholder party to the agreement.

(3)
CHK Energy Holdings, Inc. is a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation. The business address of CHK Energy Holdings, Inc. is 6100 N. Western Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118.

(4)
Senja Capital Ltd is wholly owned by RRJ Capital Master Fund I, L.P., the general partner of which is RRJ Capital Limited. The business address of Senja Capital Ltd is CCS Trustees Limited, 263 Main Street, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

(5)
Cowboy Investment is wholly owned by Korea Investment Corporation. The business address of Cowboy Investment is Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, Grand Cayman, KY1-1111, Cayman Islands.

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(6)
Mr. Dell'Osso is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chesapeake Parent, and Mr. Lemmerman is the the Vice President—Strategic Planning at Chesapeake Parent.

(7)
Mr. Ong is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of RRJ Capital and disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares owned directly or indirectly by Senja Capital Ltd, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(8)
Mr. Sim is currently the Senior Advisory Director of Temasek, which indirectly wholly owns Maju. Mr. Sim disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares owned directly or indirectly by Maju.

        Each of the selling stockholders in this offering is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        The following description summarizes certain important terms of our capital stock, as they are expected to be in effect prior to the completion of this offering. We will adopt an amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will become effective prior to the completion of this offering, and this description summarizes the provisions that are included in such documents. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. For a complete description of the matters set forth in this section, you should refer to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws, the registration rights agreement and investors' rights agreements, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and to the applicable provisions of Delaware law.

Convertible Preferred Stock Conversion

        Conversion Rate.     Upon filing our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, each share of convertible preferred stock will convert into a number of shares of common stock equal to its accreted value at March 31, 2017, or $2,735 per share, divided by the initial public offering price per share, or the conversion rate, subject to adjustment as provided below based on the aggregate value of our common stock and convertible preferred stock immediately prior to this offering. Assuming an initial public offering price of $        per share, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, our convertible preferred stock will convert into        shares of our common stock. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the public offering price would increase (decrease) the number of shares of our common stock that our convertible preferred stock will convert into by      %.

        Adjustment to Conversion Rate.     If the value of the common stock and convertible preferred stock immediately prior to this offering is greater than the accreted value of the convertible preferred stock, the conversion rate may be reduced. In this case, the conversion rate will be reduced, to the extent necessary, so that immediately prior to this offering and after giving effect to the conversion, our common stockholders that did not own our convertible preferred stock will own not less than 3.75% of our common stock immediately prior to this offering. The conversion rate will not be adjusted in connection with the adoption of our 2017 Plan or the reservation of shares available for issuance under the 2017 Plan.

Post-Offering Capital Structure

        Immediately following the completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of            shares, $            par value per share, of which:

                shares are designated as common stock; and

                shares are designated as preferred stock.

        Our board of directors is authorized to issue additional shares of our capital stock without stockholder approval, except as required by the NYSE listing standards.

Common Stock

        Voting Rights.     The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on any matter to be voted upon by stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation will not provide for cumulative voting in connection with the election of directors and, accordingly, holders of more than 50% of the shares voting will be able to elect all of the directors. The holders of a majority of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the transaction of business.

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        Dividends.     The holders of our common stock are entitled to dividends if, as and when declared by our board of directors, from legally available funds, subject to certain contractual limitations on our ability to declare and pay dividends. See "Dividend Policy."

        Other Rights.     Upon the consummation of this offering, no holder of our common stock will have any preemptive right to subscribe for any shares of our capital stock issued in the future.

        Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of our affairs, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of creditors and subject to prior distribution rights of our preferred stock, if any.

Preferred Stock

        Upon completion of this offering, our board of directors will be authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences, and rights of the shares of each series and any of its qualifications, limitations, or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors can also increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series then-outstanding, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in our control and might adversely affect the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. We have no current plan to issue any shares of preferred stock.

Registration Rights

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton. Under the terms of the registration rights agreement, the parties may demand registration of their Registrable Shares under the Securities Act. We will not be obligated to effectuate more than                     demand registrations for each of Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton. Any demand registration must be for an anticipated aggregate offering price of at least $                     million. In addition, in the event we register additional shares of common stock for sale to the public following the completion of this offering, we will be required to give notice of the registration to the parties to the registration rights agreement and, subject to certain limitations, include shares of common stock held by them in the registration. The agreement includes customary indemnification and contribution provisions in favor of the parties to the agreement against certain losses and liabilities arising out of or based upon any filing or other disclosure made by us under securities laws relating to such registration. In addition, each stockholder that has registration rights pursuant to this agreement will agree not to sell, otherwise dispose of any securities, or exercise registration rights without the prior written consent of the underwriters for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain terms and conditions. We will generally pay all registration expenses in connection with our registration obligations. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale—Registration Rights" for additional information regarding such restrictions. All of our existing convertible preferred stock will be converted into shares of our common stock prior to the closing of this offering. For additional information regarding the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, see "—Convertible Preferred Stock Conversion."

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Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws

        Upon filing, provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in our control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares, or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. Therefore, these provisions could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Among other things, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will:

    provide that our board of directors is classified into three classes of directors;

    provide that stockholders may, except as set forth in the investors' rights agreements, which we will enter into with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton prior to the completion of this offering, remove directors only for cause and only with the approval of holders of at least 66 2 / 3 % of our then-outstanding capital stock;

    provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors;

    provide that all vacancies, including newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law or as set forth in the investors' rights agreements, which we will enter into with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton prior to the completion of this offering, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum;

    provide that our stockholders may not take action by written consent, and may only take action at annual or special meetings of our stockholders;

    provide that stockholders, other than Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton, seeking to present proposals before a meeting of stockholders or to nominate candidates for election as directors at a meeting of stockholders must provide notice in writing in a timely manner, and also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder's notice;

    restrict the forum for certain litigation against us to Delaware;

    not provide for cumulative voting rights (therefore allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election);

    provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by (1) the Chairman of the board of directors, (2) our CEO, (3) the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors or (4) stockholders with at least 25% of our then-outstanding capital stock;

    provide that, except as set forth in the investors' rights agreements, which we will enter into with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton prior to the completion of this offering, stockholders will be permitted to amend our amended and restated bylaws only upon receiving at least 66 2 / 3 % of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class; and

    provide that, except as set forth in the investors' rights agreements, which we will enter into with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton prior to the completion of this offering, certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may only be amended upon receiving at least 66 2 / 3 % of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares then entitled to vote, voting together as a single class.

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        Further, we intend to opt out of Section 203 of the DGCL. However, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will contain similar provisions providing that we may not engage in certain "business combinations" with any "interested stockholder" for a three-year period following the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

    prior to such time, our board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

    upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least        % of our voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding certain shares; or

    at or subsequent to that time, the business combination is approved by our board of directors and by the affirmative vote of holders of at least            of our outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

        Generally, a "business combination" includes a merger, asset, or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with that person's affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years owned,        % or more of our outstanding voting stock. For purposes of this section only, "voting stock" has the meaning given to it in Section 203 of the DGCL.

        Under certain circumstances, this provision will make it more difficult for a person who would be an "interested stockholder" to effect various business combinations with the Company for a three-year period. This provision may encourage companies interested in acquiring the Company to negotiate in advance with our board of directors because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if our board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. These provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our board of directors and may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that            and            and their affiliates and any of their direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party, do not constitute "interested stockholders" for purposes of this provision.

Choice of Forum

        Unless we consent to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders; any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the DGCL; or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock will be American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

Listing

        We intend to apply to list our common stock on the NYSE under the symbol "FTSI."

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DESCRIPTION OF INDEBTEDNESS

        A description of our Term Loan, 2022 Notes and 2020 Notes is set forth below.

Term Loan

        In April 2014, we entered into a Term Loan in the initial principal amount of $550,000,000 and related security agreements with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders and Wells Fargo, as administrative agent. Borrowings under our Term Loan will mature on April 16, 2021. The Term Loan also permits, upon terms and subject to conditions set forth therein, the incurrence of additional term loans on an uncommitted basis in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the sum of $300 million plus an unlimited amount of term loans that would not cause the pro forma senior secured net leverage ratio (as defined therein) to exceed 4.00 to 1.00.

        The Term Loan is guaranteed, subject to certain exceptions, by our current and future wholly owned domestic restricted subsidiaries (other than foreign subsidiary holding companies), and by any restricted subsidiary of ours that is not already a guarantor that guarantees or becomes an obligor on any other indebtedness of ours or a guarantor in an amount exceeding $5 million.

        Our obligations under our Term Loan are secured by (a) a first priority security interest in and lien in 100% of the existing and after acquired stock of our domestic subsidiaries (other than foreign subsidiary holding companies) and 65% of the existing and after acquired voting stock and 100% of the existing and acquired non-voting stock of our first-tier foreign subsidiaries and foreign subsidiary holding companies, or the Term Loan/2022 Notes Collateral, and (b) a second priority security interest in the 2020 Notes Collateral, as described below, in each case subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions. The security interests securing the Term Loan rank pari passu with the security interests securing the 2022 Notes. The Term Loan is effectively senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness, including the 2020 Notes, that is secured by a lower priority lien on the Term Loan/2022 Notes Collateral securing the Term Loan, to the extent of the value of such assets, and equal in right of payment thereafter and effectively junior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness, including the 2020 Notes, that is secured by a higher priority lien on the 2020 Notes Collateral securing the 2020 Notes or by a lien on assets not constituting collateral for the Term Loan, to the extent of the value of such assets, and equal in right of payment thereafter.

        Our Term Loan bears interest at a rate per annum equal to either a base rate or LIBOR, at our option, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. Loans under the Term Loan amortize in equal quarterly installments in an annual amount of 1% of the original principal amount, with the balance due upon final maturity.

        Our Term Loan contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to grant liens, engage in mergers, sell assets, incur debt, make restricted payments and undertake transactions with affiliates.

2022 Notes

        In April 2014, we issued $500,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 6.250% senior secured notes pursuant to an indenture between the Company, the guarantors thereto and US Bank National Association, as trustee. The 2022 Notes mature on May 1, 2022.

        Our 2022 Notes are guaranteed, subject to certain exceptions, by our current and future wholly owned domestic restricted subsidiaries (other than foreign subsidiary holding companies), and by any restricted subsidiary of ours that is not already a guarantor that guarantees or becomes an obligor on any other indebtedness of ours or a guarantor in an amount exceeding $5 million.

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        The 2022 Notes are secured by (a) a first priority security interest in the Term Loan/2022 Notes Collateral and (b) a second priority security interest in the 2020 Notes Collateral, in each case subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions. The security interests securing the 2022 Notes rank pari passu with the security interests securing our Term Loan. The 2022 Notes are effectively senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness, including the 2020 Notes, that is secured by a lower priority lien on the Term Loan/2022 Notes Collateral securing the 2022 Notes, to the extent of the value of such assets, and equal in right of payment thereafter and effectively junior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness, including the 2020 Notes, that is secured by a higher priority lien on the 2020 Notes Collateral securing the 2020 Notes or by a lien on assets not constituting collateral for the 2022 Notes, to the extent of the value of such assets, and equal in right of payment thereafter.

        Interest on the 2022 Notes accrues at a rate of 6.250% per annum. Interest on the 2022 Notes is payable semi annually in cash in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year.

        The indenture governing our 2022 Notes contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to grant liens, engage in mergers, sell assets, incur debt, make restricted payments and undertake transactions with affiliates.

2020 Notes

        In June 2015, we issued $350,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior secured floating rate notes pursuant to an indenture between the Company, the guarantors thereto and US Bank National Association, as trustee. The 2020 Notes mature on June 15, 2020.

        Our 2020 Notes are guaranteed, subject to certain exceptions, by our current and future wholly owned domestic restricted subsidiaries (other than foreign subsidiary holding companies), and by any restricted subsidiary of ours that is not already a guarantor that guarantees or becomes an obligor on any other indebtedness of ours or a guarantor in an amount exceeding $5 million.

        The 2020 Notes are secured by (a) a first priority security interest in our and our guarantors' accounts receivable, inventory, deposit accounts, cash and related assets and fracturing, fleet and certain other equipment, or the 2020 Notes Collateral and (b) a second priority security interest in the Term Loan/2022 Notes Collateral, in each case subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions. The 2020 Notes are effectively senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness, including the Term Loan and 2022 Notes, that is secured by a lower priority lien on the 2020 Notes Collateral securing the 2020 Notes, to the extent of the value of such assets, and equal in right of payment thereafter and effectively junior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness, including the Term Loan and 2022 Notes, that is secured by a higher priority lien on the Term Loan/2022 Notes Collateral securing the Term Loan and 2022 Notes or by a lien on assets not constituting collateral for the 2020 Notes, to the extent of the value of such assets, and equal in right of payment thereafter.

        Interest on the 2020 Notes accrues at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 7.500% per annum. Interest on the 2020 Notes is payable quarterly, in cash in arrears, on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year.

        The indenture governing our 2020 Notes contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to grant liens, engage in mergers, sell assets, incur debt, make restricted payments and undertake transactions with affiliates.

        Subject to completion of the initial public offering, we have provided notice to the holders for redemption of all of our outstanding 2020 Notes at a redemption price of 103.000% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including the redemption date. We expect the redemption date to be the closing date of this offering.

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Intercreditor Agreements

        The collateral agent under the Term Loan and the collateral agent under the indenture governing the 2022 Notes entered into a pari passu intercreditor agreement as to the relative priorities of their respective security interests in the assets securing the Term Loan and the 2022 Notes, and certain future secured indebtedness and certain other matters relating to the administration of their respective security interests, including in the event of a bankruptcy.

        The collateral agent under the Term Loan, the collateral agent under the indenture governing the 2022 Notes and the collateral agent under the indenture governing the 2020 Notes are parties to a junior intercreditor agreement as to the relative priorities of their respective security interests in the assets securing the 2022 Notes, the Term Loan and the 2020 Notes and certain future secured indebtedness and certain other matters relating to the administration of their respective security interests, including in the event of a bankruptcy.

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

        Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of common stock in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices. Furthermore, since only a limited number of shares will be available for sale shortly after this offering because of contractual and legal restrictions on resale described below, sales of substantial amounts of shares of common stock in the public market after the restrictions lapse could adversely affect the prevailing market price for our shares of common stock as well as our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

Sales of Restricted Shares

        Upon completion of this offering, our        :        reserve stock split and the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, we will have issued and outstanding an aggregate of        shares of common stock, assuming no exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares, and no exercise of options after such date. For additional information regarding the conversion of our convertible preferred stock, see "Description of Capital Stock." Only the        shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, except for any such shares purchased by our "affiliate," as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Except as set forth below, the remaining        shares of common stock outstanding after this offering will be "restricted securities" as such term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be subject to lock-up agreements. These remaining shares will generally become available for sale in the public market as follows:

    no restricted shares will be eligible for immediate sale upon the closing of this offering;

                shares will be eligible for sale upon expiration of the lock-up agreements 181 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to any volume and other limitations applicable to the holders of such shares; and

                shares registered in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement. See "—Registration Rights Agreement" below.

Rule 144

        In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person or persons who is an affiliate, or whose shares are aggregated and who owns shares of common stock that were acquired from us or our affiliate at least six months ago, would be entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of (1) 1% of our then-outstanding shares of common stock, which would be approximately        shares of common stock immediately after this offering, or (2) an amount equal to the average weekly reported volume of trading in our shares of common stock on all national securities exchanges or reported through the automated quotation system of registered securities associations during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC. Sales in reliance on Rule 144 are also subject to other requirements regarding the manner of sale, notice and availability of current public information about us.

        A person or persons whose shares of common stock are aggregated, and who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at any time during the 90 days immediately preceding the sale, may sell restricted securities in reliance on Rule 144(b)(1) without regard to the limitations described above, subject to our compliance with Exchange Act reporting obligations for at least three months before the sale, and provided that six months have expired since the date on which the same restricted securities were acquired from us or one of our affiliates, and provided further that such sales comply with the current public information provision of Rule 144 (until the securities have been held for one year). As

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defined in Rule 144, an "affiliate" of an issuer is a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, that same issuer.

Rule 701

        Subject to certain limitations on the aggregate offering price of a transaction and other conditions, Rule 701 under the Securities Act, as in effect on the date of this prospectus, permits resales of shares in reliance upon Rule 144 but without compliance with certain restrictions of Rule 144, including the holding period requirement. Most of our employees, executive officers or directors who purchased or received shares under a written compensatory plan or contract may be entitled to rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701, but all holders of Rule 701 shares are required to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling their shares. However, substantially all Rule 701 shares are subject to lock-up agreements as described below and under "Underwriting" and will become eligible for sale upon the expiration of the restrictions set forth in those agreements. We will file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register common stock issuable under our equity incentive plans.

Lock-up Agreements

        We, our executive officers and directors and our other existing security holders have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly

    offer, pledge, sell, or contract to sell any common stock;

    sell any option or contract to purchase any common stock;

    purchase any option or contract to sell any common stock;

    grant any option, right, or warrant for the sale of any common stock;

    lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common stock;

    request or demand that we file a registration statement related to the common stock; or

    enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common stock whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise.

        This lock-up provision also applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable for or repayable with common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above, in whole or in part, at any time.

Registration Rights Agreement

        Upon the completion of this offering, we will enter a registration rights agreement with Maju, Chesapeake, Senja and Hampton. Under the terms of the registration rights agreement, the parties may demand registration of their Registrable Shares under the Securities Act, subject to the lock-up agreement described above. Registration of the Registrable Shares under the Securities Act would result in them becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration. Any sales of securities by these stockholders could adversely affect

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the trading price of our shares of common stock. See "Description of Capital Stock—Registration Rights."

Registration Statement on Form S-8

        After the completion of this offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the offer and sale of        shares of our common stock under the 2014 LTIP and 2017 Plan. This registration statement on Form S-8 will become effective immediately upon filing, and shares of our common stock covered by the registration statement may then be publicly resold without restriction, subject to the Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates and the applicable lock-up agreements. See "Executive Compensation" for a description of our 2014 LTIP and 2017 Plan.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

        The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the ownership and disposition of our common stock by non-U.S. holders (as defined below), but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This summary is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury regulations promulgated or proposed thereunder, administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as of the date hereof. These authorities may be changed, possibly with retroactive effect, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those set forth below.

        This summary is limited to non-U.S. holders who purchase our common stock pursuant to this offering and who hold shares of our common stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, non-U.S. holders who hold for investment purposes). This summary does not address the tax considerations arising under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction or any U.S. state or local jurisdiction or under U.S. federal gift and estate tax laws. In addition, this discussion does not address tax considerations applicable to an investor's particular circumstances or to investors that may be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation:

    banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions;

    persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

    tax-exempt organizations;

    controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies;

    brokers or dealers in securities or currencies;

    traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting;

    persons that own, or are deemed to own, more than five percent of our capital stock (except to the extent specifically set forth below);

    certain former citizens or former long-term residents of the United States;

    persons who hold our common stock as a position in a hedging transaction, "straddle," "conversion transaction" or other risk-reduction transaction; or

    persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code.

        YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX RULES, UNITED STATES ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RULES OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY NON-U.S. JURISDICTION OR ANY U.S. STATE OR LOCAL TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

Non-U.S. Holder Defined

        For purposes of this discussion, you are a non-U.S. holder if you are any holder that is not:

    a citizen or individual resident of the United States;

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

    an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source;

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    a trust (x) whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more "U.S. persons" who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (y) which has made an election under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person; or

    an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        If a partnership (including an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, partnerships that hold our common stock, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their tax advisors as to their status as non-U.S. holders.

Distributions

        Other than as described in this prospectus, we have not made any distributions on our common stock, and we do not expect to make any distributions for the foreseeable future. However, if we do make distributions on our common stock, other than certain pro rata distributions of common stock, those payments will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes only to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent distributions exceed both our current and our accumulated earnings and profits, they will constitute a return of capital and first will reduce your basis in our common stock, but not below zero, and then will be treated as capital gain from the sale of stock, subject to the tax treatment described below in "—Gain on Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock."

        Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA below, any dividend (as determined under the above rules) paid to you generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividend, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty, except to the extent that the dividends are "effectively connected" dividends, as described below. In order to be eligible for a reduced treaty rate, you must provide us with a properly completed Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8) certifying qualification for the reduced rate. If you are a non-U.S. holder of shares of our common stock who is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty, you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. If you are a non-U.S. holder who holds your stock through a financial institution or other agent acting on your behalf, you will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the agent, which then will be required to provide certification to us or our paying agent, either directly or through other intermediaries.

        Dividends received by you that are effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by you in the United States) are exempt from such withholding tax. In order to obtain this exemption, you must provide us with an IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form) properly certifying such exemption. Such effectively-connected dividends, although not subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, are generally taxed at the same graduated rates applicable to U.S. persons, net of applicable deductions and credits. In addition, if you are a corporate non-U.S. holder, dividends you receive that are effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business may also be subject to "branch profits tax" at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

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Gain on Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock

        Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA below, you generally will not be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock unless:

    the gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the gain is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by you in the United States);

    you are an individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year in which the sale or disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met; or

    our common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest by reason of our status as a "United States real property holding corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or a USRPHC, at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or your holding period for our common stock.

        In general, we would be a USRPHC if our "U.S. real property interests" comprised at least 50% of the sum of the fair market value of our worldwide real property interests plus our other assets used or held in our trade or business. We believe that we are not currently a USRPHC and, based upon our projections as to our business, we do not expect to become a USRPHC. However, because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property relative to the fair market value of our other business assets, there can be no assurance that we will not become a USRPHC in the future. Even if we become a USRPHC, however, as long as our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market (within the meaning of applicable Treasury regulations), such common stock will be treated as a U.S. real property interest only if you actually or constructively hold more than five percent of such regularly traded common stock at any time during the applicable period described above.

        If you are a non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet above, you generally will be required to pay tax on the gain derived from the sale (net of applicable deductions or credits) under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates generally applicable to U.S. persons, and corporate non-U.S. holders described in the first bullet above also may be subject to branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. If you are an individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet above, you will be required to pay a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which tax may be offset by U.S. source capital losses for that year (even though you are not considered a resident of the United States for tax purposes), provided that the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses. Applicable U.S. income tax or other treaties may provide for different rules. You should consult your U.S. tax advisor as to the application of any such treaties in your own situation.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

        Generally, we must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid to you, your name and address, and the amount of tax withheld, if any. A similar report will be sent to you. Pursuant to applicable tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS may make these reports available to tax authorities in your country of residence.

        Payments of dividends or of proceeds on the disposition of stock made to you may be subject to additional information reporting and backup withholding at a current rate of 28% unless you establish an exemption, for example by properly certifying to your non-U.S. status on a Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or another appropriate version of IRS Form W-8). Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding and information reporting may apply if either we or our paying agent has actual

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knowledge, or reason to know, that you are a U.S. person or that the conditions of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied.

        Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, the U.S. federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may generally be obtained from the IRS, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

FATCA

        The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act provisions of the Code, commonly referred to as "FATCA" and treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, generally impose a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax on certain U.S. source payments made to certain "foreign financial institutions" (which term includes most foreign hedge funds, private equity funds, mutual funds, securitization vehicles and other foreign investment vehicles) and "non-financial foreign entities" (as defined in the Code) that fail to comply with information reporting rules with respect to their U.S. account holders and investors. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, a foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax with respect to any "withholdable payments," unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies that it does not have any "substantial United States owners" (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements described in (1) above, it must generally enter into an agreement with the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to indentify accounts held by certain "specified United States persons" or "United States-owned foreign entities" (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant account holders. For this purpose, "withholdable payments" generally include U.S.-source dividends (which would include dividends on our common stock) and the entire gross proceeds from the sale of any property producing such U.S.-source dividends (such as shares of our common stock). Treasury guidance defers this withholding obligation with respect to gross proceeds from dispositions of stock until January 1, 2019. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules. More than 100 foreign jurisdictions have such an intergovernmental agreement with the United States. The rules under FATCA are complex. All non-U.S. holders, and particularly investors that hold notes through a non-U.S. intermediary, are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of FATCA for an investment in shares of our common stock.

        THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. THIS DISCUSSION IS NOT TAX ADVICE. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE PARTICULAR UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAWS.

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UNDERWRITING

        Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us, the selling stockholders and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us the number of shares of common stock set forth opposite its name below.

Underwriter
  Number of
Shares

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

   

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

   

Barclays Capital Inc.

   

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

   

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

   

Evercore Group L.L.C.

   

Cowen and Company, LLC

   

Guggenheim Securities, LLC

   

Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. Securities, Inc.

   

Total

   

        Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

        We and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

        The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer's certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

        We and the selling stockholders have granted an option to the underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to                additional shares from the Company and                additional shares from the selling stockholders at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this option solely to cover any over-allotments. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriter's initial amount reflected in the above table.

Commissions and Discounts

        The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $            per share. The underwriters may allow a discount

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not in excess of $            per share to other dealers. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of this offering may be changed.

        The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and commissions and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.

 
  Per Share   Without
Option
  With
Option
 

Public offering price

  $     $     $    

Underwriting discount and commissions paid by us

  $     $     $    

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

  $     $     $    

Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by the selling stockholders

  $     $     $    

Proceeds to selling stockholders

  $     $     $    

        The expenses of this offering, not including the underwriting discount and commissions, are estimated at $            and are payable by us. We will also pay other expenses related to this offering, including legal fees and other expenses. We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses relating to clearing this offering with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in an amount up to $            . The selling stockholders will not bear any portion of these expenses.

Reserved Shares

        At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to                shares offered by this prospectus for sale to employees, directors and other persons associated with us who have expressed an interest in purchasing common stock in this offering. If these persons purchase reserved shares, this will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus.

No Sales of Similar Securities

        We, our executive officers and directors, the selling stockholders and certain of our other existing security holders have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly:

    offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common stock,

    sell any option or contract to purchase any common stock,

    purchase any option or contract to sell any common stock,

    grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common stock,

    lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common stock,

    request or demand that we file a registration statement related to the common stock, or

    enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common stock whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise.

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        This lock-up provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition.

Listing

        We intend to apply to list the shares on NYSE under the symbol "FTSI." In order to meet the requirements for listing on that exchange, the underwriters have undertaken to sell a minimum number of shares to a minimum number of beneficial owners as required by that exchange.

        Before this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations among us and the representatives. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price are:

    the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that the representatives believe to be comparable to us,

    our financial information,

    the history of, and the prospects for, our company and the industry in which we compete,

    an assessment of our management, its past and present operations, and the prospects for, and timing of, our future revenues,

    the present state of our development, and

    the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to ours.

        An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible that after this offering the shares will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

        The underwriters do not expect to sell more than 5% of the shares in the aggregate to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.

Stabilization

        The underwriters have advised us that, pursuant to Regulation M under the Exchange Act, as amended, certain persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions, including overallotment, stabilizing bids, syndicate covering transactions or the imposition of penalty bids, which may have the effect of stabilizing or maintaining the market price of our common stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Overallotment involves syndicate sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a syndicate short position. Establishing short sales positions may involve either "covered" short sales or "naked" short sales.

        "Covered" short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares of our common stock in this offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock or purchasing shares of our common stock in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market, as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the option to purchase additional shares.

        "Naked" short sales are sales in excess of the option to purchase additional shares of our common stock. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open

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market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares of our common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering.

        A stabilizing bid is a bid for the purchase of common stock on behalf of the underwriters for the purpose of fixing or maintaining the price of our common stock. A syndicate covering transaction is the bid for or the purchase of common stock on behalf of the underwriters to reduce a short position incurred by the underwriters in connection with this offering. Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriter's purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. A penalty bid is an arrangement permitting the underwriters to reclaim the selling concession otherwise accruing to a syndicate member in connection with this offering if the common stock originally sold by such syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction and therefore have not been effectively placed by such syndicate member.

        Neither we nor any of the underwriters makes any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. The underwriters are not obligated to engage in these activities and, if commenced, any of the activities may be discontinued at any time.

Electronic Distribution

        A prospectus in electronic format may be made available by e-mail or on the web sites or through online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters or their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a specific number of shares for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the underwriters on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on the underwriters' web sites and any information contained in any other web site maintained by any of the underwriters is not part of this prospectus, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or the underwriters and should not be relied upon by investors.

Affiliations

        The underwriters and certain of their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. The underwriters and certain of their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for the issuer, for which they received or will receive customary cash fees and expenses.

        The underwriters or their respective affiliates may hold our 2020 Notes or 2022 Notes or be a lender under our Term Loan and, therefore, may receive a portion of the proceeds from this offering. See "Use of Proceeds."

        In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and certain of their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of the Company. The underwriters and certain of their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research

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views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

        In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive, or a Relevant Member State, with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State, or the Relevant Implementation Date, no offer of shares may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:

    to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

    to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives; or

    in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,

    provided that no such offer of shares shall require us or the representatives to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

        Each person in a Relevant Member State (other than a Relevant Member State where there is a Permitted Public Offer) who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that (A) it is a "qualified investor" within the meaning of the law in that Relevant Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive, and (B) in the case of any shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, the shares acquired by it in this offering have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Relevant Member State other than "qualified investors" as defined in the Prospectus Directive, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the Subscribers has been given to the offer or resale. In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer of any shares to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant Member State to qualified investors as so defined or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.

        We, the representatives and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representation, acknowledgement and agreement.

        This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of shares in any Relevant Member State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of shares. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Relevant Member State of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for us or any of the underwriters to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive in relation to such offer. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of shares in circumstances in which an obligation arises for us or the underwriters to publish a prospectus for such offer.

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        For the purpose of the above provisions, the expression "an offer to the public" in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in the Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in the Relevant Member State and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member States) and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

        In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19 (5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, or the Order, and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

        This prospectus has not been approved by or registered with the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong or the Registrar of Companies of Hong Kong. The shares will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) has been issued or will be issued in Hong Kong or elsewhere other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

        The shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, "Japanese Person" shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

        This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale,

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or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289); or the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA. Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, then shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the securities under Section 275 except: (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (ii) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (iii) by operation of law.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

        The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or the SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or this offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

        Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to this offering, us, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, or FINMA, and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes, or CISA. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

        This prospectus supplement relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. This prospectus supplement is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus supplement. The shares to which this prospectus supplement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus supplement you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for FTS International, Inc. and the selling stockholders by Jones Day, Dallas, Texas. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Shearman & Sterling LLP, New York, New York.


EXPERTS

        The audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus and elsewhere in this registration statement have been so included in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 (including the exhibits, schedules and amendments thereto) under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of our common stock offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. Some items are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and the common stock offered hereby, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or any other document are summaries of the material terms of that contract, agreement or other document. With respect to each of these contracts, agreements or other documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, reference is made to the exhibits for a more complete description of the matter involved. A copy of the filed registration statement, and the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be inspected without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of these materials may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facility. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC's website is http://www.sec.gov.

        After we have completed this offering, we will file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act. After completion of this offering, we expect to make our periodic reports and other information filed with or furnished to the SEC available, free of charge, through our website, http://www.ftsi.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports and other information are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information on our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page

Consolidated Financial Statements

   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  F-2

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheets

  F-4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  F-5

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

  F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-7

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders
FTS International, Inc.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FTS International, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders' equity (deficit), for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016. 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. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 FTS International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Dallas, Texas
February 27, 2017

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions, except per share amounts)
  2015   2016  

Revenue

             

Revenue

  $ 1,331.8   $ 529.5  

Revenue from related parties

    43.5     2.7  

Total revenue

    1,375.3     532.2  

Operating expenses

             

Costs of revenue (excluding depreciation of $152.3 and $98.9, respectively, included in depreciation and amortization below)

    1,257.9     510.5  

Selling, general and administrative

    154.7     64.4  

Depreciation and amortization

    272.4     112.6  

Impairments and other charges

    619.9     12.3  

Loss on disposal of assets, net

    5.9     1.0  

Gain on insurance recoveries

        (15.1 )

Total operating expenses

    2,310.8     685.7  

Operating loss

    (935.5 )   (153.5 )

Interest expense, net

   
(77.2

)
 
(87.5

)

(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt, net

    (0.6 )   53.7  

Equity in net loss of joint venture affiliate

    (1.4 )   (2.8 )

Loss before income taxes

    (1,014.7 )   (190.1 )

Income tax benefit

    (1.5 )   (1.6 )

Net loss

  $ (1,013.2 ) $ (188.5 )

Net loss attributable to common stockholders

  $ (1,158.1 ) $ (370.1 )

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders

  $ (0.32 ) $ (0.10 )

Shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

    3,589.7     3,586.5  

Pro forma basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders (unaudited)

        $    

Shares used in computing pro forma basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (unaudited)

             

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
  December 31,    
 
 
  Pro Forma
December 31,
2016
 
(In millions, except share amounts)
  2015   2016  
 
   
   
  (unaudited)
 

ASSETS

                   

Current assets

                   

Cash

  $ 264.6   $ 160.3        

Accounts receivable, net

    101.0     76.5        

Accounts receivable from related parties

    3.5     0.1        

Inventories

    31.5     24.8        

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    22.0     17.7        

Total current assets

    422.6     279.4        

Property, plant, and equipment, net

    430.6     284.3        

Intangible assets, net

    29.5     29.5        

Investment in joint venture affiliate

    23.2     21.6        

Other assets

    1.5     2.0        

Total assets

  $ 907.4   $ 616.8        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

                   

Current liabilities

                   

Accounts payable

  $ 56.0   $ 60.8        

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    52.0     34.8        

Total current liabilities

    108.0     95.6        

Long-term debt

    1,276.2     1,188.7        

Other liabilities

    3.9     1.7        

Total liabilities

    1,388.1     1,286.0        

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)

                   

Series A convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 350,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively (aggregate amount of liquidation preference of $906.1 million at December 31, 2016); no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, pro forma (unaudited)

    349.8     349.8        

Stockholders' deficit

                   

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000,000 shares authorized, 3,586,503,220 and 3,586,408,881 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively;            shares issued and outstanding, pro forma (unaudited)

    35.9     35.9        

Additional paid-in capital

    3,712.1     3,712.1        

Accumulated deficit

    (4,578.5 )   (4,767.0 )      

Total stockholders' deficit

    (830.5 )   (1,019.0 )      

Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit

  $ 907.4   $ 616.8        

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Cash flows from operating activities

             

Net loss

  $ (1,013.2 ) $ (188.5 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

             

Depreciation and amortization

    272.4     112.6  

Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs

    3.2     3.8  

Impairment of assets and goodwill

    572.9     7.0  

Loss on disposal of assets, net

    5.9     1.0  

Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net

    0.6     (53.7 )

Gain on insurance recoveries

        (15.1 )

Inventory write-down

    24.5      

Acquisition earn-out adjustments

    (3.4 )    

Other non-cash items

    3.8     2.0  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

             

Accounts receivable

    373.2     24.0  

Accounts receivable from related parties

    33.5     3.4  

Inventories

    37.9     5.3  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    2.0     2.6  

Accounts payable

    (210.4 )   2.8  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    (52.3 )   (17.0 )

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    50.6     (109.8 )

Cash flows from investing activities

             

Capital expenditures

    (79.1 )   (10.3 )

Cash paid for acquisitions

    (1.7 )    

Investment in joint venture affiliate

    (14.8 )    

Proceeds from disposal of assets

    9.7     31.5  

Proceeds from insurance recoveries

        19.0  

Net change in restricted cash

    (12.0 )   2.9  

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (97.9 )   43.1  

Cash flows from financing activities

             

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    366.5      

Payments of debt issuance costs

    (6.0 )    

Repayments of long-term debt

    (58.9 )   (37.6 )

Other

    (0.2 )    

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    301.4     (37.6 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    254.1     (104.3 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    10.5     264.6  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 264.6   $ 160.3  

Supplemental cash flow information

             

Interest paid

  $ 74.3   $ 84.2  

Income tax payments, net

  $ 2.0   $  

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 
  Common Stock    
   
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Total
Stockholders'
Equity (Deficit)
 
(In millions)
  Shares   Amount  

Balance at January 1, 2015

    3,590.6   $ 35.9   $ 3,710.4   $ (3,565.3 ) $ 181.0  

Net loss

   
   
   
   
(1,013.2

)
 
(1,013.2

)

Activity related to stock plans

    (4.1 )       1.7         1.7  

Balance at December 31, 2015

    3,586.5     35.9     3,712.1     (4,578.5 )   (830.5 )

Net loss

                (188.5 )   (188.5 )

Activity related to stock plans

    (0.1 )                

Balance at December 31, 2016

    3,586.4   $ 35.9   $ 3,712.1   $ (4,767.0 ) $ (1,019.0 )

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

        Throughout the notes to these consolidated financial statements, the terms "FTSI," "we," "us," "our" or "ours" refer to FTS International, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries. We are a leading independent provider of well completion services. Our services and products are designed to enhance the recovery rates of our customers from wells drilled in shale and other unconventional formations. We provide these services through one of North America's largest fleets of hydraulic fracturing equipment. In addition, we use our experience and operational capabilities to provide other value-added services to our customers, including wireline and pressure control services. We also have proprietary design and manufacturing capabilities that allow us to build and service our equipment. Substantially all of our business activities support our well completion services. We manage our business, allocate resources, and assess our financial performance on a consolidated basis; therefore we do not have separate operating segments.

        We operate primarily in the most active unconventional oil and natural gas basins in the United States, including the Eagle Ford Shale, the Marcellus/Utica Shale, the Haynesville Shale, the Permian Basin, and the Oklahoma and north Texas areas of the Mid-Continent region.

    Concentrations of Risk

        Our business activities are concentrated in the well completion services segment of the oilfield services industry in the United States. The market for these services is cyclical, and we depend on the willingness of our customers to make operating and capital expenditures to explore for, develop, and produce oil and natural gas in the United States. The willingness of our customers to undertake these activities depends largely upon prevailing industry conditions that are predominantly influenced by current and expected prices for oil and natural gas.

        Low commodity prices have caused our customers to significantly reduce their hydraulic fracturing activities, which has contributed to a lower pricing environment for our services in 2016. We continue to aggressively manage all operating costs and capital expenditures during this period of reduced activity and lower pricing. While we expect to have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations and capital expenditures over the next 12 months, we will continue to explore opportunities to further improve our liquidity and capital structure based on current and evolving business conditions.

        Our customer base is concentrated. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if one or more of our significant customers ceases to engage us for our services on favorable terms, or at all, or fails to pay, or delays in paying, us significant amounts of our outstanding receivables. The following table shows the customers who represented more than 10% of our total revenue in any one of the periods indicated below:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2015   2016  

Newfield Exploration

    8 %   18 %

EQT Production Company

    12 %   12 %

EP Energy Corporation

    6 %   11 %

Vine Oil and Gas, L.P.

    2 %   10 %

Murphy Oil Corporation

    11 %   2 %

Range Resources Corporation

    13 %   1 %

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 1—DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS (Continued)

        In 2015 we began experiencing increased turnover in our customer base as certain customers reduced their activity levels or became more focused on selecting the lowest cost service provider during the industry downturn.

    Related Parties

        We have historically provided services and sold equipment to Chesapeake Energy Corporation ("Chesapeake") and its affiliates, which beneficially own approximately 30% of our outstanding common stock and has the right to designate two individuals to serve on our board of directors. Revenue earned from Chesapeake was $32.1 million and $2.4 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively. All revenue earned from Chesapeake is based on the prevailing market prices for our services at the time the work is performed. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, we had no accounts receivable from Chesapeake.

        We sold equipment to our Chinese joint venture for $11.4 million and $0.3 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, we had accounts receivable balances of $3.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively, from this related party.

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

    Basis of Presentation

        We prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FTSI and all majority-owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries. Investments over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, but do not hold a controlling interest, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. There were no items of other comprehensive income in the periods presented. We evaluated subsequent events through February 27, 2017, which is the date at which the financial statements were available to be issued, and determined that there were no additional items to disclose.

    Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, related revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of gain and loss contingencies at the date of the financial statements and during the periods presented. We base these estimates on historical results and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, all of which form the basis for making estimates concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

    Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash equivalents include only investments with an original maturity of three months or less. We occasionally hold cash deposits in financial institutions that exceed federally insured limits. We monitor the credit ratings and our concentration of risk with these financial institutions on a continuing basis to safeguard our cash deposits.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

    Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a number of factors, including the length of time that accounts receivable are past due, our previous loss history, and the customer's creditworthiness. The provision for doubtful accounts was not significant for any period presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

    Inventories

        Inventories consist of proppants and chemicals that are used to provide hydraulic fracturing services, maintenance parts that are used to service our hydraulic fracturing equipment, and explosives and perforating guns that are used to provide our wireline services. Proppants generally consist of raw sand, resin-coated sand or ceramic particles. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. The cost basis of our inventories is based on the average cost method and includes in-bound freight costs.

        As necessary, we record an adjustment to decrease the value of slow moving and obsolete inventory to its net realizable value. To determine the adjustment amount, we regularly review inventory quantities on hand and compare them to estimates of future product demand, market conditions, production requirements and technological developments.

    Restricted Cash

        We have pledged cash as collateral for letters of credit issued to our casualty and general liability insurance provider. Restricted cash totaled $12.0 million and $9.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively, and is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

    Property, Plant, and Equipment

        Property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is generally provided by using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets. We manufacture our hydraulic fracturing units and the cost of this equipment, which includes direct and indirect manufacturing costs, is capitalized and carried in construction-in-progress until it is completed. Expenditures for renewals and betterments that extend the lives of our service equipment, which includes the replacement of significant components of service equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Other repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

        We capitalize qualifying costs related to the acquisition or development of internal-use software. Capitalization of costs begins after the conceptual formulation stage has been completed. Capitalized costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software, which ranges between three and five years. The unamortized balance of capitalized software costs at December 31, 2015 and 2016, was $17.6 million and $12.6 million, respectively. Amortization of computer software was $5.4 million and $5.7 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

    Goodwill and Intangible Assets

        Goodwill is the amount by which the consideration transferred to acquire a business exceeds the fair value of the underlying individual assets and liabilities of that business. Goodwill and intangible

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, the amount of goodwill recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets was zero. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on a basis that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are realized, which is generally on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated useful life. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, the amount of intangible assets with definite lives recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets was zero after giving effect to an impairment of $475.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.

    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is assessed based on the undiscounted future cash flows generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable, we recognize an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. We estimate fair value based on the income, market, or cost valuation techniques.

        Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed at least annually for impairment, and in interim periods if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value of goodwill or intangible assets may be impaired. We estimate fair values utilizing valuation methods such as discounted cash flows and comparable market valuations. We have elected the beginning of the fourth quarter to complete our annual impairment tests.

    Equity Method Investments

        Investments in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence but not control are accounted for pursuant to the equity method of accounting. We recognize our proportionate share of earnings or losses of our affiliates three months after they occur. When events and circumstances warrant, investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting are evaluated for impairment. An impairment charge is recorded whenever a decline in value of an investment below its carrying amount is determined to be other-than-temporary.

    Income Taxes

        Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We recognize future tax benefits to the extent that such benefits are more likely than not to be realized.

        We record a valuation allowance to reduce a deferred tax asset if based on the consideration of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. We evaluate our deferred income taxes quarterly to determine if a valuation allowance is required by considering all available evidence, including historical and projected taxable income and tax planning strategies. Any deferred tax asset subject to a valuation allowance is still available to us to offset future taxable income, subject to annual limitations in the event of an "ownership change" under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. We will adjust a previously established valuation allowance if we change our assessment of the amount of deferred income tax asset that is more likely than not to be realized.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

    Revenue Recognition

        We recognize revenue upon the completion of a stage. We typically complete one or more stages per day. A stage is considered complete when we have met the specifications set forth by the customer, at which time the customer is obligated to pay us for the services rendered. The price for our services is agreed to with our customer for each stage completed. The price for our services typically includes an equipment charge and product charges for proppant, chemicals and other products actually consumed during the course of providing our services. The amount invoiced to our customer for a completed stage is not dependent upon the completion of any other stages.

    Unconditional Purchase Obligations

        We have historically entered into supply arrangements with our vendors that contain unconditional purchase obligations. These represent obligations to transfer funds in the future for fixed or minimum quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices, such as "take-or-pay" contracts. We enter into these unconditional purchase obligation arrangements in the normal course of business to ensure that adequate levels of sourced product are available to us. To account for these arrangements, we must monitor whether we may be required to make a minimum payment to a vendor in a future period because our projected inventory purchases may not satisfy our minimum commitments. If we conclude that it is probable that we will make a minimum payment under these arrangements, we will record an estimated loss for these commitments in the current period.

    Stock-Based Compensation

        We measure all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and record this cost in the consolidated financial statements. Our stock-based compensation relates to restricted stock awards or restricted stock units issued to our employees. On the date that an equity-classified award is granted, we determine the fair value of the award and recognize the compensation cost over the requisite service period, which typically is the period over which the award vests. For liability-classified awards, we determine the fair value of the award at each reporting date and recognize a portion of the fair value equal to the amount of time that has passed in the requisite service period. For stock-based awards with graded vesting based solely on the satisfaction of a service condition, we recognize compensation cost as a single award on a straight-line basis. For stock-based awards with performance conditions that affect vesting, we only recognize compensation cost when it is probable that the performance conditions will be met.

        Because our stock is not publicly traded, we must estimate the fair value of our common stock for purposes of determining the fair value of our awards. Determining the fair value of stock-based awards requires judgment. The fair value of the common stock underlying our stock-based awards is determined using third-party valuations. These valuations utilize the income and market approaches to determine the fair value of our common stock.

    Fair Value Measurements

        Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at a measurement date. We apply the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:

    Level One: The use of quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments.

    Level Two: The use of quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data.

    Level Three: The use of significantly unobservable inputs that typically require the use of management's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.

    New Accounting Standards Updates

        In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . The FASB has subsequently issued a number of additional ASUs to update this guidance. This guidance will supersede substantially all existing accounting guidance related to the accounting for revenue transactions. This guidance establishes a core principle that an entity should record revenue when it transfers control of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is scheduled to be effective for our financial statements beginning on January 1, 2018. We intend to adopt this guidance using the modified retrospective method; however, we have not completed an evaluation of the effect that this standard will have on our financial statements.

        In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes . The purpose of this standard is to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. This guidance may be applied on a prospective or retrospective basis. This standard is scheduled to be effective for our financial statements beginning on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted and we adopted this standard on December 31, 2015.

        In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern . This standard requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. Substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern exists when relevant conditions and events indicate that it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due. This standard requires certain disclosures in the financial statements depending on the results of management's evaluation. This standard was effective for our financial statements as of December 31, 2016. We have prepared these consolidated financial statements in accordance with this new guidance.

        In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . Under this new standard, debt issuance costs reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are reflected as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Retrospective application to prior periods is required. This standard was scheduled to be effective for our financial statements beginning on January 1, 2016. Early adoption was permitted and we adopted this standard on December 31, 2015.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

        In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory . This standard was issued to simplify the measurement of inventory as the lower of its cost basis or its net realizable value. This standard is scheduled to be effective for our financial statements beginning on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We elected to adopt this standard on January 1, 2016, and it did not have a significant effect on our financial statements.

        In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases . This standard was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring most leases be included on the balance sheet and by expanding disclosure requirements. This standard is scheduled to be effective for our financial statements beginning on January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We have not completed an evaluation of the effect that this standard will have on our financial statements.

        In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . This standard was issued to reduce the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This standard is scheduled to be effective for our financial statements beginning on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We have not completed an evaluation of the effect that this standard will have on our financial statements.

        In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash . This standard was issued to change the presentation of amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This standard is scheduled to be effective for our financial statements beginning on January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We have not completed an evaluation of the effect that this standard will have on our financial statements.

NOTE 3—SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

    Accounts Receivable

        The following table summarizes our accounts receivable balance:

 
  December 31,  
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Trade accounts receivable

  $ 102.7   $ 78.8  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    (1.7 )   (2.3 )

Accounts receivable, net

  $ 101.0   $ 76.5  

        The change in allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Balance at beginning of year

  $ 2.4   $ 1.7  

Provision for bad debts, net included in selling, general, and administrative expense

    0.7     1.3  

Uncollectable receivables written off

    (1.4 )   (0.7 )

Balance at end of year

  $ 1.7   $ 2.3  

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 3—SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Continued)

    Inventories

        The following table summarizes our inventories:

 
  December 31,  
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Maintenance parts

  $ 21.3   $ 18.1  

Proppants and chemicals

    8.4     5.0  

Other

    1.8     1.7  

Total inventories

  $ 31.5   $ 24.8  

    Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

        The following table summarizes our prepaid expenses and other current assets:

 
  December 31,  
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Restricted cash

  $ 12.0   $ 9.1  

Prepaid expenses

    10.0     6.2  

Assets held for sale

        0.8  

Other

        1.6  

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

  $ 22.0   $ 17.7  

    Property, Plant, and Equipment, net

        The following table summarizes our property, plant, and equipment:

 
  December 31,    
 
  Estimated
Useful Life
(In years)
(Dollars in millions)
  2015   2016

Service equipment

  $ 843.1   $ 763.4   2.5 - 10

Buildings and improvements

    78.7     63.5   15 - 39

Office, software, and other equipment

    46.7     45.2   3 - 7

Vehicles and transportation equipment

    13.3     5.5   5 - 20

Land

    10.8     8.0   N/A

Construction-in-process and other

    26.2     18.6   N/A

Total property, plant, and equipment

    1,018.8     904.2    

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

    (588.2 )   (619.9 )  

Total property, plant, and equipment, net

  $ 430.6   $ 284.3    

        We capitalize an allocated amount of interest on borrowings for self-constructed assets and equipment during their construction period. We capitalized interest of $0.5 million and zero in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Depreciation expense was $169.9 million and $112.6 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 3—SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION (Continued)

    Accrued Expenses a nd Other Current Liabilities

        The following table summarizes our accrued liabilities:

 
  December 31,  
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Sales, use and property taxes

  $ 23.0   $ 17.7  

Employee compensation and benefits

    8.2     5.6  

Interest

    6.3     6.0  

Insurance

    5.7     4.2  

Other

    8.8     1.3  

Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities

  $ 52.0   $ 34.8  

NOTE 4—ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

    Acquisition of Assets from J-W Wireline Company

        On October 31, 2014, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of J-W Wireline Company ("J-W Wireline"), a subsidiary of J-W Energy Company. This transaction closed on December 5, 2014. J-W Wireline specialized in deep high-pressure perforating, multiple-zone completions, comprehensive cased-hole logging, and pipe recovery.

        At closing, we paid $50 million plus an estimated $24.1 million for working capital in cash. We also agreed to pay up to $12.5 million of contingent cash consideration in each of 2015 and 2016 based on the achievement of earnings targets for the 12 month periods ended October 31, 2015 and 2016. During the second quarter of 2015, we finalized the working capital payment, the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration, and the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the final purchase price as of the acquisition date:

(In millions)
  Final
Allocation
 

Cash consideration

  $ 75.8  

Fair value of contingent consideration

    3.4  

Total purchase price

  $ 79.2  

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 4—ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS (Continued)

        The following table summarizes the final recording of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:

(In millions)
  Final
Allocation
 

Accounts receivable

  $ 23.2  

Inventories

    3.3  

Property, plant, and equipment

    39.8  

Intangible assets

    10.0  

Goodwill

    3.8  

Total assets

    80.1  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    (0.9 )

Total purchase price

  $ 79.2  

        We estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration and the assets and liabilities acquired as of the December 5, 2014, acquisition date using an in-use model, which reflects the value of the acquired assets through their use in combination with other assets as a group. The premium we paid in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired was based on the established business of J-W Wireline and our ability to expand our offering of wireline services to our full customer base.

    Investment in SinoFTS Joint Venture

        In 2014, we entered into a 15-year joint venture agreement with the Sinopec Group ("Sinopec"). This joint venture collaboration offers hydraulic stimulation services in China. The joint venture company, SinoFTS Petroleum Services Ltd. ("SinoFTS"), is owned 55% by Sinopec and 45% by us. SinoFTS will serve both Sinopec and other exploration and production companies throughout China. We contributed $9.9 million, $14.8 million and zero to SinoFTS in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. SinoFTS began performing hydraulic fracturing services in China in 2016.

NOTE 5—GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

    Goodwill

        The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2015. There was no activity during 2016.

(In millions)
  Goodwill   Accumulated
Impairment
Losses
  Net  

Balance at January 1, 2015

  $ 7.1   $   $ 7.1  

Goodwill impairment

        (7.1 )   (7.1 )

Balance at December 31, 2015

  $ 7.1   $ (7.1 ) $  

        In connection with our wireline acquisition, we agreed to pay up to $12.5 million of contingent cash consideration in each of 2015 and 2016 based on the achievement of earnings targets. The final fair value of this contingent consideration at the acquisition date was $3.4 million. We were required to

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 5—GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

measure the fair value of the contingent consideration at each reporting date. The fair value of the contingent consideration was zero at both December 31, 2015 and 2016. The decrease in the fair value of the contingent consideration was due to reduced actual and forecasted cash flows for this reporting unit during the earn-out periods. These fair values were based on the use of unobservable inputs and are classified as Level 3 in the FASB's fair value hierarchy.

        The reduced actual and forecasted cash flows at June 30, 2015, were an indicator that we should conduct an interim goodwill impairment test for our wireline reporting unit in the second quarter of 2015. As a result of this test, we recorded a non-cash impairment of $7.1 million in the second quarter of 2015. We estimated the fair value using the income approach. The significant inputs employed in determining fair value included, but were not limited to, projected financial information, growth rates, terminal value, and discount rates. This fair value was based on the use of unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the FASB's fair value hierarchy.

    Other Intangible Assets

        The following table summarizes our other intangible assets and accumulated amortization:

(In millions)
  Gross
Carrying
Value
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Impairments   Net  

At December 31, 2015

                         

Customer relationships

  $ 873.8   $ (403.3 ) $ (470.5 ) $  

Tradename

    59.7         (30.2 )   29.5  

Proprietary chemical blends

    73.5     (68.5 )   (5.0 )    

Total

  $ 1,007.0   $ (471.8 ) $ (505.7 ) $ 29.5  

At December 31, 2016

                         

Tradename

    59.7         (30.2 )   29.5  

        Our tradename has an indefinite life and, therefore, is not amortized. For our definite-lived intangible assets, the weighted-average amortization periods prior to the impairments in 2015 were ten years for customer relationships and five years for proprietary chemical blends. In the fourth quarter of 2015 we impaired all of our customer relationships and proprietary chemical blends. See Note 10—"Impairments and Other Charges" for more discussion of our 2015 impairments.

        Amortization for definite-lived intangible assets was $102.5 million in 2015. Estimated amortization expense, excluding any future acquisitions, for each of the next five years is zero due to the impairments recorded in 2015.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DEBT

        The following table summarizes our long-term debt:

 
  December 31,  
 
  2015   2016  

Senior floating rate notes due June 2020

  $ 350.0   $ 350.0  

Term loan due April 2021

    480.0     431.0  

Senior notes due May 2022

    470.0     426.3  

Total principal amount

    1,300.0     1,207.3  

Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

    (23.8 )   (18.6 )

Total long-term debt

  $ 1,276.2   $ 1,188.7  

Estimated fair value of long term debt

  $ 508.4   $ 1,060.7  

        Estimated fair values for our term loan and senior notes were determined using recent trading activity and/or bid-ask spreads and are classified as Level 2 in the FASB's fair value hierarchy.

    2020 Senior Floating Rate Notes

        On June 1, 2015, we completed an offering of $350 million of senior secured floating rate notes due June 15, 2020, in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers ("2020 Senior Notes"). The 2020 Senior Notes bear interest at a three-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin of 7.5% per annum. Interest is payable quarterly, in arrears, on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15.

        The 2020 Senior Notes were issued at a discount of $3.5 million for aggregate consideration of $346.5 million and resulted in net proceeds to the Company of $340.5 million after debt issuance costs of $6.0 million.

        The obligation to pay principal and interest on the 2020 Senior Notes is jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by all of our wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. The 2020 Senior Notes are secured on a first priority basis by our accounts receivable, inventory, deposit accounts, and certain hydraulic fracturing and other equipment. The 2020 Senior Notes are secured on a second priority basis by 100% of the equity interests of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting equity interests of our existing and future foreign subsidiaries.

        The 2020 Senior Notes are redeemable, at our option, beginning on June 15, 2016, at a premium of 3%. The redemption premium then declines each year until June 15, 2018, at which time we may redeem the notes at par value.

        The 2020 Senior Notes contain covenants that could, in certain circumstances, limit our ability to issue additional debt, repurchase or pay dividends on our common or preferred stock, sell substantially all of our assets, make certain investments, or enter into certain other transactions.

        We were in compliance with all of the covenants in the indenture governing our 2020 Senior Notes at December 31, 2015 and 2016.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DEBT (Continued)

    2022 Senior Notes

        On April 16, 2014, we completed an offering of $500 million of 6.25% senior secured notes due May 1, 2022, in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers ("2022 Senior Notes"). Interest is payable semiannually, in arrears, on May 1 and November 1. The Company received net proceeds of $489.7 million after debt issuance costs of $10.3 million.

        The obligation to pay principal and interest on the 2022 Senior Notes is jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by all of our wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. The 2022 Senior Notes are secured on a first priority basis by 100% of the equity interests of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting equity interests of our existing and future foreign subsidiaries. The 2022 Senior Notes are secured on a second priority basis by our accounts receivable, inventory, and deposit accounts, which also secure our 2020 Senior Notes as discussed above. All security requirements for the 2022 Senior Notes will cease upon the full repayment of our $550 million term loan discussed below.

        The 2022 Senior Notes are redeemable, at our option, beginning on May 1, 2017, at a premium of approximately 4.7%. The redemption premium then declines each year until May 1, 2020, at which time we may redeem the notes at par value.

        The 2022 Senior Notes contain covenants that could, in certain circumstances, limit our ability to issue additional debt, repurchase or pay dividends on our common or preferred stock, sell substantially all of our assets, make certain investments, or enter into certain other transactions.

        In 2016, we repurchased $43.7 million of aggregate principal amount of 2022 Senior Notes. We recognized a gain on debt extinguishment of $25.4 million. In 2015, we repurchased $5.0 million of aggregate principal amount of 2022 Senior Notes. We recognized a gain on debt extinguishment of $1.1 million.

        We were in compliance with all of the covenants in the indenture governing our 2022 Senior Notes at December 31, 2015 and 2016.

    Term Loan

        On April 16, 2014, we entered into a $550 million term loan, which matures on April 16, 2021, ("Term Loan") with a group of lenders with Wells Fargo, N.A., as administrative agent. The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4.75% per annum, with a 1.00% LIBOR floor. Interest is payable on interest rate reset dates, which generally will be on a three-month basis.

        The Term Loan was issued at a discount of $2.7 million for aggregate consideration of $547.3 million and resulted in net proceeds to the Company of $540.0 million after debt issuance costs of $7.3 million.

        The obligation to pay principal and interest on the Term Loan is jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by all of our wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. The Term Loan is secured on the same basis as the 2022 Senior Notes as discussed above.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 6—DEBT (Continued)

        The Term Loan contains substantially the same covenants as the 2022 Senior Notes and the 2020 Senior Notes. None of the Term Loan, the 2022 Senior Notes, or the 2020 Senior Notes contain maintenance financial covenants.

        In 2016, we repaid $49.0 million of aggregate principal amount of Term Loan. We recognized a gain on debt extinguishment of $28.3 million.

        We were in compliance with all of the covenants in the Term Loan at December 31, 2015 and 2016.

    Revolving Credit Facility

        On April 16, 2014, we entered into a five-year, $200 million revolving credit facility with a group of lenders and Wells Fargo, N.A., as administrative agent. In connection with the issuance of the 2020 Senior Notes, we repaid all amounts outstanding under, and terminated, this revolving credit facility in 2015. We incurred a loss of $1.7 million, which primarily related to the write-off of deferred issuance costs, in connection with the termination of the revolving credit facility. This amount is classified as "Gain or loss on extinguishment of debt, net" on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        The following table summarizes the maturities of our long-term debt at December 31, 2016:

(In millions)
   
 

2017

  $  

2018

     

2019

     

2020

    350.0  

2021

    431.0  

2022 and thereafter

    426.3  

Total principal amount of long-term debt

  $ 1,207.3  

NOTE 7—CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

        In September 2012, we issued and sold 350,000 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), to certain of our then existing common stockholders. The Preferred Stock was sold for aggregate consideration of $350 million, and resulted in net proceeds to the Company of $349.8 million after the payment of $0.2 million in issuance costs.

        Each share of Preferred Stock is convertible into 2,573 shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events set forth under terms of the Preferred Stock.

        The Preferred Stock is redeemable at the Company's option at any time after all of our debt has been repaid. The redemption price per share is an amount in cash equal to the original price per share of the Preferred Stock, plus such additional amount as would give the holder an after-tax internal rate of return for investment in the Preferred Stock of 25% per annum (the "Accreted Amount"). At December 31, 2016, the Accreted Amount of the Preferred Stock was estimated to be $906.1 million.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 7—CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK (Continued)

        The Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible into shares of our common stock in connection with an initial public offering of our common stock if both of the following conditions are met (a "Qualified IPO"):

    Aggregate proceeds to the Company are at least $250 million; and

    The split-adjusted initial offering price to the public is not less than $1.50 per share.

        In connection with a Qualified IPO, each share of Preferred Stock is convertible into the number of shares of common stock that has a market value (based on the initial offering price to the public) equal to the Accreted Amount.

        The Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable for cash upon a change of control, provided that all of our debt has been repaid. Each share of Preferred Stock will be redeemed for an amount in cash equal to the higher of:

    The Accreted Amount or

    The original purchase price of the Preferred Stock plus an amount equal to 20% of the then outstanding equity value of the Company divided by the number of Preferred Stock shares then outstanding.

        The Preferred Stock ranks senior to our common stock with respect to dividend rights and distribution rights in the event of any liquidation, winding-up or dissolution of the Company. The amount that each share of Preferred Stock is entitled to in liquidation is equal to the Accreted Amount.

        The holders of the Preferred Stock are also common stockholders of the Company and collectively control 100% of our board of director seats. Therefore, the Preferred Stock holders can direct the Company to redeem the Preferred Stock at any time after all of our debt has been repaid; however, we did not consider this to be probable for the periods presented due to the amount of debt outstanding. Therefore, we have classified the Preferred Stock as temporary equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets but have not recorded any accretion of the Preferred Stock in our consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 8—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

    Restricted Stock Awards

        Historically, certain members of our executive team were granted restricted stock awards. These awards vest at various points in time over vesting periods of up to four years. The most current fair value of one share of our common stock is utilized to determine the fair value of the award on the

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 8—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

grant date. The following table summarizes our transactions related to restricted stock awards in 2015. There were no transactions in 2016.

 
  Number of
Units
(in thousands)
  Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested balance at January 1, 2015

    4,133   $ 0.61  

Granted

         

Vested or released(1)

    (3,967 )   0.60  

Forfeited

    (166 )   0.75  

Unvested balance at December 31, 2015

      $  

(1)
Certain granted but unvested shares are released for tax withholdings on the participant's behalf.

        The total fair value of restricted stock vested in 2015 was $2.4 million. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, there were no unvested restricted stock awards.

    Restricted Stock Units

        In 2014, our stockholders approved the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2014 LTIP"). The 2014 LTIP authorizes the grant of up to 55 million restricted stock units ("RSU") to salaried employees of the Company, as determined by the compensation committee of the board of directors. This plan expires on March 3, 2024. The 2014 LTIP allows for the grant of stock-settled and cash-settled RSUs. The Company may elect, at its sole discretion, to settle any or all of the stock-settled RSUs wholly or partly in cash.

        The awards that were granted in 2014 have three vesting conditions: a performance condition based on Company goals, a performance condition based on the occurrence of a qualifying liquidity event such as an initial public offering of our common stock, and a service-period condition. The performance condition was based on Company goals that provided for an upward or downward adjustment to the RSUs granted based on Company performance. The service-period condition provides that 50% of the number of adjusted RSUs vest on each of December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2016.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 8—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

        The following table summarizes our transactions related to the stock-settled RSUs:

 
  Number of
Units
(in thousands)
  Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested balance at January 1, 2015

    40,215   $ 0.22  

Granted

         

Vested

         

Forfeited

    (23,697 )   0.22  

Unvested balance at December 31, 2015

    16,518   $ 0.22  

Granted

         

Vested

         

Forfeited

    (5,527 )   0.22  

Unvested balance at December 31, 2016

    10,991   $ 0.22  

        Under generally accepted accounting principles for stock-based compensation, a performance condition that affects vesting and is based on a corporate liquidity event such as an initial public offering of common stock precludes the recognition of compensation expense related to the awards until this performance condition has been met. Therefore, no compensation expense for these awards will be recognized until this performance condition has been met. At December 31, 2016, there was $2.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock-settled RSUs.

        The compensation cost charged against income for all stock-based compensation was $1.8 million and zero in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The total income tax benefit for all stock-based compensation was $0.2 million in 2015; however, such benefit was offset by the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.

NOTE 9—RETIREMENT PLAN

        We offer a 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan ("401(k) Plan"), which allows a participant to defer, by payroll deductions, from 0% to 100% of the participant's annual compensation, limited to certain annual maximums set by the Internal Revenue Code. The 401(k) Plan has historically provided a discretionary matching contribution to each participant's account. Company matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan are made in cash and were $5.5 million in 2015. The Company suspended matching contributions in July 2015.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 10—IMPAIRMENTS AND OTHER CHARGES

        The following table summarizes our impairments and other charges:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Impairment of assets and goodwill

  $ 572.9   $ 7.0  

Supply commitment charges

    11.0     2.5  

Lease abandonment charges

    1.8     2.0  

Employee severance costs

    13.1     0.8  

Inventory write-down

    24.5      

Acquisition earn-out adjustments

    (3.4 )    

Total impairments and other charges

  $ 619.9   $ 12.3  

    Impairment of Assets and Goodwill

        During 2016, we recorded asset impairments of $7.0 million related to service equipment and real property that we no longer use and identified to sell. During the first nine months of 2015, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment of $7.1 million for our wireline reporting unit and an asset impairment of $0.5 million related to real property that we no longer use.

        In the fourth quarter of 2015, we concluded that the persistent low commodity price environment and its effect on our current and forecasted cash flows required us to perform multiple asset impairment tests. As a result, we recorded a number of asset impairments in the fourth quarter of 2015.

    We evaluated the long-lived assets of our pressure pumping asset group for impairment and concluded that the fair value of this asset group was lower than the carrying value of the assets in the asset group. We recognized a total impairment for this asset group of $487.0 million. Of this amount, $461.4 million was attributable to our customer relationships, $20.6 million was attributable to certain equipment, and $5.0 million was attributable to our proprietary chemical blends.

    We evaluated the long-lived assets of our wireline asset group for impairment and concluded that the fair value of this asset group was lower than the carrying value of the assets in the asset group. We recognized a total impairment for this asset group of $33.3 million. Of this amount $24.2 million was attributable to certain equipment and $9.1 million was attributable to our customer relationships.

    We evaluated our tradename intangible asset for impairment and concluded that the fair value of this asset was lower than its carrying value, which resulted in an impairment of $30.2 million.

    We recorded $14.8 million of impairments for certain land and buildings that we no longer use.

        We are closely monitoring current industry conditions and future expectations. Our current forecast anticipates improving industry conditions in 2017; however, if the industry conditions from the past two years continue for a prolonged period or worsen, we may be subject to additional impairments of long-lived assets or intangible assets in future periods. See Note 15—"Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements" for more information on these impairments.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 10—IMPAIRMENTS AND OTHER CHARGES (Continued)

    Supply Commitment Charges

        We have recorded supply commitment charges related to contractual inventory purchase commitments to certain proppant suppliers. In 2015 and 2016, we recorded charges under these supply arrangements of $11.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively. These charges were attributable to our decreased volume of purchases from these suppliers due to our lower activity levels in both periods. Additionally, in 2016, our decreased purchases were also due to certain customers procuring their own proppants.

        While we have successfully worked with our vendors to minimize charges related to these purchase commitments, if industry conditions do not improve or if we are unable to work with our vendors in the future, we may incur supply commitment charges in future periods.

    Lease Abandonment Charges

        During 2015 and 2016 we vacated certain leased facilities to consolidate our operations. In 2015 and 2016, we recognized expense of $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively, in connection with these actions.

    Employee Severance Costs

        During 2015 and 2016, we incurred employee severance costs of $13.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in connection with our corporate and operating restructuring initiatives. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, we had paid substantially all severance payments owed to former employees.

    Inventory Write-down

        During 2015, we made improvements to our supply chain that reduced our inventory requirements. In connection with this initiative we executed a program to liquidate excess inventory. We recorded a $24.5 million inventory write-down charge in connection with this liquidation program.

    Acquisition earn-out adjustments

        See Note 5—"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for discussion of our acquisition earn-out adjustments.

NOTE 11—ASSET DISPOSALS

        We sold substantially all of our remaining sand transportation equipment and related inventory in February 2016. We received $8.0 million of proceeds and recognized a $0.3 million gain on this sale. During 2016, we sold a number of other surplus pieces of property and equipment. We received $23.5 million of proceeds and recognized a $1.3 million net loss on the sale of these assets.

NOTE 12—GAIN ON INSURANCE RECOVERIES

        In January 2016, a fire at one of our job sites in Oklahoma destroyed substantially all of the equipment in one of our fleets. These assets were insured at values greater than their carrying values. We received $19.0 million of insurance recovery proceeds for these assets, which exceeded their carrying values by $15.1 million.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 13—INCOME TAXES

        The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense (benefit):

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Current:

             

Federal

  $   $  

State

    (1.5 )   (1.6 )

Total current

    (1.5 )   (1.6 )

Total deferred

         

Income tax benefit

  $ (1.5 ) $ (1.6 )

        Actual income tax expense (benefit) differed from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes as follows:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Loss before income taxes

  $ (1,014.7 ) $ (190.1 )

Statutory federal income tax rate

    35.0 %   35.0 %

Federal income tax benefit at statutory rate

    (355.1 )   (66.5 )

Change in valuation allowance

    380.0     65.1  

State income taxes, net of federal effect

    (26.8 )   (0.3 )

Other non-deductible expenses

    0.4     0.1  

Income tax benefit

  $ (1.5 ) $ (1.6 )

Effective tax rate

    0.1 %   0.8 %

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 13—INCOME TAXES (Continued)

        The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:

 
  December 31,  
(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Deferred tax assets:

             

Goodwill and intangible assets

  $ 725.4   $ 655.7  

Federal net operating loss carryforwards

    433.2     564.9  

State net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal benefit

    24.9     28.3  

Accrued expenses

    12.8     7.9  

Other

    17.4     3.7  

Gross deferred tax assets

    1,213.7     1,260.5  

Valuation allowance

    (1,175.1 )   (1,240.2 )

Total deferred tax assets

    38.6     20.3  

Deferred tax liabilities:

             

Property, plant, and equipment

    38.6     20.3  

Total deferred tax liabilities

    38.6     20.3  

Net deferred tax assets

  $   $  

        Because of our valuation allowance, no deferred tax assets or liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        At December 31, 2016, our gross federal net operating loss carryforwards were $1.6 billion, which will expire on various dates between 2032 and 2036. At December 31, 2016, our gross state net operating loss carryforwards were $628.0 million, which will expire on various dates between 2017 and 2036.

        A reconciliation of the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016 is as follows:

(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Balance at January 1

  $ 795.1   $ 1,175.1  

Additions, charged to expense

    380.0     65.1  

Deductions

         

Balance at December 31

  $ 1,175.1   $ 1,240.2  

        In 2012, we established a full valuation allowance with respect to our U.S. federal net deferred tax assets and state net deferred tax assets. We considered all available positive and negative evidence in evaluating whether these deferred tax assets were more likely than not to be realized. The significant negative evidence of our loss generated before income taxes in 2012 could not be overcome by considering other sources of taxable income, which included the reversal of taxable temporary differences and tax-planning strategies. A significant piece of negative evidence that we consider is cumulative losses (generally defined as losses before income taxes) incurred over the most recent three-year period. Such evidence limits our ability to consider other subjective evidence such as our

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 13—INCOME TAXES (Continued)

projections for future growth. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, we had incurred cumulative losses over the applicable three-year period.

        We continue to provide a valuation allowance against our net U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets related to our U.S. federal and state operating losses are still available to us to offset future taxable income, subject to limitations in the event of a change of control under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. At December 31, 2016, we had not incurred such an ownership change. We will adjust this valuation allowance as we change our assessment of the amount of deferred income tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized.

        A reconciliation of the liability for gross unrecognized income tax benefits (excluding interest) from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016 is as follows:

(In millions)
  2015   2016  

Balance at January 1

  $ 2.5   $ 1.4  

Lapse in applicable statute of limitations

    (1.1 )   (1.4 )

Balance at December 31

  $ 1.4   $  

        The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $1.6 million and zero at December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

        We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to any uncertain tax positions as part of the tax provision. At December 31, 2015 and 2016, we had $0.2 million and zero, respectively, of accrued interest expense associated with unrecognized tax benefits. Interest expense associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $0.1 million in 2015.

        FTS International, Inc. and its U.S. subsidiaries join in the filing of a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return. We do not currently have significant operations or undistributed earnings in foreign jurisdictions. Our tax returns are currently subject to examination in various federal and state jurisdictions for tax years from 2012 through 2016.

NOTE 14—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

    Operating Leases

        We lease certain administrative and sales offices, operational facilities and office equipment in various cities. We also lease some service equipment and light duty vehicles. Some of our lease agreements include renewal or purchase options that we may choose to exercise at the end of the lease term. Total rental expense under our operating leases was $31.7 and $19.6 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

        At December 31, 2016, our future minimum rental commitments due under non-cancellable operating leases is summarized below:

(In millions)
  2017   2018   2019   2020   2021   Thereafter  

Operating leases

  $ 20.8   $ 8.8   $ 4.2   $ 2.4   $ 1.9   $ 0.7  

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 14—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

    Purchase Obligations

        We have purchase commitments with certain vendors to supply a significant portion of the proppant used in our operations. These agreements have remaining terms ranging from two to eight years. Some of these agreements are take-or-pay agreements with minimum unconditional purchase obligations. These minimum purchase obligations could change based upon the vendors ability to supply a minimum requirement. Total purchases made under these agreements were $49.7 million and $20.9 million in 2015 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2016, our future minimum purchase commitments due under these agreements is summarized below:

(In millions)
  2017   2018   2019   2020   2021   Thereafter  

Purchase obligations

  $ 52.1   $ 59.1   $ 51.9   $ 49.5   $ 48.2   $ 140.4  

    Litigation

        In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to various legal proceedings and claims, some of which may not be covered by insurance. Many of these legal proceedings and claims are in early stages, and many of them seek an indeterminate amount of damages. We estimate and provide for potential losses that may arise out of legal proceedings and claims to the extent that such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required in making these estimates and our final liabilities may ultimately be materially different from these estimates. When preparing our estimates, we consider, among other factors, the progress of each legal proceeding and claim, our experience and the experience of others in similar legal proceedings and claims, and the opinions and views of legal counsel.

        In 2012, Continental Industries Group, Inc. ("Continental") filed two lawsuits against FTS International, Inc. and FTS International Services, LLC in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York that were combined into one action entitled Continental Industries Group, Inc. v. FTS International, Inc. and FTS International Services, LLC. In its suit, Continental claimed that FTSI (a) wrongfully terminated a supply agreement entered into by the parties in 2011, and (b) wrongfully cancelled two alleged purchase orders for the procurement of guar gum, a key component of certain chemicals we utilize in performing our services for customers. Pursuant to the supply agreement, Continental had agreed to enter into a joint venture with a Company in India to arrange for the construction of a guar gum-processing factory that would produce a five year supply of guar for FTSI. FTSI terminated the supply agreement in mid-2012 before the factory was complete. With respect to the purchase order claim, FTSI had expressed interest in purchasing guar gum from Continental in transactions separate from the supply agreement. FTSI did not purchase the guar gum. Continental claimed that valid purchase orders had been formed and that FTSI wrongfully terminated the purchase orders when it decided not to purchase the guar gum. Continental sought damages of approximately $58.0 million related to the supply agreement claim and approximately $4.5 million related to the purchase order claim. FTSI filed counterclaims against Continental seeking damages in excess of $69.0 million representing the difference between the price it paid for guar gum in the spot market and the price it would have paid under the supply agreement. A jury trial for this case was held and, on November 3, 2015, the jury returned verdicts in favor of Continental for both claims. The jury awarded damages to Continental in the aggregate amount of $5.3 million, of which $2.1 million related to the supply agreement case and $3.2 million related to the purchase order case. In January 2016, we settled

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 14—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

this lawsuit with Continental for a confidential amount and the financial effects of this matter have been included in our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015.

        We believe that costs associated with other legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 15—NONRECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

        The following table represents the placement in the fair value hierarchy of assets that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See Note 10—"Impairments and Other Charges" for further discussion.

 
   
   
  Fair value
measurements using
 
 
  Previous
Carrying
Values(1)
  Total
Fair
Value(1)
 
 
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

During 2015

                               

Pressure pumping asset group (2)

                               

Customer relationships(3)

  $ 461.4   $   $   $   $  

Equipment(4)

    424.0     403.4             403.4  

Proprietary chemical blends(3)

    5.0                  

  $ 890.4   $ 403.4   $   $   $ 403.4  

Wireline asset group (2)

                               

Property and equipment(4)(5)

  $ 39.2   $ 15.0   $   $   $ 15.0  

Customer relationships(3)

    9.1                  

Goodwill

    7.1                  

  $ 55.4   $ 15.0   $   $   $ 15.0  

Tradename(3)

  $ 59.7   $ 29.5   $   $   $ 29.5  

Property no longer used(5)

  $ 22.8   $ 7.5   $   $   $ 7.5  

During 2016

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Property no longer used

  $ 1.0   $   $   $   $  

Long-lived assets held for sale(6)

    12.4     6.4             6.4  

  $ 13.4   $ 6.4   $   $   $ 6.4  

(1)
Represents the value on the date of the fair value measurement.

(2)
Valued using the income approach and the market approach valuation techniques.

(3)
Valued using the income approach.

(4)
Equipment valued using the cost approach, which is a valuation technique that estimates the amount that would be currently required to replace an asset's service capacity.

(5)
Property valued using the market approach based on the sales prices of comparable properties and/or estimates obtained from commercial brokers.

(6)
Equipment value based on pending contract price. Assets held for sale are classified as "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 16—EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

        The numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share ("EPS") computations for our common stock are calculated as follows:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
(In millions, except per share amounts)
  2015   2016  

Numerator:

             

Net loss

  $ (1,013.2 ) $ (188.5 )

Convertible preferred stock accretion

    (144.9 )   (181.6 )

Net loss attributable to common stockholders used for basic EPS computation

    (1,158.1 )   (370.1 )

Add back the effect of dilutive securities:

   
 
   
 
 

Convertible preferred stock accretion(1)

         

Net loss attributable to common stockholders used for diluted EPS computation

  $ (1,158.1 ) $ (370.1 )

Denominator:

             

Weighted average shares used for basic EPS computation

    3,589.7     3,586.5  

Effect of dilutive securities:

   
 
   
 
 

Convertible preferred stock(1)

         

Restricted stock units(2)

         

Dilutive potential common shares

         

Number of shares used for diluted EPS computation

    3,589.7     3,586.5  

Basic and diluted EPS

  $ (0.32 ) $ (0.10 )

(1)
Dilutive securities in our diluted EPS calculation do not include the effects of converting the convertible preferred stock because the effect would be antidilutive. The number of common stock equivalents attributable to convertible preferred stock was 901 million shares for all periods presented.

(2)
Dilutive securities in our diluted EPS calculation do not include RSUs granted under our 2014 LTIP. Vesting of these RSUs is dependent upon the satisfaction of both a service condition and a corporate liquidity event such as an initial public offering of our common stock. As of December 31, 2016, a corporate liquidity event had not occurred and until it occurs, the holders of these RSUs have no rights in our undistributed earnings. Therefore, they are excluded from the effect of dilutive securities. The number of common stock equivalents attributable to the RSUs were 16.5 million shares and 11.0 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

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FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

NOTE 17—UNAUDITED PRO FORMA INFORMATION

    Pro Forma Balance Sheet Information

        We have prepared an unaudited balance sheet as of December 31, 2016, to give effect to the following transactions that will occur in connection with our initial public offering:

(1)
our            :            reverse stock split;

(2)
The conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock (using the as if-converted method) into common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of             common shares for each share of convertible preferred stock; and

(3)
The vesting of our RSUs as of December 31, 2016. These RSUs will vest upon the completion of an initial public offering. Stock-based compensation expense associated with the vesting of these RSUs is $             million. Payroll tax expenses and other withholding obligations have not been included in the pro forma adjustment.

    Pro Forma Earnings (Loss) Per Share Information

        The following unaudited calculation of the numerators and denominators of pro forma basic and diluted EPS gives effect to the following as of the beginning of the period:

(1)
our            :            reverse stock split; and

(2)
The conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock (using the as if-converted method) into common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of             common shares for each share of convertible preferred stock.

        The numerators and denominators of the pro forma basic and diluted EPS computations for our common stock are calculated as follows:

(In millions, except per share amounts)
  Year Ended
December 31,
2016
 
  (unaudited)

Numerator:

   

Net loss attributable to common stockholders used for basic EPS computation as reported

   

Pro forma adjustment

   

Pro forma adjustment

   

Pro forma net loss attributable to common stockholders used for pro forma basic and diluted EPS computations

   

Denominator:

   

Weighted average shares used for basic EPS computation as reported

   

Pro forma adjustment

   

Pro forma adjustment

   

Pro forma adjustment

   

Pro forma adjustment

   

Number of shares used for pro forma basic EPS computation

   

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

Dilutive securities

   

Number of shares used for pro forma diluted EPS computation

   

Pro forma basic and diluted EPS

   

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        Through and including                           , 2017 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that effect transactions in our common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

                      Shares

LOGO

FTS International, Inc.

Common Stock



PROSPECTUS



                           , 2017

   


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 13.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

        The following table sets forth an itemized statement of the amounts of all expenses (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions) payable by us in connection with the registration of the common stock offered hereby. With the exception of the filing and listing fees payable to the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, and stock exchange listing fee, the amounts set forth below are estimates.

SEC registration fee

  $              *

FINRA filing fee

                 *

Listing fee

                 *

Accounting fees and expenses

                 *

Legal fees and expenses

                 *

Printing and engraving expenses

                 *

Transfer agent and registrar fees

                 *

Miscellaneous

                 *

Total

  $              *

*
To be completed by amendment

ITEM 14.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers

        We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person was an officer, director, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as an officer, director, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was illegal. A Delaware corporation may indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him or her against the expenses that such officer or director has actually and reasonably incurred. Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, each of which as will become effective upon the closing of this offering, provide for the indemnification of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL.

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        Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duties as a director, except for liability for any:

    transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit;

    act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

    unlawful payment of dividends, unlawful stock purchase or redemption of shares; or

    breach of a director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders.

        Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include such a provision. Expenses incurred by any officer or director in defending any such action, suit or proceeding in advance of its final disposition shall be paid by us upon delivery to us of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by us.

        Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides, among other things, that a director who willfully or negligently approves of an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption may be held liable for such actions. A director who was either absent when the unlawful actions were approved, or dissented at the time, may avoid liability by causing his or her dissent to such actions to be entered in the books containing minutes of the meetings of the board of directors at the time such action occurred or immediately after such absent director receives notice of the unlawful acts.

        We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers that require us to indemnify such persons against any and all expenses (including attorneys' fees), witness fees, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts incurred (including expenses of a derivative action) in connection with any action, suit or proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, inquiry hearing or investigation, whether threatened, pending or completed, to which any such person may be made a party by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, an officer or an employee of our company, provided that such person's conduct did not constitute a breach of his or her duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, and was not an act or omission not in good faith or which involved intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of laws.

        At present, there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors or officers as to which indemnification is required or permitted, and we are not aware of any threatened litigation or proceeding that may result in a claim for indemnification.

        We have an insurance policy covering our officers and directors with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act or otherwise.

        We plan to enter into an underwriting agreement that provides that the underwriters are obligated, under some circumstances, to indemnify our directors, officers and controlling persons against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

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

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ITEM 15.    Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

        Except as set forth below, in the three years preceding the filing of this registration statement, we have not issued any securities that were not registered under the Securities Act.

        On March 31, 2014, we made awards of restricted shares of common stock to three now former employees pursuant to their employment agreements. Mr. James Coy Randle, Jr. was awarded 2,000,000 shares of common stock, which were subject to vesting in four equal installments on July 15, 2014, July 15, 2015, June 29, 2016 and June 29, 2017. Mr. Kevin Krebs was awarded 1,600,000 shares of common stock, which were subject to vesting in three equal installments on October 26, 2014, October 26, 2015 and October 26, 2016. Mr. Mahmoud Asadi was awarded 333,333 shares of common stock, which were subject to vesting in four equal installments on May 16, 2014, May 16, 2015, May 16, 2016 and May 16, 2017. None of these awards are currently outstanding.

        On April 16, 2014, we completed an offering of $500 million in principal amount of our 2022 Notes. The initial purchasers of the 2022 Notes were Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and Barclays Capital Inc. Pursuant to a purchase agreement among us and the initial purchasers, we sold the 2022 Notes to the initial purchasers at a discount of 1.75%, or $491.25 million, and the initial purchasers resold the 2022 Notes at par to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

        On June 1, 2015, we completed a private offering of $350.0 million in principal amount of our 2020 Notes. The initial purchaser of the 2020 Notes was Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. Pursuant to a purchase agreement between us and the initial purchaser, we sold the 2020 Notes to the initial purchaser at a discount of 1.0%, or $346.5 million, and the initial purchaser resold the 2020 Notes at par to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

        On August 28, 2015, we issued 94,339 shares of common stock to Tom Bates, a former independent director of our Company, for his services as an independent director.

        The issuances of the 2022 Notes, the 2020 Notes and the issuance to Mr. Bates were exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The issuance of the restricted stock awarded to Messrs. Randle, Krebs and Asadi were exempt from registration under Rule 701 under the Securities Act as transactions pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation.

        Since the adoption of our 2014 LTIP, we have granted 46,380,671 stock-settled restricted stock units under the 2014 LTIP. During this period, no restricted stock units have vested. The restricted stock units will vest upon a liquidity event, which includes an initial public offering for which the aggregate proceeds to be received by the Company are at least $250 million. As of December 31, 2016, 10,990,573 stock-settled restricted stock units remained outstanding.

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ITEM 16.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

    (a)
    Exhibits

        The exhibits and financial statement schedules filed as part of this registration statement are as follows:

Exhibit
Number
  Description
  1.1 ** Form of Underwriting Agreement
        
  3.1 ** Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  3.2 ** Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
        
  4.1 * Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2014, among FTS International, Inc., as issuer, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent and trustee
        
  4.2 * Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2015, among FTS International, Inc., as issuer, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent and trustee
        
  4.3 ** Form of Registration Rights Agreement
        
  4.4 ** Form of Investors' Rights Agreement by and among FTS International, Inc., Senja Capital Ltd and Hampton Asset Holding Ltd.
        
  4.5 ** Form of Investors' Rights Agreement by and among FTS International, Inc., Maju Investments (Mauritius) Pte. Ltd. and CHK Energy Holdings, Inc.
        
  5.1 ** Opinion of Jones Day as to the legality of the securities being registered
        
  10.1 * Term Loan Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014, among FTS International, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto
        
  10.2 *† Employment Agreement dated December 6, 2014, between FTS International, Inc. and Perry Harris
        
  10.3 *† Severance Agreement dated May 3, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Michael J. Doss
        
  10.4 *† Severance Agreement dated May 3, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Buddy Petersen
        
  10.5 *† Severance Agreement dated May 3, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Lance Turner
        
  10.6 *† Severance Agreement dated May 3, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Larry D. Cannon
        
  10.7 *† Letter Agreement dated August 5, 2015, between FTS International, Inc. and Lance Turner
        
  10.8 *† Letter Agreement dated December 20, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Larry D. Cannon
        
  10.9 *† FTS International, Inc. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan
        
  10.10 *† Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Stock Settled) under the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan
        
  10.11 **† Description of Short-Term Incentive Plan
        

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Exhibit
Number
  Description
  10.12 **† Form of Indemnification Agreement between FTS International, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers
        
  10.13 * Master Service Agreement, by and between Chesapeake Operating, Inc. and FTS International Services, LLC, dated July 9, 2012
  10.14 * Master Commercial Agreement, by and between Chesapeake Operating, LLC and FTS International Services, LLC, dated December 24, 2016
        
  10.15 * Security Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014, by and among FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC, FTS International Manufacturing, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent
        
  10.16 * Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014, among FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC, FTS International Manufacturing, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Term Secured Parties (as defined therein)
        
  10.17 * Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014, among FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC, FTS International Manufacturing, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in its capacity as administrative agent under the Term Loan Agreement, US Bank National Association, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the ABL Secured Parties (as defined therein)
        
  10.18 * Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder dated as of June 1, 2015, among FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC, FTS International Manufacturing, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in its capacity as administrative agent under the Term Loan Agreement, US Bank National Association, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the ABL Secured Parties (as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement)
        
  10.19 * Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014, from FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC and FTS International Manufacturing, LLC to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
        
  10.20 * Amended and Restated Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, from FTS International Services, LLC to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association pursuant to the Term Loan Agreement dated April 16, 2014
        
  10.21 * Amended and Restated Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, from FTS International Services, LLC to U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to the Indenture dated April 16, 2014
        
  10.22 * Amended and Restated Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, from FTS International Services, LLC to U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to the Indenture dated June 1, 2015
        
  10.23 ** FTS International, Inc. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan
        
  16.1 *** Letter from Ernst & Young LLP, dated February 10, 2017, regarding changes in accountant
        
  21.1 * List of Subsidiaries
        
  23.1 * Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
        

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Exhibit
Number
  Description
  23.2 ** Consent of Jones Day (included as part of Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
        
  24.1 *** Form of Power of Attorney (included on signature page)

*
Filed herewith

**
To be filed by amendment

***
Previously filed

Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement
    (b)
    Financial Statement Schedule

        See the index to the financial statements included on page F-1 for a list of the financial statements included in this registration statement.

ITEM 17.    Undertakings

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

        Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

            (1)   For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

            (2)   For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Fort Worth, State of Texas, on February 27, 2017.

  FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

By:

 

/s/ MICHAEL J. DOSS


      Name:   Michael J. Doss

      Title:   Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement on Form S-1 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on February 27, 2017. This document may be executed by the signatories hereto on any number of counterparts, all of which constitute one and the same instrument.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ MICHAEL J. DOSS

Michael J. Doss
  Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)

*

Lance Turner

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(principal financial officer and accounting officer)

*

Goh Yong Siang

 

Chairman

*

Domenic J. Dell'Osso, Jr.

 

Director

*

Bryan J. Lemmerman

 

Director

*

Ong Tiong Sin

 

Director

*

Boon Sim

 

Director

*By:

 

/s/ LARRY D. CANNON

Larry D. Cannon
(Larry D. Cannon, as Attorney-in-Fact)

 

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number
  Description
  1.1 ** Form of Underwriting Agreement
 
   
  3.1 ** Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
 
   
  3.2 ** Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering
 
   
  4.1 * Indenture, dated as of April 16, 2014, among FTS International, Inc., as issuer, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent and trustee
 
   
  4.2 * Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2015, among FTS International, Inc., as issuer, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent and trustee
 
   
  4.3 ** Form of Registration Rights Agreement
 
   
  4.4 ** Form of Investors' Rights Agreement by and among FTS International, Inc., Senja Capital Ltd and Hampton Asset Holding Ltd.
        
  4.5 ** Form of Investors' Rights Agreement by and among FTS International, Inc., Maju Investments (Mauritius) Pte. Ltd. and CHK Energy Holdings, Inc.
 
   
  5.1 ** Opinion of Jones Day as to the legality of the securities being registered
 
   
  10.1 * Term Loan Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014, among FTS International, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto
 
   
  10.2 *† Employment Agreement dated December 6, 2014, between FTS International, Inc. and Perry Harris
 
   
  10.3 *† Severance Agreement dated May 3, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Michael J. Doss
 
   
  10.4 *† Severance Agreement dated May 3, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Buddy Petersen
 
   
  10.5 *† Severance Agreement dated May 3, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Lance Turner
 
   
  10.6 *† Severance Agreement dated May 3, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Larry D. Cannon
 
   
  10.7 *† Letter Agreement dated August 5, 2015, between FTS International, Inc. and Lance Turner
 
   
  10.8 *† Letter Agreement dated December 20, 2016, between FTS International, Inc. and Larry D. Cannon
 
   
  10.9 *† FTS International, Inc. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
   
  10.10 *† Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Stock Settled) under the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
   
  10.11 **† Description of Short-Term Incentive Plan
 
   
  10.12 **† Form of Indemnification Agreement between FTS International, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers
 
   
  10.13 * Master Service Agreement, by and between Chesapeake Operating, Inc. and FTS International Services, LLC, dated July 9, 2012
 
   

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Exhibit
Number
  Description
  10.14 * Master Commercial Agreement, by and between Chesapeake Operating, LLC and FTS International Services, LLC, dated December 24, 2016
  10.15 * Security Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014, by and among FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC, FTS International Manufacturing, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent
 
   
  10.16 * Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014, among FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC, FTS International Manufacturing, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Term Secured Parties (as defined therein)
 
   
  10.17 * Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014, among FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC, FTS International Manufacturing, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in its capacity as administrative agent under the Term Loan Agreement, US Bank National Association, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the ABL Secured Parties (as defined therein)
 
   
  10.18 * Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder dated as of June 1, 2015, among FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC, FTS International Manufacturing, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in its capacity as administrative agent under the Term Loan Agreement, US Bank National Association, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the ABL Secured Parties (as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement)
 
   
  10.19 * Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014, from FTS International, Inc., FTS International Services, LLC and FTS International Manufacturing, LLC to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
 
   
  10.20 * Amended and Restated Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, from FTS International Services, LLC to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association pursuant to the Term Loan Agreement dated April 16, 2014
 
   
  10.21 * Amended and Restated Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, from FTS International Services, LLC to U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to the Indenture dated April 16, 2014
 
   
  10.22 * Amended and Restated Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, from FTS International Services, LLC to U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to the Indenture dated June 1, 2015
 
   
  10.23 ** FTS International, Inc. 2017 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan
 
   
  16.1 *** Letter from Ernst & Young LLP, dated February 10, 2017, regarding changes in accountant
 
   
  21.1 * List of Subsidiaries
 
   
  23.1 * Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
 
   
  23.2 ** Consent of Jones Day (included as part of Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
 
   
  24.1 *** Form of Power of Attorney (included on signature page)

*
Filed herewith
**
To be filed by amendment
***
Previously filed
Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement

II-9




Exhibit 4.1

 

Execution Version

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
AS ISSUER,

 

THE GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN,

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS COLLATERAL AGENT

 

AND

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS TRUSTEE

 


 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of April 16, 2014

 


 

$500,000,000
6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022

 

 



 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

 

TIA Sections

 

Indenture Sections

310(a)(1)

 

 

7.9

(a)(2)

 

 

7.9

(a)(3)

 

 

7.11

(a)(4)

 

 

N/A

(a)(5)

 

 

7.9

(b)

 

 

7.3; 7.9

(c)

 

 

N/A

311(a)

 

 

7.3; 7.10

(b)

 

 

7.3; 7.10

312(a)

 

 

2.5(a)

(b)

 

 

14.3

(c)

 

 

14.3

313(a)

 

 

7.5

(b)

 

 

7.5

(c)

 

 

6.1(b); 7.5; 14.2(b)

(d)

 

 

7.5

314(a)(1)

 

 

4.18; 8.3

(a)(2)

 

 

4.18; 8.3

(a)(3)

 

 

4.18; 8.3

(a)(4)

 

 

4.5(a); 8.3

(b)

 

 

11.5

(c)(1)

 

 

14.2

(c)(2)

 

 

14.2

(c)(3)

 

 

N/A

(d)

 

 

N/A

(e)

 

 

14.5

(f)

 

 

N/A

315(a)

 

 

7.1(b)

(b)

 

 

6.1(b)

(c)

 

 

7.1(a)

(d)

 

 

7.1(c)

(e)

 

 

6.11

316(a) (last sentence)

 

 

2.9

(a)(1)(A)

 

 

6.5

(a)(1)(B)

 

 

6.4

(a)(2)

 

 

N/A

(b)

 

 

6.7

(c)

 

 

6.15

317(a)(1)

 

 

6.8

(a)(2)

 

 

6.9

(b)

 

 

2.4

318(a)

 

 

14.1

(c)

 

 

14.1

 

N/A means not applicable.

 

Note:                   The Cross-Reference Table shall not for any purpose be deemed to be a part of this Indenture.

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

 

 

1.1.

Definitions

1

1.2.

Other Definitions

33

1.3.

Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act

34

1.4.

Rules of Construction

34

 

 

 

ARTICLE 2

THE NOTES

 

 

 

2.1.

The Notes

35

2.2.

Execution and Authentication

37

2.3.

Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent

38

2.4.

Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust

39

2.5.

Holder Lists and Contingent Registration Rights Agreements

39

2.6.

Transfer and Exchange

39

2.7.

Replacement Notes

43

2.8.

Outstanding Notes

43

2.9.

Notes Held by Issuer

44

2.10.

Certificated Notes

44

2.11.

Cancellation

45

2.12.

Defaulted Interest

45

2.13.

Computation of Interest

46

2.14.

CUSIP and Common Code Numbers

46

2.15.

Issuance of Additional Notes

46

2.16.

Additional Interest

46

 

 

 

ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION

 

 

 

3.1.

Right of Redemption

47

3.2.

Notices to Trustee

47

3.3.

Selection of Notes to be Redeemed

47

3.4.

Notice of Redemption

47

3.5.

Deposit of Redemption Price

48

3.6.

Payment of Notes Called for Redemption

49

3.7.

Notes Redeemed in Part

49

3.8.

Optional Redemption

50

 

 

 

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

 

 

 

4.1.

Payment of Notes

51

4.2.

Corporate Existence

51

4.3.

Maintenance of Properties

51

4.4.

Insurance

51

4.5.

Statement as to Compliance

52

4.6.

Limitation on Indebtedness

52

 

i



 

4.7.

Limitation on Liens

56

4.8.

Limitation on Restricted Payments

57

4.9.

Limitation on Sale of Certain Assets

62

4.10.

Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates

65

4.11.

Change of Control

66

4.12.

[Reserved]

67

4.13.

Limitation on Business Activities

67

4.14.

Future Note Guarantees

67

4.15.

Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

68

4.16.

Designation of Unrestricted and Restricted Subsidiaries

70

4.17.

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims

71

4.18.

Reports to Holders

72

4.19.

Maintenance of Office or Agency

74

4.20.

Stay, Extension and Usury Laws

74

4.21.

Further Instruments and Acts

75

4.22.

Suspension of Covenants

75

 

 

 

ARTICLE 5

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS

 

 

 

5.1.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets

76

5.2.

Successor Substituted

78

 

 

 

ARTICLE 6

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

 

 

6.1.

Events of Default

78

6.2.

Acceleration

80

6.3.

Other Remedies

82

6.4.

Waiver of Past Defaults

82

6.5.

Control by Majority

82

6.6.

Limitation on Suits

83

6.7.

Unconditional Right of Holders To Receive Payment

83

6.8.

Collection Suit by Trustee

83

6.9.

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

84

6.10.

Application of Money Collected

84

6.11.

Undertaking for Costs

85

6.12.

Restoration of Rights and Remedies

85

6.13.

Rights and Remedies Cumulative

85

6.14.

Delay or Omission not Waiver

85

6.15.

Record Date

85

6.16.

Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws

85

6.17.

Issuer Notice of Default

86

 

 

 

ARTICLE 7

TRUSTEE AND COLLATERAL AGENT

 

 

 

7.1.

Duties of Trustee and Collateral Agent

86

7.2.

Certain Rights of Trustee and Collateral Agent

87

7.3.

Individual Rights of Trustee

88

 

ii



 

7.4.

Trustee’s and Collateral Agent’s Disclaimer

88

7.5.

Reports by Trustee to Holders

89

7.6.

Compensation and Indemnity

89

7.7.

Replacement of Trustee and Collateral Agent

90

7.8.

Successor Trustee or Collateral Agent by Merger, Etc.

91

7.9.

Eligibility: Disqualification

91

7.10.

Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer

92

7.11.

Appointment of Co-Trustee

92

 

 

 

ARTICLE 8

DEFEASANCE; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

 

 

8.1.

Issuer’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance

93

8.2.

Defeasance and Discharge

93

8.3.

Covenant Defeasance

93

8.4.

Conditions to Defeasance

93

8.5.

Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture

95

8.6.

Survival of Certain Obligations

95

8.7.

Acknowledgment of Discharge by Trustee

95

8.8.

Application of Trust Funds

95

8.9.

Repayment to Issuer

96

8.10.

Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations

96

8.11.

Reinstatement

96

 

 

 

ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

 

 

 

9.1.

Without Consent of Holders

96

9.2.

With Consent of Holders

97

9.3.

Compliance with Trust Indenture Act

98

9.4.

Effect of Supplemental Indentures

98

9.5.

Notation on or Exchange of Notes

98

9.6.

Revocation of Consents

99

9.7.

Payment for Consent

99

9.8.

Notice of Amendment or Waiver

99

9.9.

Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.

99

 

 

 

ARTICLE 10

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENTS

 

 

 

10.1.

Intercreditor Agreements

99

 

 

 

ARTICLE 11

COLLATERAL

 

 

 

11.1.

Security Documents

100

11.2.

Collateral Agent

100

11.3.

Authorization of Actions to Be Taken

101

11.4.

Release of Collateral

102

11.5.

Filing, Recording and Opinions

103

11.6.

Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee

104

 

iii



 

11.7.

Release upon Termination of the Issuer’s Obligations

104

11.8.

Designations

104

11.9.

Trustee’s Duties with Respect to Collateral

104

 

 

 

ARTICLE 12

GUARANTEE

 

 

 

12.1.

Notes Guarantee

105

12.2.

Subrogation

106

12.3.

Limitation of Guarantee

106

12.4.

Notation Not Required

107

12.5.

Successors and Assigns

107

12.6.

No Waiver

107

12.7.

Modification

107

12.8.

Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Note Guarantors

107

12.9.

Release

107

 

 

 

ARTICLE 13

HOLDERS’ MEETINGS

 

 

 

13.1.

Purposes of Meetings

108

13.2.

Place of Meetings

108

13.3.

Call and Notice of Meetings

109

13.4.

Voting at Meetings

109

13.5.

Voting Rights, Conduct and Adjournment

109

13.6.

Revocation of Consent by Holders at Meetings

110

 

 

 

ARTICLE 14

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

 

14.1.

Trust Indenture Act Controls

110

14.2.

Notices

110

14.3.

Communication by Holders with Other Holders

111

14.4.

Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

111

14.5.

Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

112

14.6.

Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar

112

14.7.

Legal Holidays

112

14.8.

Governing Law

112

14.9.

Jurisdiction

112

14.10.

Waiver of Jury Trial

113

14.11.

No Recourse Against Others

113

14.12.

Successors

113

14.13.

Multiple Originals

113

14.14.

Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Sheet and Headings

113

14.15.

Severability

113

14.16.

Force Majeure

113

14.17.

Intercreditor Agreements

114

 

iv



 

Exhibits

 

Exhibit A

-

Form of Notes

Exhibit B

-

Form of Transfer Certificate for Transfer from Restricted Global Note to Regulation S Global Note

Exhibit C

-

Form of Transfer Certificate for Transfer from Regulation S Global Note to Restricted Global Note

Exhibit D

-

Form of Supplemental Indenture

 

v


 

INDENTURE dated as of April 16, 2014 among FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), the Initial Guarantors (as defined herein), U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.

 

RECITALS OF THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS

 

The Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of its (i) 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 issued on the date hereof (the “ Original Notes ”), (ii) any additional Notes (“ Additional Notes ”) that may be issued on any other Issue Date (as defined herein) and (iii) 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 issued pursuant to the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement (as defined herein) in exchange for any Original Notes or Additional Notes (the “ Exchange Notes ”, and together with the Original Notes and any Additional Notes, the “ Notes ”).

 

Each Guarantor has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of the Guarantee (as defined herein).

 

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Notes by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders, as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

1.1.                             Definitions .

 

ABL Collateral ” has the meaning given to it in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

ABL Collateral Agent means the representative(s) from time to time administering the collateral on behalf of the lenders under the ABL Revolver.

 

ABL Credit Facility means (1) the ABL Revolver; (2) any credit facility provided on the basis of the value of inventory, accounts receivable or other current assets (and related documents and intangibles) of the Issuer and/or any of its Subsidiaries or similar instrument; and (3) any similar credit support agreements or guarantees Incurred from time to time, as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated, refinanced or replaced in whole or in part from time to time; provided that any credit facility that refinances or replaces an ABL Credit Facility must comply with clause (2) of this definition in order to be an ABL Credit Facility.

 

ABL Obligations means all Indebtedness and other Obligations under any ABL Credit Facility and all other Obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of Hedging Obligations or Obligations in respect of cash management services in each case owing to a Person that is a holder of ABL Credit Facility Indebtedness or an Affiliate of such holder at the time of entry into such Hedging Obligations or Obligations in respect of cash management services.

 

ABL Revolver ” means that certain credit agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 among the Issuer, as co-borrower, FTS International Services, LLC, as co-borrower, the guarantors

 

1



 

party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as administrative agent and collateral agent (including all successors thereto) together with the related documents thereto (including the loans thereunder, any guarantees and security documents), as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented, refunded, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to time by one or more credit facilities, and any agreement (and related document) entered into in substitution for any credit agreement, in which case, the credit agreement or similar agreement together with all other documents and instruments related thereto shall constitute the “ ABL Revolver ,” whether with the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

 

Additional Interest ” means all additional interest owing on the Notes pursuant to the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Additional Notes ” means additional Notes issued from time to time under this Indenture in accordance with Section 2.15 hereof.

 

Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent means the collateral agent with respect to any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations means any Pari Passu Lien Obligations that are Incurred after the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness Incurred under the Term Loan Credit Facility) and secured by the Common Collateral on a first priority basis (subject to Permitted Liens) pursuant to the Security Documents.

 

Additional Pari Passu Secured Party means the holders of any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations, and any Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent or Authorized Representative with respect thereto.

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.  For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to a Note at any date of redemption, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (2) the excess of (a) the present value at such date of redemption of (i) the Redemption Price of such Note at May 1, 2017 plus (ii) all remaining required interest payments due on such Note through May 1, 2017 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the date of redemption), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (b) the principal amount of such Note.

 

Asset Sale ” means:

 

(a)                                  the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition (each, a “ Transfer ”) of any assets; and

 

2



 

(b)                                  the issuance of Equity Interests by any Restricted Subsidiary or the Transfer by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of Equity Interests in any of its Subsidiaries (other than directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable law).

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following items shall be deemed not to be Asset Sales:

 

(a)                                  a Transfer of assets that is governed by Section 4.11 or Section 5.1;

 

(b)                                  a Transfer of assets or Equity Interests between or among any of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(c)                                   an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or to another Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(d)                                  a Transfer of any assets in the ordinary course of business;

 

(e)                                   a Transfer of Cash Equivalents;

 

(f)                                    a Transfer of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings;

 

(g)                                   a Transfer that constitutes a Restricted Payment that is permitted by Section 4.8 or a Permitted Investment;

 

(h)                                  a Transfer of any property or equipment that has become damaged, worn out or obsolete;

 

(i)                                      the creation of a Lien not prohibited by this Indenture (but not the sale of property subject to a Lien);

 

(j)                                     any Transfer of any asset or any sale or issuance of Equity Interests made pursuant to a Permitted Joint Venture Investment or Joint Marketing Arrangement entered into in compliance with clause (i) of the definition of Permitted Investments;

 

(k)                                  any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of any contract, tort or other claim of any kind;

 

(l)                                      a grant of a license (or any sub-license) to use any Restricted Subsidiary’s patents, trade secrets, know-how or other intellectual property to the extent that such license does not limit the licensor’s use of the patent, trade secret, know-how or other intellectual property;

 

(m)                              any disposition of an asset manufactured or constructed by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary for sale to a third party (including a direct or indirect joint venture of the Issuer or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries) within 90 days of the completion of such manufacture or construction, if (1) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary receives value equal to the Fair Market Value of the asset and (2) the asset is then leased back by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary for use in a Permitted Business;

 

3



 

(n)                direct or indirect sales of equipment, products and services by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to any direct or indirect joint venture of the Issuer or one of the Restricted Subsidiaries at or above the lower of Cost or Fair Market Value; and

 

(o)                any other Transfer of assets or Transfer or issuance of Equity Interests, the Fair Market Value of which do not exceed, in any one or related series of transactions, $10.0 million.

 

Authorized Representative means (1) in the case of any Obligations under the Term Loan Credit Facility or the secured parties under the Term Loan Credit Facility, the Term Loan Collateral Agent, (2) in the case of the Notes Obligations under the Indenture or the Holders of the Notes, the Collateral Agent, (3) in the case of the ABL Revolver, the ABL Collateral Agent and (4) in the case of any Series of Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations that become subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Authorized Representative named for such Series in the applicable joinder agreement.

 

Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition. The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” shall have a corresponding meaning.

 

Bankruptcy Law ” means any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or relief of debtors or any amendment to, succession to or change in any such law, including, without limitation, the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 United States Code §§ 101 et seq .

 

Board of Directors ” means (a) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of such corporation or, except in the context of the definitions of “Change of Control” and “Continuing Directors,” any duly authorized committee thereof; and (b) with respect to any other entity, the board of directors or similar body of the general partner of such entity or the managers of such entity, any duly authorized committee thereof or any Person, board or committee serving a similar function.

 

Board Resolution ” means a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant or Vice Secretary of the Issuer to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Issuer and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.

 

Business Day ” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

 

Capital Lease Obligation ” means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease (or a successor definition that results in the reflection of a liability on the Issuer’s balance sheet) for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP; and the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby at any time shall be the amount of the liability in respect thereof that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.

 

4



 

Capital Stock ” of any Person means any and all shares, interests (including general or limited partnership interests, limited liability company or membership interests or limited liability partnership interests), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock; provided , however, that equity-based compensation awards that by their terms may only be settled in cash shall not be deemed to be capital stock.

 

Cash Equivalents ” means:

 

(a)                                  United States dollars and such local currencies held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b)                                  securities issued or directly and fully Guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof), maturing, unless such securities are deposited to defease any Indebtedness, not more than 365 days from the date of acquisition;

 

(c)                                   deposits, certificates of deposit and time deposits, money market accounts, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding 365 days and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state, commonwealth or territory thereof or Canada or any province or territory thereof having capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and a rating at the time of acquisition thereof of P-1 or better from Moody’s or A-1 or better from S&P or a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better;

 

(d)                                  repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (b) and (c) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (c) above;

 

(e)                                   commercial paper having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from Moody’s or S&P and in each case maturing within nine months after the date of acquisition;

 

(f)                                    securities issued and fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, rated at least “A” by Moody’s or S&P and having maturities of not more than 365 days from the date of acquisition; and

 

(g)                                   money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (a) through (f) of this definition.

 

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(a)                                  the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in any Transaction, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than the Permitted Holders;

 

(b)                                  the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer other than in a Transaction that complies with Section 5.1;

 

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(c)                                   prior to an IPO, there shall be any dilution of the ownership by the Permitted Holders of the Issuer; provided that no Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred (a) as a result of dilution through a primary sale of the Equity Interests of the Issuer if, following such primary sale (i) the Permitted Holders together hold 50% or more of the Equity Interests in the Issuer and (ii) Temasek owns a greater percentage of the Equity Interests in the Issuer than does Chesapeake, (b) as a result of dilution through a secondary private sale of Equity Interests in the Issuer if, following such secondary sale (i) Temasek holds at least 35% of the Equity Interests in the Issuer and (ii) Chesapeake holds at least 25% of the Equity Interests in the Issuer, or (c) as a result of the exercise of or any conversion or redemption right of the Preferred Stock;

 

(d)                                  on or following an IPO, any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer; or

 

(e)                                   the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer are not Continuing Directors.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, simultaneously with or following an IPO: (1) a transaction in which the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer becomes a Subsidiary of another Person (other than a Person that is an individual, such Person that is not an individual, the “ New Parent ”) shall not constitute a Change of Control if (a) the equityholders of the Issuer or such parent immediately prior to such transaction “beneficially own” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock of such New Parent immediately following the consummation of such transaction and (b) immediately following the consummation of such transaction, no “person” or “group” (as such terms are defined above), other than a Permitted Holder and the New Parent, “beneficially owns” (as such term is defined above), directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer or the New Parent; (2) any holding company whose only significant asset is Equity Interests of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer shall not itself be considered a “person” or “group” for purposes of this definition; (3) the transfer of assets between or among the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not itself constitute a Change of Control; (4) the term “Change of Control” shall not include a merger or consolidation of the Issuer (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) with, or the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) to, an Affiliate incorporated or organized solely for the purpose or reincorporating or reorganizing the Issuer in another jurisdiction and/or for the sole purpose of forming or collapsing a holding company structure; and (5) a “person” or “group” shall not be deemed to have beneficial ownership of securities subject to a stock purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such agreement.

 

Chesapeake ” means Chesapeake Energy Corporation and each of its controlled Affiliates.

 

Clearstream ” means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme.

 

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

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Collateral means all property subject or purported to be subject, from time to time, to a Lien under any Security Documents.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Collateral shall not include the Excluded Assets.

 

Collateral Agent means U.S. Bank National Association as collateral agent under the Security Documents.

 

Collateral Agreement means that certain security agreement (as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated or replaced in whole or in part from time to time) dated April 16, 2014 by and among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Collateral Agent that establishes the terms of the security interests and Liens that secure the Notes.

 

Common Collateral ” means, at any time, Collateral in which the holders of two or more Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations (or their respective Authorized Representatives) hold a valid and perfected security interest at such time.  If more than two Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations are outstanding at any time and the holders of less than all Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations hold a valid and perfected security interest in any Collateral at such time then such Collateral shall constitute Common Collateral for those Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations that hold a valid security interest in such Collateral at such time and shall not constitute Common Collateral for any Series which does not have a valid and perfected security interest in such Collateral at such time.

 

Common Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock (other than Preferred Stock) of such Person, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or issued thereafter.

 

Consolidated Cash Flow ” means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer for such period plus, without duplication:

 

(a)                                  provision for taxes based on income or profits of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such amounts were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(b)                                  Fixed Charges of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that any such Fixed Charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(c)                                   depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; minus or plus, as the case may be

 

(d)                                  any net gain or loss realized by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any sale or disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business, to the extent such gains or losses were added or deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income; minus or plus, as the case may be

 

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(e)                                   all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items of gain (loss) or expense to the extent added or deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income; minus or plus, as the case may be

 

(f)                                    non-cash items increasing or decreasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than the accrual of revenue or expense in the ordinary course of business; plus

 

(g)                 any expenses or charges, to the extent deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, related to any offering of Equity Interests, Permitted Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Indenture including a refinancing thereof (whether or not successful) and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such transactions;

 

in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) the provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, the Fixed Charges of and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses of, a Restricted Subsidiary shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow of the Issuer (a) in the same proportion that the Consolidated Net Income of such Restricted Subsidiary was added to compute such Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer and (b) only to the extent that a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended or distributed to the Issuer by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained), and without direct or indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter or any agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders and (2) it is agreed that, for purposes of determining compliance with the covenant(s) described in Article 4 including the related definitions (including any test requiring compliance with such covenants on a pro forma basis), Consolidated Cash Flow of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2013, September 30, 2013, June 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013 shall be deemed to be $82.0 million, $53.9 million, $56.3 million and $74.0 million, respectively.

 

Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any period, the aggregate of the net income (loss) of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that, without duplication:

 

(a)                                  the net income/loss of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (subject, in the case of dividends or distributions paid to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (b) below);

 

(b)                                  the net income (but not the net loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its equity holders (other than any restrictions existing by reason of, or any governmental

 

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approvals necessary pursuant to, any law, rule, regulation, order or decree that is generally applicable to all Persons operating in any jurisdiction in which any Restricted Subsidiary is conducting business so long as there is in effect no specific order, decree or other prohibition pursuant to any such law, rule or regulation in such jurisdiction limiting the payment of a dividend or similar distribution by such Restricted Subsidiary);

 

(c)                                   the net income (loss) of any Person acquired during the specified period for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be excluded;

 

(d)                                  any gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on such gain or loss, realized in connection with: (1) any sale or disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (2) the disposition of any securities by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, shall be excluded;

 

(e)                                   the effect of any non-cash items resulting from any depreciation, amortization, write-up, write-down or write-off of assets (including intangible assets, goodwill and deferred financing costs but excluding inventory) in connection with any acquisition, merger, consolidation or similar transaction, or any other non-cash impairment changes, incurred in each case prior or subsequent to the Issue Date (excluding any such non-cash item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period except to the extent such item is subsequently reversed) shall be excluded;

 

(f)                                    any extraordinary gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary gain or loss, shall be excluded;

 

(g)                                   any unrealized gain or loss included in net income due to marking Hedging Obligations to market shall be excluded;

 

(h)                                  any non-cash compensation expense realized for grants of restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance shares, stock options or other similar rights to officers, directors and employees of the Issuer and any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded; provided that such restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance shares, stock options or other similar rights can be redeemed, if at all, at the option of the holder only for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer;

 

(i)                                      the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded;

 

(j)                                     to the extent deducted in the calculation of net income, any non-recurring charges associated with any premium or penalty paid, write-offs of deferred financing costs or other financial recapitalization charges in connection with redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity shall be added back to arrive at Consolidated Net Income;

 

(k)                                  any net income (loss) from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments shall be excluded;

 

(l)                                      any unrealized net gain or loss (but not any realized gain or loss) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness, including intercompany indebtedness, shall be excluded; and

 

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(m)                              to the extent deducted in the calculation of net income, any restructuring or other unusual, non-operating or non-recurring loss shall be added back to arrive at Consolidated Net Income.

 

Consolidated Tangible Assets ” means, with respect to any Person, the consolidated total assets of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries less all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt issuance costs and other similar intangibles properly classified as intangibles in accordance with GAAP, all as shown on the most recent balance sheet delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the terms of Section 4.18 as of the end of a fiscal quarter of such Person and computed in accordance with GAAP.

 

Contingent Obligation ” shall mean, as to any Person, any obligation, agreement, understanding or arrangement of such person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee any Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (“primary obligations”) of any other person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, (1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor; (2) to advance or supply funds (a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (b) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; (3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation; (4) with respect to bankers’ acceptances and letters of credit, until a reimbursement obligation arises (which obligation shall constitute Indebtedness); or (5) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided, however , that the term “Contingent Obligation” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business or any product warranties for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made (or, if less, the maximum amount of such primary obligation for which such person may be liable, whether severally or jointly, pursuant to the terms of the instrument evidencing such Contingent Obligation) or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such person in good faith.

 

Contingent Registration Rights Agreement ” means (a) with respect to the Original Notes, that certain contingent registration rights agreement, dated the Issue Date, among the Issuer, the Initial Guarantors, and the Initial Purchasers and (b) with respect to any Additional Notes, any Contingent Registration Rights Agreement between the Issuer and the other parties thereto relating to the registration by the Issuer of such Additional Notes under the Securities Act.

 

Continuing Directors ” means as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Issuer who:

 

(a)                                  was a member of such Board of Directors on the Issue Date; or

 

(b)                                  was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of the Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election.

 

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Corporate Trust Office ” means the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee, at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date of execution of this Indenture is located at 1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer).

 

Cost ” means with respect to equipment, supplies and products, the Issuer’s good faith, reasonable estimate of the all-in cost to the Issuer or its applicable Restricted Subsidiary to procure or manufacture such equipment, supplies or products and, with respect to services, the Issuer’s good faith, reasonable estimate of the all-in cost to the Issuer or its applicable Restricted Subsidiaries of the cost of providing such services.

 

Credit Facilities ” means one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Term Loan Credit Facility and the ABL Revolver), commercial paper facilities or other debt instruments, indentures or agreements, providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables or other financial assets to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against receivables or other financial assets), letters of credit, bonds, notes or other debt obligations, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, restructured, supplemented, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time, including, without limitation, any amendment increasing the amount of Indebtedness incurred or available to be borrowed thereunder, extending the maturity of any Indebtedness incurred thereunder or contemplated thereby or deleting, adding or substituting one or more parties thereto (whether or not such added or substituted parties are banks or other institutional lenders or other persons).

 

Credit Facility Indebtedness ” means any and all amounts payable under or in respect of the Credit Facilities as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, replaced, restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time (including after termination of the Term Loan Credit Facility and the ABL Revolver), including principal, premium (if any), interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Issuer whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings), fees, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, guarantees and all other amounts payable thereunder or in respect thereof.

 

Custodian ” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian, administrator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

Default ” means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time, or both, would be, an Event of Default.

 

Deposit Accounts ” means any checking or other demand deposit account maintained by the Issuer or any Guarantor.

 

Depositary ” means DTC until a successor Depositary, if any, shall have become such pursuant to this Indenture, and thereafter Depositary shall mean or include each Person who is then a Depositary hereunder.

 

Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the Fair Market Value of any non-Cash Equivalent consideration received by the Issuer or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries in

 

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connection with an Asset Sale that is designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate at the time of such Asset Sale.  Any particular item of Designated Non-cash Consideration shall cease to be considered to be outstanding once it has been sold for Cash Equivalents (which shall be considered Net Available Cash from an Asset Sale when received).

 

Disinterested Member ” means, with respect to any Transaction, a member of the Issuer’s Board of Directors:  (1) who does not have any material direct or indirect financial interest (other than as an owner of Equity Interests in the Issuer or as an officer, manager or employee of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) in or with respect to such Transaction, and (2) is not an Affiliate, or an officer, director, member of a supervisory, executive or management board or employee, of any Person (other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary), who has any direct or indirect financial interest in or with respect to such Transaction.

 

Disqualified Stock ” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, or by contract or otherwise, is, or upon the happening of any event or passage of time would be, required to be redeemed on or prior to the date that is one year after the date on which the Notes mature, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, or is convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities in any such case on or prior to such date. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if (a) the “asset sale” or “change of control” provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are similar to, and not substantially more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than, the provisions contained in Section 4.9 and Section 4.11 and (b) such Capital Stock specifically provides that such Person shall not repurchase or redeem any such stock pursuant to such provision prior to the Issuer’s repurchase of such Notes as are required to be repurchased pursuant to Section 4.9 and Section 4.11. The term “Disqualified Stock” shall also include any options, warrants or other rights that are convertible into Disqualified Stock or that are redeemable at the option of the holder, or required to be redeemed, prior to the date that is one year after the date on which the Notes mature.  The term “Disqualified Stock” shall not include the Issuer’s Series A preferred stock under the terms existing on the Issue Date.

 

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States that is not a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

DTC ” means The Depository Trust Company.

 

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

 

Euroclear ” means Euroclear SA/NV, as operator of the Euroclear system.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Exchange Offer ” means the exchange offer by the Issuer of Exchange Notes for the Original Notes issued on the Issue Date to be effected pursuant to the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement.

 

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Exchange Offer Registration Statement ” means the Exchange Offer Registration Statement as defined in the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Excluded Assets has the meaning given to it in the Collateral Agreement.

 

Excluded Subsidiary ” means any of the following:

 

(1)                                  each Immaterial Subsidiary;

 

(2)                                  each Domestic Subsidiary that is prohibited from guaranteeing the Notes Obligations by any applicable law or that would require consent, approval, license or authorization of a government agency to guarantee the Notes Obligations that cannot be obtained after use of commercially reasonable efforts (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received);

 

(3)                                  each Domestic Subsidiary that is prohibited by any applicable contractual requirement from guaranteeing the Notes Obligations on the Issue Date or at the time such Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary, so long as such requirement was not entered into in contemplation of the acquisition of such Subsidiary (and for so long as such restriction or any replacement or renewal thereof is in effect);

 

(4)                                  any Foreign Subsidiary;

 

(5)                                  any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco; and

 

(6)                                  each Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any asset or property, the sale value that would be obtained in an arm’s-length free-market Transaction between an informed and willing seller under no compulsion to sell and an informed and willing buyer under no compulsion to buy, as determined in good faith by (a) in the case of an asset or property with an estimated value of $20.0 million or more, the Board of Directors of the Issuer, which determination shall be conclusive if evidenced by a Board Resolution and (b) in the case of an asset or property with an estimated value of less than $20.0 million, the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or principal accounting officer of the Issuer, which determination shall be conclusive if evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate.

 

First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Foreign Subsidiary the Equity Interests of which are owned directly by the Issuer or a Guarantor.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of the Issuer for such period to the Fixed Charges of the Issuer for such period.

 

For purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:

 

(a)                                  in the event that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness or issues, repurchases or redeems Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Calculation Date ”), then (subject to the remaining clauses of this definition) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of

 

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Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Preferred Stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom as if the same had occurred at the beginning of such period;

 

(b)                                  acquisitions and dispositions of business entities or property and assets constituting a division or line of business of any Person that have been made by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (or by any Person that has subsequently become a Restricted Subsidiary or has subsequently merged or consolidated with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary), including through mergers or consolidations, and the designation or redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case, during such period or subsequent to such period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the first day of such period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such period shall be calculated on a pro forma basis, but without giving effect to clause (c) of the proviso set forth in the definition of Consolidated Net Income;

 

(c)                                   the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, shall be excluded;

 

(d)                                  the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges shall not be obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary following the Calculation Date;

 

(e)                                   whenever pro forma effect is to be given to an acquisition or disposition, the amount of Consolidated Cash Flow relating thereto and the amount of Fixed Charges associated with any Indebtedness Incurred in connection therewith, unless otherwise specified, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer;

 

(f)                                    Fixed Charges attributable to interest on any Indebtedness (whether existing or being Incurred) computed on a pro forma basis and bearing a floating interest rate shall be computed as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date (taking into account any interest rate option, swap, cap or similar agreement applicable to such Indebtedness if such agreement has a remaining term in excess of 12 months or, if shorter, at least equal to the remaining term of such Indebtedness) had been the applicable rate for the entire period; and

 

(g)                                   Fixed Charges attributable to interest on any Indebtedness Incurred under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be calculated based on the average daily balance of such Indebtedness for such period subject to the pro forma calculation.

 

Fixed Charges ” means, for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(a)                                  the consolidated interest expense of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (without duplication), including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations relating to interest rates and excluding any non-cash interest expense imputed on any convertible debt securities in accordance with ASC 470-20; plus

 

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(b)                                  the consolidated interest of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period; plus

 

(c)                                   any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by the Issuer or one of the Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon; plus

 

(d)                                  the product of (1) all dividends whether paid or accrued (without duplication) and, whether or not in cash, on any series of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, other than dividends paid to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer, times (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate, taking into account the deductibility of state and local taxes for federal income tax purposes, of the issuer of such Disqualified or Preferred Stock, expressed as a decimal,

 

in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.

 

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer other than a Domestic Subsidiary.

 

Foreign Subsidiary Holdco ” means a Restricted Subsidiary all or substantially all of the assets of which consist of Capital Stock of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries and/or other Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this definition, FTS International Services, LLC shall not be considered to be a Foreign Subsidiary Holdco.

 

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied, as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements (including the Accounting Standards Codification) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States.

 

Guarantee ” means, as applied to any Indebtedness of another Person, (a) a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the normal course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of such Indebtedness, (b) any direct or indirect obligation, contingent or otherwise, of a Person guaranteeing or having the effect of guaranteeing the Indebtedness of any other Person in any manner and (c) an agreement of a Person, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, the practical effect of which is to assure in any way the payment (or payment of damages in the event of non-payment) of all or any part of such Indebtedness of another Person (and “ Guaranteed ” and “ Guaranteeing ” shall have meanings that correspond to the foregoing).

 

Guarantors ” means:

 

(a)                                  the Initial Guarantors; and

 

(b)                                  any other Subsidiary that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

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and their respective successors and assigns until released from their obligations under their Note Guarantees and this Indenture in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

Hedging Obligations ” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person under Swap Contracts or with respect to letters of credit (including reimbursement obligations with respect thereto) supporting Swap Contracts.

 

Holder ” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.

 

Immaterial Subsidiary ” means, as of any date, any Restricted Subsidiary whose total assets, as of that date, are less than $100,000 or whose total revenues for the most recent 12-month period do not exceed $100,000.

 

Incur ” means, with respect to any Indebtedness, to incur, create, issue, assume, Guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable for or with respect to, or become responsible for, the payment of, contingently or otherwise, such Indebtedness (and “Incurrence” and “Incurred” will have meanings correlative to the foregoing); provided that (a) any Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and (b) neither the accrual of interest nor the accretion of original issue discount nor the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms or the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock will be considered an Incurrence of Indebtedness.

 

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any specified Person, without duplication:

 

(a)                                  all indebtedness of such Person in respect of borrowed money;

 

(b)                                  all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments;

 

(c)                                   all reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of banker’s acceptances, letters of credit or similar instruments;

 

(d)                                  all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

 

(e)                                   all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred and unpaid balance of the purchase price of any property or services, due more than six months after such property is acquired or such services are completed except any such balance that constitutes an expense or trade payable, whether such balance arises directly with a vendor or indirectly under corporate credit card, purchasing card or gas card arrangements;

 

(f)                                    all net Hedging Obligations of such Person;

 

(g)                                   all Disqualified Stock issued by such Person, valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends;

 

(h)                                  all Preferred Stock issued by a Subsidiary of such Person, valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends;

 

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(i)                                      all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person), provided that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of (1) the Fair Market Value of such asset at such date of determination and (2) the amount of such Indebtedness; and

 

(j)                                     to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person,

 

in each case other than clauses (c) and (f), if and to the extent that any of the foregoing would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

For purposes hereof, the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price will be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, as if such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock were repurchased on any date on which Indebtedness will be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall not include any indebtedness that has been defeased in accordance with GAAP or defeased pursuant to the deposit of cash, U.S. Government Obligations and Cash Equivalents (sufficient to satisfy all obligations relating thereto at maturity or redemption, as applicable) in a trust or account created or pledged for the sole benefit of the holders of such indebtedness, in accordance with the terms of the instruments governing such indebtedness.

 

The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and, with respect to contingent obligations, the maximum liability upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation.  The amount of any Indebtedness described in clauses (a) and (b) above will be:

 

(a)                                  the accreted value thereof, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount; and

 

(b)                                  the principal amount thereof, together with any interest thereon that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

 

For purposes of determining any particular amount of Indebtedness, (1) Guarantees, Liens or obligations with respect to letters of credit supporting Indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of such particular amount shall not be included, and (2) any Liens granted pursuant to the equal and ratable provisions referred to in Section 4.7 shall not be treated as Indebtedness.

 

Indenture ” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture following the effectiveness of a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the Notes, the provisions of the TIA that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument, and any such supplemental indenture, respectively.

 

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Indenture Document s” means the Indenture, the Notes (including any Additional Notes, any Exchange Notes and any guarantees of the foregoing), the Note Guarantees, the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.

 

Initial Guarantors ” means FTS International Services, LLC and FTS International Manufacturing, LLC.

 

Initial Purchasers ” means Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and Barclays Capital, Inc.

 

Interest Payment Date ” means each May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 2014.

 

Inventory ” means all inventory in all of its forms, including, without limitation, (a) all raw materials, work in process, finished goods and materials used or consumed in the manufacture, production, preparation or shipping thereof, (b) goods in which the Issuer or any Guarantor has an interest in mass or a joint or other interest or right of any kind (including, without limitation, goods in which the Issuer or any Guarantor has an interest or right as consignee) and (c) goods that are returned to or repossessed or stopped in transit by the Issuer or any Guarantor), and all accessions thereto and products thereof and documents, customs receipts, and shipping documents therefor, and all software that is embedded in and is part of the inventory.

 

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by Standard and Poor’s, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

 

Investments ” in any Person means all direct or indirect investments in such Person in the form of loans or other extensions of credit (including Guarantees), advances, capital contributions (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by such Person, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

If the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, the Issuer will be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Investment in such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of.  The acquisition by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and holds an Investment in a third Person will be deemed to be an Investment by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary in such third Person in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the Investment held by the acquired Person in such third Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary unless such Investment in such third party was not made in anticipation or contemplation of the Investment by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary and such third party Investment is incidental to the primary business of such Person in which the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary is making such Investment.

 

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IPO ” means an underwritten public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) of the Issuer’s Common Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act (whether along or in connection with a secondary public offering).

 

Issue Date ” means the date on which the Original Notes are initially issued.

 

Issuer ” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

 

Issuer Order ” means a written order signed in the name of the Issuer by any Person authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer.

 

Joint Marketing Arrangement ” means any joint venture, partnership, lease, joint marketing agreement, operating agreement or other arrangement (which may or may not include joint ownership of any Person) pursuant to which the Issuer or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries arrange for the marketing, lease or sale of products and services constituting a Permitted Business and share in the profits therefrom.

 

Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement means that certain junior lien intercreditor agreement dated as of the Issue Date (as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated or replaced in whole or in part from time to time) by and among the Issuer and the Guarantors that sets forth the relative priority of the Liens securing any Pari Passu Lien Obligations and the Liens securing the ABL Obligations.

 

Legal Holiday ” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York or in Atlanta, Georgia or at a place of payment are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

 

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.

 

Liquid Securities ” means securities (a) of an issuer that is not an Affiliate of the Issuer, (b) that are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Select Market with a minimum market capitalization of $500.0 million at the time of acquisition and (c) as to which the Issuer is not subject to any restrictions on sale or transfer (including any volume restrictions under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other restrictions imposed by the Securities Act) or as to which a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the resale thereof is in effect for as long as the securities are held; provided that securities meeting the requirements of clauses (a), (b) and (c) above shall be treated as Liquid Securities from the date of receipt thereof until and only until the earlier of (1) the date on which such securities are sold or exchanged for cash or Cash Equivalents and (2) 180 days following the date of receipt of such securities. If such securities are not sold or exchanged for cash or Cash Equivalents within 180 days of receipt thereof, for purposes of determining whether the transaction pursuant to which the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary received the securities was in compliance with Section 4.9, such securities shall be deemed not to have been Liquid Securities at any time.

 

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Master Frac Services Agreement ” means that certain master frac services agreement, dated April 20, 2011 between FTS International Services, LLC and Chesapeake Operating, Inc.

 

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

Net Available Cash ” means the aggregate proceeds, including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations (to the extent corresponding to the principal, but not the interest component, thereof), received in Cash Equivalents by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any Cash Equivalents received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of (a) the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal, accounting, investment banking and brokerage fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, (b) taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof, in each case, after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements, (c) in the case of any Asset Sale by a Restricted Subsidiary, payments to holders of Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary in such capacity (other than such Equity Interests held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) to the extent that such payment is required to permit the distribution of such proceeds in respect of the Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and (d) appropriate amounts to be provided by the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve against liabilities associated with such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sale, all as determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that (1) excess amounts set aside for payment of taxes pursuant to clause  (b) above remaining after such taxes have been paid in full or the statute of limitations therefor has expired and (2) amounts initially held in reserve pursuant to clause (d) no longer so held, shall, in the case of each of subclause (1) and (2), at that time become Net Available Cash.

 

Note Guarantee ” means a Guarantee of the Notes pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Notes Collateral ” has the meaning given to it in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement .

 

Notes Obligations ” means Obligations in respect of the Notes, this Indenture and the Security Documents, including, for the avoidance of doubt, Obligations in respect of Exchange Notes and Guarantees thereof, Obligations with respect to Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness related thereto and Obligations in respect of all fees of, reimbursement of expenses incurred by, indemnifications, damages and any other liabilities payable to, each of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent.

 

Obligations ” means any principal, premium, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and Guarantees of payment of such principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness;

 

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provided that, except as otherwise provided in the definition of Notes Obligations, in order to avoid double counting, Obligations with respect to the Notes shall not include fees or indemnifications in favor of the Trustee and other third parties other than the Holders of the Notes.

 

Offer to Purchase ” means an offer to purchase Notes by the Issuer from the Holders commenced by mailing a notice to the Trustee and each Holder stating:

 

(a)                                  the provision of this Indenture pursuant to which the offer is being made and that all Notes validly tendered will be accepted for payment on a pro rata basis;

 

(b)                                  the purchase price and the date of purchase, which shall be a Business Day no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “ Payment Date ”);

 

(c)                                   that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest pursuant to its terms;

 

(d)                                  that, unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the purchase price, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer to Purchase shall cease to accrue interest on and after the Payment Date;

 

(e)                                   any procedures that the Holders must follow to accept the Offer to Purchase and tender their Notes;

 

(f)                                    that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the third Business Day immediately preceding the Payment Date, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of such Holder, the principal amount of Notes delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Notes purchased; and

 

(g)                                   that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered; provided that each Note purchased and each new Note issued shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

On the Payment Date, the Issuer shall (1) accept for payment on a pro-rata basis Notes or portions thereof (and, in the case of an Offer to Purchase made pursuant to Section 4.9, any other Pari Passu Lien Obligations or Pari Passu Indebtedness included in such Offer to Purchase) tendered pursuant to an Offer to Purchase; (2) deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the purchase price of all Notes or portions thereof so accepted; and (3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee all Notes or portions thereof so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate specifying the Notes or portions thereof accepted for payment by the Issuer. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail or wire transfer to the Holders of Notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail to such Holders a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered; provided that each Note purchased and each new Note issued shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  The Issuer will publicly announce the results of an Offer to Purchase as soon as practicable after the Payment Date.  The Trustee shall act as the Paying Agent for an Offer to Purchase.  The Issuer will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the

 

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Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder, to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable, in the event that the Issuer is required to repurchase Notes pursuant to an Offer to Purchase.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture relating to an Offer to Purchase, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under such provisions of this Indenture by virtue of such conflict.

 

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed by two officers of the Issuer or a Guarantor, as applicable, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable.

 

Opinion of Counsel ” means an opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee (who may be counsel to or an employee of the Issuer) that meets the requirements of this Indenture.

 

Pari Passu Collateral Agents ” mean the Collateral Agent, the Term Loan Collateral Agent and any Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent.

 

Pari Passu Indebtedness ” means (a) any Indebtedness of the Issuer that ranks equally in right of payment with the Notes or (b) any Indebtedness of a Guarantor that ranks equally in right of payment with such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee.

 

Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement ” means that certain pari passu intercreditor agreement dated as of the Issue Date (as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated or replaced in whole or in part from time to time) by and among the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Term Loan Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent, which may be amended from time to time without the consent of the Holders of the Notes to add other parties holding Pari Passu Lien Obligations permitted to be Incurred under this Indenture, the Term Loan Credit Facility and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Pari Passu Lien Obligations means (1) all Indebtedness under Credit Facilities (other than the ABL Revolver and any other ABL Credit Facility Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(b)(i)) secured by the Common Collateral and subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, (2) the Notes Obligations and the Obligations in respect of any refunding, refinancing or defeasement of the Notes, and (3) Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations, if any, permitted to be Incurred under Section 4.6.

 

Pari Passu Secured Parties means (1) the “Secured Parties,” as defined in the Term Loan Credit Facility, (2) the “Secured Parties,” as defined in the Collateral Agreement and (3) any Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties.

 

Permitted Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted (as described in the offering memorandum) by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date, any other business or businesses in the oilfield services industry and other businesses reasonably related or ancillary thereto or that are reasonable extensions thereof.

 

Permitted Holder ” means Temasek and Chesapeake.

 

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Permitted Investments ” means:

 

(a)                                  any Investment in the Issuer or in a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(b)                                  any Investment in Cash Equivalents;

 

(c)                                   any Investment by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:

 

(1)                                  such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

 

(2)                                  such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(d)                                  any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.9;

 

(e)                                   Hedging Obligations that are designed solely to protect the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries against fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates (or to reverse or amend any such agreements previously made for such purposes), and not for speculative purposes, and that do not increase the Indebtedness of the obligor outstanding at any time other than as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates or by reason of fees, indemnifies and compensation payable thereunder;

 

(f)                                    (1) Investments received in satisfaction of judgments, foreclosure of Liens or settlement of Indebtedness and (2) any Investments received in compromise or resolution of (A) obligations of any trade creditor or customer that were incurred in the ordinary course of business, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any such Person, or (B) litigation, arbitration or other disputes with Persons that are not Affiliates;

 

(g)                                   advances or deposits in the ordinary course of business that are, in conformity with GAAP, recorded as accounts receivable, prepaid expenses or deposits on the balance sheet of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries and endorsements for collection or deposit arising in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h)                                  commission, payroll, travel and similar advances to officers and employees of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that are made in the ordinary course of business and expected, at the time of such advance, ultimately to be recorded as an expense in conformity with GAAP;

 

(i)                                      Permitted Joint Venture Investments and Joint Marketing Arrangements entered into by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount (measured on the date on which each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes of value) that, when taken together with all other Investments pursuant to this clause (i), do not exceed $50.0 million outstanding at any time;

 

(j)                                     any Investment existing on the date of this Indenture and any Investment that replaces, refinances or refunds any existing Investment; provided that the new Investment is

 

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in an amount that does not exceed the amount replaced, refinanced or refunded, and is made in the same Person as the Investment being replaced, financed or refunded;

 

(k)                                  repurchases of, or other Investments in, the Notes or any other Pari Passu Lien Obligations;

 

(l)                                      advances, deposits and prepayments for purchases of any assets, other than Equity Interests;

 

(m)                              Investments acquired in exchange for, or out of the proceeds from the issuance or sale of, Equity Interests in the Issuer (excluding Disqualified Stock); and

 

(n)                                  other Investments by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, having an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (n) since the Issue Date, not to exceed the greater of $50.0 million and 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer outstanding at any one time; provided , however, if any Investment made pursuant to this clause (n) is made to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the date of such Investment and such Person subsequently becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, such Investment shall be deemed made pursuant to clause (a) above and shall cease to have been made under this clause (n) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Permitted Joint Venture Investment ” means a direct or indirect Investment by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in any other Person engaged in a Permitted Business (a) over which the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary is responsible (either directly or indirectly through Unrestricted Subsidiaries or a services agreement) for day-to-day operations or otherwise has operational and managerial control of such Permitted Business, or veto power over significant management decisions affecting such Permitted Business, and (b) of which at least 30% of the outstanding Equity Interests of such other Person are at the time owned directly or indirectly by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Permitted Liens ” means:

 

(a)                                  (1) Liens securing Credit Facility Indebtedness Incurred under Section 4.6(b)(i); provided that prior to the release of Collateral under Section 11.4(4), any Liens on Notes Collateral securing any ABL Credit Facility must be expressly subject to the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (2) Liens securing the Term Loan Credit Facility Incurred under Section 4.6(b)(iv)(c);

 

(b)                                  Liens on Collateral securing Indebtedness representing Pari Passu Lien Obligations permitted to be incurred under Section 4.6(a) prior to the release of Collateral under Section 11.4(4);

 

(c)                                   Liens existing on the Issue Date, ( provided that Liens securing Indebtedness Incurred under Section 4.6(b)(i) and Section 4.6(b)(iv)(c) shall be permitted only to the extent permitted under clause (a) (1) and (2), respectively of this definition);

 

(d)                                  Liens imposed by law or contract (other than contracts for Indebtedness), including carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s and repairmen’s Liens, in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings if

 

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a reserve or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof;

 

(e)                                   Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet subject to penalties for non-payment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which that appropriate reserves required pursuant to GAAP have been made in respect thereof;

 

(f)                                    Liens in favor of issuers of surety or performance bonds or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business, and Liens to secure appeal bonds or letters of credit or similar instruments that themselves secure appeal bonds;

 

(g)                                   survey exceptions, encumbrances, ground leases, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions (including, without limitation, minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which do not individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

 

(h)                                  Liens securing Hedging Obligations permitted under this Indenture;

 

(i)                                      leases, licenses, subleases and sublicenses of assets (including, without limitation, real property, mineral rights and intellectual property rights) which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and Liens created by Persons who are lessors of property to the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(j)                                     Liens for the purpose of securing Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or other payments Incurred to finance all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of assets or property (other than Capital Stock or other Investments) acquired, constructed or improved in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that

 

(1)                                  the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens pursuant to this clause (j) is otherwise permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(b)(vi) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; and

 

(2)                                  such Liens are created within 180 days of construction, acquisition or improvement of such assets or property and do not encumber any other assets or property of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary other than such assets or property and assets affixed or appurtenant thereto;

 

(k)                                  Liens that are part of normal depository and cash-management arrangements with banks and financial institutions, excluding arrangements for dedicated cash collateral accounts or arrangements otherwise intended to provide collateral securing Indebtedness owing to banks or financial institutions;

 

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(l)                                      Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases, bailments and other transactions that do not involve security interests or that are not intended to perfect a security interest securing any Indebtedness;

 

(m)                              Liens on property or shares of stock of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however, that such Liens are not created, Incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary; provided further, however, that any such Lien may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(n)                                  Liens on property at the time the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however, that such Liens are not created, Incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided further, however, that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(o)                                  Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or a Guarantor;

 

(p)                                  Liens securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to refinance, refund, replace, amend, extend or modify, as a whole or in part, Indebtedness that was previously so secured pursuant to clauses (a), (b), (c), (h), (j), (m), (n), (r), (x), and (z) of this definition; provided that (1) any such Lien is limited to all or part of the same property or assets that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the Indebtedness being refinanced or is in respect of property that is the security for a Permitted Lien hereunder and (2) any such Lien is no less favorable in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes than the Lien in respect of the Indebtedness being refinanced; provided , further, however, that in the case of any Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal of Indebtedness secured by a Lien referred to in clause (a) or (b) of this definition, the principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred for such refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal shall be deemed secured by a Lien under clause (a) or (b) of this definition, as applicable, and not this clause (p) for purposes of determining the principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding under clause (a) or (b) of this definition, as applicable;

 

(q)                                  Liens securing Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not to exceed the greater of (a) $50.0 million and (b) 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer (with the Fair Market Value of each item of designated non-cash consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

 

(r)                                     Liens on the Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

(s)                                    judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been made;

 

(t)                                     Liens on property or assets securing Indebtedness used to defease or to satisfy and discharge the Notes; provided that (1) the Incurrence of such Indebtedness was not

 

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prohibited by this Indenture and (2) such defeasance or satisfaction and discharge is not prohibited by this Indenture;

 

(u)                                  any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Capital Stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;

 

(v)                                  pledges or deposits by such Person under workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or United States government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import or customs duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business, and pledges or deposits to secure bonds or letters of credit provided by third parties for any of the foregoing purposes;

 

(w)                                Liens contained in purchase and sale agreements limiting the transfer of assets pending the closing of the transactions contemplated thereby or that may be deemed to exist by virtue of contractual provisions that restrict the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries from granting or permitting to exist Liens on their respective assets;

 

(x)                                  Liens upon specific items of inventory, accounts receivable or other goods and proceeds thereof securing obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or receivables securitizations issued or created for the account of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory, accounts receivable or other goods and proceeds and permitted to be incurred under Section 4.6;

 

(y)                                  Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of credit that encumber documents and other property or assets relating to such letters of credit and products and proceeds thereof; and

 

(z)                                   Liens on assets not constituting Collateral securing Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(b) (xv) or (xvii).

 

Provisions of this Indenture allowing Permitted Liens or other Liens on assets and property shall be construed to allow such Permitted Liens or other Liens on all improvements, fixtures, accessions and proceeds with respect to such property or assets.

 

Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary issued in exchange for, or the net cash proceeds of which are used to Refinance other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or to any Subsidiary of the Issuer); provided that:

 

(a)                                  the amount of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the amount of the Indebtedness so Refinanced (plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and the amount of any reasonably determined premium necessary to accomplish such Refinancing and such reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith);

 

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(b)                                  such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(c)                                   if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantees, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantees, as applicable, on terms at least as favorable, taken as a whole, to the Holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(d)                                  if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is Pari Passu Indebtedness, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness ranks equally in right of payment with, or is subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes or such Note Guarantees;

 

(e)                                   such Indebtedness is Incurred by either (1) the Restricted Subsidiary that is the obligor on the Indebtedness being Refinanced or (2) the Issuer or a Guarantor; and

 

(f)                                    if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is secured by a Lien on the Collateral, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is secured by a Lien that is equal to or junior in priority to the Lien on the Collateral securing the Indebtedness being Refinanced.

 

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or other business entity or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Preferred Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person that has preferential rights to any other Capital Stock of such Person with respect to dividends or redemptions upon liquidation.

 

Purchase Agreement ” means that purchase agreement relating to the Notes dated April 11, 2014, between the Issuer, the Initial Guarantors and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as representative of the Initial Purchasers.

 

QIB ” means a “Qualified Institutional Buyer” as defined under Rule 144A.

 

Qualified Capital Interests ” in any Person means a class of Capital Stock other than Disqualified Stock.

 

Qualified Equity Offering ” means a private placement or public offering for cash of Qualified Capital Interests, or options, warrants or rights with respect to Qualified Capital Interests, other than (a) public offerings with respect to the Issuer’s Qualified Capital Interests, or options, warrants or rights, registered on Form S-4 or S-8, (b) an issuance to any Subsidiary or (c) any offering of Qualified Capital Interests issued in connection with a Transaction that constitutes a Change of Control.

 

Rating Agencies ” means (a) S&P and Moody’s or, (b) if S&P or Moody’s or both of them are not making ratings of the Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized U.S. rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by the Issuer, which will be substituted for S&P or Moody’s or both, as the case may be.

 

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Record Date ” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date means the April 15 or October 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.

 

Redemption Date ”, when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, in whole or in part, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Redemption Price ”, when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Refinance ” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, replace, repay, prepay, purchase, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness.  “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Regulation S ” means Regulation S under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Replacement Assets ” means (a) assets (other than Cash Equivalents and securities) that will be used or useful in a Permitted Business, (b) substantially all the assets of a Permitted Business, or (c) a majority of the Voting Stock of any Person engaged in a Permitted Business that will become on the date of acquisition thereof a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Restricted Period ” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation S.

 

Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer that has not been designated as an “Unrestricted Subsidiary” in accordance with this Indenture.

 

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Rule 144A ” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Rule 903 ” means Rule 903 under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Rule 904 ” means Rule 904 under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

S&P ” means Standard and Poor’s, Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.

 

Security Documents ” means the security agreements, pledge agreements, collateral assignments, mortgages and related agreements, as amended, supplemented, modified,

 

29



 

extended, restructured, renewed, restated or replaced in whole or in part from time to time, creating the security interests in the Collateral as contemplated by this Indenture.

 

Series ” means (1) with respect to the Pari Passu Secured Parties, each of (a) the secured parties under the Term Loan Credit Facility (in their capacities as such), (b) the Holders of the Notes, the Collateral Agent and the Trustee (each in their capacity as such) and (c) the Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties that become subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement after the date hereof that are represented by a common Authorized Representative (in its capacity as such for such Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties); and (2) with respect to any Pari Passu Lien Obligations, each of (a) the Obligations under the Term Loan Credit Facility, (b) the Notes Obligations and the Obligations in respect of any refunding, refinancing or defeasement of the Notes and (c) the Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations Incurred pursuant to any applicable agreement, which pursuant to any joinder agreement, are to be represented under the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement by a common Authorized Representative (in its capacity as such for such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations).

 

Shelf Registration Statement ” means the Shelf Registration Statement as defined in the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Significant Subsidiary ” has the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and Exchange Act, but shall not include any Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Specified ABL Facility Assets ” means any ABL Collateral, the net proceeds of an Asset Sale of which are required to be applied, and are actually applied, as a prepayment of any ABL Credit Facility.

 

Stated Maturity ,” when used with respect to (a) any Note or any installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such Note as the fixed date on which the principal amount of such Note or such installment of interest is due and payable and (b) any other Indebtedness or any installment of interest thereon or principal thereof, means the date specified in the instrument governing such Indebtedness as the fixed date on which the principal of such Indebtedness or such installment is due and payable.

 

Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned by such Person. Unless otherwise indicated, when used herein the term “Subsidiary” shall refer to a Subsidiary of the Issuer.

 

Swap Contract ” means (a) any and all interest rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including, without limitation, any fuel price caps and fuel price collar or floor agreements and similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect against or manage fluctuations in fuel prices and any

 

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options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “ Master Agreement ”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

 

Temasek ” means Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited and each of its Affiliates but not including any of its portfolio companies.

 

Term Loan Collateral Agent ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the collateral agent under the Term Loan Credit Facility, or its successors.

 

Term Loan Credit Facility ” means that certain credit agreement dated April 16, 2014 among, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, the lenders from time to time a party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as sole administrative agent (together with its successors), together with the related documents thereto (including the term loans thereunder, any guarantees and security documents), as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented, refunded, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to time by one or more credit facilities, and any agreement (and related document) entered into in substitution for any credit agreement, in which case, the credit agreement or similar agreement together with all other documents and instruments related thereto shall constitute the “Term Loan Credit Facility,” whether with the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

 

TIA ” means the Trust Indenture Act.

 

Total Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person, at any date the ratio of (1) (a) total Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of calculation (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) minus (b) cash and cash equivalents of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries up to a maximum of $50.0 million to (2) Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for the four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements have been delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the terms of Section 4.18 as described above immediately preceding such date of such calculation. In the event that the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Total Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Total Leverage Ratio is made (the “ Total Leverage Calculation Date ”), then the Total Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. The Total Leverage Ratio shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the pro forma provisions (to the extent applicable) of the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”

 

Transaction ” means any transaction; provided that if such transaction is part of a series of related transactions, “Transaction” refers to such related transactions as a whole.

 

Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Asset Sale.”

 

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Treasury Rate ” means, as of any Redemption Date, the weekly average yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) equal to the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017; provided , however, that if the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities that have a constant maturity closest to and greater than the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017 and the United States Treasury securities that have a constant maturity closest to and less than the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017 for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

 

Trustee ” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, means the successor serving hereunder.

 

Trust Indenture Act ” means the US Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer that is designated by the Board of Directors of the Issuer as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution in compliance with Section 4.16 and any Subsidiary of such Subsidiary. As of the Issue Date FTS International Ventures I, LLC, FTS International Ventures II, LLC and their respective Subsidiaries are designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

U.S. dollars ”, “ dollars ” or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States of America.

 

U.S. Dollar Equivalent ” means with respect to any monetary amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars, at any time for determination thereof, the amount of U.S. dollars obtained by converting such foreign currency involved in such computation into U.S. dollars at the spot rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars with the applicable foreign currency as published in The Wall Street Journal in the “Exchange Rates” column under the heading “Currency Trading” on the date two Business Days prior to such determination.

 

U.S. Government Obligations ” means securities or other obligations which are (a) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (b) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America where the timely payment or payments thereunder are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America and which, in the case of (a) or (b), are not callable or redeemable except at the option of the holders thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or specific payment of interest on or principal of other amount with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is

 

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not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of or other amount with respect to the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

 

Voting Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, securities of any class or classes of Capital Stock in such Person entitling the holders thereof generally to vote on the election of members of the Board of Directors or comparable body of such Person.

 

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:

 

(a)                                  the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (1) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (2) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by

 

(b)                                  the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

 

Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any specified Person, a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) are owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

1.2.                             Other Definitions .

 

Term

 

Defined in Section

 

 

 

“Affiliate Transaction”

 

4.10(a)

“Asset Sale Offer”

 

4.9(f)

“Borrowing Base”

 

4.6(b)(i)

“Certificated Note Event”

 

2.10(a)

“Change of Control Offer”

 

3.8(d)

“Collateral Asset Sale Offer”

 

4.9(e)

“Collateral Excess Proceeds”

 

4.9(e)

“covenant defeasance”

 

8.3

“Defaulted Interest”

 

2.12

“Discharge”

 

8.5(a)

“Event of Default”

 

6.1(a)

“Excess Proceeds”

 

4.9(f)

“Exchange Global Note”

 

2.1(b)

“Exchange Notes”

 

Recitals

“Event of Default”

 

6.1

“Global Notes”

 

2.1(c)

“incorporated provision”

 

14.1

“Intercreditor Agreements”

 

14.17

“legal defeasance”

 

8.2

“Notes”

 

Recitals

“Original Notes”

 

Recitals

“Participants”

 

2.1(c)

 

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Term

 

Defined in Section

“Paying Agent”

 

2.3

“Permitted Consideration”

 

4.9(a)(ii)(E)

“Permitted Indebtedness”

 

4.6(b)

“Registrar”

 

2.3

“Registration Default”

 

2.16

“Regulation S Global Note”

 

2.1(b)

“Regulation S Permanent Global Note”

 

2.1(b)

“Regulation S Temporary Global Note”

 

2.1(b)

“Restricted Global Note”

 

2.1(b)

“Restricted Payment”

 

4.8(a)

“Reversion Date”

 

4.22(a)

“Security Register”

 

2.3

“Suspended Covenants”

 

4.22(a)

“Suspension Date”

 

4.22(a)

“Suspension Period”

 

4.22(a)

“Transfer Agent”

 

2.3

 

1.3.                             Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act .  The mandatory provisions of the TIA that are required to be a part of and govern indentures qualified under the TIA are incorporated by reference in and are a part of this Indenture, whether or not this Indenture is so qualified.  The following TIA terms have the following meanings as used in this Indenture:

 

Commission ” means the SEC.

 

indenture securities ” means the Notes.

 

indenture securities holder ” means a Holder.

 

indenture to be qualified ” means this Indenture.

 

indenture trustee ” or “ institutional trustee ” means the Trustee.

 

obligor ” on the “ indenture securities ” means the Issuer and the Guarantors and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Note Guarantees, respectively.

 

All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings assigned to them by such definitions.

 

1.4.                             Rules of Construction .  Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a)          a term has the meaning assigned to it;

 

(b)          an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

 

(c)           “or” is not exclusive;

 

(d)          “including” or “include” means including or include without limitation;

 

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(e)           words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;

 

(f)            “interest” shall include Additional Interest, if any;

 

(g)           (1) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinated or junior to secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured, (2) secured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinated or junior to any other secured Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral and (3) Indebtedness that is not guaranteed shall not be deemed to be subordinated or junior to Indebtedness that is guaranteed merely because of such guarantee;

 

(h)          the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section, clause or other subdivision;

 

(i)              for purposes of the covenants and definitions set forth in this Indenture, amounts stated in U.S. dollars shall be deemed to include both U.S. dollars and Dollar Equivalents;

 

(j)             references herein to Articles, Sections, other subdivisions and Exhibits are references to Articles, Sections, other subdivisions and Exhibits of this Indenture; and

 

(k)          references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement of successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time.

 

ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES

 

2.1.                             The Notes .  (a)  Form and Dating .  The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture.  The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, the rules of any securities exchange or usage.  The Issuer shall approve the form of the Notes.  Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.  The terms and provisions contained in the form of the Notes shall constitute and are hereby expressly made a part of this Indenture.  However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.  The Notes shall be issued only in fully registered form without coupons and only in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

(b)          Global Notes .  Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of a temporary Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, except as otherwise permitted herein (the “ Regulation S Temporary Global Note ”), which shall be deposited with the Trustee as custodian for the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee (or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.2) as hereinafter provided.

 

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Following (i) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (ii) receipt by the Trustee of certification in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee that beneficial interests in such Regulation S Temporary Global Notes are owned either by non-U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S) or U.S. persons who purchased such interests in a transaction that did not require registration under the Securities Act, beneficial interests in each Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in a permanent Global Note in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, with such applicable legends as are provided in Exhibit A hereto, except as otherwise permitted herein (each, a “ Regulation S Permanent Global Note ” and, together with the Regulation S Temporary Global Notes, the “ Regulation S Global Note ”). Simultaneously with the authentication of the corresponding Regulation S Permanent Global Note, the Trustee shall cancel the corresponding Regulation S Temporary Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of a Regulation Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made by the Registrar on Schedule A to the Regulation S Global Note and recorded in the Security Register, as hereinafter provided.

 

The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream Banking” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

 

Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A as provided in the Purchase Agreement shall be issued initially in the form of one or more Global Notes substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, with such applicable legends as are provided in Exhibit A hereto, except as otherwise permitted herein (the “ Restricted Global Note ”), which shall be deposited with the Trustee as custodian for the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee (or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.2) as hereinafter provided.  The aggregate principal amount of the Restricted Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made by the Registrar on Schedule A to the Restricted Global Note and recorded in the Security Register, as hereinafter provided.

 

If and when issued, Exchange Notes offered to Holders, as provided in the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement, shall be issued initially in the form of one or more Global Notes substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, with such applicable omissions and legends as are provided in Exhibit A hereto, except as otherwise permitted herein (the “ Exchange Global Note ”), which shall be deposited with the Trustee as custodian for the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee (or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.2) as hereinafter provided.  The aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made by the Registrar on Schedule A to the Exchange Global Note and recorded in the Security Register, as hereinafter provided.

 

Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of any Original Note remaining outstanding after the consummation of an Exchange Offer, the Registrar shall deliver such new Original Note only in global form, subject to Section 2.10, and such new Original Note shall continue to bear the applicable legends set forth in Exhibit A hereto.  In the case of a Restricted Global Note, such legends shall include the private placement legend unless there

 

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is delivered to the Registrar an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

 

Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of any Note pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, the Registrar shall deliver such new Note only in global form, subject to Section 2.10, and such new Note shall continue to bear the applicable legends set forth in Exhibit A hereto; provided , however , that such new Note shall not be required to bear the private placement legend set forth in Exhibit A hereto.  Beneficial interests in any such new Note shall be reflected in the Exchange Global Note.

 

(c)           Book-Entry Provisions .  This Section 2.1(c) shall apply to the Regulation S Global Note, the Restricted Global Note and, if and when issued, the Exchange Global Note (collectively, the “ Global Notes ”) deposited with or on behalf of the Depositary.

 

Members of, or participants and account holders in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream (“ Participants ”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary, or by the Trustee or any custodian of the Depositary or under such Global Note, and the Depositary or its nominee may be treated by the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee as the sole owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Participants, the operation of customary practices of such persons governing the exercise of the rights of an owner of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(b), the registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Participants and Persons that may hold interests through Participants, to take any action that a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

 

Except as provided in Section 2.10, owners of a beneficial interest in Global Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated Notes.

 

2.2.                             Execution and Authentication .  An authorized member of the Board of Directors or executive officer of the Issuer shall sign the Notes for the Issuer by manual or facsimile signature.

 

If an authorized member of the Board of Directors or executive officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Note shall be valid nevertheless.

 

A Note shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until an authorized signatory of the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Note.  The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.

 

Pursuant to an Issuer Order, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate (a) Original Notes for original issue up to an aggregate principal amount of $500,000,000, (b) Additional Notes in such amounts as may be specified from time to time without limit, subject to compliance at the time of issuance of such Additional Notes with the provisions of

 

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this Indenture, and (c) Exchange Notes for issue only in an Exchange Offer, pursuant to the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement, for Notes up to an aggregate principal amount of Original Notes and Additional Notes exchanged in such Exchange Offer.  The aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding shall not exceed the amount authorized for issuance by the Issuer pursuant to one or more Issuer Orders, except as provided in Section 2.7.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate the Notes.  Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, any such authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so.  Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by any such agent.  An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, co-Registrar, Transfer Agent or Paying Agent to deal with the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer.

 

The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Notes under this Section 2.2 if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to existing Holders.

 

2.3.                             Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent .  The Issuer shall maintain an office or agency for the registration of the Notes and for their transfer or exchange (the “ Registrar ”), an office or agency where the Notes may be transferred or exchanged (the “ Transfer Agent ”), an office or agency where the Notes may be presented for payment (the “ Paying Agent ”) and an office or agency where notices or demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes may be served.

 

The Issuer shall maintain a Transfer Agent and Paying Agent in New York, New York.  The Issuer may appoint one or more Transfer Agents, one or more co-Registrars and one or more additional Paying Agents.  The Issuer or any of its Affiliates may act as Transfer Agent, Registrar, co-Registrar, Paying Agent and agent for service of notices and demands in connection with the Notes; provided , however , that neither the Issuer nor any of its Affiliates shall act as Paying Agent for the purposes of Articles 3 and 8 and Sections 4.9 and 4.11.

 

The Issuer hereby appoints the office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan in New York, New York as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent and agent for service of notices and demands in connection with the Notes.  The address for such office shall initially be U.S. Bank National Association, Global Corporate Trust Services, 100 Wall Street, 16 th  Floor, New York, New York, 10005, Attention: FTS International, Inc.

 

Subject to any applicable laws and regulations, the Issuer shall cause the Registrar to keep a register (the “ Security Register ”) at its corporate trust office in which, subject to such reasonable regulations it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of ownership, exchange, and transfer of the Notes.  Such registration in the Security Register shall be conclusive evidence of the ownership of Notes.  Included in the books and records for the Notes shall be notations as to whether such Notes have been paid, exchanged or transferred, canceled, lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed and whether such Notes have been replaced.  In the case of the replacement of any of the Notes, the Registrar shall keep a record of the Note so replaced and the Note issued in replacement thereof.  In the case of the cancellation of any of the Notes, the Registrar shall keep a record of the Note so canceled and the date on which such Note was canceled.

 

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The Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Paying Agent or co-Registrar not a party to this Indenture, which, following the effectiveness of a Registration Statement pursuant to the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement, shall incorporate the terms of the TIA.  The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent.  The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent.  If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.6.

 

2.4.                             Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust .  Not later than 11:00 am (New York, New York time) on each due date of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on any Notes, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent money in immediately available funds sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, and interest so becoming due on the due date for payment under the Notes.  The Issuer shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that such Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes (whether such money has been paid to it by the Issuer or any other obligor on the Notes), and such Paying Agent shall promptly notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuer (or any other obligor on the Notes) in making any such payment.  The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and account for any funds disbursed, and the Trustee may at any time during the continuance of any payment default, upon written request to a Paying Agent, require such Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed.  Upon doing so, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money so paid over to the Trustee.  If the Issuer, or any of its Affiliates acts as Paying Agent, it shall, on or before each due date of any principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders a sum of money sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, or interest so becoming due until such sum of money shall be paid to such Holders or otherwise disposed of as provided in this Indenture, and shall promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure to act.

 

2.5.                             Holder Lists and Contingent Registration Rights Agreements .  (a)  The Registrar shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA Section 312(a).  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee, in writing no later than the Record Date for each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such Record Date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders, including the aggregate principal amount of Notes held by each Holder.

 

(b)          The Trustee shall maintain copies of the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement available for inspection by Holders during normal business hours at its Corporate Trust Office for so long as there are Notes outstanding that are subject to registration under the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement.

 

2.6.                             Transfer and Exchange .  (a)  Where Notes are presented to the Registrar or a co-Registrar with a request to register a transfer or to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Notes of other denominations, the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange in accordance with the requirements of this Section 2.6.  To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Notes, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, at the Registrar’s

 

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request.  No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein), but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any agency fee or similar charge payable in connection with any such registration of transfer or exchange of Notes (other than any agency fee or similar charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.7 or 9.5) or in accordance with an offer pursuant to Section 4.9 or Section 4.11, not involving a transfer.

 

Upon presentation for exchange or transfer of any Note as permitted by the terms of this Indenture and by any legend appearing on such Note, such Note shall be exchanged or transferred upon the Security Register and one or more new Notes shall be authenticated and issued in the name of the Holder (in the case of exchanges only) or the transferee, as the case may be.  No exchange or transfer of a Note shall be effective under this Indenture unless and until such Note has been registered in the name of such Person in the Security Register.  Furthermore, the exchange or transfer of any Note shall not be effective under this Indenture unless the request for such exchange or transfer is made by the Holder or by a duly authorized attorney-in-fact at the office of the Registrar.

 

Every Note presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Issuer or the Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument or transfer, in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

 

All Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer evidencing the same indebtedness, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

 

In the event that the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a copy of an Officers’ Certificate certifying that a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the Exchange Offer, or a Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, has been declared effective by the SEC, and that the Issuer has offered Exchange Notes to the Holders in accordance with the Exchange Offer or that Notes have been offered pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement, the Trustee shall exchange or issue upon transfer, as the case may be, upon request of any Holder, such Holder’s Notes for (1) in the case of an Exchange Offer, Exchange Notes upon the terms set forth in the Exchange Offer or (2) in the case of a transfer pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, Notes that comply with the requirements applicable following such a transfer as set forth in Section 2.1(b).

 

The Issuer shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any Note during a period beginning at the opening of 15 Business Days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of Notes selected for redemption under Section 3.2 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, (B) to register the transfer of or exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part or (C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a Record Date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.

 

(b)          Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, so long as a Global Note remains outstanding and is held by or on behalf of the Depositary, transfers of a Global Note, in whole or in part, or of any beneficial interest therein, shall only be made in accordance with Sections 2.1(c), 2.6(a) and this Section 2.6(b); provided , however , that a beneficial interest in a Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form

 

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of a beneficial interest in the same Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the restricted note legend on the Note, if any.

 

(i)                                      Except for transfers or exchanges made in accordance with any of clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of this Section 2.6(b), transfers of a Global Note shall be limited to transfers of such Global Note in whole, but not in part, to nominees of the Depositary or to a successor of the Depositary or such successor’s nominee.

 

(ii)                                   Restricted Global Note to Regulation S Global Note .  If the owner of a beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note at any time wishes to exchange its interest in such Restricted Global Note for an interest in the Regulation S Global Note, or to transfer its interest in such Restricted Global Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note, such transfer or exchange may be effected, only in accordance with this clause (ii) and the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream. Upon receipt by the Registrar from the Transfer Agent of (A) instructions directing the Registrar to credit or cause to be credited an interest in the Regulation S Global Note in a specified principal amount and to cause to be debited an interest in the Restricted Global Note in such specified principal amount, and (B) a certificate in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto given by the owner of such beneficial interest stating that the transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and (1) pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S or (2) that the Note being transferred is being transferred in a transaction permitted by Rule 144, then the Registrar shall instruct the Depositary to reduce or cause to be reduced the principal amount of the Restricted Global Note and the Depositary to increase or cause to be increased the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note by the aggregate principal amount of the interest in the Restricted Global Note to be exchanged.

 

(iii)                                Regulation S Global Note to Restricted Global Note .  If the owner of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note at any time wishes to transfer such interest to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note, such transfer may be effected only in accordance with this clause (iii) and the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream.  Upon receipt by the Registrar from the Transfer Agent of (A) instructions directing the Registrar to credit or cause to be credited an interest in the Restricted Global Note in a specified principal amount and to cause to be debited an interest in the Regulation S Global Note in such specified principal amount, and (B) a certificate in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto given by the owner of such beneficial interest stating that the transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and stating that (1) the Person transferring such interest reasonably believes that the Person acquiring such interest is a QIB and is obtaining such interest in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or (2) that the Person transferring such interest is relying on an exemption other than Rule 144A from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and, in such circumstances, such Opinion of Counsel as the Issuer or the Trustee may reasonably request to ensure that the requested transfer or exchange is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the Registrar shall instruct the Depositary to reduce or cause to be reduced the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note and to increase or cause to be increased the principal amount of the Restricted Global Note by the aggregate principal amount of the interest in the Regulation S Global Note to be exchanged or transferred.

 

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(iv)                               Restricted Global Note to Exchange Global Note .  Following the earlier of the consummation of the Exchange Offer or the transfer of a Note pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement that results in beneficial interests in such Note being reflected in the Exchange Global Note, if the owner of a beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note at any time wishes to exchange its interest in such Restricted Global Note for an interest in the Exchange Global Note, such transfer or exchange, if not effected pursuant to Section 2.6(a) may be effected only in accordance with this clause (iv) and the rules and procedures of the Depositary. Upon receipt by the Registrar from the Transfer Agent of instructions directing the Registrar to credit or cause to be credited an interest in the Exchange Global Note in a specified principal amount and to cause to be debited an interest in the Restricted Global Note in such specified principal amount, the Registrar shall instruct the Depositary to reduce or cause to be reduced the principal amount of the Restricted Global Note and to increase or cause to be increased the principal amount of the Exchange Global Note by the aggregate principal amount of the interest in the Restricted Global Note to be exchanged or transferred.

 

(v)                                  Regulation S Global Note to Exchange Global Note .  Following the earlier of the consummation of the Exchange Offer or the transfer of a Note pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement that results in beneficial interests in such Note being reflected in the Exchange Global Note, if the owner of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note at any time wishes to exchange its interest in such Regulation S Global Note for an interest in the Exchange Global Note, or to transfer its interest in such Regulation S Global Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Exchange Global Note, such transfer or exchange, if not effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer or a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with Section 2.6(a) may be effected only in accordance with this clause (v) and the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream.  Upon receipt by the Registrar from the Transfer Agent of instructions directing the Registrar to credit or cause to be credited an interest in the Exchange Global Note in a specified principal amount and to cause to be debited an interest in the Regulation S Global Note in such specified principal amount, then the Registrar shall instruct the Depositary to reduce or cause to be reduced the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note and to increase or cause to be increased the principal amount of the Exchange Global Note by the aggregate principal amount of the interest in the Regulation S Global Note to be exchanged or transferred.

 

(vi)                               Global Notes to certificated Notes .  In the event that a Global Note is exchanged for Notes in certificated, registered form pursuant to Section 2.10, such Notes may be exchanged only in accordance with such procedures as are substantially consistent with the provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) above (including the certification requirements intended to ensure that such transfers comply with Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act, as the case may be) and such other procedures as may from time to time be adopted by the Issuer and the Trustee.  A beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may not be exchanged for a Note in certificated form or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Note in certificated form prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) of the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.

 

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(c)           Except in connection with an Exchange Offer or a Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by and in accordance with the terms of the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement, if Notes are issued upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes bearing the restricted Notes legends set forth in Exhibit A hereto, the Notes so issued shall bear the restricted Notes legends, and a request to remove such restricted Notes legends from Notes shall not be honored unless there is delivered to the Issuer such satisfactory evidence, which may include an Opinion of Counsel licensed to practice law in the State of New York, as may be reasonably required by the Issuer, that neither the legend nor the restrictions on transfer set forth therein are required to ensure that transfers thereof comply with the provisions of Rule 144A or Rule 144 under the Securities Act.  Upon provision of such satisfactory evidence, the Trustee, at the direction of the Issuer, shall authenticate and deliver Notes that do not bear the legend.

 

(d)          The Trustee shall have no responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream, as the case may be.

 

2.7.                             Replacement Notes .  If a mutilated certificated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Note in such form as the Note mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken if the Holder satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee or the Issuer.  If required by the Trustee or the Issuer, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Issuer and the Trustee to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Transfer Agent, the Registrar and any co-Registrar, and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced.  The Issuer and the Trustee may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Note.

 

Every replacement Note shall be an additional obligation of the Issuer and will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

 

2.8.                             Outstanding Notes .  Notes outstanding at any time are all Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation and those described in this Section 2.8 as not outstanding.  A Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer holds the Note; however, Notes held by the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer shall not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of Section 3.8(c) hereof.

 

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.7, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Issuer receive proof satisfactory to them that the Note which has been replaced is held by a protected purchaser (as defined in Article 8 of the UCC).

 

If the Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a Redemption Date or maturity date money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, payable on that date with respect to the Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, and the Paying Agent is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then on and after that date such Notes (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

 

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2.9.                             Notes Held by Issuer .  In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction or consent or any amendment, modification or other change to this Indenture, Notes owned by the Issuer, any Guarantor or by an Affiliate of the Issuer or any Guarantor shall be disregarded and treated as if they were not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent or any amendment, modification or other change to this Indenture, only Notes which the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.  Notes so owned which have been pledged in good faith shall not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgees right so to act with respect to the Notes and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer.

 

2.10.                      Certificated Notes .  (a)  A Global Note deposited with the Depositary, as the case may be, or other custodian for the Depositary pursuant to Section 2.1 shall be transferred to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of certificated Notes only if such transfer complies with Section 2.6 and one of the following events has occurred (each, a “ Certificated Note Event ”) (1) the Depositary notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as the Depositary for such Global Note, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under the Exchange Act, and in each case the Issuer fails to appoint a successor depositary, or (2) the Issuer, at its option, notifies the Trustee in writing that they elect to cause the issuance of certificated Notes, or (3) an Event of Default, or an event which after notice or lapse of time or both would be an Event of Default, has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes and DTC, acting at the request of its participants, requests that all or a portion of the Notes be issued in definitive form.  Notice of any such transfer shall be given by the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.2(a).

 

(b)          Any Global Note that is transferable to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of certificated Notes pursuant to this Section 2.10 shall be surrendered by the Depositary to the Transfer Agent, to be so transferred, in whole or from time to time in part, without charge, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon such transfer of each portion of such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount at maturity of Notes of authorized denominations in the form of certificated Notes.  Any portion of a Global Note transferred or exchanged pursuant to this Section 2.10 shall be executed, authenticated and delivered only in registered form in authorized denominations and registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.  Subject to the foregoing, a Global Note is not exchangeable except for a Global Note of like denomination to be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.  In the event that a Global Note becomes exchangeable for certificated Notes, payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the certificated Notes shall be payable, and the transfer of the certificated Notes shall be registrable, at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purposes in accordance with Section 2.3.  Such certificated Notes shall bear the applicable legends set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

 

(c)           In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 2.10(a), the Issuer shall promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of certificated Notes in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons.

 

(d)          In the event that certificated Notes are not issued to each owner of beneficial interests in Global Notes in accordance with subsection (a) above promptly after a Certificated Note Event, the Issuer explicitly acknowledges, with respect to the right of any Holder to pursue a remedy pursuant to Section 6.6 or 6.7 hereof, the right of any beneficial owner in any Global

 

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Note to pursue such remedy with respect to the portion of the Global Note that represents such beneficial owner’s Notes as if such certificated Notes had been issued.

 

2.11.                      Cancellation .  The Issuer or anyone on behalf of the Issuer upon its instructions at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment.  The Trustee, in accordance with its customary procedures, and no one else shall cancel (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act and the Trustee’s retention policy) all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and dispose of such cancelled Notes in its customary manner.  Except as otherwise provided in this Indenture the Issuer may not issue new Notes to replace Notes it has redeemed, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

2.12.                      Defaulted Interest .  Any interest on any Note that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and this Indenture (all such interest herein called “ Defaulted Interest ”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (a) or (b) below:

 

(a)          The Issuer may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner.  The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuer may deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest; or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided.  In addition, the Issuer shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, such date to be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the proposed payment date and not less than 15 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment date.  The Issuer shall promptly but, in any event, not less than 15 days prior to the special record date, notify the Trustee of such special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer, the Trustee shall cause notice of the proposed payment date of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to be mailed first-class, postage prepaid to each Holder as such Holder’s address appears in the Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such special record date.  Notice of the proposed payment date of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on such special record date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to clause (b) below.

 

(b)          The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Notes in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment date pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed reasonably practicable.

 

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12, each Note delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Note

 

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shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Note.

 

2.13.                      Computation of Interest .  Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

2.14.                      CUSIP and Common Code Numbers .  The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP, ISIN and Common Code numbers (if then generally in use).  In the case of Restricted Global Notes, unrestricted CUSIP, ISIN and Common Code numbers, as applicable, will be assigned at the time the restricted CUSIP, ISIN and Common Code numbers, as applicable, are assigned, and the Restricted Global Notes will assume such unrestricted numbers in place of the original restricted ones when they become freely tradable on an unconditional basis.  The Trustee shall use any such CUSIP, ISIN and Common Code numbers, as appropriate, in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided , however , that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers or codes either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.  The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP, ISIN or Common Code numbers.

 

2.15                         Issuance of Additional Notes .  The Issuer may, subject to Section 4.6 of this Indenture, issue Additional Notes under this Indenture in accordance with the procedures of Section 2.2.  Additional Notes shall have the same terms as the Notes, or the same terms except for the payment of interest on the Notes (a) scheduled and paid prior to the date of issuance of such Additional Notes and (b) payable on the first Interest Payment Date following the date of issuance.  The Original Notes issued on the date of this Indenture and any Additional Notes subsequently issued shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture.

 

2. 16                         Additional Interest . If the Notes are Registrable Securities (as defined in the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement), and (a) the Exchange Offer has not been completed or the Shelf Registration Statement has not become effective on or prior to 180 days after an IPO Event (each as defined in the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement), (b) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required, has become effective and thereafter ceases to be effective or the prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable for resales, at any time during the Shelf Effectiveness Period (as defined in the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement), and such failure to remain effective or usable for resales exists for more than 90 days (whether or not consecutive) in any 12-month period or (c) the Shelf Registration Statement has become effective and thereafter, on more than two occasions of at least 30 consecutive days in any 12-month period during the Shelf Effectiveness Period, the Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective or the prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable for resales (each of a-c, a “ Registration Default ”), then the Issuer will be required to pay Additional Interest at a rate equal to (i) 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period beginning on the day immediately following such Registration Default and (ii) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, in each case until and including the date such Registration Default ends, up to a maximum increase of 1.00% per annum.

 

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ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION

 

3.1.                             Right of Redemption .  The Issuer may redeem all or any portion of the Notes upon the terms and at the Redemption Prices set forth in the Notes and this Article 3.  Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of this Article Three.

 

3.2.                             Notices to Trustee .  If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to Section 3.1, it shall notify the Trustee in writing of the Redemption Date, the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and the paragraph of the Notes pursuant to which the redemption will occur.

 

The Issuer shall give each notice to the Trustee, which notice may be subject to conditions precedent, provided for in this Section 3.2 in writing at least 15 Business Days before the date notice is mailed to the Holders pursuant to Section 3.4 unless the Trustee consents to a shorter period.  Such notice shall be accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer to the effect that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein.  If less than all the Notes are to be redeemed, the record date relating to such redemption shall be selected by the Issuer and given to the Trustee, which record date shall be not less than 15 days after the date of notice to the Trustee.

 

3.3.                             Selection of Notes to be Redeemed .  If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not listed on a national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis (or in the case of Notes issued in the form of Global Notes, based on such method as DTC may require); provided , however , that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Note not redeemed to less than $2,000.

 

The Trustee shall make the selection from the Notes outstanding and not previously called for redemption.  The Trustee shall select for redemption portions equal to $2,000 in principal amount or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.  The Trustee shall notify the Issuer and the Registrar promptly in writing of the Notes or portions of Notes to be called for redemption.

 

3.4.                             Notice of Redemption .  (a)  At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Notes, the Issuer shall mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder to be redeemed and shall comply with the provisions of Section 14.2(b).

 

(b)          The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed (including CUSIP, ISIN) and shall state:

 

(i)                                      the Redemption Date;

 

(ii)                                   the Redemption Price and the amount of accrued interest, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, to be paid;

 

(iii)                                the name and address of the Paying Agent;

 

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(iv)                               that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price plus accrued interest, if any, and Additional Interest, if any;

 

(v)                                  that, if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount thereof (equal to $2,000 in principal amount or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such Note to be redeemed and that, on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be reissued;

 

(vi)                               that, if any Note contains a CUSIP or ISIN, no representation is being made as to the correctness of such CUSIP or ISIN either as printed on the Notes or as contained in the notice of redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes;

 

(vii)                            that, unless the Issuer and the Guarantors default in making such redemption payment, interest on the Notes (or portion thereof) called for redemption shall cease to accrue on and after the Redemption Date;

 

(viii)                         the paragraph of the Notes pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed; and

 

(ix)                               any condition precedent to which the redemption or notice of redemption is subject.

 

Notice of any redemption of the Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of and be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an offering of Equity Interests, a Change of Control, other offerings or issuances of Indebtedness or other transactions or events. In addition, if such redemption is subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the redemption date, or by the redemption date so delayed, or the redemption may be partial as a result of only some of the conditions being satisfied. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing promptly upon the satisfaction or failure of any condition precedent to any redemption or notice of redemption.

 

At the Issuer’s written request, the Trustee shall give a notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense.  In such event, the Issuer shall provide the Trustee with the notice and the other information required by this Section 3.4.

 

3.5.                             Deposit of Redemption Price .  On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Issuer shall deposit or cause to be deposited with the Paying Agent (or, if the Issuer or a wholly owned subsidiary is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) a sum in same day funds sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of and accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed on that date other than Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption that have previously been delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee for

 

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cancellation.  The Paying Agent shall return to the Issuer any funds so deposited that is not required for that purpose.

 

If the Issuer complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase.  If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after an interest Record Date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such Record Date.  If any Note called for redemption or purchase is not so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Issuer to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes.

 

3.6.                             Payment of Notes Called for Redemption .  If notice of redemption has been given in the manner provided in Section 3.4, the Notes or portion of Notes specified in such notice to be redeemed shall become due and payable on the Redemption Date at the Redemption Price stated therein (unless such notice of redemption or redemption was subject to one or more conditions precedent), together with accrued interest to such Redemption Date, and on and after such date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of such Notes at the Redemption Price and accrued interest to the Redemption Date, in which case the principal, until paid, shall bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed in the Notes), such Notes shall cease to accrue interest.  Upon surrender of any Note for redemption in accordance with a notice of redemption, such Note shall be paid and redeemed by the Issuer at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date; provided , however , that installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Date.

 

Notice of redemption shall be deemed to be given when mailed, whether or not the Holder receives the notice.  In any event, failure to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of Notes held by Holders to whom such notice was properly given.

 

3.7.                             Notes Redeemed in Part .  (a)  Upon surrender of a Global Note that is redeemed in part, the Paying Agent shall forward such Global Note to the Trustee who shall make a notation on the Security Register to reduce the principal amount of such Global Note to an amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Global Note surrendered; provided , however , that each such Global Note shall be in a principal amount at final Stated Maturity of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

(b)          Upon surrender and cancellation of a certificated Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder (at the Issuer’s expense) a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered and canceled; provided , however , that each such certificated Note shall be in a principal amount at final Stated Maturity of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

(c)           No Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part.

 

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(d)          If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note will state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.  Subject to minimum denomination requirements, a new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note.  Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption (unless such notice of redemption or redemption was subject to one or more conditions precedent). On and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

3.8.                             Optional Redemption .  (a)  The Notes are subject to redemption, at the option of the Issuer, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on and after May 1, 2017 at the Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant regular Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on May 1 of the years indicated below:

 

Year

 

Redemption Price

 

2017

 

104.688

%

2018

 

103.125

%

2019

 

101.563

%

2020 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

(b)          At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2017, the Issuer may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a Redemption Price equal to the sum of (1) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (2) the Applicable Premium as of the date of redemption, plus (3) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

 

(c)           In addition to the optional redemption provisions of the Notes in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, prior to May 1, 2017, the Issuer may, with the net proceeds of one or more Qualified Equity Offerings, redeem up to 35% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including increases from Additional Notes) at a Redemption Price equal to 106.250% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date); provided that at least 65% of the principal amount of Notes then outstanding (including Additional Notes) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Issuer or Subsidiaries of the Issuer) and that any such redemption occurs within 120 days following the closing of any such Qualified Equity Offering.

 

(d)          If Holders of not less than 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes accept an Offer to Purchase made in connection with a Change of Control as required by this Indenture (a “ Change of Control Offer ”), and the Issuer purchases all of the Notes held by such holders, the Issuer will have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following the purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer described above, to redeem all of the Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to 101% of the aggregate

 

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principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to but not including the date of redemption, subject to the right of the Holders on relevant record dates to receive interest due on an interest payment date.

 

ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS

 

4.1.                             Payment of Notes .  The Issuer covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders that they shall duly and punctually pay the principal of, premium, if any, interest, and Additional Interest, if any on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and in this Indenture.  Principal, premium, if any, interest, and Additional Interest, if any shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent (other than the Issuer or any of its Affiliates) holds, in accordance with this Indenture, funds sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any then due.  If the Issuer or any of its Affiliates acts as Paying Agent, principal, premium, if any, interest, and Additional Interest, if any shall be considered paid on the due date if the entity acting as Paying Agent complies with Section 2.4.

 

The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) at the rate specified therefor in the Notes.  The Issuer shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

4.2.                             Corporate Existence .  Subject to Article 5, the Issuer and each Restricted Subsidiary shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect their corporate, partnership, limited liability company or other existence and the rights (charter and statutory), licences and franchises of the Issuer and each Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that the Issuer shall not be required to preserve any such right, licence or franchise if the Board of Directors of the Issuer shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders; provided, further , that the foregoing shall not prohibit a sale, transfer or conveyance of a Restricted Subsidiary or any of its assets done in compliance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

4.3.                             Maintenance of Properties .  The Issuer shall cause all properties owned by them or any Restricted Subsidiary or used or held for use in the conduct of its business or the business of any Restricted Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and shall cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Issuer may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 4.3 shall prevent the Issuer from discontinuing the maintenance of any such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Issuer, desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

 

4.4.                             Insurance .  The Issuer shall maintain, and shall cause the Restricted Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance with carriers believed by the Issuer to be responsible, against such risks and in such amounts, and with such deductibles, retentions, self-insured amounts and coinsurance provisions, as the Issuer believes are customarily carried by

 

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businesses similarly situated and owning like properties, including as appropriate general liability, property and casualty loss and interruption of business insurance.

 

4.5.                             Statement as to Compliance .  (a)  The Issuer and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the TIA) shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing officers with a view to determining whether the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such officer signing such Officers’ Certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in Default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that to the best of his or her knowledge no Event of Default has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of or interest, if any, on the Notes is prohibited or if such Event of Default has occurred, a description of the Event of Default and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.  For purposes of this Section 4.5(a), such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.

 

(b)          When any Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture, or if the trustee of, or the holder of, any other evidence of Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary outstanding gives any notice stating that it is a Notice of Default or takes any other action to accelerate such Indebtedness or enforce any Note therefor, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee within five Business Days by registered or certified mail or facsimile transmission an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Event of Default, notice or other action, its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

4.6.                             Limitation on Indebtedness .  (a)  The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, Incur any Indebtedness (including acquired Indebtedness); provided, however, that the Issuer and the Guarantors may Incur Indebtedness (including acquired Indebtedness) if, after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness and the receipt and application of the proceeds therefrom, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Issuer’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements have been delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the terms of Section 4.18, would be at least 2.0 to 1.0.

 

(b)          Subsection (a) hereof will not prohibit the Incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “ Permitted Indebtedness ”):

 

(i)                                      Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the greatest of (a) $300 million less (i) any prepayments of term loans under Credit Facilities (other than the Indebtedness under the Term Loan Credit Facility incurred on the Issue Date or any refinancing, refunding, replacement, extension, modification or renewal with aggregate borrowings or principal amount not to exceed that incurred under the Term Loan Credit Facility on the Issue Date and (ii) any prepayments under any revolving Credit Facility accompanied by permanent commitment reductions thereof, in the case of each (i) and (ii) with the proceeds of an Asset Sale (other than any Asset Sale in respect of Specified ABL Facility Assets), (b) 30% of Consolidated Tangible Assets and (c) the sum of 85% of the net book value of the accounts

 

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receivable of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries and 65% of the net book value of the inventory of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (the “ Borrowing Base ”);

 

(ii)                                   (a) the Note Guarantees and other Guarantees by the Issuer and Guarantors of Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or a Guarantor in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture; provided that in the event such Indebtedness that is being Guaranteed is Indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any Note Guarantee, then the related Guarantee shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantee, as the case may be, and (b) other Guarantees by non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness Incurred by non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

 

(iii)                                Indebtedness of the Issuer owing to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to and held by the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however, that:

 

(A)                                if the Issuer is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is unsecured and expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Notes;

 

(B)                                if a Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness and the Issuer or a Guarantor is not the obligee, such Indebtedness is unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor; and

 

(C)                                any event that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (except for any pledgee of Indebtedness whose Lien is a Permitted Lien until the pledgee commences action to foreclose on such Indebtedness) will be deemed to constitute an Incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that is not permitted by this clause (iii).

 

(iv)                               Indebtedness represented by (a) any Indebtedness (other than the Indebtedness described in Section 4.6(b)(i) outstanding on the Issue Date after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of the Notes and any borrowings made under the Credit Facilities on the Issue Date, (b) the Notes issued on the Issue Date and the related Note Guarantees and (c) Indebtedness borrowed under the Term Loan Credit Facility on the Issue Date and the related Guarantees thereof;

 

(v)                                  Indebtedness for Hedging Obligations that are entered into for the purpose of fixing, hedging or swapping interest rate risk, commodity price or basis risk, or foreign currency exchange rate risk (or to reverse or amend any such agreements previously made for such purpose) and not for speculative purposes; provided that in the case of Hedging Obligations relating to interest rates, (a) such Hedging Obligations relate to payment obligations on Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred by this covenant, and (b) the notional principal amount of such Hedging Obligations at the time incurred does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Hedging Obligations relate;

 

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(vi)                               Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or other payments, in each case Incurred to finance all or any part of the purchase price, lease or cost of construction or improvement of assets or property (other than Equity Interests or other Investments) acquired, constructed or improved, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (vi), not to exceed the greater of (a) $50.0 million and (b) 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer, determined as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness;

 

(vii)                            Indebtedness in respect of workers’ compensation claims, self-insurance obligations or the financing of insurance premiums or participation in insurance pools, or in respect of performance, surety, completion, and similar bonds and guarantees in the ordinary course of business, and appeal and similar bonds and guarantees provided or obtained by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with its business;

 

(viii)                         Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, earn-outs, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations (including Indebtedness in respect of letters of credit or bonds securing the foregoing), in each case, Incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business, assets or Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by any person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or capital stock of a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition); provided that, in the case of a disposition, the maximum aggregate liability in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds actually received by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition;

 

(ix)                               Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days after Incurrence;

 

(x)                                  Indebtedness arising in connection with endorsement of instruments for deposit in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xi)                               Indebtedness constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit; provided that such obligations under any letter of credit are reimbursed within 30 days after the drawing of such letter of credit;

 

(xii)                            Indebtedness of any Person outstanding on the date on which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or was acquired by, or merged into or amalgamated, arranged or consolidated with, the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness Incurred in contemplation of, as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate the transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or was otherwise acquired by the Issuer); provided , however , that at the time such Person is acquired, either;

 

(A)                                the Issuer would have been able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 4.6(a) after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness pursuant to this Section 4.6(b)(xii); or

 

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(B)                                after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness pursuant to this Section 4.6(b)(xii), the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Issuer’s most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which financial statements have been delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.18 would have been higher than such ratio immediately prior to such acquisition, merger, amalgamation, arrangement or consolidation;

 

(xiii)                         Indebtedness, sufficient net cash proceeds of which are promptly deposited to defease or to satisfy and discharge all of the Notes pursuant to Sections 8.2, 8.3 or 8.5 herein;

 

(xiv)                        Contingent Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted under this covenant;

 

(xv)                           Indebtedness, including Guarantees, Incurred by Foreign Subsidiaries to fund working capital requirements in an aggregate principal amount that when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xv), not to exceed 10.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets attributable to Foreign Subsidiaries;

 

(xvi)                        Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to Refinance, any Indebtedness, including any Disqualified Stock, incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(a) and clauses (ii), (iv), (xii), and (xvi) of Section 4.6(b); and

 

(xvii)                     in addition to the items referred to in clauses (i) through (xvi) above, Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate outstanding principal amount which, when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xvii), including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xvii), and then outstanding, will not exceed the greater of (a) $50.0 million or (b) 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness; provided , that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Indebtedness Incurred by any non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary shall not exceed $25.0 million.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.6, in the event that any proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories described in clauses (i) through (xvii) of this Section 4.6(b), or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(a), the Issuer will be permitted to classify, and may later reclassify, such item of Indebtedness or a part thereof in any manner that complies with this covenant.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Indebtedness under the Term Loan Credit Facility incurred on the Issue Date will be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on the exception provided by Section 4.6(b)(iv)(c) above and cannot be reclassified.

 

(c)           For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. Dollar Equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred (or first committed, in the case of revolving credit Indebtedness); provided that if such Indebtedness

 

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is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced. The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such Refinancing.

 

(d)          The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such Refinancing.

 

(e)           The Issuer will not Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Issuer unless it is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes at least to the same extent.  The Issuer will not permit any Guarantor to Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of such Guarantor unless it is subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee at least to the same extent.  For purposes of this Indenture, no Indebtedness will be deemed to be subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, solely by reason of any Liens or Guarantees arising or created in respect thereof or by virtue of the fact that the holders of any secured Indebtedness have entered into intercreditor agreements giving one or more of such holders priority over the other holders in the collateral held by them.

 

(f)            Indebtedness permitted by this Section 4.6 need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Indebtedness but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this Section 4.6 permitting such Indebtedness.

 

(g)           Accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the accretion or payment of dividends on any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 4.6; provided , in each such case, that the amount thereof as accrued shall be included as required in the calculation of the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Issuer.

 

(h)          If Indebtedness is secured by a letter of credit that serves only to secure such Indebtedness, then the total amount deemed incurred shall be equal to the greater of (1) the principal of such Indebtedness and (2) the amount that may be drawn under such letter of credit.

 

4.7.                             Limitation on Liens .  (a)  The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other than Permitted Liens) upon any Collateral securing the Notes, now owned or hereafter acquired.

 

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(b)          The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of their property or assets (other than Collateral securing the Notes) now owned or hereafter acquired, in order to secure any Indebtedness, unless all payments due under this Indenture and the Notes are secured by a Lien on such property or assets on an equal and ratable basis with the Indebtedness so secured (or, in the case of Indebtedness subordinated to the Notes or the related Note Guarantees, senior in priority thereto, with the same relative priority as the Notes shall have with respect to such subordinated Indebtedness) until such time as such Indebtedness is no longer secured by a Lien.

 

(c)           Any Lien securing the Notes or a Note Guarantee granted pursuant to Section 4.7(b) shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon:  (1) the release of all other Liens that require the grant of Liens to secure the Notes or Note Guarantees pursuant to Section 4.7(b), (2) any sale, exchange or transfer to any Person not an Affiliate of the Issuer of the property or assets secured by such Lien ( provided that such Lien will be released only with respect to such property or assets), (3) any sale, exchange or transfer, in compliance with this Indenture, to any Person not an Affiliate of the Issuer of all of the Capital Stock held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in, or all or substantially all the assets of, any Restricted Subsidiary creating such Lien ( provided that such Lien will be released only with respect to the Capital Stock and the assets of such Restricted Subsidiary sold, exchanged or transferred), or (4) with respect to any Lien securing a Note Guarantee, the release of such Note Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture.

 

4.8.                             Limitation on Restricted Payments .  (a)  The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, take any of the following actions (each, a “ Restricted Payment ”):

 

(i)                                      declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution with respect to any of the Equity Interests of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Equity Interests of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries in their capacity as such (other than dividends, payments or distributions (i) payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer, (ii) to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) made by a Restricted Subsidiary on a pro rata basis to holders of Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary);

 

(ii)                                   purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) any Equity Interests of the Issuer held by any Person (other than by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) or any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary held by any Person other than by the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(iii)                                make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to the Stated Maturity thereof any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any Note Guarantee except (A) in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such payment, purchase or other acquisition or (B) intercompany Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(b)(iii); or

 

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(iv)                               make any Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) in any Person,

 

unless, at the time of and after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted Payment:

 

(A)                                no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; and

 

(B)                                the Issuer could Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.6(a); and

 

(C)                                such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (a), (b), (c), (e), (f), (g), (i), (k) and (l) of Section 4.8(b)), is less than the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(i)                                      50% of the Consolidated Net Income on a cumulative basis during the period (taken as one accounting period) beginning on the first day of the first fiscal quarter commencing after the Issue Date and ending on the last day of the Issuer’s last fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such proposed Restricted Payment for which financial statements have been delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the terms of Section 4.18 as described below (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit), plus

 

(ii)                                   the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Issuer and the Fair Market Value of any marketable securities or other property received by the Issuer since the Issue Date as a contribution to its common equity capital or from the issue or sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer and the amount of reduction of Indebtedness of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries that has been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests sold to, or Indebtedness held by, a Subsidiary of the Issuer), plus

 

(iii)                                with respect to Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (including any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary), an amount equal to the net reduction in such Investments in any Person (except, in each case, to the extent any such amount is included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income), resulting from repayment to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of loans or advances or from

 

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the receipt of net cash proceeds from the sale or otherwise in respect of such Investment, or from the release of any Guarantee, except to the extent any amounts are paid under such Guarantee; plus

 

(iv)                               in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as Restricted Subsidiary (as long as the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary was deemed a Restricted Payment), the Fair Market Value of the Issuer’s interest in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation (except to the extent any such amount is included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income); plus

 

(v)                                  100% of any dividends received by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer after the Issue Date from an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, to the extent that such dividends were not otherwise included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer for such period.

 

(b)          Section 4.8(a) shall not prohibit:

 

(a)                                  any Restricted Payment made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock and other than Equity Interests issued or sold to a Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such sale to an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust is financed by loans from or Guaranteed by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary unless such loans have been repaid with cash on or prior to the date of determination); provided , however , that the net cash proceeds from such transaction that are used for such purposes shall be excluded from Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(ii);

 

(b)                                  any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition, payment or retirement of Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantees made by exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds from the substantially concurrent Incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness that is permitted pursuant to Section 4.6;

 

(c)                                   any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that, in each case, is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6 and that in each case constitutes Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;

 

(d)                                  The payment of any dividend or redemption payment or the making of any distribution within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture or any dividend or similar distribution by a Restricted Subsidiary to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis;

 

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(e)                                   so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,

 

(i)                                      the purchase, redemption or other acquisition, cancellation or retirement for value of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary held by any existing or former employees, officers, managers, partners, directors or holders of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer or their assigns, estates or heirs, in each case in connection with the repurchase provisions under restricted stock units, stock option or stock purchase agreements or other agreements; provided that such redemptions or repurchases pursuant to this clause will not exceed $1.5 million in the aggregate during any calendar year (with any unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the immediately succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum of $3.0 million in any calendar year), plus the amount of any capital contributions to the Issuer as a result of sales of Equity Interests of the Issuer to such persons ( provided, however , that, to the extent used under this clause (e)(i), the net cash proceeds from such sale of Equity Interests shall be excluded from Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(ii) of the preceding paragraph) plus the net cash proceeds of any “key-man” life insurance policies ( provided, however , that, to the extent used under this clause (e)(i), the net cash proceeds from such policies shall be excluded from Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(ii)); and

 

(ii)                                   loans or advances to employees, officers or directors of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer, the proceeds of which are used to purchase Equity Interests of the Issuer, in an aggregate amount not in excess of $2.0 million at any one time outstanding (without giving effect to the forgiveness of any such loan);

 

(f)                                    so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer issued after the Issue Date in accordance with Section 4.6(a) to the extent such dividends or other distributions constitute Fixed Charges;

 

(g)                                   repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the vesting or settlement of restricted stock units, exercise of stock options, warrants, other rights to purchase Equity Interests or other convertible securities or similar securities if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price thereof (or withholding, purchases or deemed purchases of Equity Interests to satisfy related withholding taxes with regard to the exercise of such stock options, warrants or other rights to purchase Equity Interests or the vesting or settlement of any such restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units or any similar securities);

 

(h)                                  the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Indebtedness subordinated in right of payment to the Notes

 

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to the extent required by the agreement governing such Indebtedness (A) at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal amount of such subordinated Indebtedness in the event of a Change of Control in accordance with provisions similar to Section 4.11 or (B) at a purchase price not greater than 100% of the principal amount thereof in accordance with provisions similar to Section 4.9; provided that, prior to or simultaneously with such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement, the Issuer has made the Offer to Purchase as provided for under Section 4.11 or Section 4.9, respectively, of this Indenture with respect to the Notes and has completed the repurchase or redemption of all Notes validly tendered for payment in connection with such Offer to Purchase;

 

(i)                                      an Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) either (i) solely in exchange for shares of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer or (ii) through the application of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Issuer) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer; provided , that the net cash proceeds from such sale of Capital Stock will be excluded from Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(ii);

 

(j)                                     payments or distributions to dissenting stockholders pursuant to applicable law in connection with a merger or consolidation that complies with the provisions described under Section 5.1;

 

(k)                                  cash payment in lieu of issuance of fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for the Equity Interests of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided , that such payment shall not be for the purpose of evading the limitations of this Section 4.8 (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Issuer in good faith);

 

(l)                                      so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect thereto, additional Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed the greater of (i) $35.0 million and (ii) 3.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer, determined as of the date of such Restricted Payment; and

 

(m)                              so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect thereto, additional Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed $100.0 million if, at the time of the making of such Restricted Payment, and after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the incurrence of any Indebtedness to finance such payment), the Total Leverage Ratio is less than 4.00 to 1.00.

 

(c)           In determining whether any Restricted Payment is permitted by this Section 4.8, the Issuer may allocate or re-allocate all or any portion of such Restricted Payment among Section 4.8(b)(a) through (m) or among such clauses and Section 4.8(a);  provided that at the time of such allocation or re-allocation all such Restricted Payments or allocated portions thereof, and all prior Restricted Payments would be permitted under the various provisions of Section 4.8.

 

(d)          If any Person in which an Investment is made, which Investment constitutes a Restricted Payment when made, thereafter becomes a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with this Indenture, all such Investments previously made in such Person shall be Permitted Investments, and for the avoidance of doubt all such Investments shall no longer be counted as Restricted Payments for purposes of calculating the aggregate amount of Restricted

 

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Payments pursuant to Section 4.8(a), in each case to the extent such Investments would otherwise be so counted.

 

(e)           For purposes of Section 4.8, if a particular Restricted Payment involves a non-cash payment, including a distribution of assets, then such Restricted Payment shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the cash portion of such Restricted Payment, if any, plus an amount equal to the fair market value of the non-cash portion of such Restricted Payment, which fair market value of the non-cash portion, if greater than $20.0 million shall be determined conclusively by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer acting in good faith and having no personal stake in such Restricted Payment, whose resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee.

 

4.9.                             Limitation on Sale of Certain Assets .  (a)  The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:

 

(i)                                      the Issuer (or Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and

 

(ii)                                   at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of:

 

(A)                                Cash Equivalents (including any Cash Equivalents received from the conversion within 60 days of such Asset Sale of any securities, notes or other obligations received in consideration of such Asset Sale) or Liquid Securities;

 

(B)                                Replacement Assets;

 

(C)                                any liabilities of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities, Indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any Note Guarantee and liabilities to the extent owed to the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets or Equity Interests and for which the Issuer and all of the Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing;

 

(D)                                any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Asset Sale having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (D) since the Issue Date, not to exceed 10.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration (with the Fair Market Value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); or

 

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(E)                                 any combination of the consideration specified in clauses (A) to (D) (the foregoing collectively being “ Permitted Consideration ”).

 

(b)          Any Asset Sale pursuant to a condemnation, appropriation or other similar taking, including by deed in lieu of condemnation, or pursuant to the foreclosure or other enforcement of a Permitted Lien or exercise by the related lienholder of rights with respect thereto, including by deed of assignment in lieu of foreclosure, shall not be required to satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 4.9(a)(i) and (ii).

 

(c)           During the 365 days after the receipt of any Net Available Cash from an Asset Sale (other than Specified ABL Facility Assets) the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, may apply an amount equal to such Net Available Cash at its option:

 

(i)                                      to repay (a) Indebtedness constituting Pari Passu Lien Obligations (and, if the Indebtedness repaid is revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto); provided that if the Issuer shall so reduce Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the Issuer shall equally and ratably reduce Notes Obligations in any manner set forth in clause (d) below at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, (b) Indebtedness constituting Pari Passu Indebtedness other than Pari Passu Lien Obligations so long as the Asset Sale proceeds are with respect to non-Collateral; provided that if the Issuer shall so reduce Pari Passu Indebtedness, the Issuer shall equally and ratably reduce Notes Obligations in any manner set forth in clause (d) below, (c) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, or (d) Notes Obligations as provided under Section 3.8, through open-market purchases ( provided that such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) or by making an offer in accordance with the procedures set forth below in this Section 4.9 or an Asset Sale Offer or a Collateral Asset Sale Offer, as applicable;

 

(ii)                                   to purchase Replacement Assets (or enter into a binding agreement to purchase such Replacement Assets); provided that (a) such purchase is consummated no later than the later of (i) the 360th day after such Asset Sale or (ii) 180 days after the date of such binding agreement entered into within 360 days after such Asset Sale, (b) if such purchase is not consummated within the period set forth in subclause (a), an amount equal to the Net Available Cash not so applied shall be deemed to be Excess Proceeds (as defined below) and (d) if such Net Available Cash is received in respect of Collateral, the Replacement Assets, to the extent constituting Notes Collateral or ABL Collateral and not an Excluded Asset, shall be pledged as Collateral; or

 

(iii)                                to make an Offer to Purchase as described below.

 

(d)          Pending the final application of any Net Available Cash, the Issuer may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under any Credit Facility or otherwise expend or invest such Net Available Cash in any manner that is not prohibited by this Indenture.

 

(e)           An amount equal to any Net Available Cash from Asset Sales of Collateral (other than Specified ABL Facility Assets) that is not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in Section 4.9(c) (it being understood that any portion of such Net Available Cash used to purchase or make an Offer to Purchase Notes, as described in Section 4.9(c)(1), shall be deemed to have been invested whether or not such offer is accepted) shall be deemed to constitute “ Collateral Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate

 

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amount of Collateral Excess Proceeds exceeds $35 million, the Issuer shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Pari Passu Lien Obligations or Obligations secured by a Lien permitted under this Indenture (which Lien is not subordinate to the Lien of the Notes with respect to the Collateral), to the holders of such Pari Passu Lien Obligations or such other Obligations (including any mandatory prepayment required by the Term Loan Credit Facility) (a “ Collateral Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Lien Obligations or such other Obligations that may be purchased out of the Collateral Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any (or, in respect of other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, such lesser price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of such other Pari Passu Lien Obligations), to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures for an Offer to Purchase set forth in this Indenture. The Issuer shall commence a Collateral Asset Sale Offer with respect to Collateral Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Collateral Excess Proceeds exceed $35 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee.

 

(f)            An amount equal to any Net Available Cash from any Asset Sale of non-Collateral (other than Specified ABL Facility Assets) that is not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in Section 4.9(c) (it being understood that any portion of such Net Available Cash used to purchase or make an offer to purchase Notes, as described in Section 4.9(c)(i) above, shall be deemed to have been invested whether or not such offer is accepted) shall be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $35 million, the Issuer shall make an offer to all Holders of Notes (and, at the option of the Issuer, to holders of any Pari Passu Indebtedness) (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”) to purchase, subject to applicable minimum denomination requirements, the maximum principal amount of Notes (and such Pari Passu Indebtedness) that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any (or, in respect of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, such lesser price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of such Pari Passu Indebtedness), to but not including the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures for an Offer to Purchase set forth in this Indenture. The Issuer shall commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceeds $35 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee.

 

(g)           To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and such other Pari Passu Lien Obligations or such Obligations secured by a Lien permitted by this Indenture (which Lien is not subordinate to the Lien of the Notes with respect to the Collateral) tendered pursuant to a Collateral Asset Sale Offer is less than the Collateral Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining Collateral Excess Proceeds for any purpose that is not prohibited by this Indenture.  If the aggregate principal amount of Notes or such other Pari Passu Lien Obligations or such other Obligations surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Collateral Excess Proceeds, the Issuer, subject to applicable minimum denomination requirements, shall select the Notes and such other Pari Passu Lien Obligations or such other Obligations to be purchased in the manner described below.  To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes (and such Pari Passu Indebtedness) tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for any purpose that is not prohibited by this Indenture.  If the aggregate principal

 

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amount of Notes (and such Pari Passu Indebtedness) surrendered by Holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Issuer, subject to applicable minimum denomination requirements, shall select the Notes to be purchased in the manner described below.  Upon completion of any such Collateral Asset Sale Offer or Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Collateral Excess Proceeds or Excess Proceeds, as the case may be, shall be reset to zero.

 

(h)          Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 4.9, the sale, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, shall be governed by Sections 4.11 and 5.1 and not by the provisions of this Section 4.9.

 

(i)              The Issuer shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes as a result of an Asset Sale.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the covenant described hereunder, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the covenant described hereunder by virtue of its compliance with such securities laws or regulations.

 

4.10.                      Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates .  (a)  The Issuer will not, and the Issuer will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly enter into any Transaction (including without limitation making any payment to, or selling, leasing, transferring or otherwise disposing of any of its properties or assets to, or purchasing any property or assets from, or entering into or making or amending any Transaction) with, or for the benefit of, any of their Affiliates involving aggregate consideration in excess of $1.0 million (each, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”), unless:

 

(i)                                                         such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Issuer or the relevant Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable arm’s-length Transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unaffiliated party; and

 

(ii)                                                      with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $20.0 million, the terms of such transaction shall have been approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer and by a majority of the Disinterested Members (or, if there is only one Disinterested Member, such Disinterested Member), if any, and the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a resolution adopted by such majority or majorities, as the case may be, of the Board of Directors of the Issuer approving such Affiliate Transaction and resolving that such Affiliate Transaction complies with Section 4.10(a)(i).

 

(b)          Section 4.10(a) shall not limit, and shall not apply to;

 

(i)                                                         Transactions between or among the Issuer and/or the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(ii)                                                      Permitted Investments and Restricted Payments that are permitted by Section 4.8;

 

(iii)                                                   any issuance or sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer;

 

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(iv)                                                  transactions pursuant to agreements or arrangements in effect on the Issue Date, or any amendment, modification, or supplement thereto or replacement thereof, as long as such agreement or arrangement, as so amended, modified, supplemented or replaced, taken as a whole, is not materially more disadvantageous to the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries than the agreement or arrangement in existence on the Issue Date (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer);

 

(v)                                                     loans or advances to employees, officers or directors of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate amount not in excess of $5.0 million at any one time outstanding;

 

(vi)                                                  payment of reasonable and customary fees and expenses to, and reasonable and customary indemnification arrangements and similar arrangements and payments on behalf of, directors of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer;

 

(vii)                                               any employment, consulting, service or termination agreement, or reasonable and customary indemnification arrangements, entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary with officers and employees of the Issuer or any Subsidiary thereof and the payment of compensation to officers and employees of the Issuer or any Subsidiary thereof (including amounts paid pursuant to employee benefit plans, employee stock option or similar plans), so long as such agreement or payment has been approved by a majority of the Disinterested Members (or, if there is only one Disinterested Member, such Disinterested Member);

 

(viii)                                            Transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture; provided that in the reasonable determination of the members of the Board of Directors or senior management of the Issuer, such Transactions are on terms that are no less favorable to the Issuer or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable Transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person;

 

(ix)                                                  any sale or other issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer to, or receipt of a capital contribution from, an Affiliate (or a Person that becomes an Affiliate) of the Issuer;

 

(x)                                                     direct or indirect sales of equipment, supplies, products and services by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to any direct or indirect joint venture of the Issuer or one of the Restricted Subsidiaries at or above Cost;

 

(xi)                                                  transactions in which the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary delivers to the Trustee a letter from an independent financial advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view; and

 

(xii)                                               transactions pursuant to the Master Frac Services Agreement, or any amendment, modification or supplement thereto or replacement thereof so long as such agreement, as so amended, modified, supplemented or replaced, taken as a whole, is not materially adverse to the Holders of the Notes.

 

4.11.                      Change of Control .  (a)  Unless the Issuer has previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.4

 

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the Issuer must commence, within 30 days after the occurrence of a Change of Control, and thereafter consummate, an Offer to Purchase for all Notes then outstanding, at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to but not including the date of repurchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date.

 

(b)          The Issuer will not be required to make an Offer to Purchase upon a Change of Control if (1) a third party makes the Offer to Purchase in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to an Offer to Purchase made by the Issuer and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Offer to Purchase, or (2) a notice of redemption for 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes has been given pursuant to Section 3.4 unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable redemption price. Notes repurchased by the Issuer pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will have the status of Notes issued but not outstanding or will be retired and canceled, at the Issuer’s option.  Notes purchased by a third party will have the status of Notes issued and outstanding.

 

(c)           The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes as a result of a Change of Control.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the covenant described hereunder, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the covenant described hereunder by virtue of our compliance with such securities laws or regulations.

 

4.12.                      [Reserved]

 

4.13.                      Limitation on Business Activities .  The Issuer will not, and the Issuer will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than a Permitted Business, except to such extent as would not be material to the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

4.14.                      Future Note Guarantees .  (a)  The Issuer will provide to the Trustee, on or prior to the 30th day after the date that (1) any Person becomes a direct or indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Domestic Subsidiary (except for any Excluded Subsidiary) or (2) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not already a Guarantor that Guarantees or becomes an obligor of any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of the Guarantors with an aggregate principal amount of $5 million or more, in each case, (A) pursuant to Section 12.8, a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, executed by such Person, providing for such Person’s Note Guarantee to the same extent as set forth in this Indenture; (B) a joinder agreement, executed by such Person to each of the Intercreditor Agreements, providing for such person to become a party to each of the Intercreditor Agreements; and (C) a joinder agreement, executed by such Person to the Collateral Agreement, providing for such Person to become a Grantor under each Security Document. The Issuer shall also cause such Person to take all actions required by the Collateral Agreement, any Security Document or otherwise to perfect the Liens created by the Collateral Agreement (and the joinder thereto) in favor of the Collateral Agent in any Collateral held by such Person.

 

(b)          Any Note Guarantee entered into pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph because a Guarantor has Guaranteed any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any

 

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Restricted Subsidiary shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release or discharge of the Guarantee supporting such other Indebtedness or the payment of such other Indebtedness, except for a discharge, release or payment as a result of a payment under such Guarantee of such other Indebtedness.

 

4.15.                      Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries .  (a)  The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective or enter into any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or pay any Indebtedness or other obligation owed to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, (2) make loans or advances to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof or (3) transfer any of its property or assets to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(b)          Section 4.15(a) shall not apply to the following:

 

(i)                                                              any encumbrance or restriction in existence on the Issue Date, including those required by the Term Loan Credit Facility or the ABL Revolver or by any other agreement or documents entered into in connection with the Term Loan Credit Facility or the ABL Revolver and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements or Refinancings, of any of the foregoing agreements or documents, or any other Credit Facility, provided that the terms of such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements or Refinancings of any such other Credit Facility, in the good-faith judgment of the Issuer, are not, taken as a whole, materially more restrictive than the dividend or other payment restrictions contained in those agreements on the Issue Date or Refinancings thereof;

 

(ii)                                                           any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement relating to an acquisition of property (whether directly or through the purchase of Equity Interests of the Person owning such property), so long as the encumbrances or restrictions in any such agreement relate solely to the property so acquired (and are not or were not created in anticipation of or in connection with the acquisition thereof);

 

(iii)                                                        any encumbrance or restriction which exists with respect to a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or merges with or into a Restricted Subsidiary on or after the Issue Date, which is in existence at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, but not created in connection with or in anticipation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, and which is not applicable to any Person or the property or assets of any Person other than such Person or the property or assets of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(iv)                                                       any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement effecting a permitted Refinancing or extension of Indebtedness issued pursuant to an agreement containing any encumbrance or restriction referred to in Section 4.15(b)(i) through (iii), so long as the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such Refinancing agreement are not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Issuer, materially more restrictive than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

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(v)                                                          customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease, contract, or license of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, customary provisions restricting the disposition of assets subject to a lease or license, or provisions in agreements that restrict the assignment of such agreement or any rights thereunder;

 

(vi)                                                       any encumbrance or restriction by reason of applicable law, rule, regulation or order;

 

(vii)                                                    any encumbrance or restriction under this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees;

 

(viii)                                                 any encumbrance or restriction under an agreement relating to a disposition of assets or Capital Stock, including, without limitation, any agreement for the sale or other disposition of or by a Subsidiary that restricts distributions, loans or transfers by that Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;

 

(ix)                                                       restrictions on cash and other deposits or net worth imposed by customers or suppliers or required by insurance, surety or bonding companies, under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(x)                                                          customary provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements, limited liability company agreements, partnership agreements, shareholder agreements, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements, sale leaseback agreements and other similar agreements;

 

(xi)                                                       any instrument governing any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness or Capital Stock was Incurred or issued in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired, provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be Incurred;

 

(xii)                                                    purchase-money obligations (including Capital Lease Obligations) for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions on that property so acquired of the nature described in Section 4.15(a)(3);

 

(xiii)                                                 provisions of agreements relating to Liens permitted to be incurred or to exist under this Indenture, including under Section 4.7, that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Liens;

 

(xiv)                                                Indebtedness Incurred or Equity Interests issued by an Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements or instruments relating thereto (A) either (i) apply only in the event of a payment default or a default with respect to a financial covenant or (ii) shall not, taken as a whole, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, materially adversely affect the Issuer’s ability to pay all principal, interest and premium, if any, on the Notes, and (B) are not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, materially more restrictive than is customary in comparable financings;

 

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(xv)                                                   customary encumbrances or restrictions contained in agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business in connection with Hedging Obligations permitted under this Indenture; and

 

(xvi)                                                any other agreement governing Indebtedness entered into after the Issue Date that contains encumbrances and restrictions that are not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, materially more restrictive than those in effect on the Issue Date with respect to that Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to agreements in effect on the Issue Date.

 

(c)           Nothing contained in this Section 4.15 shall prevent the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from (1) creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to exist any Liens in compliance with Section 4.7 or (2) restricting the sale or other disposition of property or assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that secure Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred in accordance with Sections 4.6 and Section 4.7 in this Indenture.

 

4.16.                      Designation of Unrestricted and Restricted Subsidiaries .  (a)  The Board of Directors of the Issuer may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided that:

 

(i)                                                              any Guarantee by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness of the Subsidiary being so designated will be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, at the time of such designation, and such Incurrence of Indebtedness would be permitted under Section 4.6;

 

(ii)                                                           the aggregate Fair Market Value of all outstanding Investments owned by the Issuer and other Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary being so designated (including any Guarantee by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary) shall be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of such designation, and such Investment would be permitted under Section 4.8;

 

(iii)                                                        such Subsidiary does not hold any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or own or hold any Lien on any property or assets of, or have any Investment in, the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that is not simultaneously being designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

(iv)                                                       the Subsidiary being so designated:

 

(A)                                is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Issuer (or, if this condition is not satisfied, the value of such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding to such Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be, and must be permitted as, a Restricted Payment); and

 

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(B)                                is a Person with respect to which neither the Issuer nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any direct or indirect obligation (i) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (ii) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and

 

(C)                                has not Guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, except to the extent such Guarantee or credit support would be released upon such designation; and

 

(v)                                  no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.

 

(b)          Any designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by this Indenture.

 

(c)           For purposes of the foregoing, the designation of a Subsidiary of the Issuer as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be the designation of all of the Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary as Unrestricted Subsidiaries.  Unless so designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer will be classified as a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(d)          The Board of Directors of the Issuer may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that:

 

(i)                                                              such designation will be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation shall only be permitted if the Incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 4.6 at the date when such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(ii)                                                           all outstanding Investments owned by such Unrestricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be made as of the time of such designation and such designation will only be permitted if such Investments would be permitted under Section 4.8 at the date when such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(iii)                                                        all Liens upon property or assets of such Unrestricted Subsidiary existing at the time of such designation shall be deemed to be incurred at the date of such designation and at such date would be permitted under Section 4.7; and

 

(iv)                                                       no Default or Event of Default would be in existence immediately following such designation.

 

4.17.                      Payment of Taxes and Other Claims .  The Issuer will pay or discharge and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay or discharge, or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent (a) all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon (1) the Issuer or any such Subsidiary, (2) the income or profits of any such Subsidiary which is a corporation or (3) the property of the Issuer or any

 

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such Subsidiary and (b) all material lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies that, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon the property of the Issuer or any such Subsidiary; provided , however , that the Issuer shall not be required to pay or discharge, or cause to be paid or discharged, any such tax, assessment, charge or claim the amount, applicability or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established.

 

4.18.                      Reports to Holders .  (a)  Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee and, upon request, to beneficial owners and prospective investors of the Notes, a copy of all of the information and reports referred to in Section 4.18(a)(1) within 15 days after the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations (assuming the Notes were registered under Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the Issuer does not meet the definition of Accelerated Filer or Large Accelerated Filer under the Exchange Act):

 

(1)                all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Issuer were required to file such reports, including a ‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’’ and, with respect to the annual financial information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Issuer’s certified independent accountants;

 

(2)                all current reports containing substantially all of the information with respect to the Issuer and its Subsidiaries that would be required to be filed in a current report on Form 8-K pursuant to Item 1.01 (with respect to material acquisitions, divestitures and debt financing transactions only) of Form 8-K if the Issuer had been a reporting company under the Exchange Act; provided, however , that if the Issuer becomes a reporting person and files such Form 10-Qs, Form 10-Ks and Form 8-Ks as required by Section 4.18(a)(1) and (2) electronically with the SEC within the required time periods, the Issuer shall not be required to furnish such reports as specified above;

 

provided that, to the extent the Issuer has not completed the exchange offer contemplated by the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement and is not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act:

 

(i)                                                              Footnote Disclosures .  Financial statements may omit the guarantor footnote disclosures omitted from the financial statements included in this offering memorandum; provided that to the extent any non-Guarantor Subsidiaries do not collectively meet the definition of “minor” under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, using 6% instead of 3%, any such annual and quarterly information provided pursuant to Section 4.18(a)(1) shall include consolidated financial information for the Issuer and the Guarantors, separate from any non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, with respect to revenue, net income, Consolidated Cash Flow, total assets and total liabilities;

 

(ii)                                                           Financial Statements of Affiliates .  No separate financial statements shall be required for Affiliates of the Issuer whether or not such separate financial statements would be required by Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act;

 

(iii)                                                        Sarbanes Oxley .  No certifications or attestations concerning the financial statements or disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls that would otherwise be required pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will be required ( provided

 

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further, however, that nothing contained in the terms herein shall otherwise require the Issuer to comply with the terms of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 at any time when the Issuer would not otherwise be subject to such statute);

 

(iv)                                                       Financial Statements of Acquired Entities .  The financial statements required of acquired businesses will be limited to the financial statements (in whatever form) that the Issuer receives in connection with the acquisition, whether or not audited;

 

(v)                                                          Financial Statements of Unconsolidated Entities .  No financial statements of unconsolidated entities will be required;

 

(vi)                                                       Supplemental Schedules .  The schedules identified in Section 5-04 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act will not be required;

 

(vii)                                                    Non GAAP Financial Measures .  Compliance with the requirements of Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K and Regulation G will not be required; and

 

(viii)                                                 Exhibits .  No exhibits pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act (other than in respect of material agreements governing Indebtedness) will be required.

 

(b)          After the consummation of the exchange offer contemplated by the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement, if required, whether or not required by the SEC, the Issuer shall comply with the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and shall file the reports specified in the preceding paragraph with the SEC within the time periods specified above unless the SEC shall not accept such a filing.  If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the SEC will not accept the Issuer’s filings for any reason, the Issuer will post the reports referred to in the preceding paragraph on its website within the time periods that would apply if the Issuer were required to file those reports with the SEC.

 

(c)           If the Issuer has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by the preceding paragraphs shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer; provided , however, that no such information shall be required to the extent any Unrestricted Subsidiaries collectively meet the definition of “minor” under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, using 6% instead of 3%.

 

(d)          For so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuer shall also:

 

(1)                not later than 15 Business Days after filing with the Trustee or the SEC, as the case may be, the annual and quarterly information required pursuant to the preceding three paragraphs, hold a conference call for Holders of Notes, prospective investors and market makers (it being understood that prior to completion of the exchange offer contemplated by the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement, if required, the Issuer may limit participants to the extent it determines in good faith such limitations are prudent to ensure compliance with the Securities Act and other applicable securities

 

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laws) to discuss such reports and the results of operations for the relevant reporting period; and

 

(2)                employ commercially reasonable means expected to reach Persons entitled to participate in such conference calls in accordance with the foregoing paragraph no fewer than three Business Days prior to the date of the conference call required to be held in accordance with clause (1) above, to announce the time and date of such conference call and either including all information necessary to access the call or directing such Persons to contact the appropriate contact at the Issuer to obtain such information.

 

(e)           So long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, the Issuer shall make available to any prospective purchaser of Notes or beneficial owner of Notes in connection with any sale thereof the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act, until such time as the Issuer has either exchanged the Notes for securities identical in all material respects which have been registered under the Securities Act or until such time as the holders thereof have disposed of such Notes pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

 

(f)            any action of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary that would be permitted based on delivery of financial statements to the Trustee, shall be permitted following the Issue Date and prior to the delivery of four full fiscal quarters of financial statements under this Indenture based on the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available.

 

4.19.                      Maintenance of Office or Agency .  The Issuer shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served.  The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.  If at any time the Issuer fails to maintain any such required office or agency or fails to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided , however , that no such designation or rescission will in any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York for such purposes.  The Issuer will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

The Issuer hereby designates the office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan as one such office or agency of the Issuer in accordance with Section 2.3 hereof.

 

4.20.                      Stay, Extension and Usury Laws .  The Issuer and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or

 

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advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

4.21.                      Further Instruments and Acts .  Upon request of the Trustee (but without imposing any duty or obligation of any kind on the Trustee to make any such request), the Issuer and the Guarantors shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.

 

4.22.                      Suspension of Covenants .  (a)  Following the first day (the “ Suspension Date ”) that:

 

(i)                                                              the Notes have an Investment Grade Rating from both of the Rating Agencies, and

 

(ii)                                                           no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture,

 

the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, will not be subject to Sections 4.6, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.13, 4.15 and 5.1(a)(iii) (collectively, the “ Suspended Covenants ”).  In the event that the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “ Reversion Date ”) one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraws its Investment Grade Rating or downgrades the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants with respect to future events.  The period of time between the Suspension Date and the Reversion Date is referred to in this description as the “ Suspension Period .”  Notwithstanding that the Suspended Covenants may be reinstated, no default will be deemed to have occurred as a result of a failure to comply with the Suspended Covenants during the Suspension Period.

 

(b)          On the Reversion Date all Indebtedness Incurred during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(a) or one of the clauses of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness” under Section 4.6(b) (to the extent such Indebtedness would be permitted to be Incurred thereunder as of the Reversion Date and after giving effect to Indebtedness Incurred prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reversion Date).  To the extent such Indebtedness would not be so permitted to be Incurred, such Indebtedness will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under Section 4.6(b)(iv) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness.”  Calculations made after the Reversion Date of the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.8 will be made as though Section 4.8 had been in effect since the Issue Date and throughout the Suspension Period.  Accordingly, Restricted Payments made during the Suspension Period will reduce the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.8(a) and the items specified in Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(i) through (iv) will increase the amount available to be made under Section 4.8(a).  However, no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred on the Reversion Date (or thereafter) under any Suspended Covenant solely as a result of any action taken by the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries, or events occurring, during the Suspension Period.

 

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ARTICLE 5
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS

 

5.1.                             Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets .  (a)  The Issuer will not, directly or indirectly:  (i) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not the Issuer is the surviving corporation), or (ii) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in any Transaction, to another Person, unless at the time and after giving effect thereto:

 

(i)                                      immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness not previously an obligation of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries which becomes the obligation of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred at the time of such transaction) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

(ii)                                   either:

 

(A)                                the Issuer is the surviving entity; or

 

(B)                                the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Issuer) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made (i) is an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and (ii) assumes all the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, this Indenture, the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents; provided that if such surviving entity is not a corporation, a corporation satisfying the foregoing requirements shall be a co-obligor under this Indenture and the Notes;

 

(iii)                                immediately after giving effect to such Transaction on a pro forma basis (on the assumption that the Transaction occurred on the first day of the four-quarter period for which financial statements are available ending immediately prior to the consummation of such Transaction with the appropriate adjustments with respect to the Transaction being included in such pro forma calculation), either (a) the Issuer (or the surviving entity if the Issuer is not a continuing obligor under this Indenture) could on the first day following such four-quarter period Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.6(a) or (b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would be not less than such Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio immediately prior to such transaction;

 

(iv)                               each Guarantor, unless such Guarantor is the Person with which the Issuer has entered into a Transaction under this Section 5.1(a), will have confirmed to the Trustee in writing that its Note Guarantee will apply to the obligations of the Issuer or the surviving Person in accordance with the Notes and this Indenture;

 

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(v)                                  (a) the surviving entity (if other than the Issuer) causes such amendments, supplements or other instruments to be executed, delivered, filed and recorded, as applicable, in such jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law to preserve and protect the Liens of the Security Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to such surviving entity; and (b) the Collateral owned by or transferred to the surviving entity (if other than the Issuer) shall (i) continue to constitute Collateral under this Indenture and the Security Documents, (ii) be subject to the Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders of the Notes, and (iii) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens; and

 

(vi)                               the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, in each case to the effect that such Transaction and such agreement comply with this covenant and that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to such Transaction have been complied with;

 

provided , however , that Section 5.1(a)(iii) will not apply if, in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, whose determination shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution, the principal purpose of such Transaction is to change the state of organization of the Issuer, and any such Transaction shall not have as one of its purposes the evasion of the foregoing limitations.

 

Upon any consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition in accordance with this Section 5.1, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Issuer is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition is made will succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Issuer” shall refer instead to the successor Person and not to the Issuer), and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Issuer in this Indenture. When the successor assumes all of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture, the predecessor Issuer (if it separately survives such Transaction) shall be discharged from those obligations.

 

In addition, the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries may not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, in any Transaction, to any other Person.

 

(b)          A Guarantor will not, directly or indirectly:  (i) consolidate or merge with or into another Person other than the Issuer (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person), or (ii) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Guarantor, in any Transaction, to another Person, other than the Issuer or another Guarantor, unless:

 

(i)                                      immediately after giving effect to that Transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and

 

(ii)                                   either:

 

(A)                                the Guarantor is the surviving Person, or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer,

 

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conveyance or other disposition which has been made (i) is organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (ii) assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor under this Indenture, including its Note Guarantee, and the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to a supplemental indenture satisfactory to the Trustee and (iii) causes such amendments, supplements or other instruments to be executed, delivered, filed and recorded, as applicable, in such jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law to preserve and protect the Lien of the Security Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to such entity; or

 

(B)                                such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition or consolidation or merger is in compliance, as of the date thereof, with Section 4.9 to the extent applicable (and to the extent Section 4.9 is applicable, the Issuer shall thereafter comply therewith).

 

5.2.                             Successor Substituted .  Upon any consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition in accordance with this Article 5, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Issuer is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition is made will succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Issuer” will refer instead to the successor Person and not to the Issuer), and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Issuer in this Indenture. When the successor assumes all of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture, the predecessor Issuer (if it separately survives such Transaction) will be discharged from those obligations.

 

ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

6.1.                             Events of Default .  (a) “ Event of Default ”, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

 

(i)                                      default in the payment when due of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note when due and payable (whether at Stated Maturity or upon repurchase, acceleration, optional redemption or otherwise);

 

(ii)                                   default in the payment when due of interest on, or any Additional Interest with respect to, any Note when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;

 

(iii)                                failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor (i) for 30 days after written notice has been given to the Issuer by the Trustee at the direction of Holders of at least 25%

 

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in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Notes to make or consummate an Offer to Purchase in accordance with Section 4.9 and 4.11 or (ii) to comply with Section 5.1;

 

(iv)                               except as permitted by this Indenture, any Note Guarantee of any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), shall for any reason cease to be, or it shall be asserted by any Guarantor or the Issuer not to be, in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms;

 

(v)                                  default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in this Indenture (other than a covenant or agreement a default in whose performance or whose breach is specifically dealt with in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days (or 120 days, in the case of Section 4.18) after written notice has been given to the Issuer by the Trustee at the direction of the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes;

 

(vi)                               a default or defaults under any bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of Indebtedness (other than the Notes) by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary having, individually or in the aggregate, a principal or similar amount outstanding of at least $30.0 million, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, which default or defaults either (A) shall have resulted in the acceleration of the maturity of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity or (B) shall constitute a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium on, such Indebtedness when due and payable after the expiration of any applicable grace period with respect thereto;

 

(vii)                            the entry against the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of a final judgment(s) for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $30.0 million (net of amounts covered by (A) insurance for which the insurer thereof has been notified of such claim and has not challenged such coverage or (B) valid third party indemnifications for which the indemnifying party thereof has been notified of such claim and has not challenged such indemnification), by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction, which judgment(s) remain undischarged, unwaived, unstayed, unbonded and unsatisfied for a period of 60 consecutive days;

 

(viii)                         the entry by a court of competent jurisdiction of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors under any applicable law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors or of any substantial part of their respective properties or ordering the winding up or liquidation of their affairs, and any such decree, order or appointment pursuant to any Bankruptcy Law for relief shall continue to be in effect, or any such other decree, appointment or order shall be unstayed and in effect, for a period of 60 consecutive days;

 

(ix)                               (A) the Issuer or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary)

 

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(i) commences a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent or (ii) consents to the filing of a petition, application, answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Bankruptcy Law, (B) the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors consents to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it or, (C) the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors (i) consents to the appointment of, or taking possession by, a custodian, receiver, liquidator, administrator, supervisor, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors or of any substantial part of their respective properties, (ii) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or (iii) generally is not paying debts as they become due; or

 

(x)                                  unless all of the Collateral has been released from the Liens in accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents, (a) the liens and security interests on assets or collections of assets constituting Collateral having a fair market value in excess of $30.0 million shall cease to be perfected, or shall fail to have the priority contemplated by the Indenture, in each case subject to Permitted Liens, and the same shall continue for a period in excess of 30 consecutive days following written notice from the Collateral Agent, (b) the repudiation or disaffirmation by the Issuer or any Guarantor of its material obligations under the Security Documents or (c) the determination in a judicial proceeding that the Security Documents are unenforceable or invalid against the Issuer or any Guarantor party thereto for any reason with respect to any Collateral, individually or in the aggregate, having a fair market value in excess of $30.0 million; provided that such default, repudiation, disaffirmation or determination is not rescinded, stayed, or waived by the Persons having such authority pursuant to the Security Documents or otherwise cured within 60 days after the Issuer receives written notice thereof specifying such occurrence from the Trustee at the direction of the Holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes and demanding that such default be remedied.

 

(b)          If a Default or an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c) and to the ABL Collateral Agent and each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, notice of the Default or Event of Default within 15 Business Days by registered or certified mail or facsimile transmission specifying such event and, if known, its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.  Except in the case of a Default or an Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, on the Notes or interest, if any, or Additional Interest, if any on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice to the Holders if and so long if in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders.  The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of a Default unless the Trustee Officer has actual knowledge of such Default or written notice of such Default has been received by the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.  The Issuer shall also notify the Trustee within 15 Business Days of the occurrence of any Event of Default.

 

6.2.                             Acceleration .  (a)  If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(a)(viii) and (ix)) occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee at the direction of the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes shall declare the principal of the Notes and any accrued interest on the Notes to be due and payable immediately by a notice in writing to the Issuer.

 

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(b)          If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(a)(viii) and (ix) occurs, the principal of and any accrued interest on the Notes then outstanding shall ipso facto become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.

 

(c)           At any time after a declaration of acceleration under this Indenture, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may waive all past Defaults and rescind and annul such declaration of acceleration and its consequences if:

 

(i)                                      The Issuer or any Guarantor has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:

 

(A)                                all overdue interest, if any, and Additional Interest, if any on all Notes then outstanding;

 

(B)                                all unpaid principal of and premium, if any, on any outstanding Notes that has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne by the Notes;

 

(C)                                to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest, if any, at the rate borne by the Notes; and

 

(D)                                all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee under this Indenture and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel;

 

(ii)                                   the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction; and

 

(iii)                                all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of amounts of principal of, premium, if any, and Additional Interest, if any and interest, if any, on the Notes that has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 6.4.

 

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(d)          In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the Notes solely because an Event of Default described in Section 6.1(a)(vi) above has occurred and is continuing, the declaration of acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically rescinded and annulled if within 30 Business Days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto, the event of default or payment default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.1(a)(vi) shall be remedied or cured by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or if the holders of the relevant Indebtedness have waived such Event of Default or payment default and have rescinded any declaration of acceleration with respect thereto and if the rescission and annulment of the acceleration of the Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of

 

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a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Trustee for the payment of amounts due on the Notes.

 

6.3.                             Other Remedies .  If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements, may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

 

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Notes may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

 

6.4.                             Waiver of Past Defaults .  The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may on behalf of the Holders of all the Notes waive any past Default hereunder and its consequences, except a Default:

 

(a)                                  Any payment in respect of the principal of (or premium, if any), Additional Interest, if any or interest on any Note (including any Note which is required to have been purchased pursuant to an Offer to Purchase which has been made by an Issuer), or

 

(b)                                  in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected.

 

Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

6.5.                             Control by Majority .  The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee under this Indenture; provided , that:

 

(a)          the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that the Trustee reasonably believes conflicts with law, this Indenture or the Intercreditor Agreements or that the Trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders not joining in the giving of such direction;

 

(b)          the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that the Trustee determines would involve the Trustee in personal liability; and

 

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(c)           the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction.

 

6.6.                             Limitation on Suits .  A Holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:

 

(a)          the Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default;

 

(b)          the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes shall have made a written request to the Trustee to pursue such remedy;

 

(c)           such Holder or Holders provide the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any costs, liability or expense;

 

(d)          the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity;

 

(e)           during such 60-day period, the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a direction that, in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with the request; and

 

(f)            the pursuit of such remedy would not violate the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements.

 

The limitations in the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.6, however, do not apply to a suit instituted by a Holder (as opposed to through the Trustee) for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, or interest, if any, on such Note on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note.

 

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of any other Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder.

 

6.7.                             Unconditional Right of Holders To Receive Payment .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, Additional Interest, if any, and interest, if any, on the Notes held by such Holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Notes, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

 

6.8.                             Collection Suit by Trustee .  The Issuer covenants that if default is made in the payment of:

 

(a)          any installment of interest or Additional Interest on any Note when such interest becomes due and payable pursuant to Section 6.1(a)(2), or

 

(b)          the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note at the Stated Maturity thereof,

 

the Issuer shall, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of such Notes, the whole amount then due and payable on such Notes for principal (and premium, if any), Additional Interest, if any, and interest, and interest on any overdue

 

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principal (and premium, if any) and, Additional Interest, if any to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, upon any overdue installment of interest, at the rate borne by the Notes, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the amounts provided for in Section 7.6 and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

If the Issuer fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements, the Trustee, in its own name as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Notes and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Notes, wherever situated.

 

6.9.                             Trustee May File Proofs of Claim .  The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.6) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or any Guarantor, their creditors or their property and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders at their direction in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.6.

 

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to empower the Trustee to authorize or consent to, or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder, any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

 

6.10.                      Application of Money Collected .  If the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:

 

FIRST:                                                   to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent for amounts due under Section 7.6;

 

SECOND:                                          to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal of, premium, if any, interest, if any, and Additional Interest, if any ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, and Additional Interest, if any respectively; and

 

THIRD:                                                    to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any other obligors of the Notes, as their interests may appear, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

 

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The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.10.  At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer shall mail to each Holder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.

 

6.11.                      Undertaking for Costs .  All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder by its acceptance of its Note or any Additional Note shall be deemed to have agreed, that, a court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by Holders of more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or to any suit by any Holder pursuant to Section 6.7.

 

6.12.                      Restoration of Rights and Remedies .  If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

 

6.13.                      Rights and Remedies Cumulative .  Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.7, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

6.14.                      Delay or Omission not Waiver .  No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Note to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein.  Every right and remedy given by this Article 6 or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

 

6.15.                      Record Date .  The Issuer may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to vote or to consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted by Sections 6.4, 6.5 and 13.4.  Unless this Indenture provides otherwise, such record date shall be the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.5 prior to such solicitation.

 

6.16.                      Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws .  The Issuer covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever

 

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enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

6.17.                      Issuer Notice of Default .  The Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to the performance of certain obligations under the Indenture and as to any default in such performance.  The Issuer also shall notify the Trustee if it becomes aware of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.

 

ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE AND COLLATERAL AGENT

 

7.1.                             Duties of Trustee and Collateral Agent .  (a)  If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing of which the Trustee has actual knowledge, the Trustee shall, at the direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

 

(b)          Except during the continuance of an Event of Default of which the Trustee has actual knowledge:  (i) the Trustee and Collateral Agent undertake to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture or any other Indenture Document to which either or both are a party and no others and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture or any other Indenture Document against the Trustee and Collateral Agent; and (ii) in the absence of bad faith on their respective parts, the Trustee and Collateral Agent may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed herein or therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee or Collateral Agent, respectively, and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture or any other Indenture Documents.  In the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provisions hereof or thereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, the Trustee and Collateral Agent, respectively, shall examine same to determine whether they conform to the requirements of this Indenture or such other Indenture Document (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

 

(c)           The Trustee or Collateral Agent shall not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

 

(i)                                      this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.1;

 

(ii)                                   the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by the Trustee unless it is proved that the Trustee or Collateral Agent was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

 

(iii)                                the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Sections 6.2, 6.5 or 7.1(a).

 

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(d)          The Trustee or Collateral Agent shall not be liable for interest on any money received by the Trustee of the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, under this Indenture or any other Indenture Document except as the Trustee or Collateral Agent may agree in writing with the Issuer or any Guarantor.  Funds held in trust by the Trustee or Collateral Agent need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

(e)           No provision of this Indenture or any other Indenture Document shall require the Trustee or the Collateral Agent to expend or risk its own respective funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of the duties of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent hereunder or thereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds to believe that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

(f)            Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the Trustee or Collateral Agent be liable under or in connection with this Indenture or any other Indenture Document for indirect, special, incidental, punitive or consequential losses or damages of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to lost profits, whether or not foreseeable, even if the Trustee or the Collateral Agent has been advised of the possibility thereof and regardless of the form of action in which such damages are sought.

 

(g)           Every provision of this Indenture or any other Indenture Document relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 7.1.

 

7.2.                             Certain Rights of Trustee and Collateral Agent .  (a)  Subject to Section 7.1:

 

(i)                                                              the Trustee and Collateral Agent may conclusively rely, and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting, upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person;

 

(ii)                                                           before the Trustee or Collateral Agent acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel, or both, which shall conform to Sections 14.4 and 14.5.  The Trustee and Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion.  The Trustee and Collateral Agent may consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel will be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

 

(iii)                                                        the Trustee and Collateral Agent may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or under any other Indenture Document or perform any duties hereunder or thereunder either directly or by or through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any attorney or agent appointed with due care by it hereunder or thereunder;

 

(iv)                                                       the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture or by any other Indenture Document at the request or direction of any of the Holders or any other Person, unless such Holders or such Person shall have offered to the Trustee or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or Collateral Agent,

 

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respectively, against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

 

(v)                                                          the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, provided that the Trustee’s and Collateral Agent’s conduct does not constitute negligence or bad faith;

 

(vi)                                                       whenever in the administration of this Indenture or any other Indenture Document, the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder or thereunder, the Trustee or Collateral Agent (unless other evidence be herein or therein specifically prescribed) shall be entitled to receive and may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officers’ Certificate;

 

(vii)                                                    the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee and Collateral Agent, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer or any Guarantor personally or by agent or attorney and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation; and

 

(viii)                                                 the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee and Collateral Agent, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee and Collateral Agent in each of its capacities hereunder or under any other Indenture Document or by any Paying Agent or Registrar and each agent, custodian and other Person employed by it to act hereunder.

 

(b)          The Trustee and Collateral Agent may request that the Issuer or any Guarantor deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of the individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture or any Guarantee, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

7.3.                             Individual Rights of Trustee .  The Trustee, any Paying Agent, any Registrar or any other agent of the Issuer or of the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and, subject to TIA Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise deal with the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar or such other agent.

 

7.4.                             Trustee’s and Collateral Agent’s Disclaimer .  The recitals contained herein and in the Notes, except for the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer and the Guarantors, and the Trustee and the Collateral Agent assume no responsibility for their correctness.  The Trustee and the Collateral Agent make no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture, the Notes, Liens, Collateral, or any other Indenture Document, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to authenticate the Notes and except that the Trustee and the Collateral Agent each represent

 

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that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture and any other relevant Indenture Document and perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder.  The Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of Notes or the proceeds thereof.

 

7.5.                             Reports by Trustee to Holders .  Within 60 days after May 1 st  of each year commencing with the first May 1 st  after the Issue Date, the Trustee shall transmit to the Holders, in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), a brief report dated as of such reporting period, if required by TIA Section 313(a).  The Trustee also shall comply with TIA Sections 313(b) and (c).

 

The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee whenever the Notes become listed on any securities exchange and of any delisting thereof and the Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 313(d).

 

7.6.                             Compensation and Indemnity .  The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee and Collateral Agent such compensation as shall be agreed in writing for its respective services hereunder or under any other Indenture Document.  The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Issuer shall reimburse the Trustee or the Collateral Agent upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services respectively.  Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and out-of-pocket expenses of the Trustee’s or Collateral Agent’s applicable agents and counsel.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, hereby indemnify and hold harmless each of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent, and their respective agents, employees, stockholders, directors, officers and counsel against any and all loss, liability or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by any of them without willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith on its part arising out of or in connection with the administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder or under any other Indenture Document (including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim, whether asserted by the Issuer, the Guarantors, any Holder or any other Person).  The Trustee and Collateral Agent shall notify the Issuer promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.  Failure by the Trustee or Collateral Agent to so notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its obligations hereunder.  The Issuer shall defend the claim and the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall cooperate in such defense.  The Trustee and Collateral Agent may have separate counsel and the Issuer shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel.  The Issuer need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.  The Issuer shall not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Trustee or Collateral Agent through the Trustee’s or Collateral Agent’s own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.

 

To secure the Issuer’s payment obligations in this Section 7.6, the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee and Collateral Agent, in their respective capacities as Trustee and Collateral Agent, for any amount owing it or any predecessor Trustee or Collateral Agent except money or property held in trust to pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest on particular Notes.

 

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Without limiting any rights available to the Trustee or Collateral Agent under applicable law, when the Trustee or Collateral Agent incurs expenses or renders services after the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(a)(viii) or (ix) with respect to the Issuer or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), the expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent) and the compensation for such services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under Bankruptcy Law.

 

The obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under Section 7.6 and any claim arising hereunder shall survive the resignation or removal of any Trustee or Collateral Agent, the satisfaction and discharge of the Issuer’s obligations pursuant to Article 8 of this Indenture or pursuant to any other Indenture Document and any rejection or termination under any Bankruptcy Law, and the termination of this Indenture.

 

7.7.                             Replacement of Trustee and Collateral Agent .  A resignation or removal of the Trustee or Collateral Agent and appointment of a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s or Collateral Agent’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.7.

 

The Trustee or Collateral Agent may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuer in writing not less than 30 days prior to such resignation.  The Holders of at least a majority in outstanding principal amount of the outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee or Collateral Agent by so notifying the Trustee or Collateral Agent and the Issuer in writing not less than 30 days prior to such resignation. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee or Collateral Agent if:

 

(a)          the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.9;

 

(b)          the Trustee or Collateral Agent is adjudged bankrupt, insolvent or an order of relief is entered with respect to the Trustee or Collateral Agent under any Bankruptcy Law;

 

(c)           a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or Collateral Agent or its property; or

 

(d)          the Trustee or Collateral Agent otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

 

If the Trustee or Collateral Agent resigns or is removed, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee or Collateral Agent for any reason, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent.  Within one year after the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent takes office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent to replace the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent appointed by the Issuer.  If the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent does not deliver its written acceptance required by the next succeeding paragraph of Section 7.7 within 30 days after the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent, the Issuer or the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may, at the expense of the Issuer, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent.  Any resignation or removal of the Trustee automatically effects the corresponding resignation or removal of the Collateral Agent; any resignation or removal of the Collateral Agent automatically effects the corresponding resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

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A successor Trustee or Collateral Agent shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent and to the Issuer.  Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent shall become effective, and the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee or Collateral Agent under this Indenture and any other Indenture Document.  The successor Trustee or Collateral Agent shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders, the Issuer, the Guarantors, and ABL Collateral Agent and each Pari Passu Collateral Agent at the addresses set forth in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.  The retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee or Collateral Agent to the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent.

 

If a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent, the Issuer or the Holders of at least 25% in outstanding principal amount of the Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee or successor Collateral Agent at the expense of the Issuer.

 

If the Trustee or Collateral Agent fails to comply with Section 7.9, any Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of such Trustee or Collateral Agent and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent.

 

Notwithstanding any resignation or replacement of the Trustee or Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 7.7, the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under Section 7.6 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent.

 

7.8.                             Successor Trustee or Collateral Agent by Merger, Etc. .  Any Person into which the Trustee or Collateral Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee or Collateral Agent hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article 7, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.  In case any Notes shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Notes so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Notes.  In case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor Trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor Trustee.  In all such cases such certificates shall have the full force and effect which this Indenture provides for the certificate of authentication of the Trustee shall have; provided , however , that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Notes in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation.

 

7.9.                             Eligibility:  Disqualification .  The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA Section 310(a)(1) and (5).  The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.  No obligor upon the Notes or Person directly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such obligor shall serve as trustee upon the Notes.  The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 310(b); provided , however , that there shall be excluded from the

 

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operation of TIA Section 310(b)(1) any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other notes of the Issuer are outstanding  if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in TIA Section 310(b)(1) are met.

 

7.10.                      Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer .  The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b).  A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

 

7.11.                      Appointment of Co-Trustee .  (a)  It is the purpose of this Indenture that there shall be no violation of any law of any jurisdiction denying or restricting the right of banking corporations or associations to transact business as trustee in such jurisdiction.  It is recognized that in case of litigation under this Indenture, and in particular in case of the enforcement thereof on default, or in the case the Trustee deems that by reason of any present or future law of any jurisdiction it may not exercise any of the powers, rights or remedies herein granted to the Trustee or hold title to the properties, in trust, as herein granted or take any action which may be desirable or necessary in connection therewith, it may be necessary that the Trustee appoint an individual or institution as a separate or co-trustee.  The following provisions of Section 7.11 are adopted to these ends.

 

(b)          In the event that the Trustee appoints an additional Person as a separate or co-trustee, each and every remedy, power, right, claim, demand, cause of action, immunity, estate, title, interest and lien expressed or intended by this Indenture to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Trustee with respect thereto shall be exercisable by and vest in such separate or co-trustee but only to the extent necessary to enable such separate or co-trustee to exercise such powers, rights and remedies, and only to the extent that the Trustee by the laws of any jurisdiction is incapable of exercising such powers, rights and remedies, and every covenant and obligation necessary to the exercise thereof by such separate or co-trustee shall run to and be enforceable by either of them.

 

(c)           Should any instrument in writing from the Issuer be required by the separate or co-trustee so appointed by the Trustee for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to him or it such properties, rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations, any and all such instruments in writing shall, on request, be executed, acknowledged and delivered by the Issuer; provided , however , that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if the Issuer does not execute any such instrument within 15 days after request therefor, the Trustee shall be empowered as an attorney-in-fact for such Issuer to execute any such instrument in the Issuer’s name and stead.  In case any separate or co-trustee or a successor to either shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the estates, properties, rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations of such separate or co-trustee, so far as permitted by law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Trustee until the appointment of a new trustee or successor to such separate or co-trustee.

 

(d)          To the extent permitted by law, no trustee hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of any other trustee hereunder.

 

(e)           Any notice, request or other writing given to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been given to each of the then separate trustees and co-trustees, as effectively as if given to each of them.  Every instrument appointing any separate trustee or co-trustee shall refer to this Indenture and the conditions of this Article 7.

 

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(f)            Any separate trustee or co-trustee may at any time appoint the Trustee as its agent or attorney-in-fact with full power and authority, to the extent not prohibited by law, to do any lawful act under or in respect of this Indenture on its behalf and in its name.

 

ARTICLE 8
DEFEASANCE; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

8.1.                             Issuer’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance .  The Issuer may, at their option by a resolution of its Board of Directors, at any time, with respect to the Notes, elect to have either Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 be applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

 

8.2.                             Defeasance and Discharge .  Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.1 of the option applicable to Section 8.2, the Issuer shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to the Notes on the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.4 are satisfied (hereinafter, “ legal defeasance ”).  For this purpose, such legal defeasance means that the Issuer shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the Notes and to have satisfied all its other obligations under the Notes and this Indenture (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:  (a) the rights of Holders of Notes to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 8.8 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest on such Notes when such payments are due, (b) the provisions set forth at Sections 2.6, 2.7, 2.11, 4.19 and 8.6, (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (d) the Issuer’s right of redemption pursuant to Section 3.8.  Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Issuer may exercise its option under Section 8.2 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.3 below with respect to the Notes.  If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default.

 

8.3.                             Covenant Defeasance .  Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.1 of the option applicable to Section 8.3, the Issuer shall be released from its obligations under any covenant contained in Sections 4.4 through 4.16, 4.18 (other than the covenant to comply with TIA Section 314(a) to the extent that such obligations thereunder cannot be terminated) and Sections 5.1(a)(i), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) and Section 5.1(b) with respect to the Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “ covenant defeasance ”).  For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, the Issuer may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby.

 

8.4.                             Conditions to Defeasance .  In order to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to outstanding Notes:

 

(a)          the Issuer must irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to the benefits of the Holders of such Notes:

 

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(1) money in an amount, or (2) U.S. Government Obligations, which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment, money in an amount or (3) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient without reinvestment, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee to pay and discharge, the entire indebtedness in respect of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest and Additional Interest on such Notes on the Stated Maturity thereof or (if the Issuer has made irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer) the redemption date thereof, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Notes;

 

(b)          in the case of an election under Section 8.2, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (1) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (2) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law (whether by statute or judicial precedent), in either case (1) or (2) to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Notes will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Notes and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge were not to occur;

 

(c)           in the case of an election under Section 8.3, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such outstanding Notes will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and covenant defeasance to be effected with respect to such Notes and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance were not to occur;

 

(d)          no Default or Event of Default with respect to the outstanding Notes shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit after giving effect thereto (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien to secure such borrowing);

 

(e)           such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Notes are in default within the meaning of such act);

 

(f)            such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or material instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Issuer is a party or by which the Issuer is bound; and

 

(g)           the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by clause (b) above with respect to a defeasance need not to be delivered if all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (1) have become due and payable, or (2) will become due and

 

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payable at Stated Maturity within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer.

 

The Collateral will be released from the Lien securing the Notes, as provided under the Section 11.4, upon a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance in accordance with the provisions described above.

 

8.5.                             Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture .  This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued thereunder when either:

 

(a)          either:  (1) all outstanding Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or (2) all such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (A) have become due and payable or (B) will become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year (a “ Discharge ”) under irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and in each such case the Issuer has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds (including money or U.S. Government Obligations)  in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes, not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest to the Stated Maturity or date of redemption;

 

(b)          the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums then due and payable under this Indenture by the Issuer;

 

(c)           the Issuer has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited funds toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or on the redemption date, as the case may be; and

 

(d)          the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, each to the effect that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the Discharge have been complied with.

 

8.6.                             Survival of Certain Obligations .  Notwithstanding Sections 8.1 and 8.3, any obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors in Sections 2.2 through 2.14, 6.7, 7.6, 7.7, and 8.7 through 8.9 shall survive until the Notes have been paid in full.  Thereafter, any obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors in Sections 7.6, 8.7 and 8.8 shall survive such defeasance and discharge.  Nothing contained in this Article 8 shall abrogate any of the obligations or duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.

 

8.7.                             Acknowledgment of Discharge by Trustee .  Subject to Section 8.9, after the conditions of 8.2, 8.3 or 8.5 have been satisfied, the Trustee upon written request shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of all of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture except for those surviving obligations specified in this Article 8.

 

8.8.                             Application of Trust Funds .  Subject to Section 8.9, the Trustee shall hold in trust cash in U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article 8.  It shall apply the deposited cash or U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of, premium,

 

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if any, interest, and Additional Interest, if any on the Notes; but such funds need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

8.9.                             Repayment to Issuer .  Subject to Sections 7.6, and 8.1 through 8.4, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuer upon request set forth in an Officers’ Certificate any excess funds held by them at any time and thereupon shall be relieved from all liability with respect to such funds.  The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer upon request any funds held by them for the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or Additional Interest, if any, that remains unclaimed for two years; provided that the Trustee or Paying Agent before being required to make any payment may cause to be published (a) in The Wall Street Journal or another leading newspaper in New York, New York and (b) through the newswire service of Bloomberg or, if Bloomberg does not then operate, any similar agency or mail to each Holder entitled to such funds at such Holder’s address (as set forth in the Security Register) notice that such funds remains unclaimed and that after a date specified therein (which shall be at least 30 days from the date of such publication or mailing) any unclaimed balance of such funds then remaining will be repaid to the Issuer.  After payment to the Issuer, Holders entitled to such funds must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors unless an applicable law designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee and such Paying Agent with respect to such money shall cease.

 

8.10.                      Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations .  The Issuer shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, and Additional Interest, if any received on such U.S. Government Obligations.

 

8.11.                      Reinstatement .  If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply cash in U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article 8 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article 8 until such time as the Trustee or any such Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such cash or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article 8; provided , however , that, if the Issuer has made any payment of principal of, premium, if any, interest, if any, and Additional Interest, if any on any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the cash in U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

 

ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

 

9.1.                             Without Consent of Holders . Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, at any time and from time to time, may modify, amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents, as applicable, for any of the following purposes:

 

(a)          to evidence the succession of a Person to the Issuer or a Guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Issuer or such Guarantor in the Indenture and the Notes or Note Guarantee;

 

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(b)          to add to the covenants of the Issuer for the benefit of the Holders, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer;

 

(c)           to add additional Events of Default;

 

(d)          to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of the certificated Notes;

 

(e)           to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under this Indenture by a successor Trustee;

 

(f)            to provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

 

(g)           to add a Guarantor or to release a Guarantor in accordance with this Indenture;

 

(h)          to cure any ambiguity, defect, omission, mistake or inconsistency;

 

(i)              to amend any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that such actions pursuant to this clause (i) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer;

 

(j)             to conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” in the offering memorandum, dated April 11, 2014, to the extent that the Trustee has received an Officers’ Certificate stating that such text constitutes an unintended conflict with the description of the corresponding provision in the “Description of the Notes” in the offering memorandum, dated April 11, 2014;

 

(k)          to add to the Collateral securing the Notes;

 

(l)              to provide for the release of Collateral from the Lien of the Indenture, Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents when permitted or required by the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents or the Indenture; or

 

(m)      to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depository.

 

9.2.                             With Consent of Holders .  With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, consent obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental to this Indenture for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or the Notes or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes under this Indenture, including the definitions therein; provided , however , that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected thereby:

 

(i)                                      change the Stated Maturity of any Note or of any installment of interest on any Note, or reduce the amount payable in respect of the principal thereof or the rate of

 

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interest thereon or any premium payable thereon, or reduce the amount that would be due and payable on acceleration of the maturity thereof, or change the currency in which, any Note or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof, or change the date on which any Notes may be subject to redemption or reduce the Redemption Price therefor;

 

(ii)                                   reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or of certain defaults thereunder and their consequences) provided for in the Indenture;

 

(iii)                                modify the obligations of the Issuer to make and consummate an Offer to Purchase with respect to any Asset Sale after the obligation to make such Offer to Purchase has arisen or to make and consummate an Offer to Purchase upon a Change of Control after the occurrence of such Change of Control (including, in each case, by amending, changing or modifying any definition relating thereto);

 

(iv)                               modify any provision of the Indenture affecting the ranking of the Notes or any Note Guarantee in a manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes; or

 

(v)                                  release any Guarantees required to be maintained under the Indenture (other than in accordance with the terms of the Indenture).

 

In addition, any amendment to, or waiver of, the provision of the Indenture or any Security Document that has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral will require the consent of Holders of at least two-thirds in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.

 

The consent of the Holders is not necessary to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver.  It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver.

 

9.3.                             Compliance with Trust Indenture Act .  Every amendment, modification or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be set forth in a supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.

 

9.4.                             Effect of Supplemental Indentures .  Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article 9, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Notes theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

 

9.5.                             Notation on or Exchange of Notes .  If an amendment, modification or supplement changes the terms of a Note, the Issuer or Trustee may require the Holder to deliver it to the Trustee.  The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Note and on any Note subsequently authenticated regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder.  Alternatively, if the Issuer so determines, the Issuer in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms.  Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment, modification or supplement.

 

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9.6.                             Revocation of Consents .  Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note.  However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee or the Issuer receives written notice of revocation before the date on which the Issuer certifies to such Trustee that the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Notes has consented to such amendment.  An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder unless it is of the type requiring the consent of each Holder affected.  If the amendment, supplement or waiver is of the type requiring the consent of each Holder affected, the amendment, supplement or waiver will bind each Holder that has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Note that evidences the same debt as the Note of the consenting Holder.

 

9.7.                             Payment for Consent .  The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder of Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid to all Holders that may legally participate in the Transaction, as proposed by the Issuer and is paid to all Holders of the Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend such term or provision within the time period set forth in the solicitation documents relating to the consent, waiver or amendment.

 

9.8.                             Notice of Amendment or Waiver .  Promptly after the execution by the Issuer and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture or waiver pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.2 the Issuer shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each outstanding Note affected, in the manner provided for in Section 14.2, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture or waiver.

 

9.9.                             Trustee to Sign Amendments , Etc. .  The Trustee shall execute any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 9; provided that the Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, execute any such amendment, supplement or waiver which adversely affects the rights, duties or immunities of the Trustee under this Indenture.  The Trustee shall be provided with, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate, each stating that the execution of any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 9 is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.

 

ARTICLE 10
INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENTS

 

10.1.                      Intercreditor Agreements . Each Holder, by accepting a Note, has authorized the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to enter into and comply with the terms of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement on behalf of the Holders (including  any action or omission to act, any consent or any waiver in compliance with the terms of such Intercreditor Ageements) and has agreed that the Collateral Agent and the Holders shall be bound by and comply with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements to them in their capacities as such and, in the case of the Holders, to the same extent as if the Holders were parties thereto.

 

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Additionally, provided that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall, upon written request of the Issuer, together with an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, stating that such actions comply with the terms of this Indenture and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, direct the Collateral Agent to enter into and perform amendments and joinders to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or an additional intercreditor agreement with the ABL Collateral Agreement, Term Loan Collateral Agreement and, if applicable, any additional Pari Passu Collateral Agreement (or any amendments or joinders to such additional intercreditor agreements) on terms and conditions that, in the good faith determination of the Issuer, are not less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Holders of Notes than the terms of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as applicable, and thereafter such amended or new intercreditor agreement (or amendments or joinders to such new intercreditor agreement) shall be deemed to be the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as applicable, for all purposes of this Indenture.

 

Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall have any liability to any Person for complying with the terms of this Article 10.

 

ARTICLE 11
COLLATERAL

 

11.1.                      Security Documents .  The Issuer, the Guarantors and the Collateral Agent shall enter into a Collateral Agreement (and any other Security Document, as necessary) that establishes the terms of the security interests and Liens that secure the Notes Obligations.  These security interests secure the payment and performance when due of all of the Notes Obligations of the Issuer under the Notes and this Indenture and the Guarantors under the Guarantee.  Subject to the terms of the other Indenture Documents, the Issuer and the Guarantors have the right to remain in possession and retain exclusive control of the Collateral (other than any cash, securities, Obligations and Cash Equivalents constituting part of the Collateral and deposited with the a collateral agent in accordance with the provisions of the other Indenture Documents and other than as set forth in the other Indenture Documents), to freely operate the  Collateral and to collect, invest and dispose of any income therefrom.

 

The Issuer shall, and shall cause each Guarantor to, and each Guarantor shall, make all filings (including filings of continuation statements and amendments to UCC financing statements that may be necessary to continue the effectiveness of such UCC financing statements) necessary to maintain or establish (at the sole cost and expense of the Issuer and the Guarantors) the security interest created by the Security Documents in the Collateral as a perfected security interest to the extent perfection is required by the Security Documents, subject only to Permitted Liens. Subject to the terms of the other Indenture Documents, the Issuer and the Guarantors have the right to remain in possession and control of the Collateral.

 

11.2.                      Collateral Agent .  (a)  The Collateral Agent shall have all the rights and protections provided herein and in the other Indenture Documents and, additionally, shall have all the rights and protections provided to the “Trustee” under Article 7.

 

(b)          Subject to Section 7.1, none of the Collateral Agent, Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, attorneys or agents will be responsible or liable for the existence, genuineness, value or

 

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sufficiency of any Collateral, for the legality, enforceability, effectiveness or sufficiency of the Security Documents or any other Indenture Document, for the creation, perfection, priority, sufficiency or protection of any Liens on any Collateral, or any defect or deficiency as to any such matters.

 

(c)           Except as required or permitted by the this Indenture and the other Indenture  Documents, the Holders, by accepting a Note, acknowledge that the Collateral Agent will not be obligated:

 

(i)                                      to act upon directions purported to be delivered to it by any Person, except in accordance with the Security Documents and other Indenture Documents;

 

(ii)                                   to foreclose upon or otherwise enforce any Lien on any Collateral securing the Notes Obligations; or

 

(iii)                                to take any other action whatsoever with regard to any or all of the Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes Obligations or with regard to the Indenture Documents.

 

11.3.                      Authorization of Actions to Be Taken .  (a)  Each Holder, by its acceptance of the Notes, consents and agrees to the terms of the Indenture Documents (including, without limitation, the provisions providing for foreclosure and release of Collateral) as the same may be in effect or may be amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time in accordance with their terms, authorizes and directs the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Indenture Documents to which it is a party, authorizes and empowers the Trustee to direct the Collateral Agent to enter into, and the Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver, the Security Agreement and any other Security Documents, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and such other intercreditor agreements as are required to be executed pursuant to Section 10.1, and any amendments to the foregoing that are in accordance with Article 9, and authorizes and empowers the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to bind the Holders of Notes and other Holders of Notes Obligations as set forth in the Indenture Documents to which it is a party and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights and powers thereunder.

 

(b)          The Trustee is authorized and empowered to receive for the benefit of the Collateral Agent, the Trustee and the Holders of Notes any funds collected or distributed to it or the Collateral Agent under the Indenture Documents to which the Trustee or the Collateral Agent is a party and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders of Notes, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent according to the provisions of this Indenture and the other Indenture Documents, if applicable.

 

(c)           Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1 and Section 7.2 hereof, and the other Indenture Documents, the Trustee may (but shall not be obligated to), in its sole discretion and without the consent of the Holders, direct, on behalf of the Holders, the Collateral Agent to take all actions it deems necessary or appropriate in order to:

 

(1) foreclose upon or otherwise enforce any or all of the Liens on any Collateral securing the Notes Obligations;

 

(2) enforce any of the terms of the other Indenture Documents to which the Collateral Agent or Trustee is a party; or

 

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(3) collect and receive payment of any and all Notes Obligations.

 

Subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement  and the other Indenture Documents, the Trustee is authorized and empowered by each Holder of Notes (by its acceptance thereof) to institute and maintain, or direct the Collateral Agent to institute and maintain, such suits and proceedings as it may deem expedient to protect or enforce the Liens of the Security Documents to which the Collateral Agent or Trustee is a party or to prevent any impairment of Collateral by any acts that may be unlawful or in violation of the Security Documents or the Indenture Documents to which the Collateral Agent or Trustee is a party, and, subject to the restrictions set forth in the other Indenture Documents, such suits and proceedings as the Trustee or the Collateral Agent may deem expedient to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders of Notes in the Collateral, including power to institute and maintain suits or proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any legislative or other governmental enactment, rule or order that may be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or compliance with, such enactment, rule or order would impair the Liens under the other Indenture Documents or be prejudicial to the interests of Holders, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent.

 

11.4.                      Release of Collateral .

 

Subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, Liens on Collateral securing the Notes shall be automatically and unconditionally released:

 

(1)          as to any property or asset (including Capital Stock of a Subsidiary of the Issuer), to enable the Issuer and the Guarantors to consummate the disposition of such property or asset to the extent not prohibited by clause (7) below or under Section 4.9 or Section 4.8;

 

(2)          to release Excess Proceeds and Collateral Excess Proceeds to the Issuer that remain unexpended after the conclusion of an Asset Sale Offer or a Collateral Asset Sale Offer conducted in accordance with this Indenture and not required to be made a part of the Collateral;

 

(3)          in respect of the property and assets of a Guarantor, upon the designation of such Guarantor to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary under Section 4.8;

 

(4)          the Collateral is released from the Liens securing the Term Loan Credit Facility (whether as a result of repayment or otherwise) and is not otherwise securing or shall not be securing Indebtedness outstanding under any refinancing or replacement thereof or any other Pari Passu Lien Obligations (other than Obligations under the Notes and any Additional Notes);

 

(5)          as described in Section 9.6;

 

(6)          in respect of the property and assets of a Guarantor upon release or discharge of the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor in compliance with this Indenture; and

 

(7)          as to the pledge of Capital Stock of First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries, in connection with a reorganization, change or modification of the direct or indirect ownership of Foreign Subsidiaries by the Issuer or a Guarantor, as applicable, in

 

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compliance with this Indenture, a release may be obtained as to such Capital Stock in connection with the substitution of pledge of 65% of the voting Capital Stock and 100% of the non-voting Capital Stock of any one or more new or replacement First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries pursuant to valid Security Documents. In addition, the Liens granted pursuant to the Security Documents securing the Notes Obligations shall, subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, automatically terminate and/or be released all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any party, and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to the applicable Grantors (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), as of the date upon (i) all the Notes Obligations (other than contingent or unliquidated obligations or liabilities not then due) having been paid in full in cash or immediately available funds; (ii) a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance or discharge under Article 8; or (iii) the Holders of at least 66% in aggregate principal amount of all Notes issued under this Indenture consent to the termination of the Security Documents.

 

Subject to the Intercreditor Agreements, the security interests in all Collateral securing the Notes also shall be released upon (1) payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on, the Notes and all other Notes Obligations under this Indenture and the Security Documents that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest (including Additional Interest, if any), are paid (including pursuant to a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as described under Section 8.5) or (2) a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance under the Indenture as described under Section 8.2 and 8.3, respectively.

 

11.5.                      Filing, Recording and Opinions .  (a)  The Issuer will comply with the provisions of TIA Sections 314(b), 314(c) and 314(d), in each case following qualification of this Indenture pursuant to the TIA, except to the extent not required in any SEC regulation or interpretation (including any no-action letter issued by the Staff of the SEC, whether issued to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any other Person). Following such qualification, to the extent the Issuer is required to furnish to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel pursuant to TIA Section 314(b)(2), the Issuer shall furnish such opinion not more than 60 but not less than 30 days prior to each September 30.

 

(b)          Any release of Collateral permitted by Section 11.4 hereof shall be deemed not to impair the Liens under the Security Documents in contravention thereof and any person that is required to deliver an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel pursuant to Section 314(d) of the TIA, shall be entitled to rely upon the foregoing as a basis for delivery of such certificate and opinion.  The Trustee shall, to the extent permitted by Sections 7.1 and 7.2 hereof, accept as conclusive evidence of compliance with the foregoing provisions the appropriate statements contained in such documents, Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel.

 

(c)           If any Collateral is released in accordance with this Indenture and the other Indenture Documents and if the Issuer has delivered the certificates and documents required by the Indenture Documents and Section 11.4, the Trustee shall determine whether it has received all documentation required by TIA Section 314(d) in connection with such release and, based on such determination and Officers’ Certificate and the Opinion of Counsel delivered pursuant to Section 11.4, shall, upon request, deliver a certificate to the Collateral Agent setting forth such determination.

 

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(d)          Any certificate or opinion required by Section 314(d) of the TIA may be made by an Officer of the Issuer, except in cases where Section 314(d) requires that such certificate or opinion be made by an independent engineer, appraiser or other expert.

 

(e)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries shall not be required to comply with all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the TIA if they determine, in good faith based on advice of counsel, that under the terms of that section and/or any interpretation or guidance as to the meaning thereof of the SEC and its staff, including “no action” letters or exemptive orders, all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the TIA is inapplicable to the released Collateral.

 

(f)            Upon the request of the Trustee, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel in respect of any matter in furtherance of the foregoing transactions contemplated by this Section 11.5.

 

11.6.                      Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee .  In case the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully appointed, the powers conferred in this Article 11 upon the Issuer or any Guarantor with respect to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or trustee shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of the Issuer or of any officer or officers of the foregoing required by the provisions of this Article 11; and if the Trustee or the Collateral Agent shall be in the possession of the Collateral under any provision of this Indenture or the other Indenture Documents, then such powers may be exercised by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be.

 

11.7.                      Release upon Termination of the Issuer’s Obligations .  In the event (i) that the Issuer delivers to the Trustee, in form and substance acceptable to it, an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel certifying that all the obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the other Indenture Documents have been satisfied and discharged by the payment in full of the Issuer’s Notes Obligations, this Indenture and the other Indenture Documents, and all such Notes Obligations have been so satisfied, or (ii) a discharge, legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of this Indenture occurs under Article 8, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuer and the Collateral Agent a notice stating that the Trustee, on behalf of the Holders, disclaims and gives up any and all rights it has in or to the Collateral, and any rights it has under the Security Documents, and upon receipt by the Collateral Agent of such notice, the Collateral Agent shall be deemed not to hold a Lien in the Collateral on behalf of the Trustee and each of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall do or cause to be done all acts reasonably necessary to release such Lien as soon as is reasonably practicable.

 

11.8.                      Designations .  Except as provided in the next sentence, for purposes of the provisions hereof and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement requiring the Issuer to designate Indebtedness for the purposes of the terms “Pari Passu Lien Obligations” and “Additional Pari Passu Obligations” or any other such designations hereunder or under either such Intercreditor Agreement, any such designation shall be sufficient if the relevant designation provides in writing that such Pari Passu Lien Obligations or Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations are permitted under this Indenture and is signed on behalf of the Issuer by an Officer and delivered to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent in an Officers’ Certificate.

 

11.9.                      Trustee’s Duties with Respect to Collateral .  (a)  Beyond the exercise of reasonable care in the custody thereof, neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any

 

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agent or bailee or any income thereon or as to preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto.  Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be responsible for filing any financing or continuation statements or recording any documents or instruments in any public office at any time or times or otherwise perfecting or maintaining the perfection of any security interest in the Collateral.  The Trustee and/or the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody of the Collateral in its possession if the Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which it accords its own property and shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or diminution in the value of any of the Collateral by reason of the act or omission of any carrier, forwarding agency or other agent or bailee selected by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent in good faith.

 

(b)          Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be responsible for the existence, genuineness or value of any of the Collateral or for the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Liens in any of the Collateral, whether impaired by operation of law or by reason of any action or omission to act on its part hereunder, except to the extent such action or omission constitutes negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, for the validity or sufficiency of the Collateral or any agreement or assignment contained therein, for the validity of the title of the Issuer to the Collateral, for insuring the Collateral or for the payment of taxes, charges, assessments or Liens upon the Collateral or otherwise as to the maintenance of the Collateral. Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duty to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms of this Indenture or the Security Documents by the Issuer or the Guarantors.

 

ARTICLE 12
GUARANTEE

 

12.1.                      Notes Guarantee .  (a)  The Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, guarantee, on a senior secured basis, to each Holder, to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent and the successors and assigns of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent on behalf of each Holder, the due and punctual payment of the Notes Obligations.  The Guarantors further agree that the Notes Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from the Guarantors and that the Guarantors shall remain bound under this Article 12 notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Notes Obligation.  All payments under such Guarantee shall be made in U.S. dollars.

 

(b)          The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unaffected by, and irrespective of, any validity, irregularity or unenforceability of any Note or this Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of any Note or this Indenture, any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto by the Holders, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee, or the release of any security held by any Holder, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee for the Notes Obligations of each Guarantor, or any other circumstance which may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor (except payment in full); provided , however , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, no such waiver, modification, indulgence or circumstance shall without the written consent of the Guarantors increase the principal amount of a Note or the interest rate thereon or change the currency of payment with respect to any Note, or alter the Stated Maturity thereof.  The Guarantors hereby waive diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require that the Trustee pursue or exhaust its legal or equitable remedies against the Issuer prior to exercising its rights under the Guarantee (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any right which the

 

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Guarantors may have to require the seizure and sale of the assets of the Issuer to satisfy the outstanding principal of, interest on or any other amount payable as a Notes Obligation prior to recourse against the Guarantors or their assets), protest or notice with respect to any Note or the Indebtedness evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that the Guarantee shall not be discharged with respect to any Note except by payment in full of the principal thereof and interest thereon or as otherwise provided in this Indenture, including Section 12.3.  If at any time any payment of any Notes Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Issuer, the Guarantors’ obligations hereunder with respect to such payment shall be reinstated as of the date of such rescission, restoration or returns as though such payment had become due but had not been made at such times.

 

(c)           The Guarantors also agree to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under Section 12.1.

 

(d)          The Guarantee of each Guarantor is, to the extent and in the manner set forth in this Article 12, shall be the senior secured Obligations of the Guarantors, equal in right of payment to all existing and future Pari Passu Indebtedness, equal in right of payment to all existing and future unsubordinated Indebtedness of the relevant Guarantor, and subordinated and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all secured Indebtedness of the relevant Guarantor and is made subject to such provisions of this Indenture.

 

12.2.                      Subrogation .  The Guarantors shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such Holders by the Guarantors pursuant to the provisions of their Guarantee.

 

(a)          The Guarantors agree that they shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any Obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all Notes Obligations.  The Guarantors further agree that, as between it, on the one hand, and the Holders, the Collateral Agent and the Trustee, on the other hand, (1) the maturity of the Notes Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Section 6.2 for the purposes of their Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Notes Obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Notes Obligations as provided in Section 6.2, such Notes Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purposes of this Section 12.2 subject to Section 12.1(c).

 

12.3.                      Limitation of Guarantee .  Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Obligations of the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor shall be limited to an amount not to exceed the maximum amount which shall not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any Note Guarantee.  To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the Obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount that shall, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from

 

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or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 12, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

 

12.4.                      Notation Not Required .  Neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall be required to make a notation on the Notes to reflect any Guarantee or any release, termination or discharge thereof.

 

12.5.                      Successors and Assigns .  This Article 12 shall be binding upon the Guarantors and each of their successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Notes shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assigns, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.

 

12.6.                      No Waiver .  Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of either the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article 12 shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege.  The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which any of the Holders, the Collateral Agent may have under this Article 12 at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

 

12.7.                      Modification .  No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article 12, nor the consent to any departure by any Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.  No notice to or demand on any Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstance.

 

12.8.                      Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Note Guarantors .  Each Subsidiary and other Person which is required to become a Guarantor of the Notes Obligations pursuant to Section 4.14 shall promptly execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in the Form of Exhibit D hereto pursuant to which such Subsidiary or other Person shall become a Guarantor under this Article 12 and shall Guarantee the Notes Obligations.  Concurrently with the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Subsidiary or other Person and that, subject to the application of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer and other similar laws relating to creditors’ rights generally and to the principles of equity, whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity, the Guarantee of such Guarantor is a valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor, enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms and/or to such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.

 

12.9.                      Release .  A Note Guarantee of a Guarantor will be automatically and unconditionally released (and thereupon shall terminate and be discharged and be of no further force and effect):

 

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(a)   in connection with any sale or other disposition (including by merger or otherwise) of Capital Stock of the Guarantor after which such Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, if the sale or disposition of such Capital Stock of that Guarantor complies with the applicable provisions of this Indenture;

 

(b)   in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, if the sale or other disposition does not violate the applicable provisions of this Indenture;

 

(c)   in connection with an enforcement action with respect to the Collateral, as provided by the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, or the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(d)   if the Issuer properly designates the Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary under this Indenture;

 

(e)   in the case of a Note Guarantee entered into because a Person has Guaranteed other Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, upon the release or discharge of the Guarantee that resulted in the creation of such Note Guarantee or a payment of the Indebtedness supported by such Guarantee, as provided for in Section 4.14;

 

(f)    upon the Guarantor becoming an Excluded Subsidiary; and

 

(g)   upon a Legal Defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture that complies with Sections 8.2, 8.3 and 8.5.

 

Upon any occurrence giving rise to a release of a Note Guarantee as specified above, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence or effect such release, suspension, discharge and termination in respect of such Note Guarantee.

 

ARTICLE 13
HOLDERS’ MEETINGS

 

13.1.       Purposes of Meetings .  A meeting of the Holders may be called at any time pursuant to this Article 13 for any of the following purposes:

 

(a)   to give any notice to the Issuer or any Guarantor or to the Trustee, or to give any directions to the Trustee, or to consent to the waiving of any Default hereunder and its consequences, or to take any other action authorized to be taken by Holders pursuant to Article 9;

 

(b)   to remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee pursuant to Article 7; or

 

(c)   to consent to the execution of an indenture supplement pursuant to Section 9.2.

 

13.2.       Place of Meetings .  Meetings of Holders may be held at such place or places as the Trustee or, in case of its failure to act, the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Holders calling the meeting, shall from time to time determine.

 

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13.3.       Call and Notice of Meetings .  (a)  The Trustee may at any time (upon not less than 21 days’ notice) call a meeting of Holders to be held at such time and at such place in New York, New York or in such other city as determined by the Trustee pursuant to Section 13.2.  Notice of every meeting of Holders, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be mailed to each Holder and published in the manner contemplated by Section 14.2(b).

 

(b)   In case at any time the Issuer, pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes then outstanding, shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of the Holders, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have made the first giving of the notice of such meeting within 20 days after receipt of such request, then the Issuer or the Holders of Notes in the amount above specified may determine the time (not less than 21 days after notice is given) and the place in New York, New York or in such other city as determined by the Issuer or the Holders pursuant to Section 13.2 for such meeting and may call such meeting to take any action authorized in Section 13.1 by giving notice thereof as provided in this Section 13.1(a).

 

13.4.       Voting at Meetings .  To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders, a Person shall be (a) a Holder at the relevant record date set in accordance with Section 6.15 or (b) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders by such Holder or Holders.  The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders shall be the Person so entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel and any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Issuer and any Guarantor and their counsel.

 

13.5.       Voting Rights, Conduct and Adjournment .  (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders in regard to proof of the holding of Notes and of the appointment of proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem appropriate.  Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Notes shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 2.3 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in such manner as is deemed appropriate by the Trustee or by having the signature of the Person executing the proxy witnessed or guaranteed by any bank, banker or trust company customarily authorized to certify to the holding of a Note such as a Global Note.

 

(b)   At any meeting of Holders, the presence of Persons holding or representing Notes in an aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity sufficient under the appropriate provision of this Indenture to take action upon the business for the transaction of which such meeting was called shall constitute a quorum.  Subject to any required aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity of Notes required for the taking of any action pursuant to Article 9, in no event shall less than a majority of the votes given by Persons holding or representing Notes at any meeting of Holders be sufficient to approve an action.  Any meeting of Holders duly called pursuant to Section 13.3 may be adjourned from time to time by vote of the Holders (or proxies for the Holders) of a majority of the Notes represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, whether or not a quorum shall be present; and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.  No action at a meeting of Holders shall be effective unless approved by Persons holding or representing Notes in the aggregate principal amount at

 

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Stated Maturity required by the provision of this Indenture pursuant to which such action is being taken.

 

(c)   At any meeting of Holders, each Holder or proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity of outstanding Notes held or represented.

 

13.6.       Revocation of Consent by Holders at Meetings .  At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee of the taking of any action at a meeting of Holders by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any Holder of a Note the serial number of which is included in the Notes the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee at its principal Corporate Trust Office and upon proof of holding as provided herein, revoke such consent so far as concerns such Note.  Except as aforesaid, any such consent given by the Holder of any Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Note and of any Note issued in exchange therefor, in lieu thereof or upon transfer thereof, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Note.  Any action taken by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders.  Section 13.6 shall not apply to revocations of consents to amendments, supplements or waivers, which shall be governed by the provisions of Section 9.6.

 

ARTICLE 14
MISCELLANEOUS

 

14.1.       Trust Indenture Act Controls .  If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by, or with another provision (an “ incorporated provision ”) included in this Indenture by operation of,  Sections 310 to 318, inclusive, of the TIA incorporated hereto in accordance with Section 1.3 hereto, such imposed duties or incorporated provision shall control.

 

14.2.       Notices .  (a)  Any notice or communication shall be in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail or sent by facsimile transmission addressed as follows:

 

if to the Issuer or the Guarantors

 

FTS international, Inc.
P.O. Box 1410
Fort Worth, Texas 76101,
Facsimile: (817) 339-3697
Attention: General Counsel

 

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if to the Trustee:

 

US Bank National Association
Global Corporate Trust Services
1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050
Atlanta, GA  30309

 

Facsimile:  404-898-8844
Attention:  Muriel Shaw, Assistant Vice President

 

The Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.  All communications delivered to the Trustee shall be deemed effective when received.

 

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given:  at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

 

(b)   Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar.  Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA.  Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

 

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

 

(c)   If and so long as the Notes are represented by Global Notes, notice to Holders, in addition to being given in accordance with Section 14.2, shall also be given by delivery of the relevant notice to DTC for communication to entitled account holdings in substitution for the previously-mentioned publication.

 

(d)   Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice.  Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

 

14.3.       Communication by Holders with Other Holders .  Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes.  The Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).

 

14.4.       Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent .  Upon any request or application by the Issuer or any Guarantor to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any

 

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action under this Indenture, the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish upon request to the Trustee:

 

(a)   an Officers’ Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

 

(b)   an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

 

Any Officers’ Certificate may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel, unless the officer signing such certificate knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that such Opinion of Counsel with respect to the matters upon which such Officers’ Certificate is based are erroneous.  Any Opinion of Counsel may be based and may state that it is so based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon an Officers’ Certificate stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Issuer, unless the counsel signing such Opinion of Counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the Officers’ Certificate with respect to the matters upon which such Opinion of Counsel is based are erroneous.

 

14.5.       Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion .  Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:

 

(a)   a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

 

(b)   a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 

(c)   a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

 

(d)   a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

 

14.6.       Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar .  The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders.  The Collateral Agent, Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

 

14.7.       Legal Holidays .  If an Interest Payment Date or other payment date is not a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.  If a Record Date is not a Business Day, the Record Date shall not be affected.

 

14.8.       Governing Law .  THIS INDENTURE AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

14.9.       Jurisdiction .  The Issuer and the Guarantors agree that any suit, action or proceeding against the Issuer or the Guarantors brought by any Holder or the Trustee arising

 

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out of or based upon this Indenture, the Guarantee or the Notes may be instituted in any state or Federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of them irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding.

 

14.10.     Waiver of Jury Trial .   EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS, AND THE TRUSTEE, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE GUARANTEE OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.

 

14.11.     No Recourse Against Others .  A director, officer, employee or shareholder, as such, of the Issuer or any Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the Notes, this Indenture or any Guarantee or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.  By accepting a Note, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability.  The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issue of the Notes.

 

14.12.     Successors .  All agreements of the Issuer and any Guarantor in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors.  All agreements of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent in this Indenture or any other Indenture Document shall bind its successors.

 

14.13.     Multiple Originals .  The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.  One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture.

 

14.14.     Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Sheet and Headings .  The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

14.15.     Severability .  In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

This Indenture may be signed in any number of counterparts each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Indenture.  Delivery of an executed signature page of this Indenture by facsimile or electronic transmission shall constitute delivery of an originally executed counterpart thereof.

 

14.16.     Force Majeure .  In no event shall the Trustee or the Collateral Agent be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its respective obligations hereunder or any other Indenture Document arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with the accepted

 

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practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

 

14.17.     Intercreditor Agreements . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the security interests granted pursuant to the Security Documents in connection with this Indenture, the terms of any other Security Document or any other Indenture Document, certain other rights and privileges, and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Trustee hereunder or by the Collateral Agent under the Security Documents are subject to the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement (the “ Intercreditor Agreements ”).  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Indenture or any other Security Document, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements shall control; provided that the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement govern and control in the event of any conflict with the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC, AS ISSUER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President — Finance and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, AS AN INITIAL GUARANTOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President — Finance and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING, LLC, AS INITIAL GUARANTOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President — Finance and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

 

Name: Muriel Shaw

 

 

Title: Assistant Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

 

Name: Muriel Shaw

 

 

Title: Assistant Vice President

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]

 

[If Regulation S Global Note —  ISIN USU 34895AA73 / CUSIP U34895AA7]

 

[If Restricted Global Note — ISIN Number US30283WAA27 / CUSIP Number 30283WAA2]

 

[If Exchange Note — Common Code · /ISIN Number  · ]

 

No. [ · ]

 

[Include if Global Note — UNLESS THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY GLOBAL NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NOMINEE AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.

 

THIS GLOBAL NOTE AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME TO MODIFY THE RESTRICTIONS ON AND PROCEDURES FOR RESALES AND OTHER TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAW OR REGULATION (OR THE INTERPRETATION THEREOF) OR IN PRACTICES RELATING TO THE RESALE OR TRANSFER OF RESTRICTED SECURITIES GENERALLY.  THE HOLDER OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE DEEMED, BY THE ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, TO HAVE AGREED TO ANY SUCH AMENDMENT OR SUPPLEMENT.]

 

[Include if Restricted Global Note — THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM.  EACH PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.  BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE ACQUIRER:

 

A- 1



 

(1) REPRESENTS THAT IT, AND ANY ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT IS ACTING, IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) AND THAT IT EXERCISES SOLE INVESTMENT DISCRETION WITH RESPECT TO EACH SUCH ACCOUNT; AND

 

(2) AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT  (A) THIS NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHICH THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (IV) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE.

 

THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE WILL BE THE DATE:  (1) THAT IS AT LEAST ONE YEAR AFTER THE LAST ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF; AND (2) ON WHICH THE ISSUER INSTRUCTS THE TRUSTEE THAT THIS LEGEND (OTHER THAN THE PARAGRAPH RELATING TO DTC) SHALL BE DEEMED REMOVED FROM THIS NOTE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE RELATING TO THIS NOTE.  PRIOR TO THE REGISTRATION OF ANY TRANSFER IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 2(A)(III) ABOVE, THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF SUCH LEGAL OPINIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, OR OTHER EVIDENCE AS MAY REASONABLY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THAT THE PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.  NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF ANY EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.]

 

[Include if Original Note — THE HOLDER OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS SUBJECT TO, AND ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF, THE CONTINGENT REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF APRIL 16, 2014 AMONG THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS AND THE OTHER PARTIES REFERRED TO THEREIN.]

 

[Include if Regulation S Global Note — THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION ORIGINALLY EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY U.S. PERSON EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND ALL APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.  TERMS USED ABOVE HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]

 

A- 2


 

[Include if Regulation S Temporary Global Note — THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE.]

 

6.250% SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE 2022

 

FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware for value received promises to pay to [ · ] or registered assigns the principal sum of             ($        ) which principal amount may from time to time be increased or decreased as indicated on the Security Register (as defined in the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof) on May 1, 2022.

 

From April 16, 2014 or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for, cash interest on this Note will accrue at 6.250%, payable semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on November 1, 2014, to the Person in whose name this Note (or any predecessor Note) is registered at the close of business on the preceding April 15 or October 15, as the case may be.

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK .

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature of an authorized signatory, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof and to the provisions of the Indenture, which provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by their duly authorized signatory.

 

Dated:  [ · ]

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

 

 

U.S. Bank National Association

 

as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Notes referred to in the Indenture.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

 

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[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]

 

6.250% Senior Note Due 2022

 

1.             Interest

 

FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), for value received promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note from April 16, 2014, at the rate per annum shown above.  Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.  The Issuer will pay interest on overdue principal at 1% per annum in excess of the above rate and will pay interest on overdue installments of interest at such higher rate to the extent lawful.  Any interest paid on this Note shall be increased to the extent necessary to pay Additional Interest as set forth in this Note.

 

2.             Additional Interest

 

The Holder is entitled to the benefits of the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement dated April 16, 2014, among the Issuer, the guarantors party thereto (the “ Guarantors ”), and the Initial Purchasers (the “ Contingent Registration Rights Agreement ”).

 

If the Notes are Registrable Securities (as defined in the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement), and (a) the Exchange Offer has not been completed or the Shelf Registration Statement has not become effective on or prior to 180 days after an IPO Event (each as defined in the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement), (b) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required, has become effective and thereafter ceases to be effective or the prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable for resales, at any time during the Shelf Effectiveness Period (as defined in the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement), and such failure to remain effective or usable for resales exists for more than 90 days (whether or not consecutive) in any 12-month period or (c) the Shelf Registration Statement has become effective and thereafter, on more than two occasions of at least 30 consecutive days in any 12-month period during the Shelf Effectiveness Period, the Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective or the prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable for resales (each of a-c, a “ Registration Default ”), then the Issuer will be required to pay additional interest (“ Additional Interest ”) at a rate equal to (i) 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period beginning on the day immediately following such Registration Default and (ii) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, in each case until and including the date such Registration Default ends, up to a maximum increase of 1.00% per annum.

 

3.             Method of Payment

 

The Issuer shall pay interest on this Note (except defaulted interest) to the persons who are registered Holders of this Note at the close of business on the Record Date for the next Interest Payment Date even if this Note is cancelled after the Record Date and on or before the Interest Payment Date.  The Issuer shall pay principal and interest in U.S. dollars in immediately available funds that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided , however , that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Issuer by check mailed to the Holder.

 

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The amount of payments in respect of interest on each Interest Payment Date shall correspond to the aggregate principal amount of Notes represented by the Regulation S Global Note and the Restricted Global Note, as established by the Registrar at the close of business on the relevant Record Date.  Payments of principal shall be made upon surrender of the Regulation S Global Note and the Restricted Global Note to the Paying Agent.

 

If a Holder has given wire transfer instructions to the Issuer at least 10 Business Days prior to the applicable payment date, the Issuer will pay all principal, interest and premium, if any, on that Holder’s Notes in accordance with those instructions.  All other payments on Notes will be made at the office or agency of the Paying Agent and Registrar within the City and State of New York unless the Issuer elects to make interest payments by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest, with respect to the Global Notes registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee and will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified by DTC.

 

4.             Paying Agent and Registrar

 

Initially, the Trustee will act as Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Issuer may change the Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders, and the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

5.             Indenture

 

The Issuer issued the Notes under an indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuer, the Guarantors, U.S. Bank National Association as Collateral Agent and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).  The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in effect on the date of the Indenture and, to the extent required by any amendment after such date, as so amended (the “ U.S. Trust Indenture Act ”).  Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture.  The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and the U.S. Trust Indenture Act for a statement of those terms.

 

The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Issuer and are issued in an initial aggregate principal amount at maturity of $500,000,000.  The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the Issuer and the Guarantors, including, without limitation, limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness, the sale of assets, transactions with and among affiliates of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, change of control and Liens.

 

6.             Optional Redemption

 

(a)           The Notes are subject to redemption, at the option of the Issuer, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on and after May 1, 2017 at the Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on May 1 of the years indicated below:

 

A- 5



 

Year

 

Redemption Price

 

2017

 

104.688

%

2018

 

103.125

%

2019

 

101.563

%

2020 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

(b)           At any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2017, the Issuer may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a Redemption Price equal to the sum of (1) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (2) the Applicable Premium as of the date of redemption, plus (3) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

 

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to a Note at any date of redemption, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (2) the excess of (a) the present value at such date of redemption of (i) the Redemption Price of such Note at May 1, 2017 (as described above) plus (ii) all remaining required interest payments due on such Note through May 1, 2017 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the date of redemption), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (b) the principal amount of such Note.

 

Treasury Rate ” means, as of any Redemption Date, the weekly average yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) equal to the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017; provided , however, that if the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities that have a constant maturity closest to and greater than the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017 and the United States Treasury securities that have a constant maturity closest to and less than the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017 for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the Redemption Date to May 1, 2017 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

 

(c)           In addition to the optional redemption provisions of the Notes in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, prior to May 1, 2017, the Issuer may, with the net proceeds of one or more Qualified Equity Offerings, redeem up to 35% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including increases from Additional Notes) at a Redemption Price equal to 106.250% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date); provided that at least 65% of the principal amount of Notes then outstanding (including Additional Notes) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Issuer or Subsidiaries of the Issuer) and that any such redemption occurs within 120 days following the closing of any such Qualified Equity Offering.

 

A- 6



 

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time the Trustee will select the Notes to be redeemed as follows:

 

(1)     in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed; or

 

(2)     if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro-rata basis (or in the case of Notes issued in the form of Global Notes, based on such method as DTC may require).

 

(d)           The Notes may be redeemed in part but only in integral multiples of $2,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. No Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption will be mailed by first class mail, at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notice of any redemption of the Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of and be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an offering of Equity Interests, a Change of Control, other offerings or issuances of Indebtedness or other transactions or events. In addition, if such redemption is subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date so delayed, or the redemption may be partial as a result of only some of the conditions being satisfied. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the Redemption Price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing promptly upon the satisfaction or failure of any condition precedent to any redemption or notice of redemption.

 

(e)           If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note will state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Subject to minimum denomination requirements, a new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

7.             Effect of Redemption

 

If this Note is redeemed subsequent to a Record Date with respect to any Interest Payment Date specified above, then any accrued interest will be paid to the Holder at the close of business on such Redemption Date.  If money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of and accrued interest on all Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed on the Redemption Date is deposited with the applicable Paying Agent on or before the Redemption Date and certain other conditions are satisfied, interest ceases to accrue on such Notes (or such portions thereof) called for redemption on or after such date.

 

8.             Repurchase at the Option of Holders

 

If a Change of Control occurs (as defined in the Indenture) at any time, the Issuer shall be required to offer to purchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 and an integral multiple

 

A- 7



 

of $1,000 in excess thereof) of this Note at a purchase price in cash in an amount equal to 101% of the principal amount hereof, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, premium, and Additional Interest, if any to the date of purchase (subject to the rights of Holders of record on the relevant record dates to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date), which date shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date notice of such offer is mailed, other than as required by law.  The Issuer shall purchase all Notes properly and timely tendered in the Offer to Purchase and not withdrawn in accordance with the procedures set forth in such notice.  The Offer to Purchase will state, among other things, the procedures that Holders of the Notes must follow to accept.

 

If the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds or Collateral Excess Proceeds totals at least $35.0 million, the Issuer must commence, not later than the ten Business Days after the Excess Proceeds or the Collateral Excess Proceeds exceed $35.0 million, an Offer to Purchase, the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness or Pari Passu Lien Obligations that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds or Collateral Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any such Offer to Purchase will be equal to 100% of the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Notes and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness or Pari Passu Lien Obligations plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of repurchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date, and will be payable in cash.

 

9.             Denominations

 

The Notes are in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  The transfer of Notes may be registered, and Notes may be exchanged, as provided in the Indenture.  The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.

 

10.          Unclaimed Money

 

All moneys paid by the Issuer or the Guarantors to the Trustee or a Paying Agent for the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any Notes that remain unclaimed at the end of two years (subject to Section 8.9 of the Indenture) after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable may be repaid to the Issuer or the Guarantors, subject to applicable law, and the Holder of such Note thereafter may look only to the Issuer or the Guarantors for payment thereof.

 

11.          Discharge and Defeasance

 

Subject to certain conditions, the Issuer at any time may terminate some or all of its obligations and the obligations of the Guarantors under the Notes, the Guarantees and the Indenture if the Issuer irrevocably deposits with the Trustee U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.

 

12.          Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

 

(a)           The Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent may modify, amend or supplement the Indenture, the Notes, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the

 

A- 8



 

Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents, as applicable, without notice to or consent of any Holder:

 

(i)            to evidence the succession of a Person to an Issuer or Guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of such Issuer or Guarantor in the Indenture and the Notes;

 

(ii)           to add to the covenants of the Issuer for the benefit of the Holders, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer;

 

(iii)          to add additional Events of Default;

 

(iv)          to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of the certificated Notes;

 

(v)           to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the Indenture by a successor Trustee;

 

(vi)          to provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture;

 

(vii)         to add a Guarantor or to release a Guarantor in accordance with the Indenture;

 

(viii)        to cure any ambiguity, defect, omission, mistake or inconsistency;

 

(ix)          to amend any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture, provided that such actions pursuant to this clause (ix) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer;

 

(x)           to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents, as applicable, to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” in the offering memorandum, dated April 11, 2014, to the extent that the Trustee has received an Officers’ Certificate stating that such text constitutes an unintended conflict with the description of the corresponding provision in the “Description of the Notes” in the offering memorandum, dated April 11, 2014;

 

(xi)          to add to the Collateral securing the Notes;

 

(xii)         to provide for the release of Collateral from the Lien of the Indenture, Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents when permitted or required by the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents or the Indenture; or

 

(xiii)        to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depository.

 

(b)           With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, consent obtained in

 

A- 9



 

connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental to the Indenture for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the Indenture or the Notes or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes under the Indenture, including the definitions therein provided, however, that no such Supplemental Indenture shall, without the consent of each Holder affected thereby, may:

 

(i)            change the Stated Maturity of any Note or of any installment of interest on any Note, or reduce the amount payable in respect of the principal thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable thereon, or reduce the amount that would be due and payable on acceleration of the maturity thereof, or change the currency in which, any Note or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof, or change the date on which any Notes may be subject to redemption or reduce the Redemption Price therefor;

 

(ii)           reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or of certain defaults thereunder and their consequences) provided for in the Indenture;

 

(iii)          modify the obligations of the Issuer to make and consummate an Offer to Purchase with respect to any Asset Sale after the obligation to make such Offer to Purchase has arisen or to make and consummate an Offer to Purchase upon a Change of Control after the occurrence of such Change of Control, including, in each case, by amending, changing or modifying any definition relating thereto;

 

(iv)          modify any provision of the Indenture affecting the ranking of the Notes or any Note Guarantee in a manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes; or

 

(v)           release any Guarantees required to be maintained under the Indenture (other than in accordance with the terms of the Indenture).

 

In addition, any amendment to, or waiver of, the provision of the Indenture or any Security Document that has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral shall require the consent of Holders of at least two thirds in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.

 

The consent of the Holders is not necessary to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver.  It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver.

 

13.          Defaults and Remedies

 

The Notes have the Events of Default as set forth in Section 6.1(a) of the Indenture.  If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee, by notice to the Issuer, or the registered Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, subject to certain limitations, may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately.  Certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency

 

A- 10



 

are Events of Default and shall result in the Notes being due and payable immediately upon the occurrence of such Events of Default.

 

Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture.  The Trustee may refuse to enforce the Indenture or the Notes unless it receives an indemnity satisfactory to it.  Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by written notice to the Trustee may rescind any acceleration and its consequence if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of such acceleration.  The above description of Events of Default and remedies is qualified by reference, and subject in its entirety, to the more complete description thereof contained in the Indenture.

 

14.          Trustee Dealings with the Issuer

 

Subject to certain limitations imposed by the U.S. Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Issuer, the Guarantors or any of their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co-Registrar or co-Paying Agent may do the same with like rights.

 

15.          No Recourse Against Others

 

A director, officer, employee, or stockholder, as such, of the Issuer or any Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or such Guarantor under the Notes, the Guarantee or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.  By accepting a Note, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Notes.

 

16.          Authentication

 

This Note shall not be valid until an authorized officer of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Note.

 

17.          Governing Law

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK .

 

The Issuer or the Guarantors shall furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge to the Holder a copy of the Indenture.  Requests may be made to:

 

FTS International, Inc.
PO Box 1410
Forth Worth, Texas 76101
Facsimile:  (817) 339-3697
Attention:  General Counsel

 

A- 11


 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign and transfer this Note, fill in the form below:

 

 

 

(I) or (the Issuer) assign and transfer this Note to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. no.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and postal code)

 

and irrevocably appoint                                                                  agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

Your Signature:                                                                                                                                                               

                                                       (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)

 

Signature Guarantee:                                                                                                                                                     

 

(Participant in a recognized signature Guarantee medallion program)

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

Certifying Signature:

 

[Include only if Original Note and delete if Exchange Note — In connection with any transfer of any Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of original issuance of such Notes and the last date, if any, on which the Notes were owned by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in such Notes and:

 

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW

 

(1)                                  o                                     to the Issuer; or

 

(2)                                  o                                     pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933; or

 

(3)                                  o                                     pursuant to and in compliance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933; or

 

(4)                                  o                                     pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933; or

 

(5)                                  o                                     pursuant to an effective registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.

 

A- 12



 

Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided , however , that if box (2) is checked, by executing this form, the Transferor is deemed to have certified that such Notes are being transferred to a person it reasonably believes is a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 who has received notice that such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A; if box (3) is checked, by executing this form, the Transferor is deemed to have certified that such transfer is made pursuant to an offer and sale that occurred outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act; and if box (4) is checked, the Trustee may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Issuer reasonably requests to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.

 

Signature:

 

 

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

 

 

 

(Participant in a recognized signature guarantee medallion program)

 

Certifying Signature:

 

 

Date:                                                                      

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

 

 

(Participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program)]

 

A- 13



 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

 

If you want to elect to have this Note or a portion thereof repurchased pursuant to Section 4.9 or 4.11 of the Indenture, check the box:  o

 

If the purchase is in part, indicate the portion (in denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) to be purchased:

 

Your signature:

 

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)

 

Date:

 

Certifying Signature:

 

 

 

A- 14



 

SCHEDULE A

 

SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

 

The following decreases/increases in the principal amount of this Security have been made:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Date of

 

Decrease in

 

Increase in

 

Following such

 

Notation Made

Decrease/

 

Principal

 

Principal

 

Decrease/

 

by or on Behalf

Increase

 

Amount

 

Amount

 

Increase

 

of Registrar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A- 15



 

EXHIBIT B

FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE FOR TRANSFER FROM RESTRICTED GLOBAL
NOTE TO REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE *

 

(Transfers pursuant to § Section 2.6 of the Indenture)

 

U.S. Bank National Association
1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Attn:  Global Corporate Trust Services

 

Re:  6.250% Senior Notes Due 2022 (the “ Notes ”)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 (the “ Indenture ”) among FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Indenture.

 

This letter relates to $             aggregate principal amount of Notes that are held as a beneficial interest in the form of the Restricted Global Note (CUSIP No.         ; ISIN No:               ) with the Depositary in the name of [ name of transferor ] (the “ Transferor ”).  The Transferor has requested an exchange or transfer of such beneficial interest for an equivalent beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note (Common Code No.         ; ISIN No.         ).

 

In connection with such request, the Transferor does hereby certify that such transfer has been effected in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Notes and:

 

(a)                                  with respect to transfers made in reliance on Regulation S (“ Regulation S ”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ U.S. Securities Act ”), does certify that:

 

(i)                                      the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;

 

(ii)                                   either (i) at the time the buy order is originated the transferee is outside the United States or the Transferor and any person acting on its behalf reasonably believe that the transferee is outside the United States or; (ii) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market described in paragraph (b) of Rule 902 of Regulation S and neither the Transferor nor any person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States;

 

(iii)                                no directed selling efforts have been made in the United States by the Transferor, an affiliate thereof or any person their behalf in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903 or 904 of Regulation S, as applicable;

 

B- 1



 

(iv)                               the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act; and

 

(v)                                  the Transferor is not the Issuer, a distributor of the Notes, an affiliate of the Issuer or any such distributor (except any officer or director who is an affiliate solely by virtue of holding such position) or a person acting on behalf of any of the foregoing.

 

(b)                                  with respect to transfers made in reliance on Rule 144 the Transferor certifies that the Notes are being transferred in a transaction permitted by Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act.

 

You, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.  Terms used in this certificate have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.

 

 

[NAME OF TRANSFEROR]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:

 

cc: ·

 

Attn: ·

 


*                                          If the Note is a Definitive Note, appropriate changes need to be made to the form of this transfer certificate.

 

B- 2



 

EXHIBIT C

FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE FOR TRANSFER FROM REGULATION S
GLOBAL NOTE TO RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE

 

(Transfers pursuant to § Section 2.6 of the Indenture)

 

U.S. Bank National Association, as Transfer Agent

1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Attn:  Global Corporate Trust Services

 

Re:  6.250% Senior Notes Due 2022 (the “ Notes ”)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 (the “ Indenture ”) among FTS International, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), the guarantors party thereto and US Bank of National Association, as Trustee.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Indenture.

 

This letter relates to $           aggregate principal amount at maturity of Notes that are held in the form of the Regulation S Global Note with the Depositary (Common Code No.        ; ISIN No.        ) in the name of [ name of transferor ] (the “ Transferor ”) to effect the transfer of the Notes in exchange for an equivalent beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note (CUSIP No.         , ISIN No.         ).

 

In connection with such request, and in respect of such Notes the Transferor does hereby certify that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Notes and that:

 

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW:

 

o                  the Transferor is relying on Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) for exemption from such Act’s registration requirements; it is transferring such Notes to a person it reasonably believes is a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A that purchases for its own account, or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer, and to whom the Transferor has given notice that the transfer is made in reliance on Rule 144A and the transfer is being made in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States; or

 

o                  the Transferor is relying on an exemption other than Rule 144A from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, subject to the Issuer’s and the Trustee’s right prior to any such offer, sale or transfer to require the delivery of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to each of them.

 

C- 1



 

You, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

 

[NAME OF TRANSFEROR]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:

 

cc: ·

 

Attn: ·

 

C- 2



 

EXHIBIT D

FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

 

This Supplemental Indenture is entered into as of [                                    ], 20[  ] (this “ Supplemental Indenture ”), between [ NAME OF FUTURE GUARANTOR ] (the “ New Guarantor ”), a subsidiary of FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee under the Indenture referred to below.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, the Collateral Agent and the Trustee have heretofore executed and delivered an Indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 (as supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “ Indenture ”), providing for the initial issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $500 million of 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 of the Issuer (such initial issuance, along with any Additional Notes issued pursuant to the Indenture, the “ Notes ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Issuer shall cause the New Guarantor to, execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the New Guarantor shall guarantee on a senior secured basis the Notes Obligations on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture (the “ Note Guarantee ”);

 

WHEREAS, the New Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive a benefit from its entry into this Supplemental Indenture and the Issuer’s corresponding compliance with the terms of the Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer has instructed the Trustee to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.14, Section 9.1 and Section 12.8 of the Indenture, and the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.

 

WHEREAS, all things have been done to make this Supplemental Indenture a legal, valid and binding agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

SECTION 1.1   Defined Terms.   As used in this Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recital hereto are used herein as therein defined. The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular section hereof.

 

D- 1



 

ARTICLE II

 

REPRESENTATIONS; AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND; GUARANTEE

 

SECTION 2.1   Representations.   The New Guarantor represents and warrants to the Trustee as follows:

 

(i)  It is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

 

(ii) The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Supplemental Indenture have been authorized and approved by all necessary corporate or limited liability company action on its part and this Supplemental Indenture constitutes a valid and binding obligation enforceable against New Guarantor in accordance with its terms.

 

SECTION 2.2   Agreement to be Bound.   The New Guarantor hereby becomes a party to the Indenture as a Guarantor and as such shall have all of the rights and be subject to all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture. The New Guarantor agrees to be bound by all of the provisions of the Indenture applicable to a Guarantor and to perform all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture.

 

SECTION 2.3   Guarantee.   The New Guarantor hereby guarantees, on an senior secured, joint and several basis, to each Holder, to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent and the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent on behalf of each Holder, the due and punctual payment of the Note Obligations.

 

ARTICLE III

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 3.1   Notices.   All notices and other communications to the New Guarantor shall be given as provided in the Indenture to the New Guarantor, at its address set forth below, with a copy to the issuer as provided in the Indenture for notices to the Issuer.

 

SECTION 3.2   Parties.   Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, firm or corporation, other than the Holders, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.

 

SECTION 3.3   Governing Law.   This Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

SECTION 3.4   Severability Clause.   In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired

 

D- 2



 

thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.

 

SECTION 3.5   Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indentures Part of Indenture.   Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. Any reference in the Indenture to the Indenture, “hereof” or other words of like import shall be to the Indenture as so supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture.  This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby and entitled to the rights created hereunder.  The Supplemental Indenture is an Indenture Documents.  The Trustee makes no representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or with respect to the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the other parties hereto.

 

SECTION 3.6   Counterparts.   The parties hereto may sign one or more copies of this Supplemental Indenture in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

SECTION 3.7   Headings.   The headings of the Articles and the sections in this Supplemental Indenture are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect the meaning or interpretation of any provisions hereof.

 

D- 3




Exhibit 4.2

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

  AS ISSUER,

 

THE GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN,

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

AS COLLATERAL AGENT

 

AND

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS TRUSTEE

 


 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of June 1, 2015

 


 

$350,000,000

Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2020

 

 

 



 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

 

TIA Sections

 

 

Indenture Sections

310(a)(1)

 

 

7.9

(a)(2)

 

 

7.9

(a)(3)

 

 

7.11

(a)(4)

 

 

N/A

(a)(5)

 

 

7.9

(b)

 

 

7.3; 7.9

(c)

 

 

N/A

311(a)

 

 

7.3; 7.10

(b)

 

 

7.3; 7.10

312(a)

 

 

2.5(a)

(b)

 

 

14.3

(c)

 

 

14.3

313(a)

 

 

7.5

(b)

 

 

7.5

(c)

 

 

6.1(b); 7.5; 14.2(b)

(d)

 

 

7.5

314(a)(1)

 

 

4.18; 8.3

(a)(2)

 

 

4.18; 8.3

(a)(3)

 

 

4.18; 8.3

(a)(4)

 

 

4.5(a); 8.3

(b)

 

 

11.5

(c)(1)

 

 

14.2

(c)(2)

 

 

14.2

(c)(3)

 

 

N/A

(d)

 

 

N/A

(e)

 

 

14.5

(f)

 

 

N/A

315(a)

 

 

7.1(b)

(b)

 

 

6.1(b)

(c)

 

 

7.1(a)

(d)

 

 

7.1(b)

(e)

 

 

6.11

316(a) (last sentence)

 

 

2.9

(a)(1)(A)

 

 

6.5

(a)(1)(B)

 

 

6.4

(a)(2)

 

 

N/A

(b)

 

 

6.7

(c)

 

 

6.15

317(a)(1)

 

 

6.8

(a)(2)

 

 

6.9

(b)

 

 

2.4

318(a)

 

 

14.1

(c)

 

 

14.1

 

N/A means not applicable.

 

Note:                   The Cross-Reference Table shall not for any purpose be deemed to be a part of this Indenture.

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

ARTICLE 1

 

 

 

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.1.

 

Definitions

 

1

1.2.

 

Other Definitions

 

35

1.3.

 

Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act

 

36

1.4.

 

Rules of Construction

 

37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 2

 

 

 

 

THE NOTES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1.

 

The Notes

 

37

2.2.

 

Execution and Authentication

 

39

2.3.

 

Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent

 

40

2.4.

 

Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust

 

40

2.5.

 

Holder Lists

 

41

2.6.

 

Transfer and Exchange

 

41

2.7.

 

Replacement Notes

 

43

2.8.

 

Outstanding Notes

 

44

2.9.

 

Notes Held by Issuer

 

44

2.10.

 

Certificated Notes

 

44

2.11.

 

Cancellation

 

45

2.12.

 

Defaulted Interest

 

45

2.13.

 

Computation of Interest

 

46

2.14.

 

CUSIP and Common Code Numbers

 

47

2.15.

 

Issuance of Additional Notes

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 3

 

 

 

 

REDEMPTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.

 

Right of Redemption

 

47

3.2.

 

Notices to Trustee

 

48

3.3.

 

Selection of Notes to be Redeemed

 

48

3.4.

 

Notice of Redemption

 

48

3.5.

 

Deposit of Redemption Price

 

49

3.6.

 

Payment of Notes Called for Redemption

 

50

3.7.

 

Notes Redeemed in Part

 

50

3.8.

 

Optional Redemption

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 4

 

 

 

 

COVENANTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.1.

 

Payment of Notes

 

52

4.2.

 

Corporate Existence

 

52

4.3.

 

Maintenance of Properties

 

52

4.4.

 

Insurance

 

52

4.5.

 

Statement as to Compliance

 

52

4.6.

 

Limitation on Indebtedness

 

53

4.7.

 

Limitation on Liens

 

57

 

i



 

4.8.

 

Limitation on Restricted Payments

 

58

4.9.

 

Limitation on Sale of Certain Assets

 

63

4.10.

 

Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates

 

66

4.11.

 

Change of Control

 

68

4.12.

 

[Reserved]

 

68

4.13.

 

Limitation on Business Activities

 

68

4.14.

 

Future Note Guarantees

 

68

4.15.

 

Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

 

69

4.16.

 

Designation of Unrestricted and Restricted Subsidiaries

 

71

4.17.

 

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims

 

72

4.18.

 

Reports to Holders

 

73

4.19.

 

Maintenance of Office or Agency

 

75

4.20.

 

Stay, Extension and Usury Laws

 

75

4.21.

 

Further Instruments and Acts

 

75

4.22.

 

Suspension of Covenants

 

76

4.23.

 

Post-Closing Covenant

 

76

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 5

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.1.

 

Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets

 

77

5.2.

 

Successor Substituted

 

79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 6

 

 

 

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.1.

 

Events of Default

 

79

6.2.

 

Acceleration

 

82

6.3.

 

Other Remedies

 

83

6.4.

 

Waiver of Past Defaults

 

83

6.5.

 

Control by Majority

 

83

6.6.

 

Limitation on Suits

 

84

6.7.

 

Unconditional Right of Holders To Receive Payment

 

84

6.8.

 

Collection Suit by Trustee

 

84

6.9.

 

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

 

85

6.10.

 

Application of Money Collected

 

85

6.11.

 

Undertaking for Costs

 

86

6.12.

 

Restoration of Rights and Remedies

 

86

6.13.

 

Rights and Remedies Cumulative

 

86

6.14.

 

Delay or Omission not Waiver

 

86

6.15.

 

Record Date

 

86

6.16.

 

Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws

 

87

6.17.

 

Issuer Notice of Default

 

87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 7

 

 

 

 

TRUSTEE AND COLLATERAL AGENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.1.

 

Duties of Trustee and Collateral Agent

 

87

7.2.

 

Certain Rights of Trustee and Collateral Agent

 

88

7.3.

 

Individual Rights of Trustee

 

89

 

ii



 

7.4.

 

Trustee’s and Collateral Agent’s Disclaimer

 

89

7.5.

 

Reports by Trustee to Holders

 

90

7.6.

 

Compensation and Indemnity

 

90

7.7.

 

Replacement of Trustee and Collateral Agent

 

91

7.8.

 

Successor Trustee or Collateral Agent by Merger, Etc.

 

92

7.9.

 

Eligibility: Disqualification

 

93

7.10.

 

Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer

 

93

7.11.

 

Appointment of Co-Trustee

 

93

7.12.

 

Calculation Agent

 

94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 8

 

 

 

 

DEFEASANCE; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.1.

 

Issuer’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance

 

98

8.2.

 

Defeasance and Discharge

 

98

8.3.

 

Covenant Defeasance

 

98

8.4.

 

Conditions to Defeasance

 

99

8.5.

 

Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture

 

100

8.6.

 

Survival of Certain Obligations

 

100

8.7.

 

Acknowledgment of Discharge by Trustee

 

101

8.8.

 

Application of Trust Funds

 

101

8.9.

 

Repayment to Issuer

 

101

8.10.

 

Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations

 

101

8.11.

 

Reinstatement

 

101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 9

 

 

 

 

AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.

 

Without Consent of Holders

 

102

9.2.

 

With Consent of Holders

 

103

9.3.

 

Compliance with Trust Indenture Act

 

103

9.4.

 

Effect of Supplemental Indentures

 

103

9.5.

 

Notation on or Exchange of Notes

 

104

9.6.

 

Revocation of Consents

 

104

9.7.

 

Payment for Consent

 

104

9.8.

 

Notice of Amendment or Waiver

 

104

9.9.

 

Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.

 

104

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 10

 

 

 

 

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.

 

Intercreditor Agreement

 

105

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 11

 

 

 

 

COLLATERAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.1.

 

Security Documents

 

105

11.2.

 

Collateral Agent

 

106

11.3.

 

Authorization of Actions to Be Taken

 

106

11.4.

 

Release of Collateral

 

107

11.5.

 

Filing, Recording and Opinions

 

108

 

iii



 

11.6.

 

Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee

 

109

11.7.

 

Release upon Termination of the Issuer’s Obligations

 

109

11.8.

 

Trustee’s Duties with Respect to Collateral

 

109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 12

 

 

 

 

GUARANTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.1.

 

Notes Guarantee

 

110

12.2.

 

Subrogation

 

111

12.3.

 

Limitation of Guarantee

 

111

12.4.

 

Notation Not Required

 

111

12.5.

 

Successors and Assigns

 

112

12.6.

 

No Waiver

 

112

12.7.

 

Modification

 

112

12.8.

 

Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Note Guarantors

 

112

12.9.

 

Release

 

112

12.10.

 

Keepwell

 

113

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 13

 

 

 

 

HOLDERS’ MEETINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.1.

 

Purposes of Meetings

 

113

13.2.

 

Place of Meetings

 

114

13.3.

 

Call and Notice of Meetings

 

114

13.4.

 

Voting at Meetings

 

114

13.5.

 

Voting Rights, Conduct and Adjournment

 

114

13.6.

 

Revocation of Consent by Holders at Meetings

 

115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 14

 

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.1.

 

Trust Indenture Act Controls

 

115

14.2.

 

Notices

 

115

14.3.

 

Communication by Holders with Other Holders

 

116

14.4.

 

Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

 

117

14.5.

 

Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

 

117

14.6.

 

Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar

 

117

14.7.

 

Legal Holidays

 

117

14.8.

 

Governing Law

 

117

14.9.

 

Jurisdiction

 

118

14.10.

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

 

118

14.11.

 

No Recourse Against Others

 

118

14.12.

 

Successors

 

118

14.13.

 

Multiple Originals

 

118

14.14.

 

Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Sheet and Headings

 

118

14.15.

 

Severability

 

118

14.16.

 

Force Majeure

 

118

14.17.

 

Intercreditor Agreements

 

119

14.18.

 

Secured Obligations Amount

 

119

14.19.

 

Third Party Beneficiaries

 

119

 

iv



 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

-

Form of Notes

Exhibit B

-

Form of Transfer Certificate for Transfer from Restricted Global Note to Regulation S Global Note

Exhibit C

-

Form of Transfer Certificate for Transfer from Regulation S Global Note to Restricted Global Note

Exhibit D

-

Form of Supplemental Indenture

 

v



 

INDENTURE dated as of June 1, 2015 among FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), the Initial Guarantors (as defined herein), U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.

 

RECITALS OF THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS

 

The Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of its (i) Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2020 issued on the date hereof (the “ Original Notes ”) and (ii) any additional Notes (“ Additional Notes ” and together with the Original Notes, the “ Notes ”) that may be issued on any other date.

 

Each Guarantor has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of the Guarantee (as defined herein).

 

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Notes by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders, as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

1.1.         Definitions.

 

2022 Notes ” means the Issuer’s $470.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022.

 

2022 Notes Collateral Agent ” means the “Collateral Agent” under the 2022 Notes Indenture and any successors or assigns.

 

2022 Notes Guarantee ” means a Guarantee of the 2022 Notes pursuant to the 2022 Notes Indenture and any other amounts owed under the 2022 Notes Indenture.

 

2022 Notes Indenture ” means the indenture dated April 16, 2014 among FTS International, Inc., the guarantors of the 2022 Notes and U.S. Bank National Association  as trustee (together with its successors), governing the 2022 Notes, together with the related documents thereto (including the notes thereunder, any guarantees and security documents), as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented, refunded, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to time by one or more credit facilities, and any agreement (and related document) entered into in substitution for any credit agreement, in which case, the credit agreement or similar agreement together with all other documents and instruments related thereto shall constitute the “2022 Notes Indenture,” whether with the same or any other agent, lender, investor or group of lenders or investors.

 

2022 Notes Issue Date ” means April 16, 2014.

 

2022 Notes Obligations ” means Obligations in respect of the 2022 Notes, the 2022 Notes Indenture and the 2022 Notes Security Documents, including, for the avoidance of doubt, Obligations with respect to Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness related thereto.

 

1



 

2022 Notes Security Agreement ” means the Security Agreement dated April 16, 2014 that establishes the terms of the security interests and liens that secure the 2022 Notes Obligations.

 

2022 Notes Security Documents” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Security Documents” in the 2022 Notes Indenture.

 

2022 Notes Trustee ” means the “Trustee” under the 2022 Notes Indenture and any successors or assigns.

 

ABL Collateral ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

ABL Collateral Asset Sale Offer ” has the meaning ascribed to such term under Section 4.9.

 

ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds ” has the meaning ascribed to such term under Section 4.9.

 

ABL/Fleet Collateral ” means, collectively, the ABL Collateral and the Fleet Collateral.

 

Additional Notes ” means additional Notes issued from time to time under this Indenture in accordance with Section 2.15 hereof.

 

Additional Notes/Term Priority Collateral Agent ” means the collateral agent with respect to any Additional Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations.

 

Additional Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations ” means any Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations that are Incurred after the Issue Date and secured by the Common Collateral on a first priority basis (subject to Permitted Liens) pursuant to the Notes/Term Priority Security Documents.

 

Additional Notes/Term Priority Secured Party ” means the holders of any Additional Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations, and any Additional Notes/Term Priority Collateral Agent or Authorized Representative with respect thereto.

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.  For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to a Note at any date of redemption, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (2) the excess of (a) the present value at such date of redemption of (i) the Redemption Price of such Note at June 15, 2016 (as described in Section 3.8) plus (ii) all remaining required interest payments due on such Note through June 15, 2016 (assuming that the rate of interest on the Notes for the period from the date of redemption through June 15, 2016, will equal the rate of interest on the Notes in effect on the date on which the applicable notice of redemption is given) (excluding

 

2



 

accrued but unpaid interest to the date of redemption), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (b) the principal amount of such Note.

 

Applicable Rate ” means the rate equal to the sum of (a) three-month LIBOR (which shall not be below 0%) plus (b) 7.500%.

 

Asset Sale ” means:

 

(a)            the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition (each, a “Transfer”) of any assets; and

 

(b)            the issuance of Equity Interests by any Restricted Subsidiary or the Transfer by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of Equity Interests in any of its Subsidiaries (other than directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable law).

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following items shall be deemed not to be Asset Sales:

 

(a)            a Transfer of assets that is governed by Section 4.11 and/or Section 5.1;

 

(b)            a Transfer of assets or Equity Interests between or among any of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(c)            an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or to another Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(d)            a Transfer of any assets in the ordinary course of business;

 

(e)            a Transfer of Cash Equivalents;

 

(f)             a Transfer of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings;

 

(g)            a Transfer that constitutes a Restricted Payment that is permitted by Section 4.8 or a Permitted Investment;

 

(h)            a Transfer of any property or equipment that has become damaged, worn out or obsolete;

 

(i)             the creation of a Lien not prohibited by this Indenture (but not the sale of property subject to a Lien);

 

(j)             any Transfer of any asset or any sale or issuance of Equity Interests made pursuant to a Permitted Joint Venture Investment or Joint Marketing Arrangement entered into in compliance with clause (i) of the definition of “Permitted Investments;”

 

(k)            any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of any contract, tort or other claim of any kind;

 

(l)             a grant of a license (or any sub-license) to use any Restricted Subsidiary’s patents, trade secrets, know-how or other intellectual property to the extent that such license does not limit the licensor’s use of the patent, trade secret, know-how or other intellectual property;

 

3


 

(m)           any disposition of an asset manufactured or constructed by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary for sale to a third party (including a direct or indirect joint venture of the Issuer or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries) within 90 days of the completion of such manufacture or construction, if (1) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary receives value equal to the Fair Market Value of the asset and (2) the asset is then leased back by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary for use in a Permitted Business;

 

(n)            direct or indirect sales of equipment, products and services by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to any direct or indirect joint venture of the Issuer or one of the Restricted Subsidiaries at or above the lower of Cost or Fair Market Value; and

 

(o)            any other Transfer of assets or Transfer or issuance of Equity Interests, the Fair Market Value of which do not exceed, in any one or related series of Transactions, $10.0 million.

 

Authorized Representative ” means (a) in the case of any Obligations under the Term Loan Credit Facility or the secured parties under the Term Loan Credit Facility, the Term Loan Collateral Agent, (b) in the case of the 2022 Notes Obligations, the 2022 Notes Collateral Agent and (c) in the case of any Series of Additional Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations that become subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Authorized Representative named for such Series in the applicable joinder agreement.

 

Bank Product Obligations ” means (a) all obligations, liabilities, reimbursement obligations, fees, or expenses owing by the Issuer or the Guarantors to any Bank Product Provider pursuant to or evidenced by a Bank Product agreement and irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, and (b) all Hedging Obligations.

 

Bank Product ” means any one or more of the following financial products or accommodations extended to the Issuer or any Guarantor by a Bank Product Provider: (a) credit cards (including commercial cards (including so-called “purchase cards,” “procurement cards” or “p-cards”)), (b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) stored value cards, (e) Cash Management Services or (f) Transactions under any Swap Contracts.

 

Bank Product Provider ” means any provider of Bank Products to the Issuer or any Guarantor.

 

Bankruptcy Law ” means any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or relief of debtors or any amendment to, succession to or change in any such law, including, without limitation, the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 United States Code §§ 101 et seq .

 

Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition.  The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” shall have a corresponding meaning.

 

4



 

Board of Directors ” means (a) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of such corporation or, except in the context of the definitions of “Change of Control” and “Continuing Directors,” any duly authorized committee thereof; and (b) with respect to any other entity, the board of directors or similar body of the general partner of such entity or the managers of such entity, any duly authorized committee thereof or any Person, board or committee serving a similar function.

 

Board Resolution ” means a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant or Vice Secretary of the Issuer to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Issuer and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.

 

Business Day ” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

 

Calculation Agent ” means U.S. Bank National Association.

 

Capital Lease Obligation ” means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease (or a successor definition that results in the reflection of a liability on the Issuer’s balance sheet) for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP; and the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby at any time shall be the amount of the liability in respect thereof that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.

 

Capital Stock ” of any Person means any and all shares, interests (including general or limited partnership interests, limited liability company or membership interests or limited liability partnership interests), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock; provided, however, that equity-based compensation awards that by their terms may only be settled in cash shall not be deemed to be capital stock.

 

Cash Equivalents ” means:

 

(a)            United States dollars and such local currencies held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b)            securities issued or directly and fully Guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof), maturing, unless such securities are deposited to defease any Indebtedness, not more than 365 days from the date of acquisition;

 

(c)            deposits, certificates of deposit and time deposits, money market accounts, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding 365 days and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state, commonwealth or territory thereof or Canada or any province or territory thereof having capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and a rating at the time of acquisition thereof of P-1 or better from Moody’s or A-1 or better from S&P or a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better;

 

(d)            repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (b) and (c) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (c) above;

 

5



 

(e)            commercial paper having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from Moody’s or S&P and in each case maturing within nine months after the date of acquisition;

 

(f)             securities issued and fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, rated at least “A” by Moody’s or S&P and having maturities of not more than 365 days from the date of acquisition; and

 

(g)            money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (a) through (f) of this definition.

 

Cash Management Services ” means any cash management or related services including treasury, depository, return items, overdraft, controlled disbursement, merchant store value cards, e-payable services, electronic funds transfer, interstate depository network, automatic clearing house transfer (including the Automated Clearing House processing of electronic funds transfers through the direct Federal Reserve Fedline system) and other cash management arrangements.

 

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(a)            the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in any Transaction, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than the Permitted Holders;

 

(b)            the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer other than in a Transaction that complies with the provisions described in Section 5.1;

 

(c)            prior to an IPO, there shall be any dilution of the ownership by the Permitted Holders of the Issuer; provided that no Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred (1) as a result of dilution through a primary sale of the Equity Interests of the Issuer if, following such primary sale (i) the Permitted Holders together hold 50% or more of the Equity Interests in the Issuer and (ii) Temasek owns a greater percentage of the Equity Interests in the Issuer than does Chesapeake, (2) as a result of dilution through a secondary private sale of Equity Interests in the Issuer if, following such secondary sale (i) Temasek holds at least 35% of the Equity Interests in the Issuer and (ii) Chesapeake holds at least 25% of the Equity Interests in the Issuer, or (3) as a result of the exercise of or any conversion or redemption right of the Preferred Stock;

 

(d)            on or following an IPO, any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer; or

 

(e)            the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer are not Continuing Directors.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, simultaneously with or following an IPO: (1) a Transaction in which the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer becomes a Subsidiary of another Person (other than a Person that is an individual, such Person that is not an individual, the “New Parent”) shall not constitute a Change of Control if (a) the equity

 

6



 

holders of the Issuer or such parent immediately prior to such Transaction “beneficially own” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock of such New Parent immediately following the consummation of such Transaction and (b) immediately following the consummation of such Transaction, no “person” or “group” (as such terms are defined above), other than a Permitted Holder and the New Parent, “beneficially owns” (as such term is defined above), directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer or the New Parent; (2) any holding company whose only significant asset is Equity Interests of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer shall not itself be considered a “person” or “group” for purposes of this definition; (3) the transfer of assets between or among the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not itself constitute a Change of Control; (4) the term “Change of Control” shall not include a merger or consolidation of the Issuer (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) with, or the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer (or direct or indirect parent thereof) to, an Affiliate incorporated or organized solely for the purpose or reincorporating or reorganizing the Issuer in another jurisdiction and/or for the sole purpose of forming or collapsing a holding company structure; and (5) a “person” or “group” shall not be deemed to have beneficial ownership of securities subject to a stock purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the Transactions contemplated by such agreement.

 

Chesapeake ” means Chesapeake Energy Corporation and each of its controlled Affiliates.

 

Clearstream ” means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme.

 

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

Collateral ” means all property subject or purported to be subject, from time to time, to a Lien under any Security Documents.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Collateral shall not include the Excluded Assets.

 

Collateral Agent ” means U.S. Bank National Association as collateral agent under the Security Documents.  For avoidance of doubt, the Collateral Agent hereunder shall include the Collateral Agent when acting under the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as successor “ABL Facility Agent” (as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement).

 

Collateral Asset Sale Offer ” means either an ABL Collateral Asset Sale Offer, a Fleet Collateral Asset Sale Offer or an Asset Sale Offer as the context may require.

 

Collateral Excess Proceeds ” means either ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds, Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds or Excess Proceeds as the context may require.

 

Commodity Exchange Act ” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

 

Commodity Futures Trading Commission ” means the federal regulatory agency established by the Commodity Futures Trading Act of 1974 to administer the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

7



 

Common Collateral ” means, at any time, Collateral in which the holders of two or more Series of Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations (or their respective Authorized Representatives) hold a valid and perfected security interest at such time.  If more than two Series of Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations are outstanding at any time and the holders of less than all Series of Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations hold a valid and perfected security interest in any Collateral at such time then such Collateral shall constitute Common Collateral for those Series of Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations that hold a valid security interest in such Collateral at such time and shall not constitute Common Collateral for any Series which does not have a valid and perfected security interest in such Collateral at such time.

 

Common Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock (other than Preferred Stock) of such Person, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or issued thereafter.

 

Consolidated Cash Flow ” means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer for such period plus, without duplication:

 

(a)            provision for taxes based on income or profits of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such amounts were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(b)            Fixed Charges of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that any such Fixed Charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(c)            depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; minus or plus, as the case may be

 

(d)            any net gain or loss realized by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any sale or disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business, to the extent such gains or losses were added or deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income; minus or plus, as the case may be

 

(e)            all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items of gain (loss) or expense to the extent added or deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income; minus or plus, as the case may be

 

(f)             non-cash items increasing or decreasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than the accrual of revenue or expense in the ordinary course of business; plus

 

(g)            any expenses or charges, to the extent deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, related to any offering of Equity Interests, Permitted Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Indenture including a refinancing thereof (whether or not successful) and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such Transactions;

 

8



 

in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) the provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, the Fixed Charges of and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses of, a Restricted Subsidiary shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow of the Issuer (a) in the same proportion that the Consolidated Net Income of such Restricted Subsidiary was added to compute such Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer and (b) only to the extent that a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended or distributed to the Issuer by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained), and without direct or indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter or any agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders and (2) it is agreed that, for purposes of determining compliance with the covenant(s) described in Article 4 including the related definitions (including any test requiring compliance with such covenants on a pro forma basis), Consolidated Cash Flow of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, September 30, 2014 and June 30, 2014 will be deemed to be $(16.9)  million, $97.7 million, $102.4 million and $90.6 million, respectively.

 

Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any period, the aggregate of the net income (loss) of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that, without duplication:

 

(a)            the net income/loss of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (subject, in the case of dividends or distributions paid to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (b) below);

 

(b)            the net income (but not the net loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its equity holders (other than any restrictions existing by reason of, or any governmental approvals necessary pursuant to, any law, rule, regulation, order or decree that is generally applicable to all Persons operating in any jurisdiction in which any Restricted Subsidiary is conducting business so long as there is in effect no specific order, decree or other prohibition pursuant to any such law, rule or regulation in such jurisdiction limiting the payment of a dividend or similar distribution by such Restricted Subsidiary);

 

(c)            the net income (loss) of any Person acquired during the specified period for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be excluded;

 

(d)            any gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on such gain or loss, realized in connection with: (1) any sale or disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (2) the disposition of any

 

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securities by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, shall be excluded;

 

(e)            the effect of any non-cash items resulting from any depreciation, amortization, write-up, write-down or write-off of assets (including intangible assets, goodwill and deferred financing costs but excluding inventory) in connection with any acquisition, merger, consolidation or similar Transaction, or any other non-cash impairment changes, incurred in each case prior or subsequent to the Issue Date (excluding any such non-cash item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period except to the extent such item is subsequently reversed) shall be excluded;

 

(f)             any extraordinary gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary gain or loss, shall be excluded;

 

(g)            any unrealized gain or loss included in net income due to marking Hedging Obligations to market shall be excluded;

 

(h)            any non-cash compensation expense realized for grants of restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance shares, stock options or other similar rights to officers, directors and employees of the Issuer and any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded; provided that such restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance shares, stock options or other similar rights can be redeemed, if at all, at the option of the holder only for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer;

 

(i)             the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded;

 

(j)             to the extent deducted in the calculation of net income, any non-recurring charges associated with any premium or penalty paid, write-offs of deferred financing costs or other financial recapitalization charges in connection with redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity shall be added back to arrive at Consolidated Net Income;

 

(k)            any net income (loss) from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments shall be excluded;

 

(l)             any unrealized net gain or loss (but not any realized gain or loss) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness, including intercompany indebtedness, shall be excluded; and

 

(m)           to the extent deducted in the calculation of net income, any restructuring or other unusual, non-operating or non-recurring loss shall be added back to arrive at Consolidated Net Income.

 

Consolidated Tangible Assets ” means, with respect to any Person, the consolidated total assets of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries less all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt issuance costs and other similar intangibles properly classified as intangibles in accordance with GAAP, all as shown on the most recent balance sheet delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the terms of Section 4.18 as of the end of a fiscal quarter of such Person and computed in accordance with GAAP.

 

Contingent Obligation ” shall mean, as to any Person, any obligation, agreement, understanding or arrangement of such person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee any Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (“ primary obligations ”) of any other

 

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person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, (1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor; (2) to advance or supply funds (a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (b) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; (3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation; (4) with respect to bankers’ acceptances and letters of credit, until a reimbursement obligation arises (which obligation shall constitute Indebtedness); or (5) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided, however, that the term “ Contingent Obligation ” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business or any product warranties for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business.  The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made (or, if less, the maximum amount of such primary obligation for which such person may be liable, whether severally or jointly, pursuant to the terms of the instrument evidencing such Contingent Obligation) or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such person in good faith.

 

Continuing Directors ” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Issuer who: (a) was a member of such Board of Directors on the Issue Date; or (b) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of the Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election.

 

Corporate Trust Office ” means the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee, at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date of execution of this Indenture is located at 1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer).

 

Cost ” means with respect to equipment, supplies and products, the Issuer’s good faith, reasonable estimate of the all-in cost to the Issuer or its applicable Restricted Subsidiary to procure or manufacture such equipment, supplies or products and, with respect to services, the Issuer’s good faith, reasonable estimate of the all-in cost to the Issuer or its applicable Restricted Subsidiaries of the cost of providing such services.

 

Credit Facilities ” means one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Term Loan Credit Facility), commercial paper facilities or other debt instruments, indentures or agreements, providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables or other financial assets to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against receivables or other financial assets), letters of credit, bonds, notes or other debt obligations, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, restructured, supplemented, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time, including, without limitation, any amendment increasing the amount of Indebtedness incurred or available to be borrowed thereunder, extending the

 

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maturity of any Indebtedness incurred thereunder or contemplated thereby or deleting, adding or substituting one or more parties thereto (whether or not such added or substituted parties are banks or other institutional lenders or other persons).

 

Credit Facility Indebtedness ” means any and all amounts payable under or in respect of the Credit Facilities as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, replaced, restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time (including after termination of the Term Loan Credit Facility), including principal, premium (if any), interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Issuer whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings), fees, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, guarantees and all other amounts payable thereunder or in respect thereof.

 

Custodian ” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian, administrator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

Default ” means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time, or both, would be, an Event of Default.

 

Deposit Accounts ” means any checking or other demand deposit account maintained by the Issuer or any Guarantor.

 

Depositary ” means DTC until a successor Depositary, if any, shall have become such pursuant to this Indenture, and thereafter Depositary shall mean or include each Person who is then a Depositary hereunder.

 

Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the Fair Market Value of any non-Cash Equivalent consideration received by the Issuer or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale that is designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate at the time of such Asset Sale.  Any particular item of Designated Non-cash Consideration shall cease to be considered to be outstanding once it has been sold for Cash Equivalents (which shall be considered Net Available Cash from an Asset Sale when received).

 

Determination Date ” means, with respect to an Interest Period, the second London Banking Day preceding the first day of such Interest Period.

 

Discharge of Notes Obligations ” means (i) the payment in full in cash (except for contingent indemnities and cost and reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made) of all Notes Obligations or (ii) the satisfaction and discharge of all Notes Obligations with respect to this Indenture in accordance with Section 8.5 hereof.

 

Disinterested Member ” means, with respect to any Transaction, a member of the Issuer’s Board of Directors: (1) who does not have any material direct or indirect financial interest (other than as an owner of Equity Interests in the Issuer or as an officer, manager or employee of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) in or with respect to such Transaction, and (2) is not an Affiliate, or an officer, director, member of a supervisory, executive or management board or employee, of any Person (other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary), who has any direct or indirect financial interest in or with respect to such Transaction.

 

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Disqualified Stock ” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, or by contract or otherwise, is, or upon the happening of any event or passage of time would be, required to be redeemed on or prior to the date that is one year after the date on which the Notes mature, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, or is convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities in any such case on or prior to such date.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if (a) the “asset sale” or “change of control” provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are similar to, and not substantially more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than, the provisions contained in Section 4.9 and Section 4.11 and (b) such Capital Stock specifically provides that such Person shall not repurchase or redeem any such stock pursuant to such provision prior to the Issuer’s repurchase of such Notes as are required to be repurchased pursuant to Section 4.9 and Section 4.11.  The term “Disqualified Stock” shall also include any options, warrants or other rights that are convertible into Disqualified Stock or that are redeemable at the option of the holder, or required to be redeemed, prior to the date that is one year after the date on which the Notes mature.  The term “Disqualified Stock” shall not include the Issuer’s Series A preferred stock under the terms existing on the Issue Date.

 

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States that is not a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

DTC ” means The Depository Trust Company.

 

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

 

Euroclear ” means Euroclear SA/NV, as operator of the Euroclear system.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Excluded Assets ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Excluded Hedge Obligation ” means, with respect to the Issuer or any Guarantor, any Hedging Obligations constituting a Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the guaranty of the Issuer or such Guarantor of, or the grant by the Issuer or any such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Hedging Obligation (or any guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of the Issuer’s or such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder at the time the guaranty of the Issuer or such Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes effective with respect to such Hedging Obligation. If any Hedging Obligation constituting a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one such Hedging Obligation, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Hedging Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such guaranty or security interest is or becomes illegal.

 

Excluded Subsidiary ” means any of the following:

 

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(a)            each Immaterial Subsidiary;

 

(b)            each Domestic Subsidiary that is prohibited from guaranteeing the Notes Obligations by any applicable law or that would require consent, approval, license or authorization of a government agency to guarantee the Notes Obligations that cannot be obtained after use of commercially reasonable efforts (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received);

 

(c)            each Domestic Subsidiary that is prohibited by any applicable contractual requirement from guaranteeing the Notes Obligations on the Issue Date or at the time such Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary, so long as such requirement was not entered into in contemplation of the acquisition of such Subsidiary (and for so long as such restriction or any replacement or renewal thereof is in effect);

 

(d)            any Foreign Subsidiary;

 

(e)            any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco, and

 

(f)             each Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any asset or property, the sale value that would be obtained in an arm’s-length free-market Transaction between an informed and willing seller under no compulsion to sell and an informed and willing buyer under no compulsion to buy, as determined in good faith by (a) in the case of an asset or property with an estimated value of $20.0 million or more, the Board of Directors of the Issuer, which determination shall be conclusive if evidenced by a Board Resolution and (b) in the case of an asset or property with an estimated value of less than $20.0 million, the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or principal accounting officer of the Issuer, which determination shall be conclusive if evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate.

 

First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Foreign Subsidiary the Equity Interests of which are owned directly by the Issuer or a Guarantor.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of the Issuer for such period to the Fixed Charges of the Issuer for such period.

 

For purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:

 

(a)            in the event that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness or issues, repurchases or redeems Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Calculation Date ”), then (subject to the remaining clauses of this definition) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Preferred Stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom as if the same had occurred at the beginning of such period;

 

(b)            acquisitions and dispositions of business entities or property and assets constituting a division or line of business of any Person that have been made by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (or by any Person that has subsequently become a Restricted Subsidiary or has subsequently merged or consolidated with or into the Issuer or any

 

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Restricted Subsidiary), including through mergers or consolidations, and the designation or redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case, during such period or subsequent to such period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the first day of such period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such period shall be calculated on a pro forma basis, but without giving effect to clause (c) of the proviso set forth in the definition of Consolidated Net Income;

 

(c)            the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, shall be excluded;

 

(d)            the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges shall not be obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary following the Calculation Date;

 

(e)            whenever pro forma effect is to be given to an acquisition or disposition, the amount of Consolidated Cash Flow relating thereto and the amount of Fixed Charges associated with any Indebtedness Incurred in connection therewith, unless otherwise specified, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer;

 

(f)             Fixed Charges attributable to interest on any Indebtedness (whether existing or being Incurred) computed on a pro forma basis and bearing a floating interest rate shall be computed as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date (taking into account any interest rate option, swap, cap or similar agreement applicable to such Indebtedness if such agreement has a remaining term in excess of 12 months or, if shorter, at least equal to the remaining term of such Indebtedness) had been the applicable rate for the entire period; and

 

(g)            Fixed Charges attributable to interest on any Indebtedness Incurred under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be calculated based on the average daily balance of such Indebtedness for such period subject to the pro forma calculation.

 

Fixed Charges ” means, for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(a)            the consolidated interest expense of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (without duplication), including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations relating to interest rates and excluding any non-cash interest expense imputed on any convertible debt securities in accordance with ASC 470-20; plus

 

(b)            the consolidated interest of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period; plus

 

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(c)            any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by the Issuer or one of the Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon; plus

 

(d)            the product of (1) all dividends whether paid or accrued (without duplication) and, whether or not in cash, on any series of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, other than dividends paid to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer, times (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate, taking into account the deductibility of state and local taxes for federal income tax purposes, of the issuer of such Disqualified or Preferred Stock, expressed as a decimal,

 

in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.

 

Fleet Collateral ” means the “ 2020 Notes Collateral ” as defined in the Security Agreement.

 

Fleet Collateral Asset Sale Offer ” has the meaning ascribed to such term under Section 4.9(f).

 

Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds ” has the meaning ascribed to such term under Section 4.9(f).

 

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer other than a Domestic Subsidiary.

 

Foreign Subsidiary Holdco ” means a Restricted Subsidiary all or substantially all of the assets of which consist of Capital Stock of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries and/or other Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this definition, FTS International Services, LLC shall not be considered to be a Foreign Subsidiary Holdco.

 

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied, as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements (including the Accounting Standards Codification) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States.

 

Guarantee ” means, as applied to any Indebtedness of another Person, (a) a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the normal course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of such Indebtedness, (b) any direct or indirect obligation, contingent or otherwise, of a Person guaranteeing or having the effect of guaranteeing the Indebtedness of any other Person in any manner and (c) an agreement of a Person, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, the practical effect of which is to assure in any way the payment (or payment of damages in the event of non- payment) of all or any part of such Indebtedness of another Person (and “ Guaranteed ” and “ Guaranteeing ” shall have meanings that correspond to the foregoing).

 

Guaranteed Obligations ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 12.1(a).

 

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Guarantors ” means:

 

(a)            the Initial Guarantors; and

 

(b)            any other Subsidiary that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

and their respective successors and assigns until released from their obligations under their Note Guarantees and this Indenture in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

Hedging Obligations ” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person under Swap Contracts or with respect to letters of credit (including reimbursement obligations with respect thereto) supporting Swap Contracts.

 

Holder ” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.

 

Immaterial Subsidiary ” means, as of any date, any Restricted Subsidiary whose total assets, as of that date, are less than $100,000 or whose total revenues for the most recent 12-month period do not exceed $100,000.

 

Incur ” means, with respect to any Indebtedness, to incur, create, issue, assume, Guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable for or with respect to, or become responsible for, the payment of, contingently or otherwise, such Indebtedness (and “Incurrence” and “Incurred” will have meanings correlative to the foregoing); provided that (a) any Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and (b) neither the accrual of interest nor the accretion of original issue discount nor the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms or the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock will be considered an Incurrence of Indebtedness.

 

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any specified Person, without duplication:

 

(a)            all indebtedness of such Person in respect of borrowed money;

 

(b)            all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments;

 

(c)            all reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of banker’s acceptances, letters of credit or similar instruments;

 

(d)            all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

 

(e)            all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred and unpaid balance of the purchase price of any property or services, due more than six months after such property is acquired or such services are completed except any such balance that constitutes an expense or trade payable, whether such balance arises directly with a vendor or indirectly under corporate credit card, purchasing card or gas card arrangements;

 

(f)             all net Hedging Obligations of such Person;

 

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(g)            all Disqualified Stock issued by such Person, valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends;

 

(h)            all Preferred Stock issued by a Subsidiary of such Person, valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends;

 

(i)             all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person), provided that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of (1) the Fair Market Value of such asset at such date of determination and (2) the amount of such Indebtedness; and

 

(j)             to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person,

 

in each case other than clauses (c) and (f), if and to the extent that any of the foregoing would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

For purposes hereof, the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price will be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, as if such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock were repurchased on any date on which Indebtedness will be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall not include any indebtedness that has been defeased in accordance with GAAP or defeased pursuant to the deposit of cash, U.S. Government Obligations and Cash Equivalents (sufficient to satisfy all obligations relating thereto at maturity or redemption, as applicable) in a trust or account created or pledged for the sole benefit of the holders of such indebtedness, in accordance with the terms of the instruments governing such indebtedness.

 

The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and, with respect to contingent obligations, the maximum liability upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation.  The amount of any Indebtedness described in clauses (a) and (b) above will be:

 

(a)            the accreted value thereof, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount; and

 

(b)            the principal amount thereof, together with any interest thereon that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

 

For purposes of determining any particular amount of Indebtedness, (1) Guarantees, Liens or obligations with respect to letters of credit supporting Indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of such particular amount shall not be included, and (2) any Liens granted pursuant to the equal and ratable provisions referred to in Section 4.7 shall not be treated as Indebtedness.

 

Indenture ” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered

 

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into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture following the effectiveness of a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the Notes, the provisions of the TIA that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument, and any such supplemental indenture, respectively.

 

Indenture Document s” means the Indenture, the Notes (including any Additional Notes and any guarantees of the foregoing), the Note Guarantees, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.

 

Initial Guarantors ” means FTS International Services, LLC and FTS International Manufacturing, LLC.

 

Intercreditor Agreements ” means the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Interest Payment Date ” means each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, commencing on September 15, 2015.

 

Interest Period ” means the period commencing on and including an Interest Payment Date and ending on and including the day immediately preceding the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, with the exception that the first Interest Period shall commence on and include June 1, 2015 and end on and include September 14, 2015.

 

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by Standard and Poor’s, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

 

Investments ” in any Person means all direct or indirect investments in such Person in the form of loans or other extensions of credit (including Guarantees), advances, capital contributions (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by such Person, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

If the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, the Issuer will be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Investment in such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of.  The acquisition by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and holds an Investment in a third Person will be deemed to be an Investment by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary in such third Person in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the Investment held by the acquired Person in such third Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary unless such Investment in such third party was not made in anticipation or contemplation of the Investment by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary and such third party Investment is incidental to the primary business of such Person in which the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary is making such Investment.

 

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IPO ” means an underwritten public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) of the Issuer’s Common Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act (whether along or in connection with a secondary public offering).

 

Issue Date ” means the date on which the Original Notes are initially issued.

 

Issuer ” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

 

Issuer Order ” means a written order signed in the name of the Issuer by any Person authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer.

 

Joint Marketing Arrangement ” means any joint venture, partnership, lease, joint marketing agreement, operating agreement or other arrangement (which may or may not include joint ownership of any Person) pursuant to which the Issuer or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries arrange for the marketing, lease or sale of products and services constituting a Permitted Business and share in the profits therefrom.

 

Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement ” means that certain junior lien intercreditor agreement dated as of the 2022 Notes Issue Date (as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated or replaced in whole or in part from time to time) by and among the Collateral Agent (as of the Issue Date by way of a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement joinder dated the date hereof), the 2022 Notes Collateral Agent, the Term Loan Collateral Agent, the Issuer and the Guarantors that sets forth the relative priority of the Liens securing any Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations and the Liens securing the ABL Obligations (as defined therein).

 

Legal Holiday ” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York or in Atlanta, Georgia or at a place of payment are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

 

LIBOR ” means, with respect to an Interest Period, the rate (expressed as a percentage per annum) for deposits in U.S. dollars for a three-month period beginning on the second London Banking Day after the Determination Date that appears on Reuters Page LIBOR 01 as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on the Determination Date. If Reuters Page LIBOR 01 does not include such a rate or is unavailable on a Determination Date, the Calculation Agent will request the principal London office of each of four major banks in the London interbank market, as selected by the Calculation Agent, to provide such bank’s offered quotation (expressed as a percentage per annum), as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such Determination Date, to prime banks in the London interbank market for deposits in a Representative Amount of U.S. dollars for a three-month period beginning on the second London Banking Day after the Determination Date. If at least two such offered quotations are so provided, the rate for the Interest Period will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If fewer than two such quotations are so provided, the Calculation Agent will request each of three major banks in New York City, as selected by the Calculation Agent, to provide such bank’s rate (expressed as a percentage per annum), as of approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such Determination Date, for loans in a Representative Amount in U.S. dollars to leading European banks for a three-month period beginning on the second London Banking Day after the Determination Date. If at least two such rates are so provided, the rate for the Interest Period will be the arithmetic mean of such rates. If fewer than two such rates

 

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are so provided, then the rate for the Interest Period will be the rate in effect with respect to the immediately preceding Interest Period.

 

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.

 

Liquid Securities ” means securities (a) of an issuer that is not an Affiliate of the Issuer, (b) that are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Select Market with a minimum market capitalization of $500.0 million at the time of acquisition and (c) as to which the Issuer is not subject to any restrictions on sale or transfer (including any volume restrictions under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other restrictions imposed by the Securities Act) or as to which a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the resale thereof is in effect for as long as the securities are held; provided that securities meeting the requirements of clauses (a), (b) and (c) above shall be treated as Liquid Securities from the date of receipt thereof until and only until the earlier of (1) the date on which such securities are sold or exchanged for cash or Cash Equivalents and (2) 180 days following the date of receipt of such securities.  If such securities are not sold or exchanged for cash or Cash Equivalents within 180 days of receipt thereof, for purposes of determining whether the Transaction pursuant to which the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary received the securities was in compliance with Section 4.9 such securities shall be deemed not to have been Liquid Securities at any time.

 

London Banking Day ” is any day on which dealings in U.S. dollars are transacted or, with respect to any future date, are expected to be transacted in the London interbank market.

 

Master Frac Services Agreement ” means that certain Master Frac Services Agreement, dated April 20, 2011 between FTS International Services, LLC and Chesapeake Operating, Inc.

 

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

Net Available Cash ” means the aggregate proceeds, including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations (to the extent corresponding to the principal, but not the interest component, thereof), received in Cash Equivalents by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any Cash Equivalents received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of (a) the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal, accounting, investment banking and brokerage fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, (b) taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof, in each case, after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements, (c) in the case of any Asset Sale by a Restricted Subsidiary, payments to holders of Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary in such capacity (other than such Equity Interests held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) to the extent that such payment is required to permit the distribution of such proceeds in respect of the Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and (d) appropriate amounts to be provided by the Issuer or the Restricted

 

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Subsidiaries as a reserve against liabilities associated with such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sale, all as determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that (1) excess amounts set aside for payment of taxes pursuant to clause (b) above remaining after such taxes have been paid in full or the statute of limitations therefor has expired and (2) amounts initially held in reserve pursuant to clause (d) no longer so held, will, in the case of each of subclause (1) and (2), at that time become Net Available Cash.

 

Note Guarantee ” means a Guarantee of the Notes pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Notes Obligations ” means Obligations in respect of the Notes, this Indenture and the Security Documents, including for the avoidance of doubt, Obligations with respect to Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness related thereto and Obligations in respect of all fees of, payment or reimbursement of expenses incurred by, indemnifications, damages and any other liabilities payable to, each of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent in accordance with the Indenture Documents, but not any Obligations in respect of Bank Products.

 

Notes/Term Collateral ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Notes Collateral” in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Notes/Term Priority Collateral Agents ” mean the Term Loan Collateral Agent, the 2022 Notes Collateral Agent and any Additional Notes/Term Priority Collateral Agent.

 

Notes/Term Priority Documents ” means the credit, guarantee and security documents governing the Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations (and any Additional Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations), including, without limitation the 2022 Notes Indenture, the Term Loan Credit Facility and the Notes/Term Priority Security Documents.

 

Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations ” means (a) all Indebtedness under Credit Facilities secured by the Common Collateral and subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Term Loan Credit Facility), (b) the 2022 Notes Obligations and the Obligations in respect of any refunding, refinancing or defeasement of the 2022 Notes and (c) Additional Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations, if any, permitted to be Incurred under Section 4.6 and Section 4.7.

 

Notes/Term Priority Secured Parties ” means (a) the “Secured Parties,” as defined in the Term Loan Credit Facility, (b) the “Secured Parties,” as defined in the 2022 Notes Security Agreement and (c) any Additional Notes/Term Priority Secured Parties.

 

Notes/Term Priority Security Documents ” means any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted securing Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations, and any Additional Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, in each case to the extent relating to the collateral securing the Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations.

 

Obligations ” means any principal, premium, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is

 

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an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and Guarantees of payment of such principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness; provided that, except as otherwise provided in the definition of Notes Obligations, in order to avoid double counting, Obligations with respect to the Notes shall not include fees or indemnifications in favor of the Trustee and other third parties other than the Holders of the Notes; provided further that notwithstanding the foregoing and anything to the contrary in any Indenture Document, the Obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor shall not include any Excluded Hedge Obligations.

 

Offer to Purchase ” means an offer to purchase Notes by the Issuer from the Holders commenced by mailing a notice to the Trustee and each Holder stating:

 

(a)            the provision of this Indenture pursuant to which the offer is being made and that all Notes validly tendered will be accepted for payment on a pro rata basis;

 

(b)            the purchase price and the date of purchase, which shall be a Business Day no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “ Payment Date ”);

 

(c)            that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest pursuant to its terms;

 

(d)            that, unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the purchase price, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer to Purchase shall cease to accrue interest on and after the Payment Date;

 

(e)            any procedures that the Holders must follow to accept the Offer to Purchase and tender their Notes;

 

(f)             that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the third Business Day immediately preceding the Payment Date, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of such Holder, the principal amount of Notes delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Notes purchased; and

 

(g)            that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered; provided that each Note purchased and each new Note issued shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

On the Payment Date, the Issuer shall (1) accept for payment on a pro-rata basis Notes or portions thereof (and, in the case of an Offer to Purchase made pursuant to Section 4.9 any other Pari Passu Indebtedness included in such Offer to Purchase) tendered pursuant to an Offer to Purchase; (2) deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the purchase price of all Notes or portions thereof so accepted; and (3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee all Notes or portions thereof so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate specifying the Notes or portions thereof accepted for payment by the Issuer.  The Paying Agent shall promptly mail or wire transfer to the Holders of Notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail to

 

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such Holders a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered; provided that each Note purchased and each new Note issued shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  The Issuer will publicly announce the results of an Offer to Purchase as soon as practicable after the Payment Date.  The Trustee shall act as the Paying Agent for an Offer to Purchase.  The Issuer will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder; to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable, in the event that the Issuer is required to repurchase Notes pursuant to an Offer to Purchase.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture relating to an Offer to Purchase, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under such provisions of this Indenture by virtue of such conflict.

 

Offering Memorandum ” means the offering memorandum with respect to the Original Notes dated May 27, 2015.

 

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed by two officers of the Issuer or a Guarantor, as applicable, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable.

 

Opinion of Counsel ” means an opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee (who may be counsel to or an employee of the Issuer) that meets the requirements of this Indenture.

 

Pari Passu Indebtedness ” means (a) any Indebtedness of the Issuer that ranks equally in right of payment with the Notes or (b) any Indebtedness of a Guarantor that ranks equally in right of payment with such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee.

 

Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement ” means that certain pari passu intercreditor agreement dated as of the 2022 Notes Issue Date (as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated or replaced in whole or in part from time to time) by and among the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Term Loan Collateral Agent and the 2022 Notes Collateral Agent, which may be amended from time to time without the consent of the Holders of the 2022 Notes to add other parties holding pari passu lien obligations permitted to be Incurred under the 2022 Notes Indenture, the Term Loan Credit Facility and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Permitted Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted (as described in the Offering Memorandum) by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date, any other business or businesses in the oilfield services industry and other businesses reasonably related or ancillary thereto or that are reasonable extensions thereof.

 

Permitted Holder ” means Temasek and Chesapeake.

 

Permitted Investments ” means:

 

(a)            any Investment in the Issuer or in a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(b)            any Investment in Cash Equivalents;

 

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(c)            any Investment by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:

 

(1)           such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

 

(2)           such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(d)            any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.9;

 

(e)            Hedging Obligations that are designed solely to protect the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries against fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates (or to reverse or amend any such agreements previously made for such purposes), and not for speculative purposes, and that do not increase the Indebtedness of the obligor outstanding at any time other than as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates or by reason of fees, indemnifies and compensation payable thereunder;

 

(f)             (i) Investments received in satisfaction of judgments, foreclosure of Liens or settlement of Indebtedness and (ii) any Investments received in compromise or resolution of (A) obligations of any trade creditor or customer that were incurred in the ordinary course of business, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any such Person, or (B) litigation, arbitration or other disputes with Persons that are not Affiliates;

 

(g)            advances or deposits in the ordinary course of business that are, in conformity with GAAP, recorded as accounts receivable, prepaid expenses or deposits on the balance sheet of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries and endorsements for collection or deposit arising in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h)            commission, payroll, travel and similar advances to officers and employees of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that are made in the ordinary course of business and expected, at the time of such advance, ultimately to be recorded as an expense in conformity with GAAP;

 

(i)             Permitted Joint Venture Investments and Joint Marketing Arrangements entered into by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount (measured on the date on which each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes of value) that, when taken together with all other Investments pursuant to this clause (i), do not exceed $50.0 million outstanding at any time;

 

(j)             any Investment existing on the date of this Indenture and any Investment that replaces, refinances or refunds any existing Investment; provided that the new Investment is in an amount that does not exceed the amount replaced, refinanced or refunded, and is made in the same Person as the Investment being replaced, financed or refunded;

 

(k)            repurchases of, or other Investments in, the Notes or any other Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations;

 

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(l)             advances, deposits and prepayments for purchases of any assets, other than Equity Interests;

 

(m)           Investments acquired in exchange for, or out of the proceeds from the issuance or sale of, Equity Interests in the Issuer (excluding Disqualified Stock); and

 

(n)            other Investments by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, having an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (n) since the Issue Date, not to exceed the greater of $50.0 million and 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer outstanding at any one time; provided, however, if any Investment made pursuant to this clause (n) is made to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the date of such Investment and such Person subsequently becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, such Investment shall be deemed made pursuant to clause (a) above and shall cease to have been made under this clause (n) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Permitted Joint Venture Investment ” means a direct or indirect Investment by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in any other Person engaged in a Permitted Business (1) over which the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary is responsible (either directly or indirectly through Unrestricted Subsidiaries or a services agreement) for day-to-day operations or otherwise has operational and managerial control of such Permitted Business, or veto power over significant management decisions affecting such Permitted Business, and (2) of which at least 30% of the outstanding Equity Interests of such other Person are at the time owned directly or indirectly by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Permitted Liens ” means:

 

(a)            (1) Liens securing the Notes issued on the Issue Date and other Credit Facility Indebtedness Incurred under Section 4.6(b)(i); and (2) Liens securing the Term Loan Credit Facility and the 2022 Notes outstanding on the Issue Date;

 

(b)            Liens on Common Collateral (and not, for the avoidance of doubt, on Fleet Collateral) securing Indebtedness representing Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations permitted to be incurred under Section 4.6(a);

 

(c)            Liens existing on the Issue Date (other than Liens securing the Term Loan Credit Facility and the 2022 Notes);

 

(d)            Liens imposed by law or contract (other than contracts for Indebtedness), including carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s and repairmen’s Liens, in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings if a reserve or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof;

 

(e)            Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet subject to penalties for non-payment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which that appropriate reserves required pursuant to GAAP have been made in respect thereof;

 

(f)             Liens in favor of issuers of surety or performance bonds or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person

 

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in the ordinary course of its business, and Liens to secure appeal bonds or letters of credit or similar instruments that themselves secure appeal bonds;

 

(g)            survey exceptions, encumbrances, ground leases, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions (including, without limitation, minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which do not individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

 

(h)            Liens securing Hedging Obligations permitted under this Indenture;

 

(i)             leases, licenses, subleases and sublicenses of assets (including, without limitation, real property, mineral rights and intellectual property rights) which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and Liens created by Persons who are lessors of property to the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(j)             Liens for the purpose of securing Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or other payments Incurred to finance all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of assets or property (other than Capital Stock or other Investments) acquired, constructed or improved in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that

 

(1)           the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens pursuant to this clause (j) is otherwise permitted to be Incurred under Section 4.6(b)(vi) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; and

 

(2)           such Liens are created within 180 days of construction, acquisition or improvement of such assets or property and do not encumber any other assets or property of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary other than such assets or property and assets affixed or appurtenant thereto;

 

(k)            Liens that are part of normal depository and cash-management arrangements with banks and financial institutions, excluding arrangements for dedicated cash collateral accounts or arrangements otherwise intended to provide collateral securing Indebtedness owing to banks or financial institutions;

 

(l)             Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases, bailments and other Transactions that do not involve security interests or that are not intended to perfect a security interest securing any Indebtedness;

 

(m)           Liens on property or shares of stock of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created, Incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary; provided further, however, that any such Lien may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(n)            Liens on property at the time the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the

 

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Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created, Incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided further, however, that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(o)            Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or a Guarantor;

 

(p)            Liens securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to refinance, refund, replace, amend, extend or modify, as a whole or in part, Indebtedness that was previously so secured pursuant to clauses (a), (b), (c), (h), (j), (m), (n), (r), (x) and (z) of this definition; provided that (1) any such Lien is limited to all or part of the same property or assets that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the Indebtedness being refinanced or is in respect of property that is the security for a Permitted Lien hereunder and (2) any such Lien is no less favorable in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes than the Lien in respect of the Indebtedness being refinanced; provided, further, however, that in the case of any Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal of Indebtedness secured by a Lien referred to in clause (a) or (b) of this definition, the principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred for such refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal shall be deemed secured by a Lien under clause (a) or (b) of this definition, as applicable, and not this clause (p) for purposes of determining the principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding under clause (a) or (b) of this definition, as applicable;

 

(q)            Liens securing Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not to exceed the greater of (1) $50.0 million and (2) 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer (with the Fair Market Value of each item of designated non-cash consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

 

(r)             Liens on the Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

(s)             judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been made;

 

(t)             Liens on property or assets securing Indebtedness used to defease or to satisfy and discharge the Notes; provided that (1) the Incurrence of such Indebtedness was not prohibited by this Indenture and (2) such defeasance or satisfaction and discharge is not prohibited by this Indenture;

 

(u)            any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Capital Stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;

 

(v)            pledges or deposits by such Person under workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or United States government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import or customs duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary

 

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course of business, and pledges or deposits to secure bonds or letters of credit provided by third parties for any of the foregoing purposes;

 

(w)           Liens contained in purchase and sale agreements limiting the transfer of assets pending the closing of the Transactions contemplated thereby or that may be deemed to exist by virtue of contractual provisions that restrict the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries from granting or permitting to exist Liens on their respective assets;

 

(x)            Liens upon specific items of inventory, accounts receivable or other goods and proceeds thereof securing obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or receivables securitizations issued or created for the account of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory, accounts receivable or other goods and proceeds and permitted to be incurred under Section 4.6;

 

(y)            Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of credit that encumber documents and other property or assets relating to such letters of credit and products and proceeds thereof; and

 

(z)            Liens on assets not constituting Collateral securing Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(b)(xv)  or (xvii).

 

Provisions of the Indenture allowing Permitted Liens or other Liens on assets and property shall be construed to allow such Permitted Liens or other Liens on all improvements, fixtures, accessions and proceeds with respect to such property or assets.

 

Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary issued in exchange for, or the net cash proceeds of which are used to Refinance other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or to any Subsidiary of the Issuer); provided that:

 

(a)            the amount of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the amount of the Indebtedness so Refinanced (plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and the amount of any reasonably determined premium necessary to accomplish such Refinancing and such reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith);

 

(b)            such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(c)            if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantees, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantees, as applicable, on terms at least as favorable, taken as a whole, to the Holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(d)            if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is Pari Passu Indebtedness, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness ranks equally in right of payment with or is subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes or such Note Guarantees;

 

(e)            such Indebtedness is Incurred by either (a) the Restricted Subsidiary that is the obligor on the Indebtedness being Refinanced or (b) the Issuer or a Guarantor; and

 

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(f)             if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is secured by a Lien on the Collateral, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is secured by a Lien that is equal to or junior in priority to the Lien on the Collateral securing the Indebtedness being Refinanced.

 

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or other business entity or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Preferred Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person that has preferential rights to any other Capital Stock of such Person with respect to dividends or redemptions upon liquidation.

 

Purchase Agreement ” means that purchase agreement relating to the Notes dated May 27, 2015, between the Issuer, the Initial Guarantors and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as the initial purchaser.

 

QIB ” means a “Qualified Institutional Buyer” as defined under Rule 144A.

 

Qualified Capital Interests ” in any Person means a class of Capital Stock other than Disqualified Stock.

 

Qualified ECP Guarantor ” means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, the Issuer or any Guarantor that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant guaranty, keepwell,  or  grant  of  the  relevant  security  interest  becomes  effective  with  respect  to  such  Swap Obligation or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

Qualified Equity Offering ” means a private placement or public offering for cash of Qualified Capital Interests, or options, warrants or rights with respect to Qualified Capital Interests, other than (1) public offerings with respect to the Issuer’s Qualified Capital Interests, or options, warrants or rights, registered on Form S-4 or S-8, (2) an issuance to any Subsidiary or (3) any offering of Qualified Capital Interests issued in connection with a Transaction that constitutes a Change of Control.

 

Rating Agencies ” means (a) S&P and Moody’s or, (b) if S&P or Moody’s or both of them are not making ratings of the Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized U.S. rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by the Issuer, which will be substituted for S&P or Moody’s or both, as the case may be.

 

Record Date ” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date means the March 1, June 1, September 1 or December 1 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.

 

Redemption Price ” when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to the Indenture.

 

Redemption Date ”, when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, in whole or in part, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

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Redemption Price ”, when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Refinance ” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, replace, repay, prepay, purchase, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness.  “ Refinanced ” and “ Refinancing ” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Regulation S ” means Regulation S under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Replacement Assets ” means (a) assets (other than Cash Equivalents and securities) that will be used or useful in a Permitted Business, (b) substantially all the assets of a Permitted Business, or (c) a majority of the Voting Stock of any Person engaged in a Permitted Business that will become on the date of acquisition thereof a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Representative Amount ” means a principal amount of not less than $1,000,000 for a single Transaction in the relevant market at the relevant time.

 

Restricted Period ” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation S.

 

Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer that has not been designated as an “Unrestricted Subsidiary” in accordance with this Indenture.

 

Reuters Page LIBOR 01 ” means the display page so designated on the Reuters service or equivalent information reporting service or any successor service (or such successor display page, other published source, information vendor or provider).

 

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Rule 144A ” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Rule 903 ” means Rule 903 under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

Rule 904 ” means Rule 904 under the Securities Act (including any successor regulation thereto), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

S&P ” means Standard and Poor’s, Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Secured Obligations ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Secured Parties ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

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Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.

 

Security Agreement ” has the meaning ascribed to such term under Section 11.1.

 

Security Documents ” means the Security Agreement and any additional security agreements, pledge agreements, collateral assignments, mortgages and related agreements, as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated or replaced in whole or in part from time to time, creating the security interests in the Collateral as contemplated by this Indenture.

 

Series ” means (1) with respect to the Notes/Term Priority Secured Parties, each of (a) the secured parties under the Term Loan Credit Facility (in their capacities as such), (b) the holders of the 2022 Notes, the 2022 Notes Collateral Agent and the 2022 Notes Trustee (each in their capacity as such) and (c) the Additional Notes/Term Priority Secured Parties that become subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement after the date hereof that are represented by a common Authorized Representative (in its capacity as such for such Additional Notes/Term Priority Secured Parties); and (2) with respect to any Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations, each of (a) the Obligations under the Term Loan Credit Facility, (b) the 2022 Notes Obligations and the Obligations in respect of any refunding, refinancing or defeasement of the 2022 Notes and (c) the Additional Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations Incurred pursuant to any applicable agreement, which pursuant to any joinder agreement, are to be represented under the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement by a common Authorized Representative (in its capacity as such for such Additional Notes/Term Priority Lien Obligations).

 

Significant Subsidiary ” has the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and Exchange Act, but shall not include any Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Stated Maturity ,” when used with respect to (a) any Note or any installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such Note as the fixed date on which the principal amount of such Note or such installment of interest is due and payable and (b) any other Indebtedness or any installment of interest thereon or principal thereof, means the date specified in the instrument governing such Indebtedness as the fixed date on which the principal of such Indebtedness or such installment is due and payable.

 

Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned by such Person.  Unless otherwise indicated, when used herein the term “Subsidiary” shall refer to a Subsidiary of the Issuer.

 

Swap Contract ” means (a) any and all interest rate swap Transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative Transactions, forward rate Transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index Transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange Transactions, cap Transactions, floor Transactions, collar Transactions, currency swap Transactions, cross-currency rate swap Transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar Transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including, without limitation, any

 

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fuel price caps and fuel price collar or floor agreements and similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect against or manage fluctuations in fuel prices and any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such Transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all Transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “ Master Agreement ”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

 

Swap Obligation ” means, with respect to the Issuer or any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or Transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

Temasek ” means Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited and each of its Affiliates but not including any of its portfolio companies.

 

Term Loan Collateral Agent ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the collateral agent under the Term Loan Credit Facility, or its successors.

 

Term Loan Credit Facility ” means the credit agreement dated April 16, 2014 among, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, the lenders from time to time a party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as sole administrative agent (together with its successors), together with the related documents thereto (including the term loans thereunder, any guarantees and security documents), as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented, refunded, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to time by one or more credit facilities, and any agreement (and related document) entered into in substitution for any credit agreement, in which case, the credit agreement or similar agreement together with all other documents and instruments related thereto shall constitute the “Term Loan Credit Facility,” whether with the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

 

Total Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person, at any date the ratio of (1) (a) total Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of calculation (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) minus (b) cash and cash equivalents of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries up to a maximum of $50.0 million to (2) Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for the four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements have been delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the terms of Section 4.18 as described above immediately preceding such date of such calculation.  In the event that the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Total Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Total Leverage Ratio is made (the “ Total Leverage Calculation Date ”), then the Total Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.  The Total Leverage Ratio shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the pro forma provisions (to the extent applicable) of the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”

 

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Transaction ” means any transaction; provided that if such Transaction is part of a series of related Transactions, “ Transaction ” refers to such related Transactions as a whole.

 

Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “ Asset Sale .”

 

Treasury Rate ” means, as of any Redemption Date, the weekly average yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) equal to the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016; provided, however, that if the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities that have a constant maturity closest to and greater than the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016 and the United States Treasury securities that have a constant maturity closest to and less than the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016 for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

 

Trustee ” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, means the successor serving hereunder.

 

Trust Indenture Act ” or “ TIA ” means the US Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.

 

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York; provided, however, that, at any time, if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the perfection or priority of the Collateral Agent’s security interest in any item or portion of the Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other that the State of New York, the term “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect, at such time, in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or priority and for purposes of definitions relating to such provisions.

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer that is designated by the Board of Directors of the Issuer as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution in compliance with Section 4.16 and any Subsidiary of such Subsidiary. As of the Issue Date, FTS International Ventures I, LLC, FTS International Ventures II, LLC and their respective Subsidiaries are designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

U.S. dollars ”, “ dollars ” or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States of America.

 

U.S. Dollar Equivalent ” means with respect to any monetary amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars, at any time for determination thereof, the amount of U.S. dollars obtained by converting such foreign currency involved in such computation into U.S. dollars

 

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at the spot rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars with the applicable foreign currency as published in The Wall Street Journal in the “Exchange Rates” column under the heading “Currency Trading” on the date two Business Days prior to such determination.

 

U.S. Government Obligations ” means securities or other obligations which are (a) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (b) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America where the timely payment or payments thereunder are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America and which, in the case of (a) or (b), are not callable or redeemable except at the option of the holders thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or specific payment of interest on or principal of other amount with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of or other amount with respect to the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

 

Voting Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, securities of any class or classes of Capital Stock in such Person entitling the holders thereof generally to vote on the election of members of the Board of Directors or comparable body of such Person.

 

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:

 

(a)            the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (1) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (2) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by

 

(b)            the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

 

Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any specified Person, a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) are owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

1.2.         Other Definitions .

 

Term

 

Defined in Section

 

 

 

“Affiliate Transaction”

 

4.10(a)

“Asset Sale Offer”

 

4.9(g)

“Borrowing Base”

 

4.6(b)(i)

“Certificated Note Event”

 

2.10(a)

“Change of Control Offer”

 

3.8(d)

 

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Term

 

Defined in Section

 

 

 

“covenant defeasance”

 

8.3

“Defaulted Interest”

 

2.12

“Discharge”

 

8.5(a)

“Event of Default”

 

6.1(a)

“Excess Proceeds”

 

4.9(g)

“Global Notes”

 

2.1(b)

“incorporated provision”

 

14.1

“legal defeasance”

 

8.2

“Notes”

 

Recitals

“Original Notes”

 

Recitals

“Participants”

 

2.1(c)

“Paying Agent”

 

2.3

“Perfection Certificate”

 

4.23(a)

“Permitted Consideration”

 

4.9(a)(ii)(E)

“Permitted Indebtedness”

 

4.6(b)

“Registrar”

 

2.3

“Regulation S Global Note”

 

2.1(b)

“Regulation S Permanent Global Note”

 

2.1(b)

“Regulation S Temporary Global Note”

 

2.1(b)

“Restricted Global Note”

 

2.1(b)

“Restricted Payment”

 

4.8(a)

“Reversion Date”

 

4.22(a)

“Security Register”

 

2.3

“Suspended Covenants”

 

4.22(a)

“Suspension Date”

 

4.22(a)

“Suspension Period”

 

4.22(a)

“Transfer Agent”

 

2.3

 

1.3.         Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act .  The mandatory provisions of the TIA that are required to be a part of and govern indentures qualified under the TIA are incorporated by reference in and are a part of this Indenture, whether or not this Indenture is so qualified.  The following TIA terms have the following meanings as used in this Indenture:

 

Commission ” means the SEC.

 

indenture securities ” means the Notes.

 

indenture securities holder ” means a Holder.

 

indenture to be qualified ” means this Indenture.

 

indenture trustee ” or “ institutional trustee ” means the Trustee.

 

obligor ” on the “ indenture securities ” means the Issuer and the Guarantors and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Note Guarantees, respectively.

 

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All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings assigned to them by such definitions.

 

1.4.         Rules of Construction .  Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a)   a term has the meaning assigned to it;

 

(b)   an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

 

(c)   “or” is not exclusive;

 

(d)   “including” or “include” means including or include without limitation;

 

(e)   words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;

 

(f)    (1) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinated or junior to secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured, (2) secured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinated or junior to any other secured Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral and (3) Indebtedness that is not guaranteed shall not be deemed to be subordinated or junior to Indebtedness that is guaranteed merely because of such guarantee;

 

(g)   the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section, clause or other subdivision;

 

(h)   for purposes of the covenants and definitions set forth in this Indenture, amounts stated in U.S. dollars shall be deemed to include both U.S. dollars and Dollar Equivalents;

 

(i)    references herein to Articles, Sections, other subdivisions and Exhibits are references to Articles, Sections, other subdivisions and Exhibits of this Indenture; and

 

(j)    references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement of successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time.

 

ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES

 

2.1.         The Notes .  (a)  Form and Dating .  The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture.  The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, the rules of any securities exchange or usage.  The Issuer shall approve the form of the Notes.  Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.  The terms and provisions contained in the form of the Notes shall constitute and are hereby expressly made a part of this Indenture.  However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.  The Notes shall

 

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be issued only in fully registered form without coupons and only in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

(b)   Global Notes .  Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of a temporary Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, except as otherwise permitted herein (the “ Regulation S Temporary Global Note ”), which shall be deposited with the Trustee as custodian for the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee (or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.2) as hereinafter provided.

 

Following (i) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (ii) receipt by the Trustee of certification in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee that beneficial interests in such Regulation S Temporary Global Notes are owned either by non-U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S) or U.S. persons who purchased such interests in a Transaction that did not require registration under the Securities Act, beneficial interests in each Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in a permanent Global Note in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, with such applicable legends as are provided in Exhibit A hereto, except as otherwise permitted herein (each, a “ Regulation S Permanent Global Note ” and, together with the Regulation S Temporary Global Notes, the “ Regulation S Global Note ”). Simultaneously with the authentication of the corresponding Regulation S Permanent Global Note, the Trustee shall cancel the corresponding Regulation S Temporary Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of a Regulation S Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made by the Registrar on Schedule A to the Regulation S Global Note and recorded in the Security Register, as hereinafter provided.

 

The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream Banking” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

 

Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A as provided in the Purchase Agreement shall be issued initially in the form of one or more Global Notes substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, with such applicable legends as are provided in Exhibit A hereto, except as otherwise permitted herein (the “ Restricted Global Note ”), which shall be deposited with the Trustee as custodian for the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee (or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.2) as hereinafter provided.  The aggregate principal amount of the Restricted Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made by the Registrar on Schedule A to the Restricted Global Note and recorded in the Security Register, as hereinafter provided.

 

(c)   Book-Entry Provisions .  This Section 2.1(c) shall apply to the Regulation S Global Note and the Restricted Global Note (collectively, the “ Global Notes ”) deposited with or on behalf of the Depositary.

 

Members of, or participants and account holders in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream (“ Participants ”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note

 

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held on their behalf by the Depositary, or by the Trustee or any custodian of the Depositary or under such Global Note, and the Depositary or its nominee may be treated by the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee as the sole owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Participants, the operation of customary practices of such persons governing the exercise of the rights of an owner of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(b), the registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Participants and Persons that may hold interests through Participants, to take any action that a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

 

Except as provided in Section 2.10, owners of a beneficial interest in Global Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated Notes.

 

2.2.         Execution and Authentication .  An authorized member of the Board of Directors or executive officer of the Issuer shall sign the Notes for the Issuer by manual or facsimile signature.

 

If an authorized member of the Board of Directors or executive officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Note shall be valid nevertheless.

 

A Note shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until an authorized signatory of the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Note.  The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.

 

Pursuant to an Issuer Order, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate (a) Original Notes for original issue up to an aggregate principal amount of $350,000,000 and (b) Additional Notes in such amounts as may be specified from time to time without limit, subject to compliance at the time of issuance of such Additional Notes with the provisions of this Indenture.  The aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding shall not exceed the amount authorized for issuance by the Issuer pursuant to one or more Issuer Orders, except as provided in Section 2.7.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate the Notes.  Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, any such authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so.  Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by any such agent.  An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, co-Registrar, Transfer Agent or Paying Agent to deal with the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer.

 

The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Notes under this Section 2.2 if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to existing Holders.

 

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2.3.         Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent .  The Issuer shall maintain an office or agency for the registration of the Notes and for their transfer or exchange (the “ Registrar ”), an office or agency where the Notes may be transferred or exchanged (the “ Transfer Agent ”), an office or agency where the Notes may be presented for payment (the “ Paying Agent ”) and an office or agency where notices or demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes may be served.

 

The Issuer shall maintain a Transfer Agent and Paying Agent in New York, New York.  The Issuer may appoint one or more Transfer Agents, one or more co-Registrars and one or more additional Paying Agents.  The Issuer or any of its Affiliates may act as Transfer Agent, Registrar, co-Registrar, Paying Agent and agent for service of notices and demands in connection with the Notes; provided , however , that neither the Issuer nor any of its Affiliates shall act as Paying Agent for the purposes of Articles 3 and 8 and Sections 4.9 and 4.11.

 

The Issuer hereby appoints the office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan in New York, New York as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent and agent for service of notices and demands in connection with the Notes.  The address for such office shall initially be U.S. Bank National Association, Global Corporate Trust Services, 100 Wall Street, 16 th  Floor, New York, New York, 10005, Attention: FTS International, Inc.

 

Subject to any applicable laws and regulations, the Issuer shall cause the Registrar to keep a register (the “ Security Register ”) at its corporate trust office in which, subject to such reasonable regulations it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of ownership, exchange, and transfer of the Notes.  Such registration in the Security Register shall be conclusive evidence of the ownership of Notes.  Included in the books and records for the Notes shall be notations as to whether such Notes have been paid, exchanged or transferred, canceled, lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed and whether such Notes have been replaced.  In the case of the replacement of any of the Notes, the Registrar shall keep a record of the Note so replaced and the Note issued in replacement thereof.  In the case of the cancellation of any of the Notes, the Registrar shall keep a record of the Note so canceled and the date on which such Note was canceled.

 

If the Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Paying Agent or co-Registrar not a party to this Indenture, such agreement shall incorporate the terms of the TIA.  The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent.  The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent.  If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.6.

 

2.4.         Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust .  Not later than 11:00 am (New York, New York time) on each due date of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on any Notes, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent money in immediately available funds sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, and interest so becoming due on the due date for payment under the Notes.  The Issuer shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that such Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes (whether such money has been paid to it by the Issuer or any other obligor on the Notes), and such Paying Agent shall promptly notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuer (or any other obligor on the Notes) in making any such payment.  The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and account for any funds disbursed, and the Trustee may at any time during the

 

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continuance of any payment default, upon written request to a Paying Agent, require such Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed.  Upon doing so, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money so paid over to the Trustee.  If the Issuer, or any of its Affiliates acts as Paying Agent, it shall, on or before each due date of any principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders a sum of money sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, or interest so becoming due until such sum of money shall be paid to such Holders or otherwise disposed of as provided in this Indenture, and shall promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure to act.

 

2.5.         Holder Lists .  The Registrar shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA Section 312(a).  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee, in writing no later than the Record Date for each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such Record Date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders, including the aggregate principal amount of Notes held by each Holder.

 

2.6.         Transfer and Exchange .  (a)  Where Notes are presented to the Registrar or a co-Registrar with a request to register a transfer or to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Notes of other denominations, the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange in accordance with the requirements of this Section 2.6.  To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Notes, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, at the Registrar’s request.  No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein), but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any agency fee or similar charge payable in connection with any such registration of transfer or exchange of Notes (other than any agency fee or similar charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.7 or 9.5) or in accordance with an offer pursuant to Section 4.9 or Section 4.11, not involving a transfer.

 

Upon presentation for exchange or transfer of any Note as permitted by the terms of this Indenture and by any legend appearing on such Note, such Note shall be exchanged or transferred upon the Security Register and one or more new Notes shall be authenticated and issued in the name of the Holder (in the case of exchanges only) or the transferee, as the case may be.  No exchange or transfer of a Note shall be effective under this Indenture unless and until such Note has been registered in the name of such Person in the Security Register.  Furthermore, the exchange or transfer of any Note shall not be effective under this Indenture unless the request for such exchange or transfer is made by the Holder or by a duly authorized attorney-in-fact at the office of the Registrar.

 

Every Note presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Issuer or the Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument or transfer, in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

 

All Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer evidencing the same indebtedness, and entitled to the same

 

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benefits under this Indenture, as the Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

 

The Issuer shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any Note during a period beginning at the opening of 15 Business Days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of Notes selected for redemption under Section 3.2 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, (B) to register the transfer of or exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part or (C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a Record Date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.

 

(b)   Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, so long as a Global Note remains outstanding and is held by or on behalf of the Depositary, transfers of a Global Note, in whole or in part, or of any beneficial interest therein, shall only be made in accordance with Section 2.6(a) and this Section 2.6(b); provided , however , that a beneficial interest in a Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the restricted note legend on the Note, if any.

 

(i)                Except for transfers or exchanges made in accordance with any of clauses (ii) and (iii) of this Section 2.6(b), transfers of a Global Note shall be limited to transfers of such Global Note in whole, but not in part, to nominees of the Depositary or to a successor of the Depositary or such successor’s nominee.

 

(ii)               Restricted Global Note to Regulation S Global Note .  If the owner of a beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note at any time wishes to exchange its interest in such Restricted Global Note for an interest in the Regulation S Global Note, or to transfer its interest in such Restricted Global Note to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note, such transfer or exchange may be effected, only in accordance with this clause (ii) and the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream. Upon receipt by the Registrar from the Transfer Agent of (A) instructions directing the Registrar to credit or cause to be credited an interest in the Regulation S Global Note in a specified principal amount and to cause to be debited an interest in the Restricted Global Note in such specified principal amount, and (B) a certificate in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto given by the owner of such beneficial interest stating that the transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and (1) pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S or (2) that the Note being transferred is being transferred in a Transaction permitted by Rule 144, then the Registrar shall instruct the Depositary to reduce or cause to be reduced the principal amount of the Restricted Global Note and the Depositary to increase or cause to be increased the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note by the aggregate principal amount of the interest in the Restricted Global Note to be exchanged.

 

(iii)              Regulation S Global Note to Restricted Global Note .  If the owner of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note at any time wishes to transfer such interest to a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note, such transfer may be effected only in accordance with this clause (iii) and the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream.  Upon receipt by the Registrar from the Transfer Agent of (A) instructions directing the Registrar to credit or cause to be credited an interest in the Restricted Global Note in a specified principal amount and to cause to be debited an interest in the Regulation S Global Note in such

 

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specified principal amount, and (B) a certificate in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto given by the owner of such beneficial interest stating that the transfer of such interest has been made in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and stating that (1) the Person transferring such interest reasonably believes that the Person acquiring such interest is a QIB and is obtaining such interest in a Transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or (2) that the Person transferring such interest is relying on an exemption other than Rule 144A from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and, in such circumstances, such Opinion of Counsel as the Issuer or the Trustee may reasonably request to ensure that the requested transfer or exchange is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a Transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the Registrar shall instruct the Depositary to reduce or cause to be reduced the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note and to increase or cause to be increased the principal amount of the Restricted Global Note by the aggregate principal amount of the interest in the Regulation S Global Note to be exchanged or transferred.

 

(iv)          Global Notes to certificated Notes .  In the event that a Global Note is exchanged for Notes in certificated, registered form pursuant to Section 2.10, such Notes may be exchanged only in accordance with such procedures as are substantially consistent with the provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) above (including the certification requirements intended to ensure that such transfers comply with Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act, as the case may be) and such other procedures as may from time to time be adopted by the Issuer and the Trustee.  A beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may not be exchanged for a Note in certificated form or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Note in certificated form prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) of the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.

 

(c)   If Notes are issued upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes bearing the restricted Notes legends set forth in Exhibit A hereto, the Notes so issued shall bear the restricted Notes legends, and a request to remove such restricted Notes legends from Notes shall not be honored unless there is delivered to the Issuer such satisfactory evidence, which may include an Opinion of Counsel licensed to practice law in the State of New York, as may be reasonably required by the Issuer, that neither the legend nor the restrictions on transfer set forth therein are required to ensure that transfers thereof comply with the provisions of Rule 144A or Rule 144 under the Securities Act.  Upon provision of such satisfactory evidence, the Trustee, at the direction of the Issuer, shall authenticate and deliver Notes that do not bear the legend.

 

(d)   The Trustee shall have no responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream, as the case may be.

 

2.7.         Replacement Notes .  If a mutilated certificated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Note in such form as the Note mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken if the Holder satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee or the Issuer.  If required by the Trustee or the Issuer, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Issuer and the Trustee to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Transfer Agent, the Registrar

 

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and any co-Registrar, and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced.  The Issuer and the Trustee may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Note.

 

Every replacement Note shall be an additional obligation of the Issuer and will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

 

2.8.         Outstanding Notes .  Notes outstanding at any time are all Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation and those described in this Section 2.8 as not outstanding.  A Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer holds the Note; however, Notes held by the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer shall not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of Section 3.8(c) hereof.

 

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.7, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Issuer receive proof satisfactory to them that the Note which has been replaced is held by a protected purchaser (as defined in Article 8 of the UCC).

 

If the Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a Redemption Date or maturity date money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest, payable on that date with respect to the Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, and the Paying Agent is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then on and after that date such Notes (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

 

2.9.         Notes Held by Issuer .  In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction or consent or any amendment, modification or other change to this Indenture, Notes owned by the Issuer, any Guarantor or by an Affiliate of the Issuer or any Guarantor shall be disregarded and treated as if they were not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent or any amendment, modification or other change to this Indenture, only Notes which the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.  Notes so owned which have been pledged in good faith shall not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgees right so to act with respect to the Notes and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer.

 

2.10.       Certificated Notes .  (a)  A Global Note deposited with the Depositary, as the case may be, or other custodian for the Depositary pursuant to Section 2.1 shall be transferred to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of certificated Notes only if such transfer complies with Section 2.6 and one of the following events has occurred (each, a “ Certificated Note Event ”) (1) the Depositary notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as the Depositary for such Global Note, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under the Exchange Act, and in each case the Issuer fails to appoint a successor depositary, or (2) the Issuer, at its option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of certificated Notes, or (3) an Event of Default, or an event which after notice or lapse of time or both would be an Event of Default, has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes and DTC, acting at the request of its participants, requests that all or a portion of the Notes be issued in definitive form.  Notice of any such transfer shall be given by the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.2(a).

 

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(b)          Any Global Note that is transferable to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of certificated Notes pursuant to this Section 2.10 shall be surrendered by the Depositary to the Transfer Agent, to be so transferred, in whole or from time to time in part, without charge, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon such transfer of each portion of such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount at maturity of Notes of authorized denominations in the form of certificated Notes.  Any portion of a Global Note transferred or exchanged pursuant to this Section 2.10 shall be executed, authenticated and delivered only in registered form in authorized denominations and registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.  Subject to the foregoing, a Global Note is not exchangeable except for a Global Note of like denomination to be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.  In the event that a Global Note becomes exchangeable for certificated Notes, payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the certificated Notes shall be payable, and the transfer of the certificated Notes shall be registrable, at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purposes in accordance with Section 2.3.  Such certificated Notes shall bear the applicable legends set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

 

(c)           In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 2.10(a), the Issuer shall promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of certificated Notes in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons.

 

(d)          In the event that certificated Notes are not issued to each owner of beneficial interests in Global Notes in accordance with subsection (a) above promptly after a Certificated Note Event, the Issuer explicitly acknowledges, with respect to the right of any Holder to pursue a remedy pursuant to Section 6.6 or 6.7 hereof, the right of any beneficial owner in any Global Note to pursue such remedy with respect to the portion of the Global Note that represents such beneficial owner’s Notes as if such certificated Notes had been issued.

 

2.11.                      Cancellation .  The Issuer or anyone on behalf of the Issuer upon its instructions at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment.  The Trustee, in accordance with its customary procedures, and no one else shall cancel (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act and the Trustee’s retention policy) all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and dispose of such cancelled Notes in its customary manner.  Except as otherwise provided in this Indenture the Issuer may not issue new Notes to replace Notes it has redeemed, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

2.12.                      Defaulted Interest .  Any interest on any Note that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and this Indenture (the dollar amount of all such interest due but not paid herein called “ Defaulted Interest ”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (a) or (b) below:

 

(a)          The Issuer may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest (and any interest on such Defaulted Interest, which will accrue at the rate specified therefor in the Notes, to the extent lawful), which shall be fixed in the following manner.  The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment,

 

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and at the same time the Issuer may deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest; or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided.  In addition, the Issuer shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, such date to be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the proposed payment date and not less than 15 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment date.  The Issuer shall promptly but, in any event, not less than 15 days prior to the special record date, notify the Trustee of such special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer, the Trustee shall cause notice of the proposed payment date of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to be mailed first-class, postage prepaid to each Holder as such Holder’s address appears in the Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such special Record Date.  Notice of the proposed payment date of such Defaulted Interest and the special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on such special record date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to clause (b) below.

 

(b)          The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Notes in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment date pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed reasonably practicable.

 

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12, each Note delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Note.

 

2.13.                      Computation of Interest .  (a) All Notes will bear interest from June 1, 2015 or the last date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for at the rates set quarterly pursuant to this Section 2.13(a), payable quarterly in arrears on each Interest Payment Date commencing September 15, 2015; provided, however , in the event that any Interest Payment Date (other than the Interest Payment Date that is the Stated Maturity of the principal of the Notes) would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date will be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day. Such interest will be payable to the Holder of the Notes as of the related Record Date.

 

(b) The Notes will bear interest for each quarterly Interest Period at the Applicable Rate as determined by the Calculation Agent. Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 360-day year. The interest rate applicable during each quarterly Interest Period will be equal to LIBOR (which shall not be below 0%) on the Determination Date for such Interest Period plus 7.500%. The accrued interest on the Notes for any period is calculated by multiplying the principal amount of the Notes by an accrued interest factor. The accrued interest factor is computed by adding the interest factor calculated for each day in the period for which accrued interest is being calculated. The interest factor (expressed as a decimal rounded upwards if necessary) is computed by dividing the interest rate (expressed as a decimal rounded upwards if necessary) applicable to such date by 360.

 

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(c) All percentages resulting from any calculation of the interest rate on the Notes will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one-hundred thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards ( e.g., 0.567845% (or .00567845) being rounded to 0.56785% (or .0056785) and 0.567844% (or .00567844) being rounded to 0.56784% (or .0056784)), and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upwards).

 

(d) Promptly upon each determination of the interest rate, the Trustee will notify the Issuer of the interest rate for the new Interest Period. The interest rate determined by the Calculation Agent, absent manifest error, shall be binding and conclusive upon the beneficial owners and Holders of the Notes, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee.

 

(e) Upon the request of a Holder of the Notes, the Trustee will provide to such Holder the interest rate in effect on the date of such request and, if determined, the interest rate for the next Interest Period.

 

2.14.                      CUSIP and Common Code Numbers .  The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP, ISIN and Common Code numbers (if then generally in use).  In the case of Restricted Global Notes, unrestricted CUSIP, ISIN and Common Code numbers, as applicable, will be assigned at the time the restricted CUSIP, ISIN and Common Code numbers, as applicable, are assigned, and the Restricted Global Notes will assume such unrestricted numbers in place of the original restricted ones when they become freely tradable on an unconditional basis.  The Trustee shall use any such CUSIP, ISIN and Common Code numbers, as appropriate, in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided , however , that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers or codes either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.  The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP, ISIN or Common Code numbers.

 

2.15.                      Issuance of Additional Notes .  The Issuer may, subject to Section 4.6 of this Indenture, issue Additional Notes under this Indenture in accordance with the procedures of Section 2.2.  Additional Notes shall have the same terms as the Notes, or the same terms except for the payment of interest on the Notes (a) scheduled and paid prior to the date of issuance of such Additional Notes and (b) payable on the first Interest Payment Date following the date of issuance.  The Original Notes issued on the date of this Indenture and any Additional Notes subsequently issued shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture.

 

ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION

 

3.1.                             Right of Redemption .  The Issuer may redeem all or any portion of the Notes upon the terms and at the Redemption Prices set forth in the Notes and this Article.  Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of this Article.

 

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3.2.                             Notices to Trustee .  If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to Section 3.1, it shall notify the Trustee in writing of the Redemption Date, the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and the paragraph of the Notes pursuant to which the redemption will occur.

 

The Issuer shall give each notice to the Trustee, which notice may be subject to conditions precedent, provided for in this Section 3.2 in writing at least 15 Business Days before the date notice is mailed to the Holders pursuant to Section 3.4 unless the Trustee consents to a shorter period.  Such notice shall be accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer to the effect that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein.  If less than all the Notes are to be redeemed, the record date relating to such redemption shall be selected by the Issuer and given to the Trustee, which record date shall be not less than 15 days after the date of notice to the Trustee.

 

3.3.                             Selection of Notes to be Redeemed .  If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not listed on a national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis (or in the case of Notes issued in the form of Global Notes, based on such method as DTC may require); provided , however , that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Note not redeemed to less than $2,000.

 

The Trustee shall make the selection from the Notes outstanding and not previously called for redemption.  The Trustee shall select for redemption portions equal to $2,000 in principal amount or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.  The Trustee shall notify the Issuer and the Registrar promptly in writing of the Notes or portions of Notes to be called for redemption.

 

3.4.                             Notice of Redemption .  (a)  At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Notes, the Issuer shall mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder to be redeemed and shall comply with the provisions of Section 14.2(b).

 

(b)          The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed (including CUSIP, ISIN) and shall state:

 

(i)                                                         the Redemption Date and the record date relating thereto;

 

(ii)                                                      the Redemption Price and the amount of accrued interest (the actual amount of which may vary pending the determination of the Applicable Rate as of the Redemption Date), if any, to be paid;

 

(iii)                                                   the name and address of the Paying Agent;

 

(iv)                                                  that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price plus accrued interest, if any;

 

(v)                                                     that, if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount thereof (equal to $2,000 in principal amount or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such Note to be redeemed and that, on and after the Redemption Date,

 

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upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be reissued;

 

(vi)                                                  that, if any Note contains a CUSIP or ISIN, no representation is being made as to the correctness of such CUSIP or ISIN either as printed on the Notes or as contained in the notice of redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes;

 

(vii)                                               that, unless the Issuer and the Guarantors default in making such redemption payment, interest on the Notes (or portion thereof) called for redemption shall cease to accrue on and after the Redemption Date;

 

(viii)                                            the paragraph of the Notes pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed; and

 

(ix)                                                  any condition precedent to which the redemption or notice of redemption is subject.

 

Notice of any redemption of the Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of and be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an offering of Equity Interests, a Change of Control, other offerings or issuances of Indebtedness or other Transactions or events. In addition, if such redemption is subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date so delayed, or the redemption may be partial as a result of only some of the conditions being satisfied. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the Redemption Price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing promptly upon the satisfaction or failure of any condition precedent to any redemption or notice of redemption.

 

At the Issuer’s written request, the Trustee shall give a notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense.  In such event, the Issuer shall provide the Trustee with the notice and the other information required by this Section 3.4.

 

3.5.                             Deposit of Redemption Price .  On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Issuer shall deposit or cause to be deposited with the Paying Agent (or, if the Issuer or a wholly owned subsidiary is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) a sum in same day funds sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of and accrued interest, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed on that date other than Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption that have previously been delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Paying Agent shall return to the Issuer any funds so deposited that is not required for that purpose.

 

If the Issuer complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase.  If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after an interest Record Date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such Record Date.  If any Note called for redemption or purchase is not

 

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so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Issuer to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful, on any Defaulted Interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes.

 

3.6.                             Payment of Notes Called for Redemption .  If notice of redemption has been given in the manner provided in Section 3.4, the Notes or portion of Notes specified in such notice to be redeemed shall become due and payable on the Redemption Date at the Redemption Price stated therein (unless such notice of redemption or redemption was subject to one or more conditions precedent), together with accrued interest to such Redemption Date, and on and after such date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of such Notes at the Redemption Price and accrued interest to the Redemption Date, in which case the principal, until paid, shall bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed in the Notes), such Notes shall cease to accrue interest.  Upon surrender of any Note for redemption in accordance with a notice of redemption, such Note shall be paid and redeemed by the Issuer at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date; provided , however , that installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Date.

 

Notice of redemption shall be deemed to be given when mailed, whether or not the Holder receives the notice.  In any event, failure to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of Notes held by Holders to whom such notice was properly given.

 

3.7.                             Notes Redeemed in Part .  (a)  Upon surrender of a Global Note that is redeemed in part, the Paying Agent shall forward such Global Note to the Trustee who shall make a notation on the Security Register to reduce the principal amount of such Global Note to an amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Global Note surrendered; provided , however , that each such Global Note shall be in a principal amount at final Stated Maturity of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

(b)          Upon surrender and cancellation of a certificated Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder (at the Issuer’s expense) a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered and canceled; provided , however , that each such certificated Note shall be in a principal amount at final Stated Maturity of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

(c)           No Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part.

 

(d)          If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note will state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.  Subject to minimum denomination requirements, a new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note.  Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption (unless such notice of redemption or redemption was subject to one or more conditions precedent). On and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

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3.8.                             Optional Redemption .  (a)  The Notes are subject to redemption, at the option of the Issuer, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on and after June 15, 2016 at the Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant regular Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on June 15 of the years indicated below:

 

Year

 

Redemption Price

 

2016

 

103.000

%

2017

 

101.500

%

2018 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

(b)          At any time and from time to time prior to June 15, 2016, the Issuer may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a Redemption Price equal to the sum of (1) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (2) the Applicable Premium as of the date of redemption, plus (3) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

 

(c)           In addition to the optional redemption provisions of the Notes in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, prior to June 15, 2016, the Issuer may, with the net proceeds of one or more Qualified Equity Offerings, redeem up to 35% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including increases from Additional Notes) at a Redemption Price equal to 107.500% of the principal amount thereof, plus LIBOR (assuming LIBOR for the period from the redemption date through June 15, 2016 will equal LIBOR in effect on the date on which the applicable notice of redemption is given), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date); provided that at least 65% of the principal amount of Notes then outstanding (including Additional Notes) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Issuer or Subsidiaries of the Issuer) and that any such redemption occurs within 120 days following the closing of any such Qualified Equity Offering.

 

(d)          If Holders of not less than 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes accept an Offer to Purchase made in connection with a Change of Control as required by this Indenture (a “ Change of Control Offer ”), and the Issuer purchases all of the Notes held by such holders, the Issuer will have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following the purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer described above, to redeem all of the Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to but not including the date of redemption, subject to the right of the Holders on relevant Record Dates to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date.

 

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ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS

 

4.1.                             Payment of Notes .  The Issuer covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders that they shall duly and punctually pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and in this Indenture.  Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent (other than the Issuer or any of its Affiliates) holds, in accordance with this Indenture, funds sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due.  If the Issuer or any of its Affiliates acts as Paying Agent, principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the due date if the entity acting as Paying Agent complies with Section 2.4.

 

The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) at the rate specified therefor in the Notes.  The Issuer shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on Defaulted Interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

4.2.                             Corporate Existence .  Subject to Article 5, the Issuer and each Restricted Subsidiary shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect their corporate, partnership, limited liability company or other existence and the rights (charter and statutory), licences and franchises of the Issuer and each Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that the Issuer shall not be required to preserve any such right, licence or franchise if the Board of Directors of the Issuer shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders; provided, further , that the foregoing shall not prohibit a sale, transfer or conveyance of a Restricted Subsidiary or any of its assets done in compliance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

4.3.                             Maintenance of Properties .  The Issuer shall cause all properties owned by it or any Restricted Subsidiary or used or held for use in the conduct of its business or the business of any Restricted Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and shall cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Issuer may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 4.3 shall prevent the Issuer from discontinuing the maintenance of any such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Issuer, desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

 

4.4.                             Insurance .  The Issuer shall maintain, and shall cause the Restricted Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance with carriers believed by the Issuer to be responsible, against such risks and in such amounts, and with such deductibles, retentions, self-insured amounts and coinsurance provisions, as the Issuer believes are customarily carried by businesses similarly situated and owning like properties, including as appropriate general liability, property and casualty loss and interruption of business insurance.

 

4.5.                             Statement as to Compliance .  (a)  The Issuer and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the TIA) shall deliver to the Trustee, within

 

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90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing officers with a view to determining whether the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such officer signing such Officers’ Certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in Default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that to the best of his or her knowledge no Event of Default has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of or interest, if any, on the Notes is prohibited or if such Event of Default has occurred, a description of the Event of Default and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.  For purposes of this Section 4.5(a), such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.

 

(b)          When any Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture, or if the trustee of, or the holder of, any other evidence of Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary outstanding gives any notice stating that it is a Notice of Default or takes any other action to accelerate such Indebtedness or enforce any Note therefor, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee within five Business Days by registered or certified mail or facsimile transmission an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Event of Default, notice or other action, its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

4.6.                             Limitation on Indebtedness .  (a)  The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, Incur any Indebtedness (including acquired Indebtedness); provided, however, that the Issuer and the Guarantors may Incur Indebtedness (including acquired Indebtedness) if, after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness and the receipt and application of the proceeds therefrom, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Issuer’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements have been delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the terms of Section 4.18, would be at least 2.0 to 1.0.

 

(b)          Subsection (a) hereof will not prohibit the Incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “ Permitted Indebtedness ”):

 

(i)                                      (x) Indebtedness represented by the Notes issued on the Issue Date and (y) other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed, in the aggregate for (x) and (y), the greatest of (a) $300 million less (i) any prepayments of term loans under Credit Facilities (other than the Indebtedness under the Term Loan Credit Facility incurred on the 2022 Notes Issue Date or any refinancing, refunding, replacement, extension, modification or renewal with aggregate borrowings or principal amount not to exceed that incurred under the Term Loan Credit Facility on the 2022 Notes Issue Date) and (ii) any prepayments under any revolving Credit Facility accompanied by permanent commitment reductions thereof, in the case of each (i) and (ii) with the proceeds of an Asset Sale, (b) 30% of Consolidated Tangible Assets and (c) the sum of 85% of the net book value of the accounts receivable of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries and 65% of the net book value of the inventory of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (the “ Borrowing Base ”);

 

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(ii)                                   (a) the Note Guarantees and other Guarantees by the Issuer and Guarantors of Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or a Guarantor in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture; provided that in the event such Indebtedness that is being Guaranteed is Indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any Note Guarantee, then the related Guarantee shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantee, as the case may be, and (b) other Guarantees by non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness Incurred by non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

 

(iii)                                Indebtedness of the Issuer owing to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to and held by the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however, that:

 

(A)                                if the Issuer is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is unsecured and expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Notes;

 

(B)                                if a Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness and the Issuer or a Guarantor is not the obligee, such Indebtedness is unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor; and

 

(C)                                any event that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (except for any pledgee of Indebtedness whose Lien is a Permitted Lien until the pledgee commences action to foreclose on such Indebtedness) will be deemed to constitute an Incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that is not permitted by this clause.

 

(iv)                               Any Indebtedness (other than the Indebtedness described in clause (b)(i) of this paragraph) and Guarantees in respect thereof, in each case, outstanding on the Issue Date after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of the Notes;

 

(v)                                  Indebtedness for Hedging Obligations that are entered into for the purpose of fixing, hedging or swapping interest rate risk, commodity price or basis risk, or foreign currency exchange rate risk (or to reverse or amend any such agreements previously made for such purpose) and not for speculative purposes; provided that in the case of Hedging Obligations relating to interest rates, (a) such Hedging Obligations relate to payment obligations on Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred by this covenant, and (b) the notional principal amount of such Hedging Obligations at the time incurred does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Hedging Obligations relate;

 

(vi)                               Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or other payments, in each case Incurred to finance all or any part of the purchase price, lease or cost of construction or improvement of assets or property (other than Equity Interests or other Investments) acquired, constructed or improved, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (vi), not to exceed the greater of (a) $50.0 million and

 

54



 

(b) 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer, determined as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness;

 

(vii)                            Indebtedness in respect of workers’ compensation claims, self-insurance obligations or the financing of insurance premiums or participation in insurance pools, or in respect of performance, surety, completion, and similar bonds and guarantees in the ordinary course of business, and appeal and similar bonds and guarantees provided or obtained by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with its business;

 

(viii)                         Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, earn-outs, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations (including Indebtedness in respect of letters of credit or bonds securing the foregoing), in each case, Incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business, assets or Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by any person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or capital stock of a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition); provided that, in the case of a disposition, the maximum aggregate liability in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds actually received by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition;

 

(ix)                               Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days after Incurrence;

 

(x)                                  Indebtedness arising in connection with endorsement of instruments for deposit in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xi)                               Indebtedness constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit; provided that such obligations under any letter of credit are reimbursed within 30 days after the drawing of such letter of credit;

 

(xii)                            Indebtedness of any Person outstanding on the date on which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or was acquired by, or merged into or amalgamated, arranged or consolidated with, the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness Incurred in contemplation of, as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate the Transaction or series of Transactions pursuant to which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or was otherwise acquired by the Issuer); provided , however , that at the time such Person is acquired, either;

 

(A)                                the Issuer would have been able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 4.6(a) after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness pursuant to this Section 4.6(b)(xii); or

 

(B)                                after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness pursuant to this Section 4.6(b)(xii), the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Issuer’s most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which financial statements have been delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.18 would have been higher than

 

55



 

such ratio immediately prior to such acquisition, merger, amalgamation, arrangement or consolidation;

 

(xiii)                         Indebtedness, sufficient net cash proceeds of which are promptly deposited to defease or to satisfy and discharge all of the Notes pursuant to Sections 8.2, 8.3 or 8.5 herein;

 

(xiv)                        Contingent Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted under this covenant;

 

(xv)                           Indebtedness, including Guarantees, Incurred by Foreign Subsidiaries to fund working capital requirements in an aggregate principal amount that when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xv), not to exceed 10.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets attributable to Foreign Subsidiaries;

 

(xvi)                        Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to Refinance, any Indebtedness, including any Disqualified Stock, incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(a) and clauses (ii), (iv), (xii), and (xvi) of Section 4.6(b); and

 

(xvii)                     in addition to the items referred to in clauses (i) through (xvi) above, Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate outstanding principal amount which, when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xvii), including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xvii), and then outstanding, will not exceed the greater of (a) $50.0 million or (b) 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness; provided , that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Indebtedness Incurred by any non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary shall not exceed $25.0 million.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.6, in the event that any proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories described in clauses (i) through (xvii) of this Section 4.6(b), or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(a), the Issuer will be permitted to classify, and may later reclassify, such item of Indebtedness or a part thereof in any manner that complies with this covenant.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Indebtedness under the Term Loan Credit Facility and the 2022 Notes outstanding on the Issue Date will be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on the exception provided by Section 4.6(b)(iv) above and cannot be reclassified.

 

(c)           For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. Dollar Equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred (or first committed, in the case of revolving credit Indebtedness); provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long

 

56



 

as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

 

(d)          The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such Refinancing.

 

(e)           The Issuer will not Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Issuer unless it is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes at least to the same extent.  The Issuer will not permit any Guarantor to Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of such Guarantor unless it is subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee at least to the same extent.  For purposes of this Indenture, no Indebtedness will be deemed to be subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, solely by reason of any Liens or Guarantees arising or created in respect thereof or by virtue of the fact that the holders of any secured Indebtedness have entered into intercreditor agreements giving one or more of such holders priority over the other holders in the collateral held by them.

 

(f)            Indebtedness permitted by this Section 4.6 need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Indebtedness but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this Section 4.6 permitting such Indebtedness.

 

(g)           Accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the accretion or payment of dividends on any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 4.6; provided , in each such case, that the amount thereof as accrued shall be included as required in the calculation of the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Issuer.

 

(h)          If Indebtedness is secured by a letter of credit that serves only to secure such Indebtedness, then the total amount deemed incurred shall be equal to the greater of (1) the principal of such Indebtedness and (2) the amount that may be drawn under such letter of credit.

 

4.7.                             Limitation on Liens .  (a)  The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other than Permitted Liens) upon any Collateral securing the Notes, now owned or hereafter acquired.

 

(b)          The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of their property or assets (other than Collateral securing the Notes) now owned or hereafter acquired, in order to secure any Indebtedness, unless all payments due under this Indenture and the Notes are secured by a Lien on such property or assets on an equal and ratable basis with the Indebtedness so secured (or, in the case of Indebtedness subordinated to the Notes or the related Note Guarantees, senior in priority thereto, with the same relative priority as the Notes shall have with respect to such

 

57



 

subordinated Indebtedness) until such time as such Indebtedness is no longer secured by a Lien.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Lien securing the Notes or a Note Guarantee granted pursuant to Section 4.7(b) shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon:  (1) the release of all other Liens that require the grant of Liens to secure the Notes or Note Guarantees pursuant to Section 4.7(b), (2) any sale, exchange or transfer to any Person not an Affiliate of the Issuer of the property or assets secured by such Lien ( provided that such Lien will be released only with respect to such property or assets), (3) any sale, exchange or transfer, in compliance with this Indenture, to any Person not an Affiliate of the Issuer of all of the Capital Stock held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in, or all or substantially all the assets of, any Restricted Subsidiary creating such Lien ( provided that such Lien will be released only with respect to the Capital Stock and the assets of such Restricted Subsidiary sold, exchanged or transferred), or (4) with respect to any Lien securing a Note Guarantee, the release of such Note Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture.

 

4.8.                             Limitation on Restricted Payments .  (a)  The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, take any of the following actions (each, a “ Restricted Payment ”):

 

(i)                                      declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution with respect to any of the Equity Interests of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Equity Interests of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries in their capacity as such (other than dividends, payments or distributions (i) payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer, (ii) to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) made by a Restricted Subsidiary on a pro rata basis to holders of Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary);

 

(ii)                                   purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) any Equity Interests of the Issuer held by any Person (other than by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) or any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary held by any Person other than by the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(iii)                                make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to the Stated Maturity thereof any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any Note Guarantee except (A) in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such payment, purchase or other acquisition or (B) intercompany Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(b)(iii); or

 

(iv)                               make any Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) in any Person, unless, at the time of and after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted Payment:

 

(A)                                no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; and

 

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(B)                                the Issuer could Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.6(a); and

 

(C)                                such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries after the 2022 Notes Issue Date (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (a), (b), (c), (e), (f), (g), (i), (k) and (l) of Section 4.8(b)), is less than the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(i)                                      50% of the Consolidated Net Income on a cumulative basis during the period (taken as one accounting period) beginning on July 1, 2014 and ending on the last day of the Issuer’s last fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such proposed Restricted Payment for which financial statements have been delivered to the Trustee pursuant to the terms of Section 4.18 as described below (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit), plus

 

(ii)                                   the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Issuer and the Fair Market Value of any marketable securities or other property received by the Issuer since the 2022 Notes Issue Date as a contribution to its common equity capital or from the issue or sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer and the amount of reduction of Indebtedness of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries that has been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests sold to, or Indebtedness held by, a Subsidiary of the Issuer), plus

 

(iii)                                with respect to Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries after the 2022 Notes Issue Date (including any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary), an amount equal to the net reduction in such Investments in any Person (except, in each case, to the extent any such amount is included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income), resulting from repayment to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of loans or advances or from the receipt of net cash proceeds from the sale or otherwise in respect of such Investment, or from the release of any Guarantee, except to the extent any amounts are paid under such Guarantee; plus

 

(iv)                               in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as Restricted Subsidiary (as long as the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary was deemed a Restricted Payment), the Fair

 

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Market Value of the Issuer’s interest in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation (except to the extent any such amount is included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income); plus

 

(v)                                  100% of any dividends received by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer after the 2022 Notes Issue Date from an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, to the extent that such dividends were not otherwise included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer for such period.

 

(b)          Section 4.8(a) shall not prohibit:

 

(a)                                  any Restricted Payment made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock and other than Equity Interests issued or sold to a Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such sale to an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust is financed by loans from or Guaranteed by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary unless such loans have been repaid with cash on or prior to the date of determination); provided , however , that the net cash proceeds from such Transaction that are used for such purposes shall be excluded from Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(ii);

 

(b)                                  any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition, payment or retirement of Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantees made by exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds from the substantially concurrent Incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness that is permitted pursuant to Section 4.6;

 

(c)                                   any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that, in each case, is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6 and that in each case constitutes Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;

 

(d)                                  The payment of any dividend or redemption payment or the making of any distribution within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture or any dividend or similar distribution by a Restricted Subsidiary to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis;

 

(e)                                   so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,

 

(i)                                      the purchase, redemption or other acquisition, cancellation or retirement for value of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary held by any existing or former employees, officers, managers, partners, directors or holders of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer or

 

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their assigns, estates or heirs, in each case in connection with the repurchase provisions under restricted stock units, stock option or stock purchase agreements or other agreements; provided that such redemptions or repurchases pursuant to this clause will not exceed $1.5 million in the aggregate during any calendar year (with any unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the immediately succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum of $3.0 million in any calendar year), plus the amount of any capital contributions to the Issuer as a result of sales of Equity Interests of the Issuer to such persons ( provided, however , that, to the extent used under this clause (e)(i), the net cash proceeds from such sale of Equity Interests shall be excluded from Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(ii) of the preceding paragraph) plus the net cash proceeds of any “key-man” life insurance policies ( provided, however , that, to the extent used under this clause (e)(i), the net cash proceeds from such policies shall be excluded from Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(ii)); and

 

(ii)                                   loans or advances to employees, officers or directors of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer, the proceeds of which are used to purchase Equity Interests of the Issuer, in an aggregate amount not in excess of $2.0 million at any one time outstanding (without giving effect to the forgiveness of any such loan);

 

(f)                                    so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer issued after the Issue Date in accordance with Section 4.6(a) to the extent such dividends or other distributions constitute Fixed Charges;

 

(g)                                   repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the vesting or settlement of restricted stock units, exercise of stock options, warrants, other rights to purchase Equity Interests or other convertible securities or similar securities if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price thereof (or withholding, purchases or deemed purchases of Equity Interests to satisfy related withholding taxes with regard to the exercise of such stock options, warrants or other rights to purchase Equity Interests or the vesting or settlement of any such restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units or any similar securities);

 

(h)                                  the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Indebtedness subordinated in right of payment to the Notes to the extent required by the agreement governing such Indebtedness (A) at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal amount of such subordinated Indebtedness in the event of a Change of Control in accordance with provisions similar to Section 4.11 or (B) at a purchase price not greater than 100% of the principal amount thereof in accordance with provisions similar to Section 4.9; provided that, prior to or simultaneously with such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement, the Issuer has made the Offer to Purchase as provided for under Section 4.11 or Section 4.9, respectively, of this Indenture with respect to the Notes and

 

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has completed the repurchase or redemption of all Notes validly tendered for payment in connection with such Offer to Purchase;

 

(i)                                      an Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) either (i) solely in exchange for shares of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer or (ii) through the application of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Issuer) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer; provided , that the net cash proceeds from such sale of Capital Stock will be excluded from Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(ii);

 

(j)                                     payments or distributions to dissenting stockholders pursuant to applicable law in connection with a merger or consolidation that complies with the provisions described under Section 5.1;

 

(k)                                  cash payment in lieu of issuance of fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for the Equity Interests of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided , that such payment shall not be for the purpose of evading the limitations of this Section 4.8 (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Issuer in good faith);

 

(l)                                      so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect thereto, additional Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed the greater of (i) $35.0 million and (ii) 3.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Issuer, determined as of the date of such Restricted Payment; and

 

(m)                              so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect thereto, additional Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed $100.0 million if, at the time of the making of such Restricted Payment, and after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the incurrence of any Indebtedness to finance such payment), the Total Leverage Ratio is less than 4.00 to 1.00.

 

(c)           In determining whether any Restricted Payment is permitted by this Section 4.8, the Issuer may allocate or re-allocate all or any portion of such Restricted Payment among Section 4.8(a) through (m) or among such clauses and Section 4.8(a);  provided that at the time of such allocation or re-allocation all such Restricted Payments or allocated portions thereof, and all prior Restricted Payments would be permitted under the various provisions of Section 4.8.

 

(d)          If any Person in which an Investment is made, which Investment constitutes a Restricted Payment when made, thereafter becomes a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with this Indenture, all such Investments previously made in such Person shall be Permitted Investments, and for the avoidance of doubt all such Investments shall no longer be counted as Restricted Payments for purposes of calculating the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 4.8(a), in each case to the extent such Investments would otherwise be so counted.

 

(e)           For purposes of Section 4.8, if a particular Restricted Payment involves a non-cash payment, including a distribution of assets, then such Restricted Payment shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the cash portion of such Restricted Payment, if any, plus an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the non-cash portion of such Restricted Payment, which Fair Market Value of the non-cash portion, if greater than $20.0 million shall be

 

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determined conclusively by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer acting in good faith and having no personal stake in such Restricted Payment, whose resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee.

 

4.9.                             Limitation on Sale of Certain Assets .  (a)  The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:

 

(i)                                      the Issuer (or Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and

 

(ii)                                   at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of:

 

(A)                                Cash Equivalents (including any Cash Equivalents received from the conversion within 60 days of such Asset Sale of any securities, notes or other obligations received in consideration of such Asset Sale) or Liquid Securities;

 

(B)                                Replacement Assets;

 

(C)                                any liabilities of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities, Indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any Note Guarantee and liabilities to the extent owed to the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets or Equity Interests and for which the Issuer and all of the Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing;

 

(D)                                any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Asset Sale having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (D) since the Issue Date, not to exceed 10.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration (with the Fair Market Value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); or

 

(E)                                 any combination of the consideration specified in clauses (A) to (D) (the foregoing collectively being “Permitted Consideration”).

 

(b)          Any Asset Sale pursuant to a condemnation, appropriation or other similar taking, including by deed in lieu of condemnation, or pursuant to the foreclosure or other enforcement of a Permitted Lien or exercise by the related lienholder of rights with respect

 

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thereto, including by deed of assignment in lieu of foreclosure, shall not be required to satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 4.9(a)(i) and (ii).

 

(c)           During the 365 days after the receipt of any Net Available Cash from an Asset Sale the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, may apply an amount equal to such Net Available Cash at its option:

 

(i)                                      to repay (a) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, or (b) Notes Obligations as provided under Section 3.8, through open-market purchases (provided that such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) or by making an offer in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer, an ABL Collateral Asset Sale Offer or a Fleet Collateral Asset Sale Offer, as applicable;

 

(ii)                                   to purchase Replacement Assets (or enter into a binding agreement to purchase such Replacement Assets); provided that (a) such purchase is consummated no later than the later of (i) the 360th day after such Asset Sale or (ii) 180 days after the date of such binding agreement entered into within 360 days after such Asset Sale, (b) if such purchase is not consummated within the period set forth in subclause (a), an amount equal to the Net Available Cash not so applied shall be deemed to be ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds, Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds or Excess Proceeds (each, as defined below), as applicable, and (d) if such Net Available Cash is received in respect of Collateral, the Replacement Assets, to the extent constituting Notes/Term Collateral or ABL/Fleet Collateral and not an Excluded Asset, shall be pledged as Collateral; or

 

(iii)                                to make an Offer to Purchase as described below.

 

(d)          Pending the final application of any Net Available Cash, the Issuer may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under any Credit Facility or otherwise expend or invest such Net Available Cash in any manner that is not prohibited by this Indenture.

 

(e)           An amount equal to any Net Available Cash from Asset Sales of ABL Collateral that is not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in Section 4.9(c) (it being understood that any portion of such Net Available Cash used to purchase or make an offer to purchase Notes, as described in Section 4.9(c)(1) above, shall be deemed to have been invested whether or not such offer is accepted) shall be deemed to constitute “ ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds exceeds $35 million, the Issuer shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Obligations secured by a pari passu Lien permitted under this Indenture (which Lien is not subordinate to the Lien of the Notes with respect to the Collateral), to the holders of such other Obligations (an “ ABL Collateral Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase, subject to applicable minimum denomination requirements, the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes and such other Obligations that may be purchased out of the ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any (or, in respect of other Obligations, such lesser price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of such other Obligations), to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture. The Issuer shall commence an ABL Collateral Asset Sale Offer with respect to ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds exceed $35 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee.

 

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(f)            An amount equal to any Net Available Cash from Asset Sales of Fleet Collateral that is not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in Section 4.9(c) (it being understood that any portion of such Net Available Cash used to purchase or make an offer to purchase Notes, as described in Section 4.9(c)(1), shall be deemed to have been invested whether or not such offer is accepted) shall be deemed to constitute “ Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds exceeds $35 million, the Issuer shall make an offer to all holders of the Notes (a “ Fleet Collateral Asset Sale Offer ”), to purchase, subject to applicable minimum denomination requirements, the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes that may be purchased out of the Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture.  The Issuer shall commence a Fleet Collateral Asset Sale Offer with respect to Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds exceed $35 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee.

 

(g)           An amount equal to any Net Available Cash from any Asset Sale of Notes/Term Collateral or assets not constituting Collateral that is not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in Section 4.9(c) (it being understood that any portion of such Net Available Cash used to purchase or make an offer to purchase Notes, as described in Section 4.9(c)(i) above, shall be deemed to have been invested whether or not such offer is accepted) shall be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $35 million, the Issuer shall make an offer to all Holders of Notes (and, at the option of the Issuer, to holders of any Pari Passu Indebtedness) (an “ Asset Sale Offer ”) to purchase, subject to applicable minimum denomination requirements, the maximum principal amount of Notes (and such Pari Passu Indebtedness) that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any (or, in respect of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, such lesser price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of such Pari Passu Indebtedness), to but not including the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture. The Issuer shall commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceeds $35 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee.

 

(h)          To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness or such Obligations tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds, Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds or Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds, Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds or Excess Proceeds for any purpose that is not prohibited by this Indenture.  If the aggregate principal amount of Notes or such other Pari Passu Indebtedness or such other Obligations surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds, Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds or Excess Proceeds, the Issuer, subject to applicable minimum denomination requirements, shall select the Notes and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness or such other Obligations to be purchased in the manner described below.  Upon completion of any such ABL Collateral Asset Sale Offer, Fleet Collateral Sale Offer or Asset Sale Offer, the amount of ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds, Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds or Excess Proceeds, as the case may be, shall be reset to zero.

 

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(i)              Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 4.9, the sale, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, shall be governed by Sections 4.11 and 5.1 and not by the provisions of this Section 4.9.

 

(j)             The Issuer shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes as a result of an Asset Sale.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the covenant described hereunder, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the covenant described hereunder by virtue of its compliance with such securities laws or regulations.

 

If more Notes (and such other Obligations or Pari Passu Indebtedness, as applicable) are tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer, an ABL Collateral Asset Sale Offer or a Fleet Collateral Asset Sale Offer than the Issuer is required to purchase, Notes, such other Obligations and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered will be repurchased, redeemed or repaid on a pro rata basis; provided that no Notes of $2,000 or less shall be purchased in part. Selection of such other Obligations or Pari Passu Indebtedness, as applicable, will be made pursuant to the terms of such other Obligations or Pari Passu Indebtedness.

 

4.10.                      Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates .  (a)  The Issuer will not, and the Issuer will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly enter into any Transaction (including without limitation making any payment to, or selling, leasing, transferring or otherwise disposing of any of its properties or assets to, or purchasing any property or assets from, or entering into or making or amending any Transaction) with, or for the benefit of, any of their Affiliates involving aggregate consideration in excess of $1.0 million (each, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”), unless:

 

(i)                                                              such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Issuer or the relevant Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable arm’s-length Transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unaffiliated party; and

 

(ii)                                                           with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $20.0 million, the terms of such Transaction shall have been approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer and by a majority of the Disinterested Members (or, if there is only one Disinterested Member, such Disinterested Member), if any, and the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a resolution adopted by such majority or majorities, as the case may be, of the Board of Directors of the Issuer approving such Affiliate Transaction and resolving that such Affiliate Transaction complies with Section 4.10(a)(i).

 

(b)          Section 4.10(a) shall not limit, and shall not apply to;

 

(i)                                                         Transactions between or among the Issuer and/or the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(ii)                                                      Permitted Investments and Restricted Payments that are permitted by Section 4.8;

 

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(iii)                                                   any issuance or sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer;

 

(iv)                                                  Transactions pursuant to agreements or arrangements in effect on the Issue Date, or any amendment, modification, or supplement thereto or replacement thereof, as long as such agreement or arrangement, as so amended, modified, supplemented or replaced, taken as a whole, is not materially more disadvantageous to the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries than the agreement or arrangement in existence on the Issue Date (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer);

 

(v)                                                     loans or advances to employees, officers or directors of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate amount not in excess of $5.0 million at any one time outstanding;

 

(vi)                                                  payment of reasonable and customary fees and expenses to, and reasonable and customary indemnification arrangements and similar arrangements and payments on behalf of, directors of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer;

 

(vii)                                               any employment, consulting, service or termination agreement, or reasonable and customary indemnification arrangements, entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary with officers and employees of the Issuer or any Subsidiary thereof and the payment of compensation to officers and employees of the Issuer or any Subsidiary thereof (including amounts paid pursuant to employee benefit plans, employee stock option or similar plans), so long as such agreement or payment has been approved by a majority of the Disinterested Members (or, if there is only one Disinterested Member, such Disinterested Member);

 

(viii)                                            Transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture; provided that in the reasonable determination of the members of the Board of Directors or senior management of the Issuer, such Transactions are on terms that are no less favorable to the Issuer or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable Transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person;

 

(ix)                                                  any sale or other issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer to, or receipt of a capital contribution from, an Affiliate (or a Person that becomes an Affiliate) of the Issuer;

 

(x)                                                     direct or indirect sales of equipment, supplies, products and services by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to any direct or indirect joint venture of the Issuer or one of the Restricted Subsidiaries at or above Cost;

 

(xi)                                                  Transactions in which the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary delivers to the Trustee a letter from an independent financial advisor stating that such Transaction is fair to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view; and

 

(xii)                                               Transactions pursuant to the Master Frac Services Agreement, as described in the Offering Memorandum under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions,” or any amendment, modification or supplement thereto or replacement thereof

 

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so long as such agreement, as so amended, modified, supplemented or replaced, taken as a whole, is not materially adverse to the Holders of the Notes.

 

4.11.                      Change of Control .  (a)  Unless the Issuer has previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes pursuant to Section 3.4 the Issuer must commence, within 30 days after the occurrence of a Change of Control, and thereafter consummate, an Offer to Purchase for all Notes then outstanding, at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to but not including the date of repurchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

 

(b)          The Issuer will not be required to make an Offer to Purchase upon a Change of Control if (1) a third party makes the Offer to Purchase in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to an Offer to Purchase made by the Issuer and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Offer to Purchase, or (2) a notice of redemption for 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes has been given pursuant to Section 3.4 unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable redemption price. Notes repurchased by the Issuer pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will have the status of Notes issued but not outstanding or will be retired and canceled, at the Issuer’s option.  Notes purchased by a third party will have the status of Notes issued and outstanding.

 

(c)           The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes as a result of a Change of Control.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the covenant described hereunder, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the covenant described hereunder by virtue of our compliance with such securities laws or regulations.

 

4.12.                      [Reserved]

 

4.13.                      Limitation on Business Activities .  The Issuer will not, and the Issuer will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than a Permitted Business, except to such extent as would not be material to the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

4.14.                      Future Note Guarantees .  (a)  The Issuer will provide to the Trustee, on or prior to the 30th day after the date that (1) any Person becomes a direct or indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Domestic Subsidiary (except for any Excluded Subsidiary) , (2) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not already a Guarantor guarantees or becomes an obligor of any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of the Guarantors with an aggregate principal amount of $5 million or more or (3) any Subsidiary that guarantees the 2022 Notes, a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, executed by such Person, providing for such Person’s Note Guarantee to the same extent as set forth in this Indenture.

 

(b)          Any Note Guarantee entered into pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph because a Guarantor has Guaranteed any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release or discharge of the Guarantee supporting such other Indebtedness or the

 

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payment of such other Indebtedness, except for a discharge, release or payment as a result of a payment under such Guarantee of such other Indebtedness.

 

4.15.                      Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries .  (a)  The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective or enter into any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or pay any Indebtedness or other obligation owed to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, (2) make loans or advances to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof or (3) transfer any of its property or assets to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(b)          Section 4.15(a) shall not apply to the following:

 

(i)                                      any encumbrance or restriction in existence on the Issue Date, including those contained in the Term Loan Credit Facility, the 2022 Notes Indenture or any other agreement or documents entered into in connection with the Term Loan Credit Facility, the 2022 Notes Indenture or any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements or Refinancings, of any of the foregoing agreements or documents, or any other Credit Facility, provided that the terms of such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements or Refinancings of any such other Credit Facility, in the good-faith judgment of the Issuer, are not, taken as a whole, materially more restrictive than the dividend or other payment restrictions contained in those agreements on the Issue Date or Refinancings thereof;

 

(ii)                                   any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement relating to an acquisition of property (whether directly or through the purchase of Equity Interests of the Person owning such property), so long as the encumbrances or restrictions in any such agreement relate solely to the property so acquired (and are not or were not created in anticipation of or in connection with the acquisition thereof);

 

(iii)                                any encumbrance or restriction which exists with respect to a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or merges with or into a Restricted Subsidiary on or after the Issue Date, which is in existence at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, but not created in connection with or in anticipation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, and which is not applicable to any Person or the property or assets of any Person other than such Person or the property or assets of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(iv)                               any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement effecting a permitted Refinancing or extension of Indebtedness issued pursuant to an agreement containing any encumbrance or restriction referred to in Section 4.15(b)(i) through (iii), so long as the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such Refinancing agreement are not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Issuer, materially more restrictive than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(v)                                  customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease, contract, or license of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, customary provisions

 

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restricting the disposition of assets subject to a lease or license, or provisions in agreements that restrict the assignment of such agreement or any rights thereunder;

 

(vi)                               any encumbrance or restriction by reason of applicable law, rule, regulation or order;

 

(vii)                            any encumbrance or restriction under this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees;

 

(viii)                         any encumbrance or restriction under an agreement relating to a disposition of assets or Capital Stock, including, without limitation, any agreement for the sale or other disposition of or by a Subsidiary that restricts distributions, loans or transfers by that Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;

 

(ix)                               restrictions on cash and other deposits or net worth imposed by customers or suppliers or required by insurance, surety or bonding companies, under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(x)                                  customary provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements, limited liability company agreements, partnership agreements, shareholder agreements, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements, sale leaseback agreements and other similar agreements;

 

(xi)                               any instrument governing any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness or Capital Stock was Incurred or issued in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired, provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be Incurred;

 

(xii)                            purchase-money obligations (including Capital Lease Obligations) for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions on that property so acquired of the nature described in Section 4.15(a)(3);

 

(xiii)                         provisions of agreements relating to Liens permitted to be incurred or to exist under this Indenture, including under Section 4.7, that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Liens;

 

(xiv)                        Indebtedness Incurred or Equity Interests issued by an Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements or instruments relating thereto (A) either (i) apply only in the event of a payment default or a default with respect to a financial covenant or (ii) shall not, taken as a whole, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, materially adversely affect the Issuer’s ability to pay all principal, interest and premium, if any, on the Notes, and (B) are not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, materially more restrictive than is customary in comparable financings;

 

(xv)                           customary encumbrances or restrictions contained in agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business in connection with Hedging Obligations permitted under this Indenture; and

 

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(xvi)                        any other agreement governing Indebtedness entered into after the Issue Date that contains encumbrances and restrictions that are not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, materially more restrictive than those in effect on the Issue Date with respect to that Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to agreements in effect on the Issue Date.

 

(c)  Nothing contained in this Section 4.15 shall prevent the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from (1) creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to exist any Liens in compliance with Section 4.7 or (2) restricting the sale or other disposition of property or assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that secure Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred in accordance with Sections 4.6 and Section 4.7 in this Indenture.

 

4.16.                      Designation of Unrestricted and Restricted Subsidiaries .  (a)  The Board of Directors of the Issuer may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided that:

 

(i)                                      any Guarantee by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness of the Subsidiary being so designated will be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, at the time of such designation, and such Incurrence of Indebtedness would be permitted under Section 4.6;

 

(ii)                                   the aggregate Fair Market Value of all outstanding Investments owned by the Issuer and other Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary being so designated (including any Guarantee by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary) shall be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of such designation, and such Investment would be permitted under Section 4.8;

 

(iii)                                such Subsidiary does not hold any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or own or hold any Lien on any property or assets of, or have any Investment in, the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that is not simultaneously being designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

(iv)                               the Subsidiary being so designated:

 

(A)                                is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Issuer (or, if this condition is not satisfied, the value of such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding to such Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be, and must be permitted as, a Restricted Payment); and

 

(B)                                is a Person with respect to which neither the Issuer nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any direct or indirect obligation (i) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (ii) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and

 

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(C)                                has not Guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, except to the extent such Guarantee or credit support would be released upon such designation; and

 

(v)                                  no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.

 

(b)          Any designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by this Indenture.

 

(c)           For purposes of the foregoing, the designation of a Subsidiary of the Issuer as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be the designation of all of the Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary as Unrestricted Subsidiaries.  Unless so designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer will be classified as a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(d)          The Board of Directors of the Issuer may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that:

 

(i)                                      such designation will be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation shall only be permitted if the Incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 4.6 at the date when such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(ii)                                   all outstanding Investments owned by such Unrestricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be made as of the time of such designation and such designation will only be permitted if such Investments would be permitted under Section 4.8 at the date when such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(iii)                                all Liens upon property or assets of such Unrestricted Subsidiary existing at the time of such designation shall be deemed to be incurred at the date of such designation and at such date would be permitted under Section 4.7; and

 

(iv)                               no Default or Event of Default would be in existence immediately following such designation.

 

4.17.                      Payment of Taxes and Other Claims .  The Issuer will pay or discharge and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay or discharge, or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent (a) all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon (1) the Issuer or any such Subsidiary, (2) the income or profits of any such Subsidiary which is a corporation or (3) the property of the Issuer or any such Subsidiary and (b) all material lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies that, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon the property of the Issuer or any such Subsidiary; provided , however , that the Issuer shall not be required to pay or discharge, or cause to be paid or discharged, any such tax, assessment, charge or claim the amount, applicability or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established.

 

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4.18.                      Reports to Holders .  (a)  The Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee and, upon request, to beneficial owners and prospective investors of the Notes, a copy of all of the information and reports referred to in Section 4.18(a)(1) below within 15 days after the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations (assuming the Notes were registered under Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the Issuer does not meet the definition of Accelerated Filer or Large Accelerated Filer under the Exchange Act):

 

(1)                all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Issuer were required to file such reports, including a ‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’’ and, with respect to the annual financial information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Issuer’s certified independent accountants;

 

(2)                all current reports containing substantially all of the information with respect to the Issuer and its Subsidiaries that would be required to be filed in a current report on Form 8-K pursuant to Item 1.01 (with respect to material acquisitions, divestitures and debt financing Transactions only) of Form 8-K if the Issuer had been a reporting company under the Exchange Act; provided, however , that if the Issuer becomes a reporting person and files such Form 10-Qs, Form 10-Ks and Form 8-Ks as required by Section 4.18(a)(1) above and this clause (2) electronically with the SEC within the required time periods, the Issuer shall not be required to furnish such reports as specified above;

 

provided that, to the extent the Issuer is not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act:

 

(i)                                      Footnote Disclosures .  Financial statements may omit the guarantor footnote disclosures omitted from the financial statements included in the Offering Memorandum; provided that to the extent any non-Guarantor Subsidiaries do not collectively meet the definition of “minor” under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, using 6% instead of 3%, any such annual and quarterly information provided pursuant to Section 4.18(a)(1) above shall include consolidated financial information for the Issuer and the Guarantors, separate from any non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, with respect to revenue, net income, Consolidated Cash Flow, total assets and total liabilities;

 

(ii)                                   Financial Statements of Affiliates .  No separate financial statements shall be required for Affiliates of the Issuer whether or not such separate financial statements would be required by Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act;

 

(iii)                                Sarbanes Oxley .  No certifications or attestations concerning the financial statements or disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls that would otherwise be required pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 will be required ( provided further, however, that nothing contained in the terms herein shall otherwise require the Issuer to comply with the terms of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 at any time when the Issuer would not otherwise be subject to such statute);

 

(iv)                               Financial Statements of Acquired Entities .  The financial statements required of acquired businesses will be limited to the financial statements (in whatever form) that the Issuer receives in connection with the acquisition, whether or not audited;

 

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(v)                                  Financial Statements of Unconsolidated Entities .  No financial statements of unconsolidated entities will be required;

 

(vi)                               Supplemental Schedules .  The schedules identified in Section 5-04 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act will not be required;

 

(vii)                            Non GAAP Financial Measures .  Compliance with the requirements of Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K and Regulation G will not be required; and

 

(viii)                         Exhibits .  No exhibits pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act (other than in respect of material agreements governing Indebtedness) will be required.

 

(b)          If the Issuer has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by the preceding paragraphs shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer; provided , however, that no such information shall be required to the extent any Unrestricted Subsidiaries collectively meet the definition of “minor” under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, using 6% instead of 3%.

 

(c)           For so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuer shall also:

 

(1)          not later than 15 Business Days after filing with the Trustee, the annual and quarterly information required pursuant to the preceding three paragraphs, hold a conference call for Holders of Notes, prospective investors and market makers to discuss such reports and the results of operations for the relevant reporting period; and

 

(2)          employ commercially reasonable means expected to reach Persons entitled to participate in such conference calls in accordance with the foregoing paragraph no fewer than three Business Days prior to the date of the conference call required to be held in accordance with clause (1) above, to announce the time and date of such conference call and either including all information necessary to access the call or directing such Persons to contact the appropriate contact at the Issuer to obtain such information.

 

The Issuer will (i) distribute such reports and information electronically to the Trustee and (ii) make available such reports and information to any beneficial owner of notes that certifies that it is such a beneficial owner, any prospective investor that certified that it is a qualified institutional buyer (as defined under Rule 144A under the Securities Act), an institutional accredited investor (within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act) or is not a U.S. person (under the meaning set forth in 902(k) of Regulation S under the Securities Act) or any security analyst, in each case, who so requests by sending such reports and information via electronic mail or by posting such reports and information on a non-public web site or Intralinks (or any comparably password protected online data system); provided that the Issuer shall make readily available any password or other login information to any such holder of Notes, prospective investor or security analyst.

 

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(d)          So long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, the Issuer shall make available to any prospective purchaser of Notes or beneficial owner of Notes in connection with any sale thereof the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act, until such time as the Issuer has either exchanged the Notes for securities identical in all material respects which have been registered under the Securities Act or until such time as the holders thereof have disposed of such Notes pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

 

(e)           Any action of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary that would be permitted based on delivery of financial statements to the Trustee, shall be permitted following the Issue Date and prior to the delivery of four full fiscal quarters of financial statements under this Indenture based on the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available.

 

4.19.                      Maintenance of Office or Agency .  The Issuer shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served.  The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.  If at any time the Issuer fails to maintain any such required office or agency or fails to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided , however , that no such designation or rescission will in any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York for such purposes.  The Issuer will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

The Issuer hereby designates the office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan as one such office or agency of the Issuer in accordance with Section 2.3 hereof.

 

4.20.                      Stay, Extension and Usury Laws .  The Issuer and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

4.21.                      Further Instruments and Acts .  Upon request of the Trustee (but without imposing any duty or obligation of any kind on the Trustee to make any such request), the Issuer and the Guarantors shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.

 

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4.22.                      Suspension of Covenants .  (a)  Following the first day (the “ Suspension Date ”) that:

 

(i)                                                              the Notes have an Investment Grade Rating from both of the Rating Agencies, and

 

(ii)                                                           no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture, the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries , will not be subject to Sections 4.6, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.13, 4.15 and 5.1(a)(iii) (collectively, the “ Suspended Covenants ”).  In the event that the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “ Reversion Date ”) one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraws its Investment Grade Rating or downgrades the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants with respect to future events.  The period of time between the Suspension Date and the Reversion Date is referred to in this description as the “ Suspension Period .”  Notwithstanding that the Suspended Covenants may be reinstated, no default will be deemed to have occurred as a result of a failure to comply with the Suspended Covenants during the Suspension Period.

 

(b)          On the Reversion Date, all Indebtedness Incurred during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been Incurred pursuant to Section 4.6(a) or one of the clauses of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness” under Section 4.6(b) (to the extent such Indebtedness would be permitted to be Incurred thereunder as of the Reversion Date and after giving effect to Indebtedness Incurred prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reversion Date).  To the extent such Indebtedness would not be so permitted to be Incurred, such Indebtedness will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under Section 4.6(b)(iv) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness.”  Calculations made after the Reversion Date of the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.8 will be made as though Section 4.8 had been in effect since the Issue Date and throughout the Suspension Period.  Accordingly, Restricted Payments made during the Suspension Period will reduce the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.8(a) and the items specified in Section 4.8(a)(iv)(C)(i) through (iv) will increase the amount available to be made under Section 4.8(a).  However, no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred on the Reversion Date (or thereafter) under any Suspended Covenant solely as a result of any action taken by the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries, or events occurring, during the Suspension Period.

 

4.23.                      Post-Closing Covenant .  From and after the Issue Date,

 

(a)                                  in respect of the Certificate of Title Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) identified on Schedules 14(b), 14(c) and 14(d) to the perfection certificate among the Issuer and the Guarantors (the “ Perfection Certificate ”), the Issuer shall use (or cause to be used by the applicable Guarantor) commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event, within 90 days following the Issue Date, complete the Titling Actions (as defined in the Security Agreement) with respect to such Certificate of Title Collateral then owned by the Issuer or a Guarantor.

 

(b)                                  in respect of the Certificate of Title Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) identified on Schedule 14(a) to the Perfection Certificate, the Issuer shall use (or cause to be used by the applicable Guarantor) commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as

 

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reasonably practicable, complete the Titling Actions (as defined in the Security Agreement) with respect to such Certificate of Title Collateral then owned by the Issuer or a Guarantor.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of the Indenture Documents (including Section 6.1(a)(x) of this Indenture), the failure to create or perfect the liens and security interests of the Collateral Agent in all or any portion of the Fleet Collateral or proceeds thereof shall not at any time constitute a Default or Event of Default so long as the Issuer is then in compliance with this Section 4.23.

 

ARTICLE 5
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS

 

5.1.                             Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets .  (a)  The Issuer. The Issuer will not, directly or indirectly:  (i) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not the Issuer is the surviving corporation), or (ii) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in any Transaction, to another Person, unless at the time and after giving effect thereto:

 

(i)                                      immediately after giving effect to such Transaction on a pro forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness not previously an obligation of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries which becomes the obligation of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such Transaction as having been Incurred at the time of such Transaction) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

(ii)                                   either:

 

(A)                                the Issuer is the surviving entity; or

 

(B)                                the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Issuer) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made (i) is an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and (ii) assumes all the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, this Indenture, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents; provided that if such surviving entity is not a corporation, a corporation satisfying the foregoing requirements shall be a co-obligor under this Indenture and the Notes;

 

(iii)                                immediately after giving effect to such Transaction on a pro forma basis (on the assumption that the Transaction occurred on the first day of the four-quarter period for which financial statements are available ending immediately prior to the consummation of such Transaction with the appropriate adjustments with respect to the Transaction being included in such pro forma calculation), either (a) the Issuer (or the surviving entity if the Issuer is not a continuing obligor under this Indenture) could on the first day following such four-quarter period Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.6(a) or (b) the Fixed

 

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Charge Coverage Ratio would be not less than such Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio immediately prior to such Transaction;

 

(iv)                               each Guarantor, unless such Guarantor is the Person with which the Issuer has entered into a Transaction under this Section 5.1(a), will have confirmed to the Trustee in writing that its Note Guarantee will apply to the obligations of the Issuer or the surviving Person in accordance with the Notes and this Indenture;

 

(v)                                  (a) the surviving entity (if other than the Issuer) causes such amendments, supplements or other instruments to be executed, delivered, filed and recorded, as applicable, in such jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law to preserve and protect the Liens of the Security Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to such surviving entity; and (b) the Collateral owned by or transferred to the surviving entity (if other than the Issuer) shall (i) continue to constitute Collateral under this Indenture and the Security Documents, (ii) be subject to the Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders of the Notes, and (iii) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens; and

 

(vi)                               the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, in each case to the effect that such Transaction and such agreement comply with this covenant and that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to such Transaction have been complied with;

 

provided , however , that Section 5.1(a)(iii)  will not apply if, in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, whose determination shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution delivered to the Trustee, the principal purpose of such Transaction is to change the state of organization of the Issuer, and any such Transaction shall not have as one of its purposes the evasion of the foregoing limitations.

 

Upon any consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition in accordance with this Section 5.1, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Issuer is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition is made will succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Issuer” shall refer instead to the successor Person and not to the Issuer), and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Issuer in this Indenture. When the successor assumes all of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture by an amendment or supplement to the Indenture satisfactory to the Trustee, the predecessor Issuer (if it separately survives such Transaction) shall be discharged from those obligations.

 

In addition, the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries may not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, in any Transaction, to any other Person.

 

(b)                                  The Guarantors .  A Guarantor will not, directly or indirectly:  (i) consolidate or merge with or into another Person other than the Issuer (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person), or (ii) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Guarantor, in any Transaction, to another Person, other than the Issuer or another Guarantor, unless:

 

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(i)                                      immediately after giving effect to that Transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and

 

(ii)                                   either:

 

(A)                                the Guarantor is the surviving Person, or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition which has been made (i) is organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (ii) assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor under this Indenture, including its Note Guarantee, pursuant to a supplemental indenture satisfactory to the Trustee and (iii) causes such amendments, supplements or other instruments to be executed, delivered, filed and recorded, as applicable, in such jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law to preserve and protect the Lien of the Security Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to such entity; or

 

(B)                                such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition or consolidation or merger is in compliance, as of the date thereof, with Section 4.9 to the extent applicable (and to the extent Section 4.9 is applicable, the Issuer shall thereafter comply therewith).

 

5.2.                             Successor Substituted .  Upon any consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition in accordance with this Article 5, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Issuer is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition is made will succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Issuer” will refer instead to the successor Person and not to the Issuer), and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Issuer in this Indenture. When the successor assumes all of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture, the predecessor Issuer (if it separately survives such Transaction) will be discharged from those obligations.

 

ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

6.1.                             Events of Default .  (a) “ Event of Default ”, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

 

(i)                                      default in the payment when due of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note when due and payable (whether at Stated Maturity or upon repurchase, acceleration, optional redemption or otherwise);

 

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(ii)                                   default in the payment when due of interest on any Note when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;

 

(iii)                                failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor (i) for 30 days after written notice has been given to the Issuer by the Trustee at the direction of Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Notes to make or consummate an Offer to Purchase in accordance with Section 4.9 and 4.11 or (ii) to comply with Section 5.1;

 

(iv)                               except as permitted by this Indenture, any Note Guarantee of any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), shall for any reason cease to be, or it shall be asserted by any Guarantor or the Issuer not to be, in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms;

 

(v)                                  default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in this Indenture (other than a covenant or agreement a default in whose performance or whose breach is specifically dealt with in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days (or 120 days, in the case of Section 4.18) after written notice has been given to the Issuer by the Trustee at the direction of the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes;

 

(vi)                               a default or defaults under any bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of Indebtedness (other than the Notes) by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary having, individually or in the aggregate, a principal or similar amount outstanding of at least $30.0 million, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, which default or defaults either (A) shall have resulted in the acceleration of the maturity of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity or (B) shall constitute a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium on, such Indebtedness when due and payable after the expiration of any applicable grace period with respect thereto;

 

(vii)                            the entry against the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of a final judgment(s) for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $30.0 million (net of amounts covered by (A) insurance for which the insurer thereof has been notified of such claim and has not challenged such coverage or (B) valid third party indemnifications for which the indemnifying party thereof has been notified of such claim and has not challenged such indemnification), by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction, which judgment(s) remain undischarged, unwaived, unstayed, unbonded and unsatisfied for a period of 60 consecutive days;

 

(viii)                         the entry by a court of competent jurisdiction of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors under any applicable law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors or of any substantial part of their respective properties or ordering the winding up or liquidation of their affairs, and any such decree, order or appointment pursuant to any Bankruptcy Law for relief shall continue to be in effect,

 

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or any such other decree, appointment or order shall be unstayed and in effect, for a period of 60 consecutive days;

 

(ix)                               (A) the Issuer or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) (i) commences a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent or (ii) consents to the filing of a petition, application, answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Bankruptcy Law, (B) the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors consents to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it or, (C) the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors (i) consents to the appointment of, or taking possession by, a custodian, receiver, liquidator, administrator, supervisor, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Issuer or such Guarantor or group of Guarantors or of any substantial part of their respective properties, (ii) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or (iii) generally is not paying debts as they become due; or

 

(x)                                  unless all of the Collateral has been released from the Liens in accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents, (a) the liens and security interests on assets or collections of assets constituting Collateral having a Fair Market Value in excess of $30.0 million shall cease to be perfected, or shall fail to have the priority contemplated by the Indenture, in each case subject to Permitted Liens and subject to Section 4.23, and the same shall continue for a period in excess of 30 consecutive days following written notice from the Collateral Agent, (b) the repudiation or disaffirmation by the Issuer or any Guarantor of its material obligations under the Security Documents or (c) the determination in a judicial proceeding that the Security Documents are unenforceable or invalid against the Issuer or any Guarantor party thereto for any reason with respect to any Collateral, individually or in the aggregate, having a Fair Market Value in excess of $30.0 million; provided that such default, repudiation, disaffirmation or determination is not rescinded, stayed, or waived by the Persons having such authority pursuant to the Security Documents or otherwise cured within 60 days after the Issuer receives written notice thereof specifying such occurrence from the Trustee at the direction of the Holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes and demanding that such default be remedied.

 

(b)                                  If a Default or an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c) and to the Collateral Agent and each Notes/Term Collateral Agent, notice of the Default or Event of Default within 15 Business Days by registered or certified mail or facsimile transmission specifying such event and, if known, its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.  Except in the case of a Default or an Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, on the Notes or interest, if any,  on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice to the Holders if and so long as it, in good faith, determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders.  The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of a Default or Event of Default (other than pursuant to Sections 6.1(a)(i) through (iii)) unless the Trustee Officer has actual knowledge of such Default or such Event of Default or written notice of such Default or such Event of Default has been received by the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.  The Issuer shall also notify the Trustee within 15 Business Days of the occurrence of any Event of Default.

 

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6.2.                             Acceleration .  (a)  If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(a)(viii) and (ix)) occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee at the direction of the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes shall declare the principal of the Notes and any accrued interest on the Notes to be due and payable immediately by a notice in writing to the Issuer.

 

(b)                                  If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(a)(viii) and (ix) occurs, the principal of and any accrued interest on the Notes then outstanding shall ipso facto become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.

 

(c)                                   At any time after a declaration of acceleration under this Indenture, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may waive all past Defaults and rescind and annul such declaration of acceleration and its consequences if:

 

(i)                                      The Issuer or any Guarantor has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:

 

(A)                                all overdue interest, if any, on all Notes then outstanding;

 

(B)                                all unpaid principal of and premium, if any, on any outstanding Notes that has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne by the Notes;

 

(C)                                to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest, if any, at the rate borne by the Notes; and

 

(D)                                all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee under this Indenture and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel;

 

(ii)                                   the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction; and

 

(iii)                                all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of amounts of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Notes that has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 6.4.

 

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(d)                                  In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the Notes solely because an Event of Default described in Section 6.1(a)(vi) above has occurred and is continuing, the declaration of acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically rescinded and annulled if within 30 Business Days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto, the event of default or payment default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.1(a)(vi) shall be remedied or cured by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or if the holders of the

 

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relevant Indebtedness have waived such Event of Default or payment default and have rescinded any declaration of acceleration with respect thereto and if the rescission and annulment of the acceleration of the Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Trustee for the payment of amounts due on the Notes.

 

6.3.                             Other Remedies .  If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements, may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

 

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Notes may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

 

6.4.                             Waiver of Past Defaults .  The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may on behalf of the Holders of all the Notes waive any past Default hereunder and its consequences, except a Default:

 

(a)                                                          in any payment in respect of the principal of (or premium, if any), or interest on any Note (including any Note which is required to have been purchased pursuant to an Offer to Purchase which has been made by an Issuer), or

 

(b)                                                          in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected.

 

Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

6.5.                             Control by Majority .  Subject to Section 6.6, the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee under this Indenture; provided , that:

 

(a)          the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that the Trustee reasonably believes conflicts with law, this Indenture or the Intercreditor Agreements or that the Trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders not joining in the giving of such direction;

 

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(b)   the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that the Trustee determines would involve the Trustee in personal liability; and

 

(c)   the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction.

 

6.6.         Limitation on Suits .  A Holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:

 

(a)   the Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default;

 

(b)   the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes shall have made a written request to the Trustee to pursue such remedy;

 

(c)   such Holder or Holders provide the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any costs, liability or expense;

 

(d)   the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity;

 

(e)   during such 60-day period, the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a direction that, in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with the request; and

 

(f)    the pursuit of such remedy would not violate the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements.

 

The limitations in the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.6, however, do not apply to a suit instituted by a Holder (as opposed to through the Trustee) for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such Note on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note.

 

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of any other Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder.

 

6.7.         Unconditional Right of Holders To Receive Payment .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Notes held by such Holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Notes, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

 

6.8.         Collection Suit by Trustee .  The Issuer covenants that if default is made in the payment of:

 

(a)   any installment of interest on any Note when such interest becomes due and payable pursuant to Section 6.1(a)(2), or

 

(b)   the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note at the Stated Maturity thereof,

 

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the Issuer shall, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of such Notes, the whole amount then due and payable on such Notes for principal (and premium, if any), and interest, and interest on any overdue principal (and premium, if any) to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, upon any overdue installment of interest, at the rate borne by the Notes, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the amounts provided for in Section 7.6 and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

If the Issuer fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements, the Trustee, in its own name as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Notes and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Notes, wherever situated.

 

6.9.         Trustee May File Proofs of Claim .  The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.6) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or any Guarantor, their creditors or their property and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders at their direction in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.6.

 

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to empower the Trustee to authorize or consent to, or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder, any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

 

6.10.       Application of Money Collected .  If the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:

 

FIRST:

 

to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent for amounts due under Section 7.6;

 

 

 

SECOND:

 

to the Secured Parties (including Holders of Notes) for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes and the other Secured Obligations for principal of, premium, if any, interest, if any, ratably without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes and the other Secured Obligations for principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, respectively; and

 

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THIRD:

 

to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any other obligors of the Notes, as their interests may appear, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

 

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.10.  At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer shall mail to each Holder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.

 

6.11.       Undertaking for Costs .  All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder by its acceptance of its Note or any Additional Note shall be deemed to have agreed, that, a court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by Holders of more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes or to any suit by any Holder pursuant to Section 6.7.

 

6.12.       Restoration of Rights and Remedies .  If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

 

6.13.       Rights and Remedies Cumulative .  Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.7, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

6.14.       Delay or Omission not Waiver .  No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Note to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein.  Every right and remedy given by this Article 6 or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

 

6.15.       Record Date .  The Issuer may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to vote or to consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted by Sections 6.4, 6.5 and 13.4.  Unless this Indenture provides otherwise, such record date shall be the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.5 prior to such solicitation.

 

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6.16.       Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws .  The Issuer covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

6.17.       Issuer Notice of Default .  The Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to the performance of certain obligations under the Indenture and as to any default in such performance.  The Issuer also shall notify the Trustee if it becomes aware of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.

 

ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE AND COLLATERAL AGENT

 

7.1.         Duties of Trustee and Collateral Agent .  (a)  If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing of which the Trustee has actual knowledge, the Trustee shall, at the direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

 

(b)   Except during the continuance of an Event of Default of which the Trustee has actual knowledge:  (i) the Trustee and Collateral Agent undertake to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture or any other Indenture Document to which either or both are a party and no others and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture or any other Indenture Document against the Trustee and Collateral Agent; and (ii) in the absence of bad faith on their respective parts, the Trustee and Collateral Agent may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed herein or therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee or Collateral Agent, respectively, and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture or any other Indenture Documents.  In the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provisions hereof or thereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, the Trustee and Collateral Agent, respectively, shall examine same to determine whether they conform to the requirements of this Indenture or such other Indenture Document (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

 

(c)   The Trustee or Collateral Agent shall not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

 

(i)            this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.1;

 

(ii)           the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by the Trustee unless it is proved that the Trustee or Collateral Agent was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

 

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(iii)          the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Sections 6.2, 6.5 or 7.1(a).

 

(d)   The Trustee or Collateral Agent shall not be liable for interest on any money received by the Trustee of the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, under this Indenture or any other Indenture Document except as the Trustee or Collateral Agent may agree in writing with the Issuer or any Guarantor.  Funds held in trust by the Trustee or Collateral Agent need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

(e)   No provision of this Indenture or any other Indenture Document shall require the Trustee or the Collateral Agent to expend or risk its own respective funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of the duties of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent hereunder or thereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds to believe that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

(f)    Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the Trustee or Collateral Agent be liable under or in connection with this Indenture or any other Indenture Document for indirect, special, incidental, punitive or consequential losses or damages of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to lost profits, whether or not foreseeable, even if the Trustee or the Collateral Agent has been advised of the possibility thereof and regardless of the form of action in which such damages are sought.

 

(g)   Every provision of this Indenture or any other Indenture Document relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 7.1.

 

7.2.         Certain Rights of Trustee and Collateral Agent .  (a)  Subject to Section 7.1:

 

(i)            the Trustee and Collateral Agent may conclusively rely, and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting, upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person;

 

(ii)           before the Trustee or Collateral Agent acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel, or both, which shall conform to Sections 14.4 and 14.5.  The Trustee and Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion.  The Trustee and Collateral Agent may consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel will be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

 

(iii)          the Trustee and Collateral Agent may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or under any other Indenture Document or perform any duties hereunder or thereunder either directly or by or through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any attorney or agent appointed with due care by it hereunder or thereunder;

 

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(iv)          the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture or by any other Indenture Document at the request or direction of any of the Holders or any other Person, unless such Holders or such Person shall have offered to the Trustee or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or Collateral Agent, respectively, against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

 

(v)           the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, provided that the Trustee’s and Collateral Agent’s conduct does not constitute negligence or bad faith;

 

(vi)          whenever in the administration of this Indenture or any other Indenture Document, the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder or thereunder, the Trustee or Collateral Agent (unless other evidence be herein or therein specifically prescribed) shall be entitled to receive and may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officers’ Certificate;

 

(vii)         the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee and Collateral Agent, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer or any Guarantor personally or by agent or attorney and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation; and

 

(viii)        the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee and Collateral Agent, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee and Collateral Agent in each of its capacities hereunder or under any other Indenture Document or by any Paying Agent or Registrar and each agent, custodian and other Person employed by it to act hereunder.

 

(b)           The Trustee and Collateral Agent may request that the Issuer or any Guarantor deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of the individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture or any Guarantee, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

7.3.                Individual Rights of Trustee .  The Trustee, any Paying Agent, any Registrar or any other agent of the Issuer or of the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and, subject to TIA Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise deal with the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar or such other agent.

 

7.4.                Trustee’s and Collateral Agent’s Disclaimer .  The recitals contained herein and in the Notes, except for the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the

 

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statements of the Issuer and the Guarantors, and the Trustee and the Collateral Agent assume no responsibility for their correctness.  The Trustee and the Collateral Agent make no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture, the Notes, Liens, Collateral, or any other Indenture Document, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to authenticate the Notes and except that the Trustee and the Collateral Agent each represent that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture and any other relevant Indenture Document and perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder.  The Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of Notes or the proceeds thereof.

 

7.5.                Reports by Trustee to Holders .  Within 60 days after June 1 st  of each year commencing with the first June 1 st  after the Issue Date, the Trustee shall transmit to the Holders, in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), a brief report dated as of such reporting period, if required by TIA Section 313(a).  The Trustee also shall comply with TIA Sections 313(b) and (c).

 

The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee whenever the Notes become listed on any securities exchange and of any delisting thereof and the Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 313(d).

 

7.6.                Compensation and Indemnity .  The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee and Collateral Agent such compensation as shall be agreed in writing for its respective services hereunder or under any other Indenture Document.  The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Issuer shall reimburse the Trustee or the Collateral Agent upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services respectively.  Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and out-of-pocket expenses of the Trustee’s or Collateral Agent’s applicable agents and counsel.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, hereby indemnify and hold harmless each of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent, and their respective agents, employees, stockholders, directors, officers and counsel against any and all loss, liability or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by any of them without willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith on its part arising out of or in connection with the administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder or under any other Indenture Document (including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim, whether asserted by the Issuer, the Guarantors, any Holder or any other Person).  The Trustee and Collateral Agent shall notify the Issuer promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.  Failure by the Trustee or Collateral Agent to so notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its obligations hereunder.  The Issuer shall defend the claim and the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall cooperate in such defense.  The Trustee and Collateral Agent may have separate counsel and the Issuer shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel.  The Issuer need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld.  The Issuer shall not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Trustee or Collateral Agent through the Trustee’s or Collateral Agent’s own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.

 

To secure the Issuer’s payment obligations in this Section 7.6, the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee and Collateral Agent, in their respective capacities as Trustee and

 

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Collateral Agent, for any amount owing it or any predecessor Trustee or Collateral Agent except money or property held in trust to pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest on particular Notes.

 

Without limiting any rights available to the Trustee or Collateral Agent under applicable law, when the Trustee or Collateral Agent incurs expenses or renders services after the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(a)(viii) or (ix) with respect to the Issuer or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), the expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent) and the compensation for such services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under Bankruptcy Law.

 

The obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under Section 7.6 and any claim arising hereunder shall survive the resignation or removal of any Trustee or Collateral Agent, the satisfaction and discharge of the Issuer’s obligations pursuant to Article 8 of this Indenture or pursuant to any other Indenture Document and any rejection or termination under any Bankruptcy Law, and the termination of this Indenture.

 

7.7.         Replacement of Trustee and Collateral Agent .  A resignation or removal of the Trustee or Collateral Agent and appointment of a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s or Collateral Agent’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.7.

 

The Trustee or Collateral Agent may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuer in writing not less than 30 days prior to such resignation.  The Holders of at least a majority in outstanding principal amount of the outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee or Collateral Agent by so notifying the Trustee or Collateral Agent and the Issuer in writing not less than 30 days prior to such resignation. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee or Collateral Agent if:

 

(a)   the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.9;

 

(b)   the Trustee or Collateral Agent is adjudged bankrupt, insolvent or an order of relief is entered with respect to the Trustee or Collateral Agent under any Bankruptcy Law;

 

(c)   a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or Collateral Agent or its property; or

 

(d)   the Trustee or Collateral Agent otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

 

If the Trustee or Collateral Agent resigns or is removed, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee or Collateral Agent for any reason, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent.  Within one year after the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent takes office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent to replace the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent appointed by the Issuer.  If the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent does not deliver its written acceptance required by the next succeeding paragraph of Section 7.7 within 30 days after the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent, the Issuer or the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may, at the expense of the Issuer, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee or

 

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Collateral Agent.  Any resignation or removal of the Trustee automatically effects the corresponding resignation or removal of the Collateral Agent; any resignation or removal of the Collateral Agent automatically effects the corresponding resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

A successor Trustee or Collateral Agent shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent and to the Issuer.  Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent shall become effective, and the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee or Collateral Agent under this Indenture and any other Indenture Document.  The successor Trustee or Collateral Agent shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders, the Issuer, the Guarantors, and Collateral Agent and each Notes/Term Collateral Agent at the addresses set forth in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.  The retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee or Collateral Agent to the successor Trustee or Collateral Agent.

 

If a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent, the Issuer or the Holders of at least 25% in outstanding principal amount of the Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee or successor Collateral Agent at the expense of the Issuer.

 

If the Trustee or Collateral Agent fails to comply with Section 7.9, any Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of such Trustee or Collateral Agent and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent.

 

Notwithstanding any resignation or replacement of the Trustee or Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 7.7, the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under Section 7.6 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee or Collateral Agent.

 

7.8.         Successor Trustee or Collateral Agent by Merger, Etc. .  Any Person into which the Trustee or Collateral Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee or Collateral Agent hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article 7, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.  In case any Notes shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Notes so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Notes.  In case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor Trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor Trustee.  In all such cases such certificates shall have the full force and effect which this Indenture provides for the certificate of authentication of the Trustee shall have; provided , however , that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Notes in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation.

 

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7.9.         Eligibility:  Disqualification .  The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA Section 310(a)(1) and (5).  The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.  No obligor upon the Notes or Person directly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such obligor shall serve as trustee upon the Notes.  The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 310(b); provided , however , that there shall be excluded from the operation of TIA Section 310(b)(1) any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other notes of the Issuer are outstanding  if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in TIA Section 310(b)(1) are met.

 

7.10.       Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer .  The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b).  A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

 

7.11.       Appointment of Co-Trustee .  (a)  It is the purpose of this Indenture that there shall be no violation of any law of any jurisdiction denying or restricting the right of banking corporations or associations to transact business as trustee in such jurisdiction.  It is recognized that in case of litigation under this Indenture, and in particular in case of the enforcement thereof on default, or in the case the Trustee deems that by reason of any present or future law of any jurisdiction it may not exercise any of the powers, rights or remedies herein granted to the Trustee or hold title to the properties, in trust, as herein granted or take any action which may be desirable or necessary in connection therewith, it may be necessary that the Trustee appoint an individual or institution as a separate or co-trustee.  The following provisions of Section 7.11 are adopted to these ends.

 

(b)   In the event that the Trustee appoints an additional Person as a separate or co-trustee, each and every remedy, power, right, claim, demand, cause of action, immunity, estate, title, interest and lien expressed or intended by this Indenture to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Trustee with respect thereto shall be exercisable by and vest in such separate or co-trustee but only to the extent necessary to enable such separate or co-trustee to exercise such powers, rights and remedies, and only to the extent that the Trustee by the laws of any jurisdiction is incapable of exercising such powers, rights and remedies, and every covenant and obligation necessary to the exercise thereof by such separate or co-trustee shall run to and be enforceable by either of them.

 

(c)   Should any instrument in writing from the Issuer be required by the separate or co-trustee so appointed by the Trustee for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to him or it such properties, rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations, any and all such instruments in writing shall, on request, be executed, acknowledged and delivered by the Issuer; provided , however , that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if the Issuer does not execute any such instrument within 15 days after request therefor, the Trustee shall be empowered as an attorney-in-fact for such Issuer to execute any such instrument in the Issuer’s name and stead.  In case any separate or co-trustee or a successor to either shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the estates, properties, rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations of such separate or co-trustee, so far as permitted by law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Trustee until the appointment of a new trustee or successor to such separate or co-trustee.

 

(d)   To the extent permitted by law, no trustee hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of any other trustee hereunder.

 

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(e)   Any notice, request or other writing given to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been given to each of the then separate trustees and co-trustees, as effectively as if given to each of them.  Every instrument appointing any separate trustee or co-trustee shall refer to this Indenture and the conditions of this Article 7.

 

(f)    Any separate trustee or co-trustee may at any time appoint the Trustee as its agent or attorney-in-fact with full power and authority, to the extent not prohibited by law, to do any lawful act under or in respect of this Indenture on its behalf and in its name.

 

7.12.       Calculation Agent (a) Appointment.  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Issuer hereby appoints the Trustee as the Calculation Agent for the Notes, and the Trustee hereby accepts such appointment as the Issuer’s agent for the purpose of calculating the Applicable Rate on the Notes in accordance with the provisions set forth herein.

 

(b)   Duties and Obligations. The Calculation Agent shall: (i) calculate the Applicable Rates on the Notes in accordance with the provisions set forth herein, and (ii)  communicate the same to the Issuer and the Trustee (if the Trustee is not then serving as the Calculation Agent) as soon as practicable after each Determination Date.

 

(c)   Terms and Conditions. The Calculation Agent accepts its obligations set forth herein, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, including the following, to all of which the Issuer agrees:

 

(i)            The Calculation Agent shall be entitled to such compensation as may be agreed upon with the Issuer for all services rendered by the Calculation Agent, and the Issuer promises to pay such compensation and to reimburse the Calculation Agent for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by it in connection with the services rendered by it hereunder upon receipt of such invoices as the Issuer shall reasonably require. The Issuer also agrees to indemnify the Calculation Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, any and all loss, liability, damage, claim or expense (including the costs and expenses of defending against any claim (regardless of who asserts such claim) or liability) incurred by the Calculation Agent that arises out of or in connection with its accepting appointment as, or acting as, Calculation Agent hereunder, except such as may result from the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Calculation Agent or any of its agents or employees. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Calculation Agent shall incur no liability and shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Issuer for, or in respect of, any actions taken or suffered to be taken in good faith by the Calculation Agent in reliance upon (A) the advice of counsel or an Opinion of Counsel or (B) written instructions from the Issuer. The Calculation Agent shall not be liable for any error resulting from the use of or reliance on a source of information used in good faith to calculate any interest rate hereunder. The provisions of this clause (i) shall survive the payment in full of the Notes, the satisfaction and discharge or other defeasance of the Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Calculation Agent.

 

(ii)           In acting under this Indenture, the Calculation Agent is acting solely as agent of the Issuer and does not assume any obligations to or relationship of agency or trust for or with any of the beneficial owners or Holders of the Notes.

 

(iii)          The Calculation Agent shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken or omitted to be taken or anything suffered by it in reliance

 

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upon the terms of the Notes or Indenture or any notice, direction, certificate, affidavit, statement or other paper, document or communication reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been approved or signed by the proper party or parties.

 

(iv)          The Calculation Agent, its officers, directors, employees and shareholders may become the owners or pledgee of, or acquire any interest in, any Notes, with the same rights that it or they would have if it were not the Calculation Agent, and may engage or be interested in any financial or other Transaction with the Issuer or the Guarantors as freely as if it were not the Calculation Agent.

 

(v)           Neither the Calculation Agent nor its officers, directors, employees, agents or attorneys shall be liable to the Issuer or the Guarantors for any act or omission hereunder, or for any error of judgment made in good faith by it or them, except in the case of its or their willful misconduct or gross negligence.

 

(vi)          The Calculation Agent may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.

 

(vii)         The Calculation Agent shall be obligated to perform such duties and only such duties as are herein specifically set forth, and no implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Calculation Agent.

 

(viii)        Unless herein otherwise specifically provided, any order, certificate, notice, request, direction or other communication from the Issuer made or given by it under any provision of this Indenture shall be sufficient if signed by any officer of the Issuer.

 

(ix)          The Calculation Agent may perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents or attorneys, and shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.

 

(x)           The Issuer will not, without first obtaining the prior written consent of the Calculation Agent, make any change to this Indenture or the Notes if such change would materially and adversely affect the Calculation Agent’s duties and obligations hereunder or thereunder.

 

(xi)          In no event shall the Calculation Agent be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether it has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

 

(xii)         In no event shall the Calculation Agent be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software or hardware) services.

 

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(xiii)        Under certain circumstances, the Calculation Agent may be required to determine the interest rates on the Notes on the basis of quotations received from banks or other financial institutions (the “ Reference Banks ”) selected by the Issuer for the purpose of quoting such rates.  The Issuer will provide the names of such Reference Banks from time to time to the Calculation Agent.  The Calculation Agent shall not be responsible to the Issuer, the Guarantors or any third party for any failure of the Reference Banks to fulfill their duties or meet their obligations as Reference Banks or as a result of the Calculation Agent having acted (except in the event of gross negligence or willful misconduct) on any quotation or other information given by any Reference Bank which subsequently may be found to be incorrect.

 

(d)   Qualifications. The Calculation Agent shall be authorized by law to perform all the duties imposed upon it by this Indenture, and shall at all times have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. The Calculation Agent may not be an affiliate of the Issuer or the Guarantors.

 

(e)   Resignation and Removal.  The Calculation Agent may at any time resign as Calculation Agent by giving written notice to the Issuer and the Guarantors of such intention on its part, specifying the date on which its desired resignation shall become effective; provided, however, that such date shall never be earlier than 45 days after the receipt of such notice by the Issuer and the Guarantors, unless the Issuer otherwise agrees in writing. The Calculation Agent may be removed at any time by the filing with it of any instrument in writing signed on behalf of the Issuer and specifying such removal and the date when it is intended to become effective. Such resignation or removal shall take effect upon the date of the appointment by the Issuer, as hereinafter provided, of a successor Calculation Agent. If within 30 days after notice of resignation or removal has been given, a successor Calculation Agent has not been appointed, the Calculation Agent may, at the expense of the Issuer, petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor Calculation Agent. If at any time the Calculation Agent shall resign or be removed, or be dissolved, or if the property or affairs of the Calculation Agent shall be taken under the control of any state or federal court or administrative body because of bankruptcy or insolvency or for any other reason, then a successor Calculation Agent shall as soon as practicable be appointed by the Issuer by an instrument in writing filed with the predecessor Calculation Agent, the successor Calculation Agent and the Trustee. Upon the appointment of a successor Calculation Agent and acceptance by it of such appointment, the Calculation Agent so succeeded shall cease to be such Calculation Agent hereunder. Upon its resignation or removal, the Calculation Agent shall be entitled to the payment by the Issuer of its compensation, if any is owed to it, for services rendered hereunder and to the reimbursement of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) incurred in connection with the services rendered by it hereunder and to the payment of all other amounts owed to it hereunder.

 

(f)    Successors. Any successor Calculation Agent appointed hereunder shall execute and deliver to its predecessor, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor Calculation Agent, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the authority, rights, powers, trusts, immunities, duties and obligations of such predecessor with like effect as if originally named as such Calculation Agent hereunder, and such predecessor, upon payment of its charges and disbursements then unpaid, shall thereupon become obliged

 

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to transfer and deliver, and such successor Calculation Agent shall be entitled to receive, copies of any relevant records maintained by such predecessor Calculation Agent.

 

(g)   Trustee Deemed Calculation Agent Upon Certain Circumstances. In the event that the Calculation Agent shall resign or be removed, or be dissolved, or if the property or affairs of the Calculation Agent shall be taken under the control of any state or federal court or administrative body because of bankruptcy or insolvency or for any other reason, and the Issuer shall not have made a timely appointment of a successor Calculation Agent, the Trustee (if the Trustee is not then serving as the Calculation Agent), notwithstanding the provisions of this Article 7, shall be deemed to be the Calculation Agent for all purposes of this Indenture until the appointment by the Issuer of the successor Calculation Agent.

 

(h)   Merger, Conversion, Consolidation, Sale or Transfer. Any corporation into which the Calculation Agent may be merged or converted, or any corporation with which the Calculation Agent may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Calculation Agent shall be a party or to which the Calculation Agent shall sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its corporate trust assets or business shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be the successor Calculation Agent under this Indenture without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. Notice of any such merger, conversion or consolidation or sale shall forthwith be given to the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee (if the Trustee is not then serving as the Calculation Agent).

 

(i)    Notice.

 

(i)            Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other document provided or permitted hereby to be given or furnished to the Calculation Agent shall be delivered in person, sent by letter or fax or communicated by telephone (subject, in the case of communication by telephone, to confirmation dispatched within 24 hours by letter or by fax) as follows:

 

Muriel Shaw
Assistant Vice President
Global Corporate Trust Services
U.S. Bank National Association
1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050
EX-GA-ATPT
Atlanta, GA  30309
P: 404-898-8822
F: 404-898-8844
muriel.shaw@usbank.com

 

or to any other address of which the Calculation Agent shall have notified the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee (if the Trustee is not then serving as the Calculation Agent) in writing as herein provided.

 

(ii)           The Calculation Agent agrees to accept and act upon instructions or directions pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured e-mail, pdf, facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods, provided, however, that the Calculation Agent shall have received an incumbency certificate listing persons designated to give such instructions or directions and containing specimen signatures of such designated persons,

 

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which such incumbency certificate shall be amended and replaced whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the Issuer elects to give the Calculation Agent e-mail or facsimile instructions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Calculation Agent in its discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Calculation Agent’s understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Calculation Agent shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Calculation Agent’s reliance upon and compliance with such instructions notwithstanding such instructions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. The Issuer and the Guarantors agree to assume all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit instructions and directions to the Calculation Agent including without limitation the risk of the Calculation Agent acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.

 

ARTICLE 8
DEFEASANCE; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

8.1.         Issuer’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance .  The Issuer may, at its option by a resolution of its Board of Directors delivered to the Trustee, at any time, with respect to the Notes, elect to have either Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 be applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

 

8.2.         Defeasance and Discharge .  Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.1 of the option applicable to Section 8.2, the Issuer shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to the Notes on the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.4 are satisfied (hereinafter, “ legal defeasance ”).  For this purpose, such legal defeasance means that the Issuer shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the Notes and to have satisfied all its other obligations under the Notes and this Indenture (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:  (a) the rights of Holders of Notes to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 8.8 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest on such Notes when such payments are due, (b) the provisions set forth at Sections 2.6, 2.7, 2.11, 4.19 and 8.6, (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (d) the Issuer’s right of redemption pursuant to Section 3.8.  Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Issuer may exercise its option under Section 8.2 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.3 below with respect to the Notes.  If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default.

 

8.3.         Covenant Defeasance .  Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.1 of the option applicable to Section 8.3, the Issuer shall be released from its obligations under any covenant contained in Sections 4.4 through 4.16, 4.18 (other than the covenant to comply with TIA Section 314(a) to the extent that such obligations thereunder cannot be terminated) and Sections 5.1(a)(i), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) and Section 5.1(b) with respect to the Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “ covenant defeasance ”).  For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, the Issuer may omit to

 

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comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby.

 

8.4.         Conditions to Defeasance .  In order to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to outstanding Notes:

 

(a)   the Issuer must irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to the benefits of the Holders of such Notes:  (1) money in an amount, or (2) U.S. Government Obligations, which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment, money in an amount or (3) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient without reinvestment, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee to pay and discharge, the entire indebtedness in respect of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such Notes on the Stated Maturity thereof or (if the Issuer has made irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer) the Redemption Date thereof, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Notes;

 

(b)   in the case of an election under Section 8.2, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (1) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (2) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law (whether by statute or judicial precedent), in either case of (1) or (2) to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Notes will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Notes and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge were not to occur;

 

(c)   in the case of an election under Section 8.3, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such outstanding Notes will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and covenant defeasance to be effected with respect to such Notes and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance were not to occur;

 

(d)   no Default or Event of Default with respect to the outstanding Notes shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit after giving effect thereto (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien to secure such borrowing);

 

(e)   such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Notes are in default within the meaning of such act);

 

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(f)    such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or material instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Issuer is a party or by which the Issuer is bound; and

 

(g)   the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by clause (b) above with respect to a defeasance need not to be delivered if all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (1) have become due and payable, or (2) will become due and payable at Stated Maturity within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer.

 

The Collateral will be released from the Lien securing the Notes, as provided under Section 11.4, upon a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance in accordance with the provisions described above.

 

8.5.         Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture .  This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued thereunder when:

 

(a)   either:  (1) all outstanding Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or (2) all such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (A) have become due and payable or (B) will become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year (a “ Discharge ”) under irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and in each such case the Issuer has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds (including money or U.S. Government Obligations)  in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes, not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest to the Stated Maturity or date of redemption;

 

(b)   the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other Notes Obligations then due and payable under this Indenture by the Issuer;

 

(c)   the Issuer has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited funds toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or on the Redemption Date, as the case may be; and

 

(d)   the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, each to the effect that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the Discharge have been complied with.

 

8.6.         Survival of Certain Obligations .  Notwithstanding Sections 8.1 and 8.3, any obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors in Sections 2.2 through 2.14, 6.7, 7.6, 7.7, and 8.7 through 8.9 shall survive until the Notes have been paid in full.  Thereafter, any obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors in Sections 7.6, 8.7 and 8.8 shall survive such defeasance and discharge.  Nothing contained in this Article 8 shall abrogate any of the obligations or duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.

 

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8.7.         Acknowledgment of Discharge by Trustee .  Subject to Section 8.9, after the conditions of 8.2, 8.3 or 8.5 have been satisfied, the Trustee upon written request shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of all of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture except for those surviving obligations specified in this Article 8.

 

8.8.         Application of Trust Funds .  Subject to Section 8.9, the Trustee shall hold in trust cash in U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article 8.  It shall apply the deposited cash or U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes; but such funds need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

8.9.         Repayment to Issuer .  Subject to Sections 7.6, and 8.1 through 8.4, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuer upon request set forth in an Officers’ Certificate any excess funds held by them at any time and thereupon shall be relieved from all liability with respect to such funds.  The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer upon request any funds held by them for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, that remains unclaimed for two years; provided that the Trustee or Paying Agent before being required to make any payment may cause to be published (a) in The Wall Street Journal or another leading newspaper in New York, New York and (b) through the newswire service of Bloomberg or, if Bloomberg does not then operate, any similar agency or mail to each Holder entitled to such funds at such Holder’s address (as set forth in the Security Register) notice that such funds remains unclaimed and that after a date specified therein (which shall be at least 30 days from the date of such publication or mailing) any unclaimed balance of such funds then remaining will be repaid to the Issuer.  After payment to the Issuer, Holders entitled to such funds must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors unless an applicable law designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee and such Paying Agent with respect to such money shall cease.

 

8.10.       Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations .  The Issuer shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any received on such U.S. Government Obligations.

 

8.11.       Reinstatement .  If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply cash in U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article 8 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article 8 until such time as the Trustee or any such Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such cash or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article 8; provided , however , that, if the Issuer has made any payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any on any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the cash in U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

 

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ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

 

9.1.         Without Consent of Holders . Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, at any time and from time to time, may modify, amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes (including any Additional Notes and Guarantees of the foregoing), the Note Guarantees, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents, as applicable, for any of the following purposes:

 

(a)   to evidence the succession of a Person to the Issuer or a Guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Issuer or such Guarantor in the Indenture and the Notes or Note Guarantee;

 

(b)   to add to the covenants of the Issuer for the benefit of the Holders, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer;

 

(c)   to add additional Events of Default;

 

(d)   to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of the certificated Notes;

 

(e)   to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under this Indenture by a successor Trustee;

 

(f)    to provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

 

(g)   to add a Guarantor or to release a Guarantor in accordance with this Indenture;

 

(h)   to cure any ambiguity, defect, omission, mistake or inconsistency;

 

(i)    to amend any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that such actions pursuant to this clause (i) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer by Board Resolution delivered to the Trustee;

 

(j)    to conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes (including any Additional Notes and Guarantees of the foregoing), the Note Guarantees, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that the Trustee has received an Officers’ Certificate stating that such text constitutes an unintended conflict with the description of the corresponding provision in the “Description of the Notes” in the Offering Memorandum;

 

(k)   to add to the Collateral securing the Notes;

 

(l)    to provide for the release of Collateral from the Lien of this Indenture, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents when permitted or required by the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents (including Section 7(n) of the Security Agreement) or this Indenture; or

 

(m)  to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depository.

 

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9.2.         With Consent of Holders .  With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, consent obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental to this Indenture for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or the Notes or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes under this Indenture, including the definitions therein; provided , however , that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected thereby:

 

(i)            change the Stated Maturity of any Note or of any installment of interest on any Note, or reduce the amount payable in respect of the principal thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable thereon, or reduce the amount that would be due and payable on acceleration of the maturity thereof, or change the currency in which, any Note or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof, or change the date on which any Notes may be subject to redemption or reduce the Redemption Price therefor;

 

(ii)           reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or of certain defaults thereunder and their consequences) provided for in the Indenture;

 

(iii)          modify the obligations of the Issuer to make and consummate an Offer to Purchase with respect to any Asset Sale after the obligation to make such Offer to Purchase has arisen or to make and consummate an Offer to Purchase upon a Change of Control after the occurrence of such Change of Control (including, in each case, by amending, changing or modifying any definition relating thereto);

 

(iv)          modify any provision of this Indenture affecting the ranking of the Notes or any Note Guarantee in a manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes; or

 

(v)           release any Guarantees required to be maintained under the Indenture (other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture).

 

In addition, any amendment to, or waiver of, the provision of the Indenture or any Security Document that has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral will require the consent of Holders of at least two-thirds in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.

 

The consent of the Holders is not necessary to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver.  It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver.

 

9.3.         Compliance with Trust Indenture Act .  Every amendment, modification or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be set forth in a supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.

 

9.4.         Effect of Supplemental Indentures .  Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article 9, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance

 

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therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Notes theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

 

9.5.         Notation on or Exchange of Notes .  If an amendment, modification or supplement changes the terms of a Note, the Issuer or Trustee may require the Holder to deliver it to the Trustee.  The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Note and on any Note subsequently authenticated regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder.  Alternatively, if the Issuer so determines, the Issuer in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms.  Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment, modification or supplement.

 

9.6.         Revocation of Consents .  Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note.  However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee or the Issuer receives written notice of revocation before the date on which the Issuer certifies to such Trustee that the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Notes has consented to such amendment.  An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder unless it is of the type requiring the consent of each Holder affected.  If the amendment, supplement or waiver is of the type requiring the consent of each Holder affected, the amendment, supplement or waiver will bind each Holder that has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Note that evidences the same debt as the Note of the consenting Holder.

 

9.7.         Payment for Consent .  The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder of Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid to all Holders that may legally participate in the Transaction, as proposed by the Issuer and is paid to all Holders of the Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend such term or provision within the time period set forth in the solicitation documents relating to the consent, waiver or amendment.

 

9.8.         Notice of Amendment or Waiver .  Promptly after the execution by the Issuer and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture or waiver pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.2 the Issuer shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each outstanding Note, in the manner provided for in Section 14.2, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture or waiver.

 

9.9.         Trustee to Sign Amendments , Etc. .  The Trustee shall execute any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 9; provided that the Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, execute any such amendment, supplement or waiver which adversely affects the rights, duties or immunities of the Trustee under this Indenture.  The Trustee shall be provided with, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate, each stating that the execution of any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 9 is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.

 

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ARTICLE 10
INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

 

10.1.       Intercreditor Agreement . Each Holder, by accepting a Note, has authorized the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to become a party to and comply with the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement on behalf of the Holders (including  any action or omission to act, any consent or any waiver in compliance with the terms of such Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement) and has agreed that the Collateral Agent and the Holders shall be bound by and comply with the provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to them in their capacities as such and, in the case of the Holders, to the same extent as if the Holders were parties thereto.

 

Additionally, provided that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall, upon written request of the Issuer, together with an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, stating that such actions comply with the terms of this Indenture and/or the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, direct the Collateral Agent to enter into and perform amendments and joinders (or an acknowledgment to any joinder) to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or an additional intercreditor agreement on terms and conditions that, in the good faith determination of the Issuer, are not less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Holders of Notes than the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and thereafter such amended or new intercreditor agreement (or amendments or joinders to such new intercreditor agreement) shall be deemed to be the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as applicable, for all purposes of this Indenture.

 

Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall have any liability to any Person for complying with the terms of this Article 10.

 

ARTICLE 11
COLLATERAL

 

11.1.       Security Documents .  The Issuer, the Guarantors and the Collateral Agent shall enter into a security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date (the “ Security Agreement ”) and any other Security Document, as necessary, in each case, that establishes the terms of the security interests and Liens that secure the Secured Obligations.  These security interests secure the payment and performance when due of all of the Secured Obligations of the Issuer under the Notes and this Indenture and the Guarantors under the Guarantee.  Subject to the terms of the other Indenture Documents, the Issuer and the Guarantors have the right to remain in possession and retain exclusive control of the Collateral (other than any cash, securities, Obligations and Cash Equivalents constituting part of the Collateral and deposited with the a collateral agent in accordance with the provisions of the other Indenture Documents and other than as set forth in the other Indenture Documents), to freely operate the  Collateral and to collect, invest and dispose of any income therefrom.

 

The Issuer shall, and shall cause each Guarantor to, and each Guarantor shall, make all filings (including filings of continuation statements and amendments to UCC financing statements that may be necessary to continue the effectiveness of such UCC financing statements) necessary to maintain or establish (at the sole cost and expense of the Issuer and the Guarantors) the security interest created by this Indenture or the Security Documents in the Collateral as a perfected security interest to the extent perfection is required by the Security Documents, subject only to Permitted Liens. Subject to the terms of the other

 

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Indenture Documents, the Issuer and the Guarantors have the right to remain in possession and control of the Collateral.

 

11.2.       Collateral Agent .  (a)  The Collateral Agent shall have all the rights and protections provided herein and in the other Indenture Documents and, additionally, shall have all the rights and protections provided to the “Trustee” under Article 7.

 

(b)   Subject to Section 7.1, none of the Collateral Agent, Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, attorneys or agents will be responsible or liable for the existence, genuineness, value or sufficiency of any Collateral, for the legality, enforceability, effectiveness or sufficiency of the Security Documents or any other Indenture Document, for the creation, perfection, priority, sufficiency or protection of any Liens on any Collateral, or any defect or deficiency as to any such matters.

 

(c)   Except as required or permitted by the this Indenture and the other Indenture  Documents, the Holders, by accepting a Note, acknowledge that the Collateral Agent will not be obligated:

 

(i)            to act upon directions purported to be delivered to it by any Person, except in accordance with the Security Documents and other Indenture Documents;

 

(ii)           to foreclose upon or otherwise enforce any Lien on any Collateral securing the Notes Obligations; or

 

(iii)          to take any other action whatsoever with regard to any or all of the Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes Obligations or with regard to the Indenture Documents.

 

11.3.       Authorization of Actions to Be Taken .  (a)  Each Holder, by its acceptance of the Notes, consents and agrees to the terms of the Indenture Documents (including, without limitation, the provisions providing for foreclosure and release of Collateral) as the same may be in effect or may be amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time in accordance with their terms, authorizes and directs the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Indenture Documents to which it is a party, authorizes and empowers the Trustee to direct the Collateral Agent to enter into, and the Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver, the Security Agreement and any other Security Documents, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and such other intercreditor agreements as are required to be executed pursuant to Section 10.1, and any amendments to the foregoing that are in accordance with Article 9, and authorizes and empowers the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to bind the Holders of Notes and other Holders of Secured Obligations as set forth in the Indenture Documents to which it is a party and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights and powers thereunder.

 

(b)   The Trustee is authorized and empowered to receive for the benefit of the Collateral Agent, the Trustee and the Holders of Notes any funds collected or distributed to it or the Collateral Agent under the Indenture Documents to which the Trustee or the Collateral Agent is a party and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders of Notes, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent according to the provisions of this Indenture and the other Indenture Documents, if applicable.

 

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(c)   Subject to the provisions of Section 7.1 and Section 7.2 hereof, and the other Indenture Documents, the Trustee may (but shall not be obligated to), in its sole discretion and without the consent of the Holders, direct, on behalf of the Holders, the Collateral Agent to take all actions it deems necessary or appropriate in order to:

 

(1) foreclose upon or otherwise enforce any or all of the Liens on any Collateral securing the Secured Obligations;

 

(2) enforce any of the terms of the other Indenture Documents to which the Collateral Agent or Trustee is a party; or

 

(3) collect and receive payment of any and all Secured Obligations.

 

Subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement  and the other Indenture Documents, the Trustee is authorized and empowered by each Holder of Notes (by its acceptance thereof) to institute and maintain, or direct the Collateral Agent to institute and maintain, such suits and proceedings as it may deem expedient to protect or enforce the Liens of the Security Documents to which the Collateral Agent or Trustee is a party or to prevent any impairment of Collateral by any acts that may be unlawful or in violation of the Security Documents or the Indenture Documents to which the Collateral Agent or Trustee is a party, and, subject to the restrictions set forth in the other Indenture Documents, such suits and proceedings as the Trustee or the Collateral Agent may deem expedient to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders of Notes in the Collateral, including power to institute and maintain suits or proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any legislative or other governmental enactment, rule or order that may be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or compliance with, such enactment, rule or order would impair the Liens under the other Indenture Documents or be prejudicial to the interests of Holders, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent.

 

11.4.       Release of Collateral .

 

Subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, Liens on Collateral securing the Notes shall be automatically and unconditionally released:

 

(1)     as to any property or asset (including Capital Stock of a Subsidiary of the Issuer), to enable the Issuer and the Guarantors to consummate the disposition of such property or asset (including Fleet Collateral) to the extent not prohibited by clause (6) below or under Section 4.9 or Section 4.8;

 

(2)     to release Excess Proceeds, ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds and Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds to the Issuer that remain unexpended after the conclusion of an Asset Sale Offer, an ABL Collateral Asset Offer or a Fleet Collateral Asset Sale Offer conducted in accordance with this Indenture and not required to be made a part of the Collateral;

 

(3)     in respect of the property and assets of a Guarantor, upon the designation of such Guarantor to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary under Section 4.16;

 

(4)     as described in Section 9.6;

 

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(5)     in respect of the property and assets of a Guarantor upon release or discharge of the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor in compliance with this Indenture; and

 

(6)     as to the pledge of Capital Stock of First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries, in connection with a reorganization, change or modification of the direct or indirect ownership of Foreign Subsidiaries by the Issuer or a Guarantor, as applicable, in compliance with this Indenture, a release may be obtained as to such Capital Stock in connection with the substitution of pledge of 65% of the voting Capital Stock and 100% of the non-voting Capital Stock of any one or more new or replacement First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries pursuant to valid Security Documents.

 

Subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the security interests in all Collateral securing the Notes also shall be released upon (1) payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, the Notes and all other Notes Obligations under this Indenture and the Security Documents that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest are paid (including pursuant to a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as described under Section 8.5) or (2) a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance under the Indenture as described under Section 8.2 and 8.3, respectively.

 

11.5.       Filing, Recording and Opinions . (a) The Issuer will comply with the provisions of TIA Sections 314(b), 314(c) and 314(d), in each case following qualification of this Indenture pursuant to the TIA, except to the extent not required in any SEC regulation or interpretation (including any no-action letter issued by the Staff of the SEC, whether issued to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any other Person). Following such qualification, to the extent the Issuer is required to furnish to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel pursuant to TIA Section 314(b)(2), the Issuer shall furnish such opinion not more than 60 but not less than 30 days prior to each September 30.

 

(b)   Any release of Collateral permitted by Section 11.4 hereof shall be deemed not to impair the Liens under the Security Documents in contravention thereof and any person that is required to deliver an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel pursuant to Section 314(d) of the TIA, shall be entitled to rely upon the foregoing as a basis for delivery of such certificate and opinion.  The Trustee shall, to the extent permitted by Sections 7.1 and 7.2 hereof, accept as conclusive evidence of compliance with the foregoing provisions the appropriate statements contained in such documents, Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel.

 

(c)   If any Collateral is released in accordance with this Indenture and the other Indenture Documents and if the Issuer has delivered the certificates and documents required by the Indenture Documents and Section 11.4, the Trustee shall determine whether it has received all documentation required by TIA Section 314(d) in connection with such release and, based on such determination and Officers’ Certificate and the Opinion of Counsel delivered pursuant to Section 11.4, shall, upon request, deliver a certificate to the Collateral Agent setting forth such determination.

 

(d)   Any certificate or opinion required by Section 314(d) of the TIA may be made by an Officer of the Issuer, except in cases where Section 314(d) requires that such certificate or opinion be made by an independent engineer, appraiser or other expert.

 

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(e)   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries shall not be required to comply with all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the TIA if they determine, in good faith based on advice of counsel, that under the terms of that section and/or any interpretation or guidance as to the meaning thereof of the SEC and its staff, including “no action” letters or exemptive orders, all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the TIA is inapplicable to the released Collateral.

 

(f)    Upon the request of the Trustee, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel in respect of any matter in furtherance of the foregoing Transactions contemplated by this Section 11.5.

 

11.6.       Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee .  In case the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully appointed, the powers conferred in this Article 11 upon the Issuer or any Guarantor with respect to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or trustee shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of the Issuer or of any officer or officers of the foregoing required by the provisions of this Article 11; and if the Trustee or the Collateral Agent shall be in the possession of the Collateral under any provision of this Indenture or the other Indenture Documents, then such powers may be exercised by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be.

 

11.7.       Release upon Termination of the Issuer’s Obligations .  In the event (i) that the Issuer delivers to the Trustee, in form and substance acceptable to it, an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel certifying that all the obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the other Indenture Documents have been satisfied and discharged by the payment in full of the Issuer’s Notes Obligations, this Indenture and the other Indenture Documents, and all such Notes Obligations have been so satisfied, or (ii) a discharge, legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of this Indenture occurs under Article 8, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuer and the Collateral Agent a notice stating that the Trustee, on behalf of the Holders, disclaims and gives up any and all rights it has in or to the Collateral, and any rights it has under the Security Documents, and upon receipt by the Collateral Agent of such notice, the Collateral Agent shall be deemed not to hold a Lien in the Collateral on behalf of the Trustee and each of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall do or cause to be done all acts reasonably necessary to release such Lien as soon as is reasonably practicable.

 

11.8.       Trustee’s Duties with Respect to Collateral (a) Beyond the exercise of reasonable care in the custody thereof, neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duty as to any Collateral in its actual possession or actual control or in the possession or control of any agent or bailee under the control of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent or any income thereon or as to preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto.  Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be responsible for filing any financing or continuation statements or recording any documents or instruments in any public office at any time or times or otherwise perfecting or maintaining the perfection of any security interest in the Collateral.  The Trustee and/or the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody of the Collateral in its possession if the Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which it accords its own property and shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or diminution in the value of any of the Collateral by reason of the act or omission of any carrier, forwarding agency or other agent or bailee actually selected by and under the control of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent in good faith.

 

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(b)   Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be responsible for the existence, genuineness or value of any of the Collateral or for the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Liens in any of the Collateral, whether impaired by operation of law or by reason of any action or omission to act on its part hereunder, except to the extent such action or omission constitutes negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, for the validity or sufficiency of the Collateral or any agreement or assignment contained therein, for the validity of the title of the Issuer to the Collateral, for insuring the Collateral or for the payment of taxes, charges, assessments or Liens upon the Collateral or otherwise as to the maintenance of the Collateral. Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duty to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms of this Indenture or the Security Documents by the Issuer or the Guarantors.

 

ARTICLE 12
GUARANTEE

 

12.1.       Notes Guarantee .  (a) The Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, guarantee, on a senior secured basis, to each Holder, to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent and the successors and assigns of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent on behalf of each Holder, the due and punctual payment of the Notes Obligations, Hedging Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors and Bank Product Obligations, in each case, other than the Excluded Hedge Obligations (the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”).  The Guarantors further agree that the Notes Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from the Guarantors and that the Guarantors shall remain bound under this Article 12 notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.  All payments under such Guarantee shall be made in U.S. dollars.

 

(b)   The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unaffected by, and irrespective of, any validity, irregularity or unenforceability of any Note or this Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of any Note or this Indenture, any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to the Issuer with respect thereto by the Holders, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee, or the release of any security held by any Holder, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee for the Guaranteed Obligations of each Guarantor, or any other circumstance which may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor (except payment in full); provided , however , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, no such waiver, modification, indulgence or circumstance shall without the written consent of the Guarantors increase the principal amount of a Note or the interest rate thereon or change the currency of payment with respect to any Note, or alter the Stated Maturity thereof.  The Guarantors hereby waive diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require that the Trustee pursue or exhaust its legal or equitable remedies against the Issuer prior to exercising its rights under the Guarantee (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any right which the Guarantors may have to require the seizure and sale of the assets of the Issuer to satisfy the outstanding principal of, interest on or any other amount payable as a Guaranteed Obligation prior to recourse against the Guarantors or their assets), protest or notice with respect to any Note or the Indebtedness evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that the Guarantee shall not be discharged with respect to any Note except by payment in full of the principal thereof and interest thereon or as otherwise provided in this Indenture, including Section 12.3.  If at any time any payment of any Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the

 

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Issuer, the Guarantors’ obligations hereunder with respect to such payment shall be reinstated as of the date of such rescission, restoration or returns as though such payment had become due but had not been made at such times.

 

(c)   The Guarantors also agree to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under Section 12.1.

 

(d)   The Guarantee of each Guarantor is, to the extent and in the manner set forth in this Article 12, shall be the senior secured Obligations of the Guarantors, equal in right of payment to all existing and future Pari Passu Indebtedness, equal in right of payment to all existing and future unsubordinated Indebtedness of the relevant Guarantor, and subordinated and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all secured Indebtedness of the relevant Guarantor and is made subject to such provisions of this Indenture.

 

12.2.       Subrogation .  (a) The Guarantors shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid to such Holders by the Guarantors pursuant to the provisions of their Guarantee.

 

(b)   The Guarantors agree that they shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any Obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all Notes Obligations.  The Guarantors further agree that, as between it, on the one hand, and the Holders, the Collateral Agent and the Trustee, on the other hand, (1) the maturity of the Notes Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Section 6.2 for the purposes of their Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Notes Obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Notes Obligations as provided in Section 6.2, such Notes Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purposes of this Section 12.2 subject to Section 12.1(c).

 

12.3.       Limitation of Guarantee .  Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Obligations of the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor shall be limited to an amount not to exceed the maximum amount which shall not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any Note Guarantee.  To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the Obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount that shall, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 12, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

 

12.4.       Notation Not Required .  Neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall be required to make a notation on the Notes to reflect any Guarantee or any release, termination or discharge thereof.

 

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12.5.       Successors and Assigns .  This Article 12 shall be binding upon the Guarantors and each of their successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Notes shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assigns, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.

 

12.6.       No Waiver .  Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of either the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article 12 shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege.  The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which any of the Holders, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee may have under this Article 12 at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

 

12.7.       Modification .  No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article 12, nor the consent to any departure by any Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.  No notice to or demand on any Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstance.

 

12.8.       Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Note Guarantors .  Each Subsidiary and other Person which is required to become a Guarantor of the Notes Obligations pursuant to Section 4.14 shall promptly execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in the Form of Exhibit D hereto pursuant to which such Subsidiary or other Person shall become a Guarantor under this Article 12 and shall Guarantee the Notes Obligations.  Concurrently with the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Subsidiary or other Person and that, subject to the application of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer and other similar laws relating to creditors’ rights generally and to the principles of equity, whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity, the Guarantee of such Guarantor is a valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor, enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms and/or to such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.

 

12.9.       Release .  A Note Guarantee of a Guarantor will be automatically and unconditionally released (and thereupon shall terminate and be discharged and be of no further force and effect):

 

(a)   in connection with any sale or other disposition (including by merger or otherwise) of Capital Stock of the Guarantor after which such Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, if the sale or disposition of such Capital Stock of that Guarantor complies with the applicable provisions of this Indenture;

 

(b)   in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such Transaction) the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary

 

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of the Issuer, if the sale or other disposition does not violate the applicable provisions of this Indenture;

 

(c)   in connection with an enforcement action with respect to the Collateral, as provided by the the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(d)   if the Issuer properly designates the Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary under this Indenture;

 

(e)   in the case of a Note Guarantee entered into because a Person has Guaranteed other Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, upon the release or discharge of the Guarantee that resulted in the creation of such Note Guarantee or a payment of the Indebtedness supported by such Guarantee, as provided for in Section 4.14;

 

(f)    upon the Guarantor becoming an Excluded Subsidiary; and

 

(g)   upon a Legal Defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture that complies with Sections 8.2, 8.3 and 8.5.

 

Upon any occurrence giving rise to a release of a Note Guarantee as specified above, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence or effect such release, suspension, discharge and termination in respect of such Note Guarantee. Neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor will be required to make a notation on the Notes to reflect any Note Guarantee or any such release, suspension, termination or discharge.

 

12.10.     Keepwell .  Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by the Issuer and each other Guarantor to guaranty and otherwise honor all Obligations in respect of Swap Obligations (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 12.10 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 12.10, or otherwise under the Indenture Documents, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the Notes Obligations and the Hedging Obligations.   Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 12.10 constitute, and this Section 12.10 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of the Issuer and each other Guarantor for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

ARTICLE 13
HOLDERS’ MEETINGS

 

13.1.       Purposes of Meetings .  A meeting of the Holders may be called at any time pursuant to this Article 13 for any of the following purposes:

 

(a)   to give any notice to the Issuer or any Guarantor or to the Trustee, or to give any directions to the Trustee, or to consent to the waiving of any Default hereunder and its consequences, or to take any other action authorized to be taken by Holders pursuant to Article 9;

 

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(b)   to remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee pursuant to Article 7; or

 

(c)   to consent to the execution of an indenture supplement pursuant to Section 9.2.

 

13.2.       Place of Meetings .  Meetings of Holders may be held at such place or places as the Trustee or, in case of its failure to act, the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Holders calling the meeting, shall from time to time determine.

 

13.3.       Call and Notice of Meetings .  (a)  The Trustee may at any time (upon not less than 21 days’ notice) call a meeting of Holders to be held at such time and at such place in New York, New York or in such other city as determined by the Trustee pursuant to Section 13.2.  Notice of every meeting of Holders, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be mailed to each Holder and published in the manner contemplated by Section 14.2(b).

 

(b)   In case at any time the Issuer, pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors delivered to the Trustee, or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes then outstanding, shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of the Holders, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have made the first giving of the notice of such meeting within 20 days after receipt of such request, then the Issuer or the Holders of Notes in the amount above specified may determine the time (not less than 21 days after notice is given) and the place in New York, New York or in such other city as determined by the Issuer or the Holders pursuant to Section 13.2 for such meeting and may call such meeting to take any action authorized in Section 13.1 by giving notice thereof as provided in this Section 13.1(a).

 

13.4.       Voting at Meetings .  To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders, a Person shall be (a) a Holder at the relevant record date set in accordance with Section 6.15 or (b) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders by such Holder or Holders.  The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders shall be the Person so entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel and any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Issuer and any Guarantor and their counsel.

 

13.5.       Voting Rights, Conduct and Adjournment .  (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders in regard to proof of the holding of Notes and of the appointment of proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem appropriate.  Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Notes shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 2.3 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in such manner as is deemed appropriate by the Trustee or by having the signature of the Person executing the proxy witnessed or guaranteed by any bank, banker or trust company customarily authorized to certify to the holding of a Note such as a Global Note.

 

(b)   At any meeting of Holders, the presence of Persons holding or representing Notes in an aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity sufficient under the appropriate provision of this Indenture to take action upon the business for the Transaction of which such

 

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meeting was called shall constitute a quorum.  Subject to any required aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity of Notes required for the taking of any action pursuant to Article 9, in no event shall less than a majority of the votes given by Persons holding or representing Notes at any meeting of Holders be sufficient to approve an action.  Any meeting of Holders duly called pursuant to Section 13.3 may be adjourned from time to time by vote of the Holders (or proxies for the Holders) of a majority of the Notes represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, whether or not a quorum shall be present; and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.  No action at a meeting of Holders shall be effective unless approved by Persons holding or representing Notes in the aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity required by the provision of this Indenture pursuant to which such action is being taken.

 

(c)   At any meeting of Holders, each Holder or proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 aggregate principal amount at Stated Maturity of outstanding Notes held or represented.

 

13.6.       Revocation of Consent by Holders at Meetings .  At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee of the taking of any action at a meeting of Holders by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any Holder of a Note the serial number of which is included in the Notes the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee at its principal Corporate Trust Office and upon proof of holding as provided herein, revoke such consent so far as concerns such Note.  Except as aforesaid, any such consent given by the Holder of any Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Note and of any Note issued in exchange therefor, in lieu thereof or upon transfer thereof, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Note.  Any action taken by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders.  Section 13.6 shall not apply to revocations of consents to amendments, supplements or waivers, which shall be governed by the provisions of Section 9.6.

 

ARTICLE 14
MISCELLANEOUS

 

14.1.       Trust Indenture Act Controls .  If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by, or with another provision (an “ incorporated provision ”) included in this Indenture by operation of,  Sections 310 to 318, inclusive, of the TIA incorporated hereto in accordance with Section 1.3 hereto, such imposed duties or incorporated provision shall control.

 

14.2.       Notices .  (a)  Any notice or communication shall be in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail or sent by facsimile transmission addressed as follows:

 

if to the Issuer or the Guarantors

 

FTS international, Inc.

P.O. Box 1410

Fort Worth, Texas 76101,

 

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Facsimile: (817) 339-3697

Attention: General Counsel

 

if to the Trustee:

 

U.S. Bank National Association

Global Corporate Trust Services

1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050

Atlanta, GA  30309

 

Facsimile: 404-898-8844

Attention: Muriel Shaw, Assistant Vice President

 

The Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.  All communications delivered to the Trustee shall be deemed effective when received.

 

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given:  at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

 

(b)   Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the Security Register kept by the Registrar.  Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA.  Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

 

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

 

(c)   If and so long as the Notes are represented by Global Notes, notice to Holders, in addition to being given in accordance with Section 14.2, shall also be given by delivery of the relevant notice to DTC for communication to entitled account holdings in substitution for the previously-mentioned publication.

 

(d)   Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice.  Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

 

14.3.       Communication by Holders with Other Holders .  Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes.  The Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).

 

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14.4.       Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent .  Upon any request or application by the Issuer or any Guarantor to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish upon request to the Trustee:

 

(a)   an Officers’ Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

 

(b)   an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

 

Any Officers’ Certificate may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel, unless the officer signing such certificate knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that such Opinion of Counsel with respect to the matters upon which such Officers’ Certificate is based are erroneous.  Any Opinion of Counsel may be based and may state that it is so based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon an Officers’ Certificate stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Issuer, unless the counsel signing such Opinion of Counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the Officers’ Certificate with respect to the matters upon which such Opinion of Counsel is based are erroneous.

 

14.5.       Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion .  Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:

 

(a)   a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

 

(b)   a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 

(c)   a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

 

(d)   a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

 

14.6.       Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar .  The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders.  The Collateral Agent, Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

 

14.7.       Legal Holidays .  If an Interest Payment Date or other payment date is not a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.  If a Record Date is not a Business Day, the Record Date shall not be affected.

 

14.8.       Governing Law .  THIS INDENTURE AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

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14.9.       Jurisdiction .  The Issuer and the Guarantors agree that any suit, action or proceeding against the Issuer or the Guarantors brought by any Holder or the Trustee arising out of or based upon this Indenture, the Guarantee or the Notes may be instituted in any state or Federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of them irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding.

 

14.10.     Waiver of Jury Trial .   EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS, THE TRUSTEE, AND THE HOLDERS (BY ACCEPTING A NOTE) HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE GUARANTEE OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.

 

14.11.     No Recourse Against Others .  A director, officer, employee or shareholder, as such, of the Issuer or any Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the Notes, this Indenture or any Guarantee or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.  By accepting a Note, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability.  The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issue of the Notes.

 

14.12.     Successors .  All agreements of the Issuer and any Guarantor in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors.  All agreements of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent in this Indenture or any other Indenture Document shall bind its successors.

 

14.13.     Multiple Originals .  The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.  One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture.

 

This Indenture may be signed in any number of counterparts each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Indenture.  Delivery of an executed signature page of this Indenture by facsimile or electronic transmission shall constitute delivery of an originally executed counterpart thereof.

 

14.14.     Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Sheet and Headings .  The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

14.15.     Severability .  In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

14.16.     Force Majeure .  In no event shall the Trustee or the Collateral Agent be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its respective obligations hereunder or any other Indenture Document arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee or the Collateral

 

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Agent, as the case may be, shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with the accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

 

14.17.     Intercreditor Agreements . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the security interests granted pursuant to the Security Documents in connection with this Indenture, the terms of any other Security Document or any other Indenture Document, certain other rights and privileges, and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Trustee hereunder or by the Collateral Agent under the Security Documents are subject to the provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Indenture or any other Security Document, the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall control; provided that the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement govern and control in the event of any conflict with the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

14.18.     Secured Obligations Amount .  The Issuer shall (a) from time to time upon the request of the Trustee and (b) promptly following an Event of Default (without any further action by the Trustee or the Holders) provide to the Trustee the total amount of outstanding Secured Obligations, as well as any information reasonably requested by the Trustee with respect to Secured Obligations (including, but not limited to, the outstanding amount of each such Secured Obligation, the holder(s) of such obligations, contact information for such holder, etc.). The Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the information with respect to the Secured Obligations, on an Officers’ Certificate furnished to the Trustee by the Issuer.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers as a result of the provision of such information, provided that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute negligence or willful misconduct.

 

14.19.     Third Party Beneficiaries .  Each Bank Product Provider shall be a third-party beneficiary of this Indenture and shall have only such rights as specifically are set forth herein.  For the avoidance of doubt, no Bank Product Provider shall have any right to enforce the terms of this Indenture or any other Indenture Document.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC, AS ISSUER

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, AS AN INITIAL GUARANTOR

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING, LLC, AS INITIAL GUARANTOR

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

 

Name: Muriel Shaw

 

 

Title: Assistant Vice President

 

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

 

Name: Muriel Shaw

 

 

Title: Assistant Vice President

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]

 

[If Regulation S Global Note — ISIN [ · ]/CUSIP [ · ]]

 

[If Restricted Global Note — ISIN [ · ]/CUSIP [ · ]]

 

No. [ · ]

 

[Include if Global Note — UNLESS THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY GLOBAL NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NOMINEE AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.

 

THIS GLOBAL NOTE AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME TO MODIFY THE RESTRICTIONS ON AND PROCEDURES FOR RESALES AND OTHER TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAW OR REGULATION (OR THE INTERPRETATION THEREOF) OR IN PRACTICES RELATING TO THE RESALE OR TRANSFER OF RESTRICTED SECURITIES GENERALLY.  THE HOLDER OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE DEEMED, BY THE ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, TO HAVE AGREED TO ANY SUCH AMENDMENT OR SUPPLEMENT.]

 

[Include if Restricted Global Note — THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM.  EACH PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.  BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE ACQUIRER:

 

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(1) REPRESENTS THAT IT, AND ANY ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT IS ACTING, IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) AND THAT IT EXERCISES SOLE INVESTMENT DISCRETION WITH RESPECT TO EACH SUCH ACCOUNT; AND

 

(2) AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT  (A) THIS NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHICH THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (IV) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE.

 

THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE WILL BE THE DATE:  (1) THAT IS AT LEAST ONE YEAR AFTER THE LAST ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF; AND (2) ON WHICH THE ISSUER INSTRUCTS THE TRUSTEE THAT THIS LEGEND (OTHER THAN THE PARAGRAPH RELATING TO DTC) SHALL BE DEEMED REMOVED FROM THIS NOTE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE RELATING TO THIS NOTE.  PRIOR TO THE REGISTRATION OF ANY TRANSFER IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 2(A)(III) ABOVE, THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF SUCH LEGAL OPINIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, OR OTHER EVIDENCE AS MAY REASONABLY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THAT THE PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.  NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF ANY EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.]

 

[Include if Regulation S Global Note — THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION ORIGINALLY EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY U.S. PERSON EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND ALL APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.  TERMS USED ABOVE HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]

 

[Include if Regulation S Temporary Global Note — THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND

 

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PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE.]

 

SENIOR SECURED FLOATING RATE NOTE DUE 2020

 

FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware for value received promises to pay to [ · ] or registered assigns the principal sum of             ($        ) which principal amount may from time to time be increased or decreased as indicated on the Security Register (as defined in the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof) on June 15, 2020.

 

From June 1, 2015 or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for, cash interest on this Note will accrue at a rate equal to the applicable LIBOR rate plus a margin payable quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2015, to the Person in whose name this Note (or any predecessor Note) is registered at the close of business on the preceding March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1, as the case may be.

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK .

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature of an authorized signatory, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof and to the provisions of the Indenture, which provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by their duly authorized signatory.

 

Dated:  [ · ]

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

 

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[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]

 

Senior Secured Floating Rate Note Due 2020

 

1.             Interest

 

FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), for value received promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note from June 1, 2015, at the rate (the “Applicable Rate”) equal to the sum of (i) LIBOR (which shall not be below 0%) plus (ii) 7.500%, as determined by the calculation agent (the “Calculation Agent”).  Interest on this Note shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 360-day year.

 

Set forth below is a summary of certain of the defined terms used for purposes of determining the interest rate payable on the Notes.

 

Determination Date ” means, with respect to an Interest Period, the second London Banking Day preceding the first day of such Interest Period.

 

Interest Period ” means the period commencing on and including an Interest Payment Date and ending on and including the day immediately preceding the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, with the exception that the first Interest Period shall commence on and include June 1, 2015 and end on and include September 14, 2015.

 

LIBOR ” means, with respect to an Interest Period, the rate (expressed as a percentage per annum) for deposits in U.S. dollars for a three-month period beginning on the second London Banking Day after the Determination Date that appears on Reuters Page LIBOR 01 as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on the Determination Date. If Reuters Page LIBOR 01 does not include such a rate or is unavailable on a Determination Date, the Calculation Agent will request the principal London office of each of four major banks in the London interbank market, as selected by the Calculation Agent, to provide such bank’s offered quotation (expressed as a percentage per annum), as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such Determination Date, to prime banks in the London interbank market for deposits in a Representative Amount of U.S. dollars for a three-month period beginning on the second London Banking Day after the Determination Date. If at least two such offered quotations are so provided, the rate for the Interest Period will be the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If fewer than two such quotations are so provided, the Calculation Agent will request each of three major banks in New York City, as selected by the Calculation Agent (at the direction of the Issuer), to provide such bank’s rate (expressed as a percentage per annum), as of approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such Determination Date, for loans in a Representative Amount in U.S. dollars to leading European banks for a three-month period beginning on the second London Banking Day after the Determination Date. If at least two such rates are so provided, the rate for the Interest Period will be the arithmetic mean of such rates. If fewer than two such rates are so provided, then the rate for the Interest Period will be the rate in effect with respect to the immediately preceding Interest Period.

 

London Banking Day ” is any day on which dealings in U.S. dollars are transacted or, with respect to any future date, are expected to be transacted in the London interbank market.

 

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Representative Amount ” means a principal amount of not less than $1,000,000 for a single Transaction in the relevant market at the relevant time.

 

Reuters Page LIBOR 01 ” means the display page so designated on the Reuters service or equivalent information reporting service or any successor service (or such successor display page, other published source, information vendor or provider).

 

The Calculation Agent will, as soon as practicable after 11:00 a.m., London time, on each Determination Date, determine the Applicable Rate, and calculate the aggregate amount of interest payable on the Notes in respect of the following Interest Period (the “ Interest Amount ”). The Interest Amount will be calculated by applying the Applicable Rate to the principal amount of the Notes outstanding at the commencement of the Interest Period, multiplying each such amount by the actual number of days in the Interest Period concerned divided by 360. All percentages resulting from any of the above calculations will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point being rounded upwards. All U.S. dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent on the U.S. dollar (with one-half cents on the U.S. dollar being rounded upwards). The determination of the Applicable Rate and the Interest Amount by the Calculation Agent shall, in the absence of willful default, bad faith or manifest error, be binding on all parties.

 

The Trustee will, upon the written request of the holder of any Note, provide the interest rate then in effect with respect to the Notes. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed. The Applicable Rate on the Notes will in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by applicable law.

 

2.             Method of Payment

 

The Issuer shall pay interest on this Note (except defaulted interest) to the persons who are registered Holders of this Note at the close of business on the Record Date for the next Interest Payment Date even if this Note is cancelled after the Record Date and on or before the Interest Payment Date.  The Issuer shall pay principal and interest in U.S. dollars in immediately available funds that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided , however , that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Issuer by check mailed to the Holder.

 

The amount of payments in respect of interest on each Interest Payment Date shall correspond to the aggregate principal amount of Notes represented by the Regulation S Global Note and the Restricted Global Note, as established by the Registrar at the close of business on the relevant Record Date.  Payments of principal shall be made upon surrender of the Regulation S Global Note and the Restricted Global Note to the Paying Agent.

 

If a Holder has given wire transfer instructions to the Issuer at least 10 Business Days prior to the applicable payment date, the Issuer will pay all principal, interest and premium, if any, on that Holder’s Notes in accordance with those instructions.  All other payments on Notes will be made at the office or agency of the Paying Agent and Registrar within the City and State of New York unless the Issuer elects to make interest payments by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest, with respect to the Global Notes registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee and will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified by DTC.

 

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3.             Paying Agent and Registrar

 

Initially, the Trustee will act as Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Issuer may change the Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders, and the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

4.             Indenture

 

The Issuer issued the Notes under an indenture dated as of June 1, 2015 (the “ Indenture ”), among the Issuer, the Guarantors, U.S. Bank National Association as Collateral Agent and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).  The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the U.S. Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in effect on the date of the Indenture and, to the extent required by any amendment after such date, as so amended (the “ U.S. Trust Indenture Act ”).  Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture.  The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and the U.S. Trust Indenture Act for a statement of those terms.

 

The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Issuer and are issued in an initial aggregate principal amount at maturity of $350,000,000.  The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the Issuer and the Guarantors, including, without limitation, limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness, the sale of assets, Transactions with and among affiliates of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, change of control and Liens.

 

5.             Optional Redemption

 

(a)           The Notes are subject to redemption, at the option of the Issuer, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on and after June 15, 2016 at the Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on June 15 of the years indicated below:

 

Year

 

Redemption Price

 

2016

 

103.000

%

2017

 

101.500

%

2018 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

(b)           At any time and from time to time prior to June 15, 2016, the Issuer may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a Redemption Price equal to the sum of (1) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (2) the Applicable Premium as of the date of redemption, plus (3) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

 

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to a Note at any date of redemption, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (2) the excess of (a) the present value at such date of redemption of (i) the Redemption Price of such Note at June 15, 2016 (as described above) plus (ii) all remaining required interest payments due on such Note through June 15, 2016 (assuming that the rate of interest on the Notes for the period from the

 

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date of redemption through June 15, 2016, will equal the rate of interest on the Notes in effect on the date on which the applicable notice of redemption is given) (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the date of redemption), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (b) the principal amount of such Note.

 

Treasury Rate ” means, as of any Redemption Date, the weekly average yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) equal to the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016; provided, however, that if the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities that have a constant maturity closest to and greater than the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016 and the United States Treasury securities that have a constant maturity closest to and less than the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016 for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the Redemption Date to June 15, 2016 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

 

(c)           In addition to the optional redemption provisions of the Notes in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, prior to June 15, 2016, the Issuer may, with the net proceeds of one or more Qualified Equity Offerings, redeem up to 35% of the initial aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including increases from Additional Notes) at a Redemption Price equal to 107.500% of the principal amount thereof, plus LIBOR (assuming LIBOR for the period from the redemption date through June 15, 2016 will equal LIBOR in effect on the date on which the applicable notice of redemption is given), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date); provided that at least 65% of the principal amount of Notes then outstanding (including Additional Notes) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Issuer or Subsidiaries of the Issuer) and that any such redemption occurs within 120 days following the closing of any such Qualified Equity Offering.

 

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time the Trustee will select the Notes to be redeemed as follows:

 

(1)     in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed; or

 

(2)     if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro-rata basis (or in the case of Notes issued in the form of Global Notes, based on such method as DTC may require).

 

(d)           The Notes may be redeemed in part but only in integral multiples of $2,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. No Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000 or less will be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption will be mailed by first class mail, at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date, to each

 

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Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notice of any redemption of the Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of and be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, the completion of an offering of Equity Interests, a Change of Control, other offerings or issuances of Indebtedness or other Transactions or events. In addition, if such redemption is subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date so delayed, or the redemption may be partial as a result of only some of the conditions being satisfied. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the Redemption Price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing promptly upon the satisfaction or failure of any condition precedent to any redemption or notice of redemption.

 

(e)           If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note will state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Subject to minimum denomination requirements, a new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

6.             Effect of Redemption

 

If this Note is redeemed subsequent to a Record Date with respect to any Interest Payment Date specified above, then any accrued interest will be paid to the Holder at the close of business on such Redemption Date.  If money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of and accrued interest on all Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed on the Redemption Date is deposited with the applicable Paying Agent on or before the Redemption Date and certain other conditions are satisfied, interest ceases to accrue on such Notes (or such portions thereof) called for redemption on or after such date.

 

7.             Repurchase at the Option of Holders

 

If a Change of Control occurs (as defined in the Indenture) at any time, the Issuer shall be required to offer to purchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of this Note at a purchase price in cash in an amount equal to 101% of the principal amount hereof, plus any accrued and unpaid interest and premium to the date of purchase (subject to the rights of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date), which date shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date notice of such offer is mailed, other than as required by law.  The Issuer shall purchase all Notes properly and timely tendered in the Offer to Purchase and not withdrawn in accordance with the procedures set forth in such notice.  The Offer to Purchase will state, among other things, the procedures that Holders of the Notes must follow to accept.

 

If the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds, ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds or Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds exceeds $35.0 million, the Issuer must commence, not later than the ten Business Days after the ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds, Fleet Collateral Excess

 

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Proceeds or the Collateral Excess Proceeds exceeds $35.0 million, an Offer to Purchase, the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, ABL Collateral Excess Proceeds or Fleet Collateral Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any such Offer to Purchase will be equal to 100% of the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Notes and such other Pari Passu Indebtedness plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant Record Date to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date, and will be payable in cash.

 

8.             Denominations

 

The Notes are in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  The transfer of Notes may be registered, and Notes may be exchanged, as provided in the Indenture.  The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.

 

9.             Unclaimed Money

 

All moneys paid by the Issuer or the Guarantors to the Trustee or a Paying Agent for the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any Notes that remain unclaimed at the end of two years (subject to Section 8.9 of the Indenture) after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable may be repaid to the Issuer or the Guarantors, subject to applicable law, and the Holder of such Note thereafter may look only to the Issuer or the Guarantors for payment thereof.

 

10.          Discharge and Defeasance

 

Subject to certain conditions, the Issuer at any time may terminate some or all of its obligations and the obligations of the Guarantors under the Notes, the Guarantees and the Indenture if the Issuer irrevocably deposits with the Trustee U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.

 

11           Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

 

(a)           The Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent may modify, amend or supplement the Indenture, the Notes (including any Additional Notes and Guarantees of the foregoing), the Note Guarantees, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents, as applicable, without notice to or consent of any Holder:

 

(i)            to evidence the succession of a Person to an Issuer or Guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of such Issuer or Guarantor in the Indenture and the Notes;

 

(ii)           to add to the covenants of the Issuer for the benefit of the Holders, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer;

 

(iii)          to add additional Events of Default;

 

(iv)          to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of the certificated Notes;

 

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(v)           to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the Indenture by a successor Trustee;

 

(vi)          to provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture;

 

(vii)         to add a Guarantor or to release a Guarantor in accordance with the Indenture;

 

(viii)        to cure any ambiguity, defect, omission, mistake or inconsistency;

 

(ix)          to amend any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture, provided that such actions pursuant to this clause (ix) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer;

 

(x)           to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes (including any Additional Notes and Guarantees of the foregoing), the Note Guarantees, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents, as applicable, to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that the Trustee has received an Officers’ Certificate stating that such text constitutes an unintended conflict with the description of the corresponding provision in the “Description of the Notes” in the Offering Memorandum;

 

(xi)          to add to the Collateral securing the Notes;

 

(xii)         to provide for the release of Collateral from the Lien of the Indenture, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents when permitted or required by the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents or the Indenture; or

 

(xiii)        to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depository.

 

(b)           With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, consent obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental to the Indenture for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the Indenture or the Notes or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes under the Indenture, including the definitions therein provided, however, that no such Supplemental Indenture shall, without the consent of each Holder affected thereby, may:

 

(i)            change the Stated Maturity of any Note or of any installment of interest on any Note, or reduce the amount payable in respect of the principal thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable thereon, or reduce the amount that would be due and payable on acceleration of the maturity thereof, or change the currency in which, any Note or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the

 

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Stated Maturity thereof, or change the date on which any Notes may be subject to redemption or reduce the Redemption Price therefor;

 

(ii)           reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or of certain defaults thereunder and their consequences) provided for in the Indenture;

 

(iii)          modify the obligations of the Issuer to make and consummate an Offer to Purchase with respect to any Asset Sale after the obligation to make such Offer to Purchase has arisen or to make and consummate an Offer to Purchase upon a Change of Control after the occurrence of such Change of Control, including, in each case, by amending, changing or modifying any definition relating thereto;

 

(iv)          modify any provision of the Indenture affecting the ranking of the Notes or any Note Guarantee in a manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes; or

 

(v)           release any Guarantees required to be maintained under the Indenture (other than in accordance with the terms of the Indenture).

 

In addition, any amendment to, or waiver of, the provision of the Indenture or any Security Document that has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral shall require the consent of Holders of at least two thirds in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.

 

The consent of the Holders is not necessary to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver.  It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver.

 

12.          Defaults and Remedies

 

The Notes have the Events of Default as set forth in Section 6.1(a) of the Indenture.  If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(a)(viii) and (ix) of the Indenture) occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee at the direction of the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes shall declare the principal of the Notes and any accrued interest on the Notes to be due and payable immediately by a notice in writing to the Issuer.  Certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency are Events of Default and shall result in the Notes being due and payable immediately upon the occurrence of such Events of Default.

 

Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture.  The Trustee may refuse to enforce the Indenture or the Notes unless it receives an indemnity satisfactory to it.  Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by written notice to the Trustee may rescind any acceleration and its consequence if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of such acceleration.  The above description of

 

A- 11



 

Events of Default and remedies is qualified by reference, and subject in its entirety, to the more complete description thereof contained in the Indenture.

 

13.          Trustee Dealings with the Issuer

 

Subject to certain limitations imposed by the U.S. Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Issuer, the Guarantors or any of their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co-Registrar or co-Paying Agent may do the same with like rights.

 

14.          No Recourse Against Others

 

A director, officer, employee, or stockholder, as such, of the Issuer or any Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or such Guarantor under the Notes, the Guarantee or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.  By accepting a Note, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Notes.

 

15.          Authentication

 

This Note shall not be valid until an authorized officer of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Note.

 

16.          Governing Law

 

THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK .

 

The Issuer or the Guarantors shall furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge to the Holder a copy of the Indenture.  Requests may be made to:

 

FTS International, Inc.
PO Box 1410
Forth Worth, Texas 76101
Facsimile:  (817) 339-3697
Attention:  General Counsel

 

A- 12


 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign and transfer this Note, fill in the form below:

 

 

 

(I) or (the Issuer) assign and transfer this Note to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. no.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and postal code)

 

 

 

and irrevocably appoint                                                      agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

Your Signature:                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)

 

 

Signature Guarantee:                                                                                                                                                  

 

 

(Participant in a recognized signature Guarantee medallion program)

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

Certifying Signature:

 

[Include only if Original Note — In connection with any transfer of any Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of original issuance of such Notes and the last date, if any, on which the Notes were owned by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in such Notes and:

 

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW

 

(1)                                  o                                     to the Issuer; or

 

(2)                                  o                                     pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act  of 1933; or

 

(3)                                  o                                     pursuant to and in compliance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933; or

 

(4)                                  o                                     pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933; or

 

(5)                                  o                                     pursuant to an effective registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.

 

A- 13



 

Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided , however , that if box (2) is checked, by executing this form, the Transferor is deemed to have certified that such Notes are being transferred to a person it reasonably believes is a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 who has received notice that such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A; if box (3) is checked, by executing this form, the Transferor is deemed to have certified that such transfer is made pursuant to an offer and sale that occurred outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act; and if box (4) is checked, the Trustee may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Issuer reasonably requests to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.

 

Signature:

 

 

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

 

 

 

(Participant in a recognized signature guarantee medallion program)

 

Certifying Signature:

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

 

 

(Participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program)]

 

A- 14



 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

 

If you want to elect to have this Note or a portion thereof repurchased pursuant to Section 4.9 or 4.11 of the Indenture, check the box:  o

 

If the purchase is in part, indicate the portion (in denominations of $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) to be purchased:

 

Your signature:

 

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)

 

Date:

 

Certifying Signature:

 

 

 

A- 15



 

SCHEDULE A
SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

 

The following decreases/increases in the principal amount of this Security have been made:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

Date of

 

Decrease in

 

Increase in

 

Following such

 

Notation Made

 

Decrease/

 

Principal

 

Principal

 

Decrease/

 

by or on Behalf

 

Increase

 

Amount

 

Amount

 

Increase

 

of Registrar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A- 16



 

EXHIBIT B
FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE FOR TRANSFER FROM RESTRICTED GLOBAL
NOTE TO REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE *

 

(Transfers pursuant to § Section 2.6 of the Indenture)

 

U.S. Bank National Association
1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Attn:  Global Corporate Trust Services

 

Re:  Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes Due 2020 (the “ Notes ”)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture dated as of June 1, 2015 (the “ Indenture ”) among FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Indenture.

 

This letter relates to $              aggregate principal amount of Notes that are held as a beneficial interest in the form of the Restricted Global Note (CUSIP No.           ; ISIN No:               ) with the Depositary in the name of [ name of transferor ] (the “ Transferor ”).  The Transferor has requested an exchange or transfer of such beneficial interest for an equivalent beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note (Common Code No.           ; ISIN No.           ).

 

In connection with such request, the Transferor does hereby certify that such transfer has been effected in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Notes and:

 

(a)                                  with respect to transfers made in reliance on Regulation S (“ Regulation S ”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ U.S. Securities Act ”), does certify that:

 

(i)            the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;

 

(ii)           either (i) at the time the buy order is originated the transferee is outside the United States or the Transferor and any person acting on its behalf reasonably believe that the transferee is outside the United States or; (ii) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market described in paragraph (b) of Rule 902 of Regulation S and neither the Transferor nor any person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States;

 

(iii)          no directed selling efforts have been made in the United States by the Transferor, an affiliate thereof or any person their behalf in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903 or 904 of Regulation S, as applicable;

 

B- 1



 

(iv)          the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act; and

 

(v)           the Transferor is not the Issuer, a distributor of the Notes, an affiliate of the Issuer or any such distributor (except any officer or director who is an affiliate solely by virtue of holding such position) or a person acting on behalf of any of the foregoing.

 

(b)                                  with respect to transfers made in reliance on Rule 144 the Transferor certifies that the Notes are being transferred in a transaction permitted by Rule 144 under the U.S. Securities Act.

 

You, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.  Terms used in this certificate have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.

 

 

[NAME OF TRANSFEROR]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Dated:

 

cc: ·

 

Attn: ·

 


*                                          If the Note is a Definitive Note, appropriate changes need to be made to the form of this transfer certificate.

 

B- 2



 

EXHIBIT C
FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE FOR TRANSFER FROM REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE TO RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE

 

(Transfers pursuant to § Section 2.6 of the Indenture)

 

U.S. Bank National Association, as Transfer Agent
1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Attn:  Global Corporate Trust Services

 

Re:  Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes Due 2020 (the “ Notes ”)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture dated as of June 1, 2015 (the “ Indenture ”) among FTS International, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given them in the Indenture.

 

This letter relates to $           aggregate principal amount at maturity of Notes that are held in the form of the Regulation S Global Note with the Depositary (Common Code No.        ; ISIN No.        ) in the name of [ name of transferor ] (the “ Transferor ”) to effect the transfer of the Notes in exchange for an equivalent beneficial interest in the Restricted Global Note (CUSIP No.         , ISIN No.         ).

 

In connection with such request, and in respect of such Notes the Transferor does hereby certify that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Notes and that:

 

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW:

 

o                  the Transferor is relying on Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) for exemption from such Act’s registration requirements; it is transferring such Notes to a person it reasonably believes is a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A that purchases for its own account, or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer, and to whom the Transferor has given notice that the transfer is made in reliance on Rule 144A and the transfer is being made in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States; or

 

o                  the Transferor is relying on an exemption other than Rule 144A from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, subject to the Issuer’s and the Trustee’s right prior to any such offer, sale or transfer to require the delivery of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to each of them.

 


 

You, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

 

[NAME OF TRANSFEROR]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Dated:

 

cc: ·

 

Attn: ·

 



 

EXHIBIT D

FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

 

This Supplemental Indenture is entered into as of [                      ], 20[  ] (this “ Supplemental Indenture ”), between [ NAME OF FUTURE GUARANTOR ] (the “ New Guarantor ”), a subsidiary of FTS International, Inc. a corporation incorporated under the laws of Delaware (the “ Issuer ”), U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee under the Indenture referred to below.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, the Collateral Agent and the Trustee have heretofore executed and delivered an Indenture dated as of June 1, 2015 (as supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “ Indenture ”), providing for the initial issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $350 million of Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2020 of the Issuer (such initial issuance, along with any Additional Notes issued pursuant to the Indenture, the “ Notes ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Issuer shall cause the New Guarantor to, execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the New Guarantor shall guarantee on a senior secured basis the Notes Obligations on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture (the “ Note Guarantee ”);

 

WHEREAS, the New Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive a benefit from its entry into this Supplemental Indenture and the Issuer’s corresponding compliance with the terms of the Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer has instructed the Trustee to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.14, Section 9.1 and Section 12.8 of the Indenture, and the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.

 

WHEREAS, all things have been done to make this Supplemental Indenture a legal, valid and binding agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

 

SECTION 1.1   Defined Terms.   As used in this Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recital hereto are used herein as therein defined. The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular section hereof.

 



 

ARTICLE II

 

REPRESENTATIONS; AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND;
GUARANTEE

 

SECTION 2.1   Representations.   The New Guarantor represents and warrants to the Trustee as follows:

 

(i)  It is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

 

(ii) The execution, delivery and performance by it of this Supplemental Indenture have been authorized and approved by all necessary corporate or limited liability company action on its part and this Supplemental Indenture constitutes a valid and binding obligation enforceable against New Guarantor in accordance with its terms.

 

SECTION 2.2   Agreement to be Bound.   The New Guarantor hereby becomes a party to the Indenture as a Guarantor and as such shall have all of the rights and be subject to all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture. The New Guarantor agrees to be bound by all of the provisions of the Indenture applicable to a Guarantor and to perform all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture.

 

SECTION 2.3   Guarantee.   The New Guarantor hereby guarantees, on an senior secured, joint and several basis, to each Holder, to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent and the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent on behalf of each Holder, the due and punctual payment of the Note Obligations.

 

ARTICLE III

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 3.1   Notices.   All notices and other communications to the New Guarantor shall be given as provided in the Indenture to the New Guarantor, at its address set forth below, with a copy to the issuer as provided in the Indenture for notices to the Issuer.

 

SECTION 3.2   Parties.   Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, firm or corporation, other than the Holders, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.

 

SECTION 3.3   Governing Law.   This Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

SECTION 3.4   Severability Clause.   In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired

 



 

thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.

 

SECTION 3.5   Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indentures Part of Indenture.   Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. Any reference in the Indenture to the Indenture, “hereof” or other words of like import shall be to the Indenture as so supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture.  This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby and entitled to the rights created hereunder.  The Supplemental Indenture is an Indenture Documents.  The Trustee makes no representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or with respect to the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the other parties hereto.

 

SECTION 3.6   Counterparts.   The parties hereto may sign one or more copies of this Supplemental Indenture in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

SECTION 3.7   Headings.   The headings of the Articles and the sections in this Supplemental Indenture are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect the meaning or interpretation of any provisions hereof.

 




Exhibit 10.1

 

Execution Version

 

Term Loan B CUSIP Number:  30284DAB1

 

 

 

$550,000,000

 

TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

 

dated as of April 16, 2014,
by and among

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC .,
as Borrower,

 

the Lenders referred to herein,
as Lenders,

 

and

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Administrative Agent,

 

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,

 

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

 

and

 

UBS SECURITIES LLC ,

 

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

 

 

 



 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

1

 

 

 

SECTION 1.1 Definitions

1

SECTION 1.2 Other Definitions and Provisions

44

SECTION 1.3 Accounting Terms

45

SECTION 1.4 UCC Terms

45

SECTION 1.5 References to Agreement and Laws

45

SECTION 1.6 Times of Day

45

SECTION 1.7 Guarantees

45

SECTION 1.8 Rounding

46

SECTION 1.9 Financial Statements

46

 

 

 

ARTICLE II [RESERVED]

46

 

 

 

ARTICLE III [RESERVED]

46

 

 

46

ARTICLE IV TERM LOAN FACILITY

 

 

 

SECTION 4.1 Initial Term Loan

46

SECTION 4.2 Procedure for Advance of Term Loan

46

SECTION 4.3 Repayment of Term Loans

48

SECTION 4.4 Prepayments of Term Loans

49

SECTION 4.5 Reverse Dutch Auction Prepayments

54

SECTION 4.6 Extension of Maturity Date

56

SECTION 4.7 Refinancing Term Loans

59

 

 

 

ARTICLE V GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS

61

 

 

 

SECTION 5.1 Interest

61

SECTION 5.2 Notice and Manner of Conversion or Continuation of Term Loans

62

SECTION 5.3 Fees

63

SECTION 5.4 Manner of Payment

63

SECTION 5.5 Evidence of Indebtedness

63

SECTION 5.6 Sharing of Payments by Lenders

64

SECTION 5.7 Administrative Agent’s Clawback

64

SECTION 5.8 Changed Circumstances

65

SECTION 5.9 Indemnity

66

SECTION 5.10

Increased Costs

67

SECTION 5.11

Taxes

68

SECTION 5.12

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

72

SECTION 5.13

Incremental Term Loans

73

SECTION 5.14

[Reserved]

76

SECTION 5.15

Defaulting Lenders

76

 

i



 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

(continued)

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND BORROWING

77

 

 

 

SECTION 6.1 Conditions to Closing and Initial Extensions of Credit

77

SECTION 6.2 Conditions to All Extensions of Credit

80

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CREDIT PARTIES

81

 

 

 

SECTION 7.1 Organization; Power; Qualification

81

SECTION 7.2 Ownership

81

SECTION 7.3 Authorization; Enforceability

82

SECTION 7.4 Compliance of Agreement, Loan Documents and Borrowing with Laws, Etc

82

SECTION 7.5 Compliance with Law; Governmental Approvals

83

SECTION 7.6 Taxes

83

SECTION 7.7 [Reserved]

83

SECTION 7.8 Environmental Matters

84

SECTION 7.9 Employee Benefit Matters

84

SECTION 7.10

Margin Stock

84

SECTION 7.11

Government Regulation

84

SECTION 7.12

[Reserved]

84

SECTION 7.13

[Reserved]

84

SECTION 7.14

[Reserved]

84

SECTION 7.15

Financial Statements

84

SECTION 7.16

No Material Adverse Change

85

SECTION 7.17

Solvency

85

SECTION 7.18

[Reserved]

85

SECTION 7.19

Litigation

85

SECTION 7.20

Anti-Terrorism; Anti-Money Laundering

85

SECTION 7.21

Absence of Defaults

85

SECTION 7.22

Disclosure

85

 

 

ARTICLE VIII AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

86

 

 

SECTION 8.1 Financial Statements and Budgets

86

SECTION 8.2 Certificates; Other Reports

87

SECTION 8.3 Notice of Litigation and Other Matters

88

SECTION 8.4 Preservation of Corporate Existence and Related Matters

89

SECTION 8.5 Maintenance of Property and Licenses

89

SECTION 8.6 Insurance

89

SECTION 8.7 Accounting Methods and Financial Records

89

SECTION 8.8 Payment of Taxes and Other Obligations

89

SECTION 8.9 Compliance with Laws and Approvals

90

SECTION 8.10

[Reserved]

90

SECTION 8.11

Compliance with ERISA

90

SECTION 8.12

Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries. The Board of Directors of the

 

 

Borrower  may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided that:

90

 



 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

(continued)

 

 

 

 

SECTION 8.13

Visits and Inspections

92

SECTION 8.14

Additional Domestic Subsidiaries

92

SECTION 8.15

Additional Foreign Subsidiaries

93

SECTION 8.16

Use of Proceeds

93

SECTION 8.17

Maintenance of Debt Ratings

93

SECTION 8.18

Further Assurances

93

SECTION 8.19

Lender Meetings

94

 

 

ARTICLE IX NEGATIVE COVENANTS

94

 

 

SECTION 9.1 Indebtedness

94

SECTION 9.2 Liens

99

SECTION 9.3 Asset Sales

100

SECTION 9.4 [Reserved]

101

SECTION 9.5 Restricted Payments

101

SECTION 9.6 Transactions with Affiliates

106

SECTION 9.7 Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease

107

SECTION 9.8 No Further Negative Pledges; Restrictive Agreements

110

SECTION 9.9 Suspension of Covenants

112

SECTION 9.10

Limitation on Business Activities

113

 

 

ARTICLE X DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

113

 

 

SECTION 10.1

Events of Default

113

SECTION 10.2

Remedies

115

SECTION 10.3

Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Non-Waiver; etc.

115

SECTION 10.4

Crediting of Payments and Proceeds

116

SECTION 10.5

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

117

SECTION 10.6

Credit Bidding

117

 

 

ARTICLE XI THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

118

 

 

SECTION 11.1

Appointment and Authority

118

SECTION 11.2

Rights as a Lender

119

SECTION 11.3

Exculpatory Provisions

119

SECTION 11.4

Reliance by the Administrative Agent

120

SECTION 11.5

Delegation of Duties

121

SECTION 11.6

Resignation of Administrative Agent

121

SECTION 11.7

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

122

SECTION 11.8

No Other Duties, etc.

122

SECTION 11.9

Collateral and Guaranty Matters

122

 

 

ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS

124

 

 

SECTION 12.1

Notices

124

SECTION 12.2

Amendments, Waivers and Consents

126

SECTION 12.3

Expenses; Indemnity

128

 



 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

(continued)

 

SECTION 12.4

Right of Setoff

130

SECTION 12.5

Governing Law; Jurisdiction, Etc.

131

SECTION 12.6

Waiver of Jury Trial

132

SECTION 12.7

Reversal of Payments

132

SECTION 12.8

Injunctive Relief

132

SECTION 12.9

Successors and Assigns; Participations

132

SECTION 12.10

Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality

139

SECTION 12.11

Performance of Duties

141

SECTION 12.12

All Powers Coupled with Interest

141

SECTION 12.13

Survival

141

SECTION 12.14

Titles and Captions

141

SECTION 12.15

Severability of Provisions

141

SECTION 12.16

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution

141

SECTION 12.17

Term of Agreement

142

SECTION 12.18

USA PATRIOT Act

142

SECTION 12.19

Independent Effect of Covenants

142

SECTION 12.20

 Inconsistencies with Other Documents

142

SECTION 12.21

Release of Guarantors

143

 



 

EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

-

Form of Term Loan Note

Exhibit B

-

Form of Notice of Borrowing

Exhibit C

-

Form of Notice of Account Designation

Exhibit D

-

Form of Notice of Prepayment

Exhibit E

-

Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation

Exhibit F

-

Form of Officer’s Compliance Certificate

Exhibit G-1

-

Form of Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit G-2

-

Form of Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit G-3

-

Form of Borrower/Subsidiary Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit H-1

-

Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Non-Partnership Foreign Lenders)

Exhibit H-2

-

Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Non-Partnership Foreign Participants)

Exhibit H-3

-

Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Participant Partnerships)

Exhibit H-4
Exhibit I

-

Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Lender Partnerships)
Form of Auction Procedures

 

 

 

SCHEDULES

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule 1

-

Initial Term Loan Commitments

Schedule 7.1

-

Jurisdictions of Organization and Qualification

Schedule 7.2

-

Subsidiaries and Capitalization

Schedule 9.1

-

Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 9.2

-

Existing Liens

 

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TERM LOAN AGREEMENT, dated as of April  16, 2014, by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation, as Borrower, the lenders who are party to this Agreement and the lenders who may become a party to this Agreement pursuant to the terms hereof, as Lenders, and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.

 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

 

The Borrower has requested, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders have agreed to extend, a certain term loan facility to the Borrower.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, such parties hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

SECTION 1.1               Definitions .  The following terms when used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them below:

 

ABL Collateral has the meaning set forth in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

ABL Collateral Agent means the representative(s) from time to time administering the collateral on behalf of the lenders under the ABL Revolver.

 

ABL Credit Facility” means (1) the ABL Revolver; (2) any credit facility provided on the basis of the value of inventory, accounts receivable or other current assets (and related documents and intangibles) of the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries or similar instrument; and (3) any similar credit support agreements or guarantees Incurred from time to time, as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated, refinanced or replaced in whole or in part from time to time;  provided that any credit facility that refinances or replaces an ABL Credit Facility must comply with clause (2) of this definition in order to be an ABL Credit Facility.

 

ABL Revolver ” means the Credit Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 among the Borrower, as co-borrower, FTS International Services, LLC, as co-borrower, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as administrative agent and collateral agent (including all successors thereto) together with the related documents thereto (including the loans thereunder, any guarantees and security documents), as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented, refunded, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to time by one or more credit facilities, and any agreement (and related document) entered into in substitution for any credit agreement, in which case, the credit agreement or similar agreement together with all other documents and instruments related thereto shall constitute the “ABL Revolver,” whether with the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

 



 

Acquisition ” means (a) the direct or indirect purchase or other acquisition by a Person or its Subsidiaries of all or substantially all of the assets of (or any division or business line of) any other Person, (b) the purchase or other acquisition (whether by means of a merger, consolidation, or otherwise) by a Person or its Subsidiaries of in excess of 90% of the Equity Interests of any other Person, or (c) a merger or consolidation or other combination with any person (so long as a Credit Party, to the extent such Credit Party is a party to such transaction, is the surviving entity).

 

Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent means the collateral agent with respect to any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations means any Pari Passu Lien Obligations that are Incurred after the Closing Date (other than Indebtedness Incurred under the Senior Notes Indenture) and secured by the Common Collateral (as such term is defined in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement) on a first priority basis (subject to Permitted Liens) pursuant to the Security Documents.

 

Additional Pari Passu Secured Party means the holders of any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations, and any Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent or Authorized Representative with respect thereto.

 

Administrative Agent ” means Wells Fargo, in its capacity as Administrative Agent hereunder, and any successor thereto appointed pursuant to Section 11.6 .

 

Administrative Agent’s Office ” means the office of the Administrative Agent specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 12.1(c) .

 

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an administrative questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person, will mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.  For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” will have correlative meanings.

 

Affiliated Lender ” means any Lender that is a Permitted Affiliated Assignee.

 

Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption ” has the meaning specified in Section 12.9(e).

 

Agreement ” means this Term Loan Agreement.

 

Alternate Auction Procedures ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.5(a) .

 

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Applicable Law ” means all applicable provisions of constitutions, laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, treaties, regulations, permits, licenses, approvals, interpretations and orders of courts or Governmental Authorities and all orders and decrees of all courts and arbitrators.

 

Applicable Margin ” shall mean in the case of Term Loans maintained as (i) Base Rate Loans, 3.75%, and (ii) LIBOR Rate Loans, 4.75%.  The Applicable Margins shall be increased as, and to the extent, required by Section 5.13 .

 

Approved Fund ” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

Arrangers ” means each of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC, each in its capacity as a joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner.

 

Asset Sale ” means:

 

(1)                                  the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition (each, a “ Transfer ”) of any assets; and

 

(2)                                  the issuance of Equity Interests by any Restricted Subsidiary or the Transfer by the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary of Equity Interests in any of its Subsidiaries (other than directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable law).

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following items shall not be deemed Asset Sales:

 

(1)                                  a Transfer of assets that is governed by the definition of Change of Control and/or the provisions of Section 9.7 ;

 

(2)                                  a Transfer of assets or Equity Interests between or among any of the Borrower  and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(3)                                  an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower  or to another Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(4)                                  a Transfer of any assets in the ordinary course of business;

 

(5)                                  a Transfer of Cash Equivalents;

 

(6)                                  a Transfer of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings;

 

(7)                                  a Transfer that constitutes a Restricted Payment that is permitted under Section 9.5 or a Permitted Investment;

 

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(8)                                  a Transfer of any property or equipment that has become damaged, worn out or obsolete;

 

(9)                                  the creation of a Lien not prohibited by this Agreement (but not the sale of property subject to a Lien);

 

(10)                           any Transfer of any asset or any sale or issuance of Equity Interests made pursuant to a Permitted Joint Venture Investment or Joint Marketing Arrangement entered into in compliance with clause (9) of the definition of “Permitted Investment;”

 

(11)                           any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of any contract, tort or other claim of any kind;

 

(12)                           a grant of a license (or any sub-license) to use any Restricted Subsidiary’s patents, trade secrets, know-how or other intellectual property to the extent that such license does not limit the licensor’s use of the patent, trade secret, know-how or other intellectual property;

 

(13)                           any disposition of an asset manufactured or constructed by the Borrower  or a Restricted Subsidiary for sale to a third party (including a direct or indirect joint venture of the Borrower or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries) within 90 days of the completion of such manufacture or construction, if (i) the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary receives value equal to the Fair Market Value of the asset and (ii) the asset is then leased back by the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary for use in a Permitted Business;

 

(14)                           direct or indirect sales of equipment, products and services by the Borrower  or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to any direct or indirect joint venture of the Borrower  or one of the Restricted Subsidiaries at or above the lower of Cost or Fair Market Value; and

 

(15)                           any other Transfer of assets or Transfer or issuance of Equity Interests, the Fair Market Value of which do not exceed, in any one or related series of transactions, $10,000,000.

 

Assignment and Assumption ” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 12.9 ), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form attached as Exhibit G-1 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Auction ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.5(a) .

 

Auction Manager ” has the meaning specified in Section 4.5(a) .

 

Bankruptcy Proceedings ” has the meaning specified in Section 12.9(e) .

 

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Base Rate ” means, at any time, the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% and (c) LIBOR for an Interest Period of one month plus 1%; each change in the Base Rate shall take effect simultaneously with the corresponding change or changes in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or LIBOR ( provided that clause (c)  shall not be applicable during any period in which LIBOR is unavailable or unascertainable).

 

Base Rate Loan ” means any Term Loan bearing interest at a rate based upon the Base Rate as provided in Section 5.1(a) .

 

Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition.  The terms “ Beneficially Owns ” and “ Beneficially Owned ” will have a corresponding meaning.

 

Board of Directors ” means (i) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of such corporation or, except in the context of the definitions of “Change of Control” and “Continuing Directors,” any duly authorized committee thereof; and (ii) with respect to any other entity, the board of directors or similar body of the general partner of such entity or the managers of such entity, any duly authorized committee thereof or any Person, board or committee serving a similar function.

 

Borrower ” means FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

Borrower Materials ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 8.2 .

 

Business Day ” means (a) for all purposes other than as set forth in clause (b) below, any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday on which banks in Fort Worth, Texas and New York, New York are open for the conduct of their commercial banking business and (b) with respect to all notices and determinations in connection with, and payments of principal and interest on, any LIBOR Rate Loan, or any Base Rate Loan as to which the interest rate is determined by reference to LIBOR, any day that is a Business Day described in clause (a) and that is also a London Banking Day.

 

Capital Lease Obligation ” means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease (or a successor definition that results in the reflection of a liability on the Borrower’s balance sheet) for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP; and the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby at any time shall be the amount of the liability in respect thereof that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.

 

Capital Stock ” of any Person means any and all shares, interests (including general or limited partnership interests, limited liability company or membership interests or limited liability partnership interests), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock; provided , however , that

 

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equity-based compensation awards that by their terms may only be settled in cash will not be deemed to be Capital Stock.

 

Cash Equivalents ” means:

 

(1)                                  United States dollars and such local currencies held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

 

(2)                                  securities issued or directly and fully Guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof ( provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof), maturing, unless such securities are deposited to defease any Indebtedness, not more than 365 days from the date of acquisition;

 

(3)                                  deposits, certificates of deposit and time deposits, money market accounts, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding 365 days and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state, commonwealth or territory thereof or Canada or any province or territory thereof having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000 and a rating at the time of acquisition thereof of P-1 or better from Moody’s or A-1 or better from S&P or a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better;

 

(4)                                  repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;

 

(5)                                  commercial paper having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from Moody’s or S&P and in each case maturing within nine months after the date of acquisition;

 

(6)                                  securities issued and fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, rated at least “A” by Moody’s or S&P and having maturities of not more than 365 days from the date of acquisition; and

 

(7)                                  money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (6) of this definition.

 

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(1)           the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in any Transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than the Permitted Holders;

 

(2)           the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Borrower other than in a Transaction that complies with the provisions described in Section 9.7 ;

 

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(3)           prior to an IPO, there shall be any dilution of the ownership by the Permitted Holders of the Borrower; provided that no Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred (1) as a result of dilution through a primary sale of the Equity Interests of the Borrower if, following such primary sale (x) the Permitted Holders together hold 50% or more of the Equity Interests in the Borrower and (y) Temasek owns a greater percentage of the Equity Interests in the Borrower than does Chesapeake, (2) as a result of dilution through a secondary private sale of Equity Interests in the Borrower if, following such secondary sale (x) Temasek holds at least 35% of the Equity Interests in the Borrower and (y) Chesapeake holds at least 25% of the Equity Interests in the Borrower, or (3) as a result of the exercise of or any conversion or redemption right of the Preferred Stock;

 

(4)           on or following an IPO, any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Borrower; and

 

(5)           the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Borrower are not Continuing Directors.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing , simultaneously with or following an IPO:  (a) a transaction in which the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower becomes a Subsidiary of another Person (other than a Person that is an individual, such Person that is not an individual, the “ New Parent ”) shall not constitute a Change of Control if (i) the equityholders of the Borrower or such parent immediately prior to such transaction “beneficially own” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock of such New Parent immediately following the consummation of such transaction and (ii) immediately following the consummation of such transaction, no “person” or “group” (as such terms are defined above), other than a Permitted Holder and the New Parent, “beneficially owns” (as such term is defined above), directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Borrower or the New Parent; (b) any holding company whose only significant asset is Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower shall not itself be considered a “person” or “group” for purposes of this definition; (c) the transfer of assets between or among the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not itself constitute a Change of Control; (d) the term “Change of Control” shall not include a merger or consolidation of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) with, or the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower (or direct or indirect parent thereof) to, an Affiliate incorporated or organized solely for the purpose or reincorporating or reorganizing the Borrower in another jurisdiction and/or for the sole purpose of forming or collapsing a holding company structure; and (e) a “person” or “group” shall not be deemed to have beneficial ownership of securities subject to a stock purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such agreement.

 

Change of Control Offer ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(d)(b) .

 

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Change of Control Payment Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(d)(b)(iii) .

 

Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following:  (a) the adoption or taking effect of any Applicable Laws, (b) any change in any Applicable Laws or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law, but if not having the force of law, with respect to any Person, being of a type with which such Person customarily complies) in respect of any Applicable Laws by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (ii) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

 

Chesapeake ” means Chesapeake Energy Corporation and each of its controlled Affiliates.

 

Claim ” has the meaning specified in Section 12.9(e) .

 

Class ” means, when used in reference to any Term Loan, whether such Term Loan is an Initial Term Loan, Incremental Term Loan, Extended Term Loan or Refinancing Term Loan.

 

Closing Date ” means the date of this Agreement.

 

Closing Date Transactions ” means, collectively, (a) the repayment in full of all Indebtedness outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement, (b) the initial Extensions of Credit, (c) the issuance of Senior Notes under the Senior Notes Indenture and (c) the payment of the Transaction Costs incurred in connection with the foregoing.

 

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Collateral ” means all property subject or purported to be subject, from time to time, to a Lien under any Security Documents.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Collateral shall not include the Excluded Assets (as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement).

 

Collateral Declined Proceeds has the meaning assigned thereto in Section  4.4(b)(iii)(B).

 

Collateral Excess Proceeds has the meaning assigned thereto in Section  4.4(b)(ii) .

 

“Collateral Prepayment Amount ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section  4.4(b)(iii)(B).

 

Collateral Waivable Mandatory Prepayment has the meaning assigned thereto in Section  4.4(b)(iii)(B).

 

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Commodity Exchange Act ” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.).

 

Common Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock (other than Preferred Stock) of such Person, whether outstanding on the Closing Date or issued thereafter.

 

Connection Income Taxes ” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

 

Consolidated ” means, when used with reference to financial statements or financial statement items of any Person, such statements or items on a consolidated basis in accordance with applicable principles of consolidation under GAAP.

 

Consolidated Cash Flow ” means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower for such period plus, without duplication:

 

(1)           provision for taxes based on income or profits of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such amounts were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(2)           Fixed Charges of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that any such Fixed Charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(3)           depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; minus or plus , as the case may be

 

(4)           any net gain or loss realized by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any sale or disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business, to the extent such gains or losses were added or deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income; minus or plus, as the case may be

 

(5)           all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items of gain (loss) or expense to the extent added or deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income; minus or plus, as the case may be

 

(6)           non-cash items increasing or decreasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than the accrual of revenue or expense in the ordinary course of business; plus

 

(7)           any expenses or charges, to the extent deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, related to any offering of Equity Interests, Permitted Investment, acquisition,

 

9



 

disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Agreement including a refinancing thereof (whether or not successful) and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such transactions; in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) the provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, the Fixed Charges of and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses of, a Restricted Subsidiary will be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow of the Borrower (a) in the same proportion that the Consolidated Net Income of such Restricted Subsidiary was added to compute such Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and (b) only to the extent that a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended or distributed to the Borrower by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained), and without direct or indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter or any agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders and (2) it is agreed that, for purposes of determining compliance with Article IX , including the related definitions (including any test requiring compliance with such covenants on a pro forma basis), Consolidated Cash Flow of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2013, September 30, 2013, June 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013 will be deemed to be $82,000,000, $53,900,000, $56,300,000 and $74,000,000, respectively.

 

Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any period, the aggregate of the net income (loss) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that, without duplication:

 

(1)           the net income/loss of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting will be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary (subject, in the case of dividends or distributions paid to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (2) below);

 

(2)           the net income (but not the net loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary will be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its equity holders (other than any restrictions existing by reason of, or any governmental approvals necessary pursuant to, any law, rule, regulation, order or decree that is generally applicable to all Persons operating in any jurisdiction in which any Restricted Subsidiary is conducting business so long as there is in effect no specific order, decree or other prohibition pursuant to any such law, rule or regulation in such jurisdiction limiting the payment of a dividend or similar distribution by such Restricted Subsidiary);

 

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(3)           the net income (loss) of any Person acquired during the specified period for any period prior to the date of such acquisition will be excluded;

 

(4)           any gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on such gain or loss, realized in connection with:  (a) any sale or disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (b) the disposition of any securities by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, will be excluded;

 

(5)           the effect of any non-cash items resulting from any depreciation, amortization, write-up, write-down or write-off of assets (including intangible assets, goodwill and deferred financing costs but excluding inventory) in connection with any acquisition, merger, consolidation or similar transaction or any other non-cash impairment changes incurred in each case prior or subsequent to the Closing Date (excluding any such non-cash item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period except to the extent such item is subsequently reversed) will be excluded;

 

(6)           any extraordinary gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary gain or loss, will be excluded;

 

(7)           any unrealized gain or loss included in net income due to marking Hedging Obligations to market will be excluded;

 

(8)           any non-cash compensation expense realized for grants of restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance shares, stock options or other similar rights to officers, directors and employees of the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary will be excluded; provided that such restricted  stock units, restricted stock, performance shares, stock options or other similar rights can be redeemed, if at all, at the option of the holder only for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower;

 

(9)           the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles will be excluded;

 

(10)         to the extent deducted in the calculation of net income, any non-recurring charges associated with any premium or penalty paid, write-offs of deferred financing costs or other financial recapitalization charges in connection with redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity will be added back to arrive at Consolidated Net Income;

 

(11)         any net income (loss) from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments will be excluded;

 

(12)         any unrealized net gain or loss (but not any realized gain or loss) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness, including intercompany indebtedness, will be excluded; and

 

(13)         to the extent deducted in the calculation of net income, any restructuring or other unusual, non-operating or non-recurring loss will be added back to arrive at Consolidated Net Income.

 

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Consolidated Tangible Assets ” means, with respect to any Person, the consolidated total assets of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries less all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt issuance costs and other similar intangibles properly classified as intangibles in accordance with GAAP, all as shown on the most recent balance sheet delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.1 as of the end of a fiscal quarter of such Person and computed in accordance with GAAP.

 

Contingent Obligation ” shall mean, as to any Person, any obligation, agreement, understanding or arrangement of such person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee any Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (“ primary obligations ”) of any other person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, (1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor; (2) to advance or supply funds (a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (b) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; (3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation; (4) with respect to bankers’ acceptances and letters of credit, until a reimbursement obligation arises (which obligation shall constitute Indebtedness); or (5) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided, however, that the term “Contingent Obligation” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business or any product warranties for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made (or, if less, the maximum amount of such primary obligation for which such person may be liable, whether severally or jointly, pursuant to the terms of the instrument evidencing such Contingent Obligation) or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such person in good faith.

 

Continuing Directors ” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Borrower who:  (1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the Closing Date; or (2) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of the Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election.

 

Control Agreement ” means a control agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, executed and delivered by the Borrower or a Guarantor, the Administrative Agent, and the applicable securities intermediary (with respect to a Securities Account) or bank (with respect to a Deposit Account or blocked Deposit Account).

 

Cost ” means with respect to equipment, supplies and products, the Borrower’s good faith, reasonable estimate of the all-in cost to the Borrower or its applicable Restricted Subsidiary to procure or manufacture such equipment, supplies or products and, with respect to services, the Borrower’s good faith, reasonable estimate of the all-in cost to the Borrower or its applicable Restricted Subsidiaries of the cost of providing such services.

 

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Credit Facilities ” means one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, this Agreement and the ABL Revolver), commercial paper facilities or other debt instruments, indentures or agreements, providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables or other financial assets to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against receivables or other financial assets), letters of credit, bonds, notes or other debt obligations, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, restructured, supplemented, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time, including, without limitation, any amendment increasing the amount of Indebtedness incurred or available to be borrowed thereunder, extending the maturity of any Indebtedness incurred thereunder or contemplated thereby or deleting, adding or substituting one or more parties thereto (whether or not such added or substituted parties are banks or other institutional lenders or other persons).

 

Credit Facility Indebtedness ” means any and all amounts payable under or in respect of the Credit Facilities as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, replaced, restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time (including after termination of the ABL Revolver), including principal, premium (if any), interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Borrower whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings), fees, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, guarantees and all other amounts payable thereunder or in respect thereof.

 

Credit Parties ” means, collectively, the Borrower and the Guarantors.

 

Debt Issuance ” means the issuance of any Indebtedness for borrowed money by any Credit Party or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

Debt Rating ” means, as applicable, (a) the corporate family rating of the Borrower as determined by Moody’s from time to time, (b) the corporate rating of the Borrower as determined by S&P from time to time and (c) the ratings of the Term Loan Facility as determined by Moody’s and/or S&P from time to time.

 

Debtor Relief Laws ” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States of America, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.

 

Declined Proceeds ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.4(b)(i ii)(C) .

 

Default ” means any event specified in Section 10.1 that is, or after notice or passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

 

Defaulting Lender ” means, subject to Section 5.15( a ) , any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of any Term Loan, required to be funded by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date such Term Loan was required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified

 

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in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Term Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder ( provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the FDIC or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.  Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 5.15( a ) ) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower and each Lender.

 

Deposit Account ” means a deposit account (as that term is defined in the UCC).

 

Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the Fair Market Value of any non- Cash Equivalent consideration received by the Borrower or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale that is designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate at the time of such Asset Sale.  Any particular item of Designated Non-cash Consideration will cease to be considered to be outstanding once it has been sold for Cash Equivalents (which shall be considered Net Available Cash from an Asset Sale when received).

 

Disinterested Member ” means, with respect to any Transaction, a member of the Borrower’s Board of Directors:  (1) who does not have any material direct or indirect financial interest (other than as an owner of Equity Interests in the Borrower or as an officer, manager or employee of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) in or with respect to such Transaction, and (2) is not an Affiliate, or an officer, director, member of a supervisory, executive or management board or employee, of any Person (other than the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary), who has any direct or indirect financial interest in or with respect to such Transaction.

 

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Disqualified Stock ” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, or by contract or otherwise, is, or upon the happening of any event or passage of time would be, required to be redeemed on or prior to the date that is one year after the Term Loan Maturity Date, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, or is convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities in any such case on or prior to such date.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Borrower to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale will not constitute Disqualified Stock if (i) the “asset sale” or “change of control” provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are similar to, and not substantially more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than, the provisions contained in Section 4.4 and (ii) such Capital Stock specifically provides that such Person will not repurchase or redeem any such stock pursuant to such provision prior to the Borrower’s repayment of the Term Loans as are required to be repaid pursuant to Section 4.4 .  The term “Disqualified Stock” will also include any options, warrants or other rights that are convertible into Disqualified Stock or that are redeemable at the option of the holder, or required to be redeemed, prior to the date that is one year after the Term Loan Maturity Date.  The term “Disqualified Stock” will not include the Borrower’s Series A preferred stock under the terms existing on the Closing Date .

 

Dollars ” or “ $ ” means, unless otherwise qualified, dollars in lawful currency of the United States.

 

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States that is not a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

Eligible Assignee ” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 12.9(b)(iii) , (v)  and (vi)  (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 12.9(b)(iii) ).

 

Employee Benefit Plan ” means (a) any employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA that is maintained for employees of any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate or (b) any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan that has at any time within the preceding seven (7) years been maintained, funded or administered for the employees of any Credit Party or any current or former ERISA Affiliate.

 

Environmental Laws ” means any and all federal, foreign, state, provincial and local laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules, standards and regulations, permits, licenses and binding orders of courts or Governmental Authorities, relating to the protection of public health (with respect to Hazardous Materials) or the environment, including, but not limited to, such requirements pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation, handling, reporting, licensing, permitting, investigation or remediation of Hazardous Materials.

 

Environmental Liability ” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) any violation of any Environmental Laws, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage,

 

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treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) any exposure to any Hazardous Materials or (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment.

 

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

 

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

ERISA Affiliate ” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower or any Subsidiary, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 or 430 of the Code or Section 302 or 303 of ERISA).

 

ERISA Event ” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, with respect to a Pension Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the failure to satisfy the “minimum funding standard” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived, with respect to any Pension Plan; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Pension Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Pension Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Pension Plan or Pension Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Pension Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

 

Eurodollar Reserve Percentage ” means, for any day, the percentage which is in effect for such day as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any basic, supplemental or emergency reserves) in respect of eurocurrency liabilities or any similar category of liabilities for a member bank of the Federal Reserve System in New York City.

 

Event of Default ” means any of the events specified in Section 10.1 ; provided that any requirement for passage of time, giving of notice, or any other condition, has been satisfied.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Excluded Assets ” has the meaning given thereto in the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

 

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Excluded Subsidiary ” means any of the following:

 

(1)                                  each Immaterial Subsidiary;

 

(2)                                  each Domestic Subsidiary that is prohibited from guaranteeing the Obligations by any applicable law or that would require consent, approval, license or authorization of a government agency to guarantee the Obligations that cannot be obtained after use of commercially reasonable efforts (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received);

 

(3)                                  each Domestic Subsidiary that is prohibited by any applicable contractual requirement from guaranteeing the Obligations on the Closing Date or at the time such Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary, so long as such requirement was not entered into in contemplation of the acquisition of such Subsidiary (and for so long as such restriction or any replacement or renewal thereof is in effect);

 

(4)                                  any Foreign Subsidiary;

 

(5)                                  any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco; and

 

(6)                                  each Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Excluded Taxes ” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, United States federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Term Loan or Term Loan Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Term Loan or Term Loan Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 5.12(b) ) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 5.11 , amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 5.11(g)  and (d) any United States federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

Existing Credit Agreement ” means that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2011, by and among the Borrower, as borrower, Bank of America, NA, as administrative agent, and the other parties thereto.

 

Existing Term Loan Maturity Date ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6(a) .

 

Existing Term Loan Tranche ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6(a) .

 

Extended Term Loan Maturity Date ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6(c) .

 

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Extended Term Loans ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6(a) .

 

Extending Term Lenders ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6(c) .

 

Extension Amendment ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6(g) .

 

Extension Effective Date ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6(c) .

 

Extension Request ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6(a) .

 

Extensions of Credit ” means, as to any Lender at any time, (a) the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans made by such Lender then outstanding or (b) the making of any Term Loan by such Lender, as the context requires.

 

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any asset or property, the sale value that would be obtained in an arm’s-length free-market Transaction between an informed and willing seller under no compulsion to sell and an informed and willing buyer under no compulsion to buy, as determined in good faith by (i) in the case of an asset or property with an estimated value of $20,000,000 or more, the Board of Directors of the Borrower, which determination will be conclusive if evidenced by a Board Resolution and (ii) in the case of an asset or property with an estimated value of less than $20,000,000, the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or principal accounting officer of the Borrower, which determination will be conclusive if evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate.

 

FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code.

 

FDIC ” means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

 

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day), as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day, provided that if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotation for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent.

 

Fee Letter ” means the engagement letter dated March 31, 2014 among the Borrower, Wells Fargo and the Arrangers.

 

First Tier Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Foreign Subsidiary the Equity Interests of which are owned directly by the Borrower or a Guarantor.

 

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Fiscal Year ” means the fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries ending on December 31.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of the Borrower for such period to the Fixed Charges of the Borrower for such period.

 

For purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:

 

(1)                                  in the event that the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness or issues, repurchases or redeems Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “ Calculation Date ”), then (subject to the remaining clauses of this definition) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio will be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Preferred Stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom as if the same had occurred at the beginning of such period;

 

(2)                                  acquisitions and dispositions of business entities or property and assets constituting a division or line of business of any Person that have been made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (or by any Person that has subsequently become a Restricted Subsidiary or has subsequently merged or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary), including through mergers or consolidations, and the designation or redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case, during such period or subsequent to such period and on or prior to the Calculation Date will be given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the first day of such period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such period will be calculated on a pro forma basis, but without giving effect to clause (3) of the proviso set forth in the definition of Consolidated Net Income;

 

(3)                                  the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, will be excluded;

 

(4)                                  the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, will be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary following the Calculation Date;

 

(5)                                  whenever pro forma effect is to be given to an acquisition or disposition, the amount of Consolidated Cash Flow relating thereto and the amount of Fixed Charges associated with any Indebtedness Incurred in connection therewith, unless otherwise specified, the pro forma calculations will be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Borrower;

 

(6)                                  Fixed Charges attributable to interest on any Indebtedness (whether existing or being Incurred) computed on a pro forma basis and bearing a floating interest rate will be computed as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date (taking into

 

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account any interest rate option, swap, cap or similar agreement applicable to such Indebtedness if such agreement has a remaining term in excess of 12 months or, if shorter, at least equal to the remaining term of such Indebtedness) had been the applicable rate for the entire period; and

 

(7)                                  Fixed Charges attributable to interest on any Indebtedness Incurred under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis will be calculated based on the average daily balance of such Indebtedness for such period subject to the pro forma calculation.

 

Fixed Charges ” means, for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(1)                                  the consolidated interest expense of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (without duplication), including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations relating to interest rates and excluding any non-cash interest expense imputed on any convertible debt securities in accordance with ASC 470-20; plus

 

(2)                                  the consolidated interest of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period; plus

 

(3)                                  any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by the Borrower or one of the Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon; plus

 

(4)                                  the product of (a) all dividends whether paid or accrued (without duplication) and, whether or not in cash, on any series of Disqualified Stock of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, other than dividends paid to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary or on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower, times (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate, taking into account the deductibility of state and local taxes for federal income tax purposes, of the issuer of such Disqualified or Preferred Stock, expressed as a decimal,

 

in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.

 

Foreign Lender ” means a Lender that is not a U.S. Person.

 

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

 

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Foreign Subsidiary Holdco ” means a Restricted Subsidiary all or substantially all of the assets of which consist of Capital Stock of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries and/or other Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this definition, FTS International Services, LLC shall not be considered to be a Foreign Subsidiary Holdco.

 

Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural Person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.

 

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied, as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements (including the Accounting Standards Codification) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States.

 

Governmental Approvals ” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, permits, licenses and exemptions of, and all registrations and filings with or issued by, any Governmental Authorities.

 

Governmental Authority ” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

 

Guarantee ” means, as applied to any Indebtedness of another Person, (i) a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the normal course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of such Indebtedness, (ii) any direct or indirect obligation, contingent or otherwise, of a Person guaranteeing or having the effect of guaranteeing the Indebtedness of any other Person in any manner and (iii) an agreement of a Person, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, the practical effect of which is to assure in any way the payment (or payment of damages in the event of non-payment) of all or any part of such Indebtedness of another Person (and “ Guaranteed ” and “ Guaranteeing ” shall have meanings that correspond to the foregoing).

 

Guarantors means:

 

(a)                                  the Initial Guarantors;

 

(b)                                  any other Subsidiary that becomes a party to the Guaranty and Security Agreement pursuant to Section 8.14 ,

 

and their respective successors and assigns until released from their obligations under the Guaranty and Security Agreement pursuant to in accordance with Section 12.21 .

 

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Guaranty ” means the Guarantee by any Guarantor of the Obligations pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

 

Guaranty and Security Agreement ” means the guaranty and security agreement, dated as of even date herewith, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, executed by the Credit Parties in favor of the Administrative Agent.

 

Hazardous Materials ” means any substances or materials (a) which are or become defined as hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants or toxic substances under any Environmental Law, (b) which are toxic, explosive, corrosive, flammable, infectious, radioactive, carcinogenic, mutagenic or otherwise harmful to public health or the environment and are or become regulated by any Governmental Authority, (c) the presence of which require investigation or remediation under any Environmental Law, (d) the discharge or emission or release of which requires a permit or license under any Environmental Law or other Governmental Approval, or (e) which contain, without limitation, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, petroleum hydrocarbons, petroleum derived substances or waste, crude oil, nuclear fuel, natural gas or synthetic gas.

 

Hedging Obligations ” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person under Swap Contracts or with respect to letters of credit (including reimbursement obligations with respect thereto) supporting Swap Contracts.

 

Immaterial Subsidiary ” means, as of any date, any Restricted Subsidiary whose total assets, as of that date, are less than $100,000 or whose total revenues for the most recent 12-month period do not exceed $100,000.

 

Increased Amount Date ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a) .

 

Incremental Lender ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a) .

 

Incremental Term Loan ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a)(i) .

 

Incremental Term Loan Commitment ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13(a)(i) .

 

Incremental Term Loan Maturity Date ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.13( b )( i ) .

 

Incur ” means, with respect to any Indebtedness, to incur, create, issue, assume, Guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable for or with respect to, or become responsible for, the payment of, contingently or otherwise, such Indebtedness (and “Incurrence” and “Incurred” will have meanings correlative to the foregoing);  provided that (1) any Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and (2) neither the accrual of interest nor the accretion of original issue discount nor the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms or the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock will be considered an Incurrence of Indebtedness.

 

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Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any specified Person, without duplication:

 

(1)                                  all indebtedness of such Person in respect of borrowed money;

 

(2)                                  all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments;

 

(3)                                  all reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of banker’s acceptances, letters of credit or similar instruments;

 

(4)                                  all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

 

(5)                                  all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred and unpaid balance of the purchase price of any property or services, due more than six months after such property is acquired or such services are completed except any such balance that constitutes an expense or trade payable, whether such balance arises directly with a vendor or indirectly under corporate credit card, purchasing card or gas card arrangements;

 

(6)                                  all net Hedging Obligations of such Person;

 

(7)                                  all Disqualified Stock issued by such Person, valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends;

 

(8)                                  all Preferred Stock issued by a Subsidiary of such Person, valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends;

 

(9)                                  all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person), provided that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of (A) the Fair Market Value of such asset at such date of determination and (B) the amount of such Indebtedness; and

 

(10)                           to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person,

 

in each case other than clauses (3) and (6), if and to the extent that any of the foregoing would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

For purposes hereof, the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price will be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, as if such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock were repurchased on any date on which Indebtedness will be required to be determined pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall not include any indebtedness that has been defeased in accordance with GAAP or defeased pursuant to the deposit of cash, U.S. government obligations and Cash Equivalents (sufficient to satisfy all obligations relating thereto at maturity or redemption, as applicable) in a trust or account created or pledged for the sole benefit of the holders of such indebtedness, in accordance with the terms of the instruments governing such indebtedness.

 

The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and, with respect to contingent obligations, the maximum liability upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation.  The amount of any Indebtedness described in clauses (1) and (2) above will be:

 

(1)                                  the accreted value thereof, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount; and

 

(2)                                  the principal amount thereof, together with any interest thereon that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

 

For purposes of determining any particular amount of Indebtedness, (x) Guarantees, Liens or obligations with respect to letters of credit supporting Indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of such particular amount shall not be included, and (y) any Liens granted pursuant to the equal and ratable provisions referred to in Section 9.2 shall not be treated as Indebtedness.

 

Indemnified Taxes ” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a), Other Taxes.

 

Information ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 12.10 .

 

Initial Guarantors ” means all of the Domestic Subsidiaries other than Excluded Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date.

 

Initial Term Loan ” means the term loan made, or to be made, to the Borrower by the Lenders pursuant to Section 4.1 .

 

Initial Term Loan Maturity Date ” means the first to occur of (a) the date occurring on the seventh anniversary of the Closing Date, and (b) the date of acceleration of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 10.2(a) .

 

Interest Period ” means, as to each LIBOR Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such LIBOR Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a LIBOR Rate Loan and ending on the date one (1), two (2), three (3), or six (6) months or, if agreed by all of the relevant Lenders twelve (12) months , thereafter, in each case as selected by the Borrower in its Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation and subject to availability; provided that:

 

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(a)                                  the Interest Period shall commence on the date of advance of or conversion to any LIBOR Rate Loan and, in the case of immediately successive Interest Periods, each successive Interest Period shall commence on the date on which the immediately preceding Interest Period expires;

 

(b)                                  if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next succeeding Business Day; provided that if any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day but is a day of the month after which no further Business Day occurs in such month, such Interest Period shall expire on the immediately preceding Business Day;

 

(c)                                   any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the relevant calendar month at the end of such Interest Period;

 

(d)                                  no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Term Loan Maturity Date and Interest Periods shall be selected by the Borrower so as to permit the Borrower to make the quarterly principal installment payments pursuant to Section 4.3 without payment of any amounts pursuant to Section 5.9 ; and

 

(e)                                   there shall be no more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect at any time.

 

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by Standard and Poor’s, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

 

Investments ” in any Person means all direct or indirect investments in such Person in the form of loans or other extensions of credit (including Guarantees), advances, capital contributions (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by such Person, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

If the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, the Borrower will be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Investment in such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of.  The acquisition by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and holds an Investment in a third Person will be deemed to be an Investment by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in such third Person in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the Investment held by the acquired Person in such third Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary unless such Investment in such third party was not made in anticipation or contemplation of the Investment by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary and such third

 

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party Investment is incidental to the primary business of such Person in whom the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary is making such Investment.

 

IPO ” means an underwritten public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) of the Borrower’s Common Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act (whether along or in connection with a secondary public offering).

 

IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

Joint Marketing Arrangement ” means any joint venture, partnership, lease, joint marketing agreement, operating agreement or other arrangement (which may or may not include joint ownership of any Person) pursuant to which the Borrower or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries arrange for the marketing, lease or sale of products and services constituting a Permitted Business and share in the profits therefrom.

 

Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement ” means that certain junior lien intercreditor agreement dated as of even date herewith, among the Administrative Agent as collateral agent on its own behalf and on behalf of the Pari Passu Secured Parties hereunder, the Senior Notes Indenture Collateral Agent, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Pari Passu Secured Parties under the Senior Notes Indenture, the ABL Collateral Agent, on its own behalf and on behalf of the administrative agent and lenders under the ABL Revolver, the Borrower and the Guarantors, as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated or replaced in whole or in part from time to time.

 

Lender ” means each Person executing this Agreement as a Lender on the Closing Date and any other Person that shall have become a party to this Agreement as a Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or pursuant to Section 4.7 or 5.13 , other than any Person that ceases to be a party hereto as a Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption.

 

Lender Joinder Agreement ” means a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent delivered in connection with Section 4.7 or  5.13 .

 

Lending Office ” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender maintaining such Lender’s Extensions of Credit.

 

LIBOR ” means,

 

(a)                                  for any interest rate calculation with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan, the rate of interest per annum determined on the basis of the rate for deposits in Dollars for a period equal to the applicable Interest Period which appears on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or any applicable successor page) at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) London Banking Days prior to the first day of the applicable Interest Period.  If, for any reason, such rate does not appear on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or any applicable successor page), then “LIBOR” shall be determined by the Administrative Agent to be the arithmetic average of the rate per annum at which deposits in Dollars would be offered by first class banks in the London interbank market to the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) London

 

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Banking Days prior to the first day of the applicable Interest Period for a period equal to such Interest Period.

 

(b)                                  for any interest rate calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan, the rate of interest per annum determined on the basis of the rate for deposits in Dollars for an Interest Period equal to one month (commencing on the date of determination of such interest rate) which appears on the Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or any applicable successor page) at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date of determination, or, if such date is not a Business Day, then the immediately preceding Business Day.  If, for any reason, such rate does not appear on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or any applicable successor page) then “LIBOR” for such Base Rate Loan shall be determined by the Administrative Agent to be the arithmetic average of the rate per annum at which deposits in Dollars would be offered by first class banks in the London interbank market to the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date of determination for a period equal to one month commencing on such date of determination.

 

Each calculation by the Administrative Agent of LIBOR shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall LIBOR be less than 1%.

 

LIBOR Rate ” means a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the following formula:

 

LIBOR Rate =

LIBOR

 

1.00-Eurodollar Reserve Percentage

 

LIBOR Rate Loan ” means any Term Loan bearing interest at a rate based upon the LIBOR Rate as provided in Section 5.1(a) .

 

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.

 

Liquid Securities ” means securities (i) of an issuer  that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower, (ii) that are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Select Market with a minimum market capitalization of $500,000,000 at the time of acquisition and (iii) as to which the Borrower is not subject to any restrictions on sale or transfer (including any volume restrictions under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other restrictions imposed by the Securities Act) or as to which a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the resale thereof is in effect for as long as the securities are held; provided that securities meeting the requirements of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above shall be treated as Liquid Securities from the date of receipt thereof until and only until the earlier of (a) the date on which such securities are sold or exchanged for cash or Cash Equivalents and (b) 180 days following

 

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the date of receipt of such securities.  If such securities are not sold or exchanged for cash or Cash Equivalents within 180 days of receipt thereof, for purposes of determining whether the transaction pursuant to which the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary received the securities was in compliance with Section 4.4(b) (ii)  such securities shall be deemed not to have been Liquid Securities at any time.

 

Loan Documents ” means, collectively, this Agreement, each Term Loan Note, the Security Documents and the Fee Letter.

 

London Banking Day ” means any day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market.

 

Master Frac Services Agreement ” means that certain Master Frac Services Agreement, dated April 20, 2011 between FTS International Services, LLC and Chesapeake Operating, Inc.

 

Material Adverse Effect ” means (a) a material adverse effect on the business, assets, results of operations or financial condition of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole or that would materially adversely affect the ability of the Credit Parties, taken as a whole, to perform their material obligations under the Loan Documents, (b) a material adverse effect on the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent or any Lender under the Loan Documents, taken as a whole, or (c) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Credit Party of any material Loan Document to which it is a party.

 

MNPI ” means material non-public information within the meaning of the United States federal securities laws.

 

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

Multiemployer Plan ” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate is making, or is accruing an obligation to make, or has accrued an obligation to make contributions within the preceding seven (7) years.

 

Net Available Cash ” means the aggregate proceeds, including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations (to the extent corresponding to the principal, but not the interest component, thereof), received in Cash Equivalents by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any Cash Equivalents received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of (1) the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal, accounting, investment banking and brokerage fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, (2) taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof, in each case, after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements, (3) in the case of any Asset Sale by a Restricted Subsidiary, payments to holders of Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary in such capacity (other than such Equity Interests held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) to the extent that such payment is required to permit the distribution of such proceeds in respect of the Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and (4) appropriate

 

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amounts to be provided by the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve against liabilities associated with such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sale, all as determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that (a) excess amounts set aside for payment of taxes pursuant to clause (2) above remaining after such taxes have been paid in full or the statute of limitations therefor has expired and (b) amounts initially held in reserve pursuant to clause (4) no longer so held, will, in the case of each of subclause (a) and (b), at that time become Net Available Cash.

 

Net Cash Proceeds ” means, with respect to any Debt Issuance, the gross cash proceeds received by any Credit Party or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries therefrom less all reasonable and customary out-of-pocket legal, underwriting and other fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith.

 

Non-Collateral Prepayment has the meaning assigned thereto in Section  4.4(b)(iii)(C).

 

Non-Consenting Lender ” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver, amendment, modification or termination that (i) requires the approval of all Lenders or all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 12.2 and (ii) has been approved by the Required Lenders.

 

Non-Defaulting Lender ” means, at any time, each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.

 

Non-Extending Lenders ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6(c) .

 

Non-Guarantor Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Guarantor.

 

Notes/Term Collateral ” means 100% of the Capital Stock of all Domestic Subsidiaries of the Borrower and each Guarantor (other than Domestic Subsidiaries that are Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos), 65% of the voting Capital Stock and 100% of the non-voting Capital Stock, if any, of all First Tier Foreign Subsidiaries and all Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos owned by the Borrower and each Guarantor along with proceeds therefrom, in each case excluding Excluded Assets; provided , however , that, in no event will such collateral (including any Capital Stock of Domestic Subsidiaries) include or be deemed to include any rights in respect of (1) voting Equity Interests in excess of 65% of all outstanding voting Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary or of any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco, or (2) any assets of any Foreign Subsidiary.

 

Notice of Borrowing ” means irrevocable prior written notice substantially in the form of Exhibit B given by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 4.2 .

 

Notice of Conversion/Continuation ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.2.

 

Notice of Prepayment ” means a written notice substantially in the form of Exhibit D given by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 4.4 .

 

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Obligations ” means, in each case, whether now in existence or hereafter arising:  (a) the principal of and interest on (including interest accruing after the filing of any bankruptcy or similar petition) the Term Loans and (b) all other fees and commissions (including attorneys’ fees), charges, indebtedness, loans, liabilities, financial accommodations, obligations, covenants and duties owing by the Credit Parties to the Lenders or the Administrative Agent, in each case under any Loan Document, with respect to any Term Loan of every kind, nature and description, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, contractual or tortious, liquidated or unliquidated, and whether or not evidenced by any note and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Credit Party of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws, naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.

 

OFAC ” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

 

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed by two officers of the Borrower or a Guarantor, as applicable, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Borrower or such Guarantor, as applicable.

 

Officer’s Compliance Certificate ” means a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower substantially in the form attached as Exhibit F .

 

Opinion of Counsel ” means an opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (who may be counsel to or an employee of the Borrower) that meets the requirements of this Agreement.

 

Other Connection Taxes ” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Term Loan or Loan Document).

 

Other Taxes ” means all present or future stamp, court, documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 5.12 ).

 

Pari Passu Collateral Agents mean the Administrative Agent, the Senior Notes Indenture Collateral Agent and any Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent.

 

“Pari Passu Indebtedness ” means (1) any Indebtedness of the Borrower that ranks equally in right of payment with the Obligations or (2) any Indebtedness of a Guarantor that ranks equally in right of payment with such Guarantor’s Guaranty.

 

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Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement ” means that certain pari passu intercreditor agreement dated as of even date herewith, among the Administrative Agent as collateral agent on its own behalf and on behalf of the Lenders, the Senior Notes Indenture Collateral Agent its own behalf and on behalf of the trustee and holders of the Senior Notes under the Senior Notes Indenture (as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, restated or replaced in whole or in part from time to time) with respect to the Common Collateral (as such term is defined in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement), which may be amended from time to time without the consent of the Lenders to add other parties holding Pari Passu Lien Obligations permitted to be Incurred under this Agreement, the Senior Notes Indenture and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Pari Passu Lien Obligations ” means (i) all Obligations under this Agreement and all Indebtedness under any other Credit Facilities (other than the ABL Revolver and any other ABL Credit Facility Incurred pursuant to Section 9.1(1)  secured by the Common Collateral (as such term is defined in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement) and subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, (ii) all Indebtedness  under the Senior Notes and the Obligations in respect of any refunding, refinancing or defeasement of the Senior Notes, and (3) Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations, if any, permitted to be Incurred under Section 9.1 .

 

Pari Passu Secured Parties means (1) the Secured Parties, (2) the “Secured Parties,” as defined in the Senior Notes Indenture and (3) any Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties.

 

Participant ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 12.9(d) .

 

Participant Register ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 12.9(d) .

 

PATRIOT Act ” means the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)).

 

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any successor agency.

 

Pension Plan ” means any Employee Benefit Plan, other than a Multiemployer Plan, which is subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and which (a) is maintained, funded or administered for the employees of any Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate or (b) has at any time within the preceding seven (7) years been maintained, funded or administered for the employees of any Credit Party or any current or former ERISA Affiliates.

 

Permitted Acquisition ” means any Acquisition that constitutes a Restricted Payment that is permitted under Section 9.5 or a Permitted Investment.

 

Permitted Affiliated Assignee ” means any directly or indirectly Wholly Owned Subsidiary of a Permitted Holder that is either (i) controlled by a Permitted Holder or (ii) a special purpose investment vehicle for a Permitted Holder.  For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person, will mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.  For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” will have correlative meanings.

 

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Permitted Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Closing Date, any other business or businesses in the oilfield services industry and other businesses reasonably related or ancillary thereto or that are reasonable extensions thereof.

 

Permitted Holder ” means Temasek and Chesapeake.

 

Permitted Investments ” means:

 

(1)                                  any Investment in the Borrower or in a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(2)                                  any Investment in Cash Equivalents;

 

(3)                                  any Investment by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:

 

(a)                                  such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

 

(b)                                  such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(4)                                  any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to Section 9.3 ;

 

(5)                                  Hedging Obligations that are designed solely to protect the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries against fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates (or to reverse or amend any such agreements previously made for such purposes), and not for speculative purposes, and that do not increase the Indebtedness of the obligor outstanding at any time other than as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates or by reason of fees, indemnifies and compensation payable thereunder;

 

(6)                                  (i) Investments received in satisfaction of judgments, foreclosure of Liens or settlement of Indebtedness and (ii) any Investments received in compromise or resolution of (A) obligations of any trade creditor or customer that were incurred in the ordinary course of business, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any such Person, or (B) litigation, arbitration or other disputes with Persons that are not Affiliates;

 

(7)                                  advances or deposits in the ordinary course of business that are, in conformity with GAAP, recorded as accounts receivable, prepaid expenses or deposits on the balance sheet of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries and endorsements for collection or deposit arising in the ordinary course of business;

 

(8)                                  commission, payroll, travel and similar advances to officers and employees of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that are made in the ordinary course of

 

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business and expected, at the time of such advance, ultimately to be recorded as an expense in conformity with GAAP;

 

(9)                                  Permitted Joint Venture Investments and Joint Marketing Arrangements entered into by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount (measured on the date on which each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes of value) that, when taken together with all other Investments pursuant to this clause (9), do not exceed $50,000,000 outstanding at any time;

 

(10)                           Any Investment existing on the Closing Date and any Investment that replaces, refinances or refunds any existing Investment; provided that the new Investment is in an amount that does not exceed the amount replaced, refinanced or refunded, and is made in the same Person as the Investment being replaced, financed or refunded;

 

(11)                           repurchases of, or other Investments in, the Senior Notes, the Term Loans or any other Pari Passu Lien Obligations;

 

(12)                           advances, deposits and prepayments for purchases of any assets, other than Equity Interests;

 

(13)                           Investments acquired in exchange for, or out of the proceeds from the issuance or sale of, Equity Interests in the Borrower (excluding Disqualified Stock); and

 

(14)                           other Investments by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, having an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (14) since the Closing Date, not to exceed the greater of $50,000,000 and 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Closing Date outstanding at any one time; provided, however , if any Investment made pursuant to this clause (14) is made to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the date of such Investment and such Person subsequently becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, such Investment shall be deemed made pursuant to clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made under this clause (14) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Permitted Joint Venture Investment ” means a direct or indirect Investment by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in any other Person engaged in a Permitted Business (a)  over which the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary is responsible (either directly or indirectly through Unrestricted Subsidiaries or a services agreement) for day-to-day operations or otherwise has operational and managerial control of such Permitted Business, or veto power over significant management decisions affecting such Permitted Business, and (b) of which at least 30% of the outstanding Equity Interests of such other Person are at the time owned directly or indirectly by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Permitted Liens ” means:

 

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(1)                                  (x) Liens securing Credit Facilities Indebtedness Incurred under clause (1) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness;” provided that any Liens on Notes/Term Collateral securing any ABL Credit Facility must be expressly subject to the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement; provided , further , that any such Indebtedness Incurred in the form of term loans is Incurred as Incremental Term Loans in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.13 , and (y) Liens securing indebtedness borrowed under the Loan Documents pursuant to Section 9.1(4)(C) ;

 

(2)                                  Liens on Collateral securing Indebtedness representing Pari Passu Lien Obligations permitted to be incurred under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio in the first paragraph of Section 9.1 ; provided , that any such Indebtedness Incurred in the form of term loans is Incurred as Incremental Term Loans in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.13 ;

 

(3)                                  Liens existing on the Closing Date (provided that Liens securing Indebtedness Incurred under clause (1) and (4)(C) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness” set forth in Section 9.1 shall be permitted only to the extent permitted under clause (1)(x) and (y), respectively, of this definition);

 

(4)                                  Liens imposed by law or contract (other than contracts for Indebtedness), including carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s and repairmen’s Liens, in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings if a reserve or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof;

 

(5)                                  Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet subject to penalties for non-payment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which that appropriate reserves required pursuant to GAAP have been made in respect thereof;

 

(6)                                  Liens in favor of issuers of surety or performance bonds or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business, and Liens to secure appeal bonds or letters of credit or similar instruments that themselves secure appeal bonds;

 

(7)                                  survey exceptions, encumbrances, ground leases, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions (including, without limitation, minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which do not individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

 

(8)                                  Liens securing Hedging Obligations permitted under this Agreement;

 

(9)                                  leases, licenses, subleases and sublicenses of assets (including, without limitation, real property, mineral rights and intellectual property rights) which do not materially interfere

 

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with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and Liens created by Persons who are lessors of property to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(10)                           Liens for the purpose of securing Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or other payments Incurred to finance all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of assets or property (other than Capital Stock or other Investments) acquired, constructed or improved in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that

 

(a)                                  the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens pursuant to this clause (10) is otherwise permitted to be Incurred under clause (6) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; and

 

(b)                                  such Liens are created within 180 days of construction, acquisition or improvement of such assets or property and do not encumber any other assets or property of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than such assets or property and assets affixed or appurtenant thereto;

 

(11)                           Liens that are part of normal depository and cash-management arrangements with banks and financial institutions, excluding arrangements for dedicated cash collateral accounts or arrangements otherwise intended to provide collateral securing Indebtedness owing to banks or financial institutions;

 

(12)                           Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases, bailments and other transactions that do not involve security interests or that are not intended to perfect a security interest securing any Indebtedness;

 

(13)                           Liens on property or shares of stock of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created, Incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary; provided further, however, that any such Lien may not extend to any other property owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(14)                           Liens on property at the time the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created, Incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided further, however, that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(15)                           Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Borrower or a Guarantor;

 

(16)                           Liens securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to refinance, refund, replace, amend, extend or modify, as a whole or in part, Indebtedness that was previously so secured pursuant to clauses (1), (2), (3), (8), (10), (13), (14), (18), (24) and (26) of this definition; provided that (a) any such Lien is limited to all or part of the same property or assets that secured

 

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(or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the Indebtedness being refinanced or is in respect of property that is the security for a Permitted Lien hereunder and (b) any such Lien is no less favorable in any material respect to the Secured Parties than the Lien in respect of the Indebtedness being refinanced; provided, further, however, that in the case of any Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal of Indebtedness secured by a Lien referred to in clause (1) or (2), the principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred for such refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal shall be deemed secured by a Lien under clause (1) or (2), as applicable, and not this clause (16) for purposes of determining the principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding under clause (1) or (2), as applicable;

 

(17)                           Liens securing Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not to exceed the greater of (a) $50,000,000 and (b) 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Borrower (with the Fair Market Value of each item of designated non-cash consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

 

(18)                           Liens on the Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

(19)                           judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been made;

 

(20)                           Liens on property or assets securing Indebtedness used to defease or to satisfy and discharge the Senior Notes; provided that (a) the Incurrence of such Indebtedness was not prohibited by this Agreement or the Senior Notes Indenture and (b) such defeasance or satisfaction and discharge is not prohibited by this Agreement or the Senior Notes Indenture;

 

(21)                           any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Capital Stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;

 

(22)                           pledges or deposits by such Person under workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or United States government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import or customs duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business, and pledges or deposits to secure bonds or letters of credit provided by third parties for any of the foregoing purposes;

 

(23)                           Liens contained in purchase and sale agreements limiting the transfer of assets pending the closing of the transactions contemplated thereby or that may be deemed to exist by virtue of contractual provisions that restrict the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries from granting or permitting to exist Liens on their respective assets;

 

(24)                           Liens upon specific items of inventory, accounts receivable or other goods and proceeds thereof securing obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or receivables

 

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securitizations issued or created for the account of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory, accounts receivable or other goods and proceeds and permitted to be incurred under Section 9.1;

 

(25)                           Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of credit that encumber documents and other property or assets relating to such letters of credit and products and proceeds thereof;

 

(26)                           Liens on assets not constituting Collateral securing Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to clause (15) or (17) of Section 9.1 ; and

 

(27)                           Liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 9. 2 .

 

Provisions of this Agreement allowing Permitted Liens or other Liens on assets and property shall be construed to allow such Permitted Liens or other Liens on all improvements, fixtures, accessions and proceeds with respect to such property or assets.

 

Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary issued in exchange for, or the net cash proceeds of which are used to Refinance other Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or to any Subsidiary of the Borrower); provided that:

 

(1)                                  the amount of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the amount of the Indebtedness so Refinanced (plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and the amount of any reasonably determined premium necessary to accomplish such Refinancing and such reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith);

 

(2)                                  such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(3)                                  if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations and the Guaranties, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations and the Guaranties, as applicable, on terms at least as favorable, taken as a whole, to the Secured Parties as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(4)                                  if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is Pari Passu Indebtedness, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness ranks equally in right of payment with, or is subordinated in right of payment to, the Obligations and the Guaranties;

 

(5)                                  such Indebtedness is Incurred by either (a) the Restricted Subsidiary that is the obligor on the Indebtedness being Refinanced or (b) the Borrower or a Guarantor; and

 

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(6)                                  if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is secured by a Lien on the Collateral, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is secured by a Lien that is equal to or junior in priority to the Lien on the Collateral securing the Indebtedness being Refinanced.

 

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or other business entity or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Platform ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 8.2 .

 

Preferred Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person that has preferential rights to any other Capital Stock of such Person with respect to dividends or redemptions upon liquidation.

 

Prime Rate ” means, at any time, the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its prime rate.  Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective as of the opening of business on the day such change in such prime rate occurs.  The parties hereto acknowledge that the rate announced publicly by the Administrative Agent as its prime rate is an index or base rate and shall not necessarily be its lowest or best rate charged to its customers or other banks.

 

Property ” means any right or interest in or to property of any kind whatsoever, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, including, without limitation, Equity Interests.

 

Public Lender ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 8.2 .

 

Ratable Share ” means, at any time, (a) for the purposes of Section 4.4(b)(iii)(B) , the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans outstanding at such time as a percentage of the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans outstanding at such time plus (ii) the aggregate principal amount outstanding at such time in respect of any Pari Passu Lien Obligations and Indebtedness secured by a Permitted Lien (which Lien is not subordinate to the Lien securing the Obligations with respect to the Collateral), to the extent a prepayment is required under the terms of such other Pari Passu Lien Obligations and Indebtedness secured by a Permitted Lien and a prepayment, repayment or repurchase (or an offer related thereto) will be made by the Borrower and (b) for the purposes of Section 4.4(b)(iii)(C) ,the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans outstanding at such time as a percentage of the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans outstanding at such time plus (ii) the aggregate principal amount outstanding at such time in respect of Pari Passu Indebtedness, to the extent a prepayment is required under the terms of such other Pari Passu Indebtedness and a prepayment, repayment or repurchase (or an offer related thereto) will be made by the Borrower.

 

Rating Agencies ” means (a) S&P and Moody’s or, (b) if S&P or Moody’s or both of them are not making ratings of the Term Loans publicly available, a nationally recognized U.S. rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by the Borrower, which will be substituted for S&P or Moody’s or both, as the case may be.

 

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Recipient ” means (a) the Administrative Agent and (b) any Lender, as applicable.

 

Refinance ” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, replace, repay, prepay, purchase, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness.  “ Refinanced ” and “ Refinancing ” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Refinancing Amendment ” means an amendment to this Agreement (which may, at the option of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, be in the form of an amendment and restatement of this Agreement) providing for any Extended Term Loans pursuant to Section 4.6 or Refinancing Term Loans pursuant to Section 4.7 , which shall be consistent with the applicable provisions of this Agreement and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the parties thereto.  Each Refinancing Amendment shall be executed by the Administrative Agent, the Credit Parties and the other parties specified in Section 4.6 or 4.7 , as applicable, of this Agreement (but not any other Lender not specified in Section 4.6 or 4.7 , as applicable, of this Agreement), but shall not affect any amendments that would require the consent of each affected Lender or all Lenders pursuant to the first proviso in the first paragraph of Section 12.2 .  Any Refinancing Amendment may include conditions for delivery of opinions of counsel and other documentation consistent with the conditions in Section 6.1 of this Agreement, all to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the other parties to such Refinancing Amendment.

 

Refinancing Term Loans ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.7(a) .

 

Refinancing Notes ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.7(a) .

 

Refinancing Effective Date ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.7(b) .

 

Refinancing Term Lender ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.7(b) .

 

Refinancing Note Holder ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.7(b) .

 

Register ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 12.9(c) .

 

Rejection Notice ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.4(b)(iii) .

 

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

 

Replacement Assets ” means (1) assets (other than Cash Equivalents and securities) that will be used or useful in a Permitted Business, (2) substantially all the assets of a Permitted Business, or (3) a majority of the Voting Stock of any Person engaged in a Permitted Business that will become on the date of acquisition thereof a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Required Lenders ” means, at any time, Lenders having Total Credit Exposures representing more than fifty percent (50)% of the Total Credit Exposures of all Lenders.  The Total Credit Exposure of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time.

 

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Responsible Officer ” means, as to any Person, the chief executive officer, president, any vice president, chief financial officer, secretary or assistant secretary, controller, treasurer or assistant treasurer of such Person or any other officer of such Person designated in writing by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.  Any document delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Person shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Person and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Person.

 

Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that has not been designated as an “Unrestricted Subsidiary” in accordance with this Agreement.

 

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

Sanctioned Country ” means a country subject to a sanctions program identified on the list maintained by OFAC and available at http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/Programs.aspx, or as otherwise published from time to time.

 

Sanctioned Person ” means (a) a Person named on the list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” maintained by OFAC available at http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx, or as otherwise published from time to time, (b) a Person named on the lists maintained by the United Nations Security Council available at http://www.un.org/sc/committees/list_compend.shtml, or as otherwise published from time to time, (c) a Person named on the lists maintained by the European Union available at http://eeas.europa.eu/cfsp/sanctions/consol-list_en.htm, or as otherwise published from time to time, (d) a Person named on the lists maintained by Her Majesty’s Treasury available at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/fin_sanctions_index.htm, or as otherwise published from time to time, or (e) to the extent subject to a sanctions program administered by OFAC, (i) an agency of the government of a Sanctioned Country, (ii) an organization controlled by a Sanctioned Country, or (iii) a person resident in a Sanctioned Country.

 

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

 

Securities Account ” means a securities account (as that term is defined in the UCC).

 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Secured Obligations has the meaning assigned to such term in the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

 

Secured Parties ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 11.5 , any other holder from time to time of any of any Obligations and, in each case, their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

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Security Documents ” means the collective reference to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and each other agreement or writing pursuant to which any Credit Party pledges or grants a security interest in any Property or assets securing the Obligations.

 

Senior Notes ” means the 6.250% Senior Notes due 2022 issued by the Borrower pursuant to the Senior Notes Indenture or any supplemental indenture thereto.

 

Senior Notes Indenture ” means the Indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto, and US Bank National, as indenture trustee.

 

Senior Notes Indenture Collateral Agent ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the collateral agent under the Senior Notes Indenture, or its successors.

 

Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person, as of the date of any determination, the ratio of (i)(a) senior Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that is secured by a Lien as of such date of determination (determined in accordance with GAAP) minus (b) cash and cash equivalents of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries up to a maximum of $50,000,000 to (ii) Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for the four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding such date of determination.  In the event that the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any senior Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio is made, then the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of senior Indebtedness secured by a Lien.

 

Solvent ” and “ Solvency ” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature, (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital, and (e) such Person is able to pay its debts and liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the ordinary course of business.  The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

Specified ABL Facility Assets ” means any ABL Collateral, the net proceeds of an Asset Sale of which are required to be applied, and are actually applied, as a prepayment of any ABL Credit Facility.

 

“Specified Representations ” means (a) the representations made by the Borrower in the purchase agreement or equivalent agreement with respect to the applicable Investment as are

 

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material to the interests of the Lenders, but only to the extent that the Borrower has a right to terminate its obligations thereunder as a result of a breach of such representations in such agreement and (b) the representations and warranties made by the Borrower in Sections 7.1 , 7.3 and 7.4(b)  (in each case, to the extent applicable to the Borrower only), 7.10 , 7.11 , 7.17 and 7.20 .

 

Stated Maturity ” when used with respect to (1) any Senior Note or any installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such Senior Note as the fixed date on which the principal amount of such Senior Note or such installment of interest is due and payable and (2) any other Indebtedness or any installment of interest thereon or principal thereof, means the date specified in the instrument governing such Indebtedness as the fixed date on which the principal of such Indebtedness or such installment is due and payable.

 

Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned by such Person.  Unless otherwise indicated, when used herein the term “Subsidiary” shall refer to a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

Swap Contract ” means (a) any and all interest rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including, without limitation, any fuel price caps and fuel price collar or floor agreements and similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect against or manage fluctuations in fuel prices and any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b)  any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “ Master Agreement ”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

 

Taxes ” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, fines, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

 

Temasek ” means Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited and each of its Affiliates but not including any of its portfolio companies.

 

Term Loan Commitment ” means (a) as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make a portion of the Initial Term Loan, Incremental Term Loans and/or Refinancing Term

 

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Loans, as applicable, to the Borrower hereunder on the Closing Date (in the case of the Initial Term Loan) or the applicable borrowing date (in the case of any Incremental Term Loan or any Refinancing Term Loan) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 1 hereto (or, in the case of any Incremental Term Loan or any Refinancing Term Loan, on the applicable Lender Joinder Agreement or Refinancing Amendment, as applicable, as such amount may be increased, reduced or otherwise modified at any time or from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof and (b) as to all Lenders, the aggregate commitment of all Lenders to make such Term Loans.  The aggregate Term Loan Commitment of all Lenders on the Closing Date shall be $550,000,000.

 

Term Loan Facility ” means the term loan facility established pursuant to Article IV (including any new term loan facility established pursuant to Section 4.6 , 4.7 or  5.13 ).

 

Term Loan Maturity Date ” means, on any date, the latest date on which any Term Loan then outstanding is scheduled to mature.

 

Term Loan Note ” means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing the portion of the Term Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A-3 , and any substitutes therefor, and any replacements, restatements, renewals or extension thereof, in whole or in part.

 

Term Loan Percentage ” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage of the total outstanding principal balance of the Term Loans represented by the outstanding principal balance of such Lender’s Term Loans.

 

Term Loans ” means the Initial Term Loans and, if applicable, the Incremental Term Loans and “ Term Loan ” means any of such Term Loans.

 

Total Credit Exposure ” means, as to any Lender at any time, the unused Term Loan Commitments and outstanding Term Loans of such Lender at such time.

 

Transaction ” means any transaction; provided that if such transaction is part of a series of related transactions, “ Transaction ” refers to such related transactions as a whole.

 

Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Asset Sale.”

 

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York.

 

United States ” means the United States of America.

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is designated as such in accordance with Section 8.12 and each Subsidiary of such designated Subsidiary, in each case, until such Person ceases to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Borrower in accordance with Section 8.12 or ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Borrower.  As of the Closing Date, notwithstanding the provisions above of this definition, FTS International Ventures I, LLC, FTS International Ventures II, LLC and their respective Subsidiaries are hereby designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

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U.S. Dollar Equivalent ” means with respect to any monetary amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars, at any time for determination thereof, the amount of U.S. dollars obtained by converting such foreign currency involved in such computation into U.S. dollars at the spot rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars with the applicable foreign currency as published in The Wall Street Journal in the “Exchange Rates” column under the heading “Currency Trading” on the date two business days prior to such determination.

 

U.S. Person ” means any Person that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 5.11(g) .

 

Voting Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, securities of any class or classes of Capital Stock in such Person entitling the holders thereof generally to vote on the election of members of the Board of Directors or comparable body of such Person.

 

Waivable Mandatory Prepayment has the meaning assigned thereto in Section  4.4(b)(iii)(C) .

 

Wells Fargo ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association.

 

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:  (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

 

Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any specified Person, a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) are owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

Withdrawal Liability ” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

 

Withholding Agent ” means any Credit Party and the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 1.2                                              Other Definitions and Provisions .  With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:  (a) the definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined, (b) whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms, (c) the words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”, (d) the word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”, (e) any

 

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reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (f) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (g) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (h) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights, (i) the term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form, (j) in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including” and (k) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

SECTION 1.3                                              Accounting Terms . All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time and in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the audited financial statements required by Section 8.1(a) , except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.

 

SECTION 1.4                                              UCC Terms .  Terms defined in the UCC in effect on the Closing Date and not otherwise defined herein shall, unless the context otherwise indicates, have the meanings provided by those definitions.  Subject to the foregoing, the term “UCC” refers, as of any date of determination, to the UCC then in effect.

 

SECTION 1.5                                              References to Agreement and Laws .  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) any definition or reference to formation documents, governing documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual documents or instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are not prohibited by any Loan Document; and (b) any definition or reference to any Applicable Law, including, without limitation, the Code, the Commodity Exchange Act, ERISA, the Exchange Act, the PATRIOT Act, the Securities Act of 1933, the UCC, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Interstate Commerce Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act of the United States or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department, shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Applicable Law.

 

SECTION 1.6                                              Times of Day .  Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

 

SECTION 1.7                                              Guarantees .  Unless otherwise specified, the amount of any Guarantee shall be the lesser of the principal amount of the obligations guaranteed and still outstanding and

 

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the maximum amount for which the guaranteeing Person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Guarantee.

 

SECTION 1.8                                              Rounding .  Any financial ratios required to be determined pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio or percentage is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).

 

SECTION 1.9                                              Financial Statements .  Any action of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary that would be permitted based on delivery of financial statements to the Administrative Agent, will be permitted following the Closing Date and prior to the delivery of four full fiscal quarters of financial statements under this Agreement based on the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available.

 

ARTICLE II

 

[ Reserved ]

 

ARTICLE III

 

[ Reserved ]

 

ARTICLE IV

 

TERM LOAN FACILITY

 

SECTION 4.1                                              Initial Term Loan .  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, each Lender severally agrees to make the Initial Term Loan to the Borrower on the Closing Date in a principal amount equal to such Lender’s Term Loan Commitment as of the Closing Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the total Term Loan Commitment as of the Closing Date is not drawn on the Closing Date, the undrawn amount shall automatically be cancelled.

 

SECTION 4.2                                              Procedure for Advance of Term Loan .

 

(a)                                  Initial Term Loan .  The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent an irrevocable Notice of Borrowing prior to 12:00 p.m. on the Closing Date requesting that the Lenders make the Initial Term Loan as a Base Rate Loan on such date (provided that the Borrower may request, no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, that the Lenders make the Initial Term Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan if the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a letter in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent indemnifying the Lenders in the manner set forth in Section 5.9 of this Agreement); notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may give such irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent by telephone, provided, that, such telephonic notice by the Borrower must be promptly confirmed by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Notice of Borrowing.  Upon

 

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receipt of such Notice of Borrowing from the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender thereof.  Not later than 2:00 p.m. on the Closing Date, each Lender will make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Borrower, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in immediately available funds, the amount of such Initial Term Loan to be made by such Lender on the Closing Date.  The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to disburse the proceeds of the Initial Term Loan in immediately available funds by wire transfer to such Person or Persons as may be designated by the Borrower in writing.

 

(b)                                  Incremental Term Loans .  Any Incremental Term Loans shall be borrowed pursuant to, and in accordance with Section 5.13 .

 

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SECTION 4.3                                              Repayment of Term Loans .

 

(a)                                  Initial Term Loan .  The Borrower shall repay the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Initial Term Loan in consecutive quarterly installments on the last Business Day of each of March, June, September and December commencing September 30, 2014 as set forth below, except as the amounts of individual installments may be adjusted pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof:

 

YEAR

 

PAYMENT DATE

 

PRINCIPAL
INSTALLMENT
($)

2014

 

September 30

 

$1,375,000

 

December 31

 

$1,375,000

2015

 

March 31

 

$1,375,000

 

June 30

 

$1,375,000

 

September 30

 

$1,375,000

 

December 31

 

$1,375,000

2016

 

March 31

 

$1,375,000

 

June 30

 

$1,375,000

 

September 30

 

$1,375,000

 

December 31

 

$1,375,000

2017

 

March 31

 

$1,375,000

 

June 30

 

$1,375,000

 

September 30

 

$1,375,000

 

December 31

 

$1,375,000

2018

 

March 31

 

$1,375,000

 

June 30

 

$1,375,000

 

September 30

 

$1,375,000

 

December 31

 

$1,375,000

2019

 

March 31

 

$1,375,000

 

June 30

 

$1,375,000

 

September 30

 

$1,375,000

 

December 31

 

$1,375,000

2020

 

March 31

 

$1,375,000

 

June 30

 

$1,375,000

 

September 30

 

$1,375,000

 

December 31

 

$1,375,000

2021

 

March 31

 

$1,375,000

 

Initial Term Loan Maturity Date

 

Remaining principal amount of Initial Term Loans

 

If not sooner paid, the Initial Term Loan shall be paid in full, together with accrued interest thereon, on the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date.

 

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(b)                                  Incremental Term Loans .  The Borrower shall repay the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Incremental Term Loan (if any) as determined pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 5.13 .

 

SECTION 4.4                                              Prepayments of Term Loans .

 

(a)                                  Optional Prepayments .  The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time, without premium or penalty, to prepay the Term Loans, in whole or in part, upon delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Notice of Prepayment not later than 12:00 p.m. (i) on the same Business Day as the prepayment of a Base Rate Loan and (ii) at least three (3) Business Days before the prepayment of a LIBOR Rate Loan, specifying the date and amount of repayment, whether the repayment is of LIBOR Rate Loans or Base Rate Loans or a combination thereof, and if a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each and the Class or Classes of Term Loan being prepaid, and if a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each.  Each optional prepayment of the Term Loans hereunder shall be in an aggregate principal amount of at least $1,000,000 or any whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof and shall be applied, on a pro rata basis, to the outstanding principal installments of the Initial Term Loan and, if applicable, any Incremental Term Loans, as directed by the Borrower.  Each repayment shall be accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Sections 4.4(c)  and 5.9 hereof.  A Notice of Prepayment received after 12:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next Business Day.  Each prepayment of the outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this Section shall be applied in direct order of maturities to the principal repayment installments (or proportional fractions thereof) applicable to each such Term Loan pursuant to Section 4.3 , or as otherwise directed by the Borrower.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the applicable Lenders of each Notice of Prepayment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Notice of Prepayment delivered in connection with any refinancing of all or any portion of the Term Loan Facility with the proceeds of such refinancing or of any other incurrence of Indebtedness or the receipt of net cash proceeds of any equity issuance or Asset Sale may be, if expressly so stated to be, contingent upon the consummation of such refinancing, incurrence or receipt and may be revoked by the Borrower in the event such refinancing is not consummated or such net cash proceeds are not received; provided that the delay or failure of such contingency shall not relieve the Borrower from its obligations in respect thereof under Section 5.9 .

 

(b)                                  Mandatory Prepayments .

 

(i)                                      Debt Issuances .  The Borrower shall make mandatory principal prepayments of the Term Loans in the manner set forth in clause (iii)(A) below in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds from any Debt Issuance not otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 or any Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Notes.  Such prepayment shall be made within five (5) Business Days after the date of receipt of the Net Cash Proceeds of any such Debt Issuance.

 

(ii)                                   Asset Sales .  During the 365 days after the receipt of any Net Available Cash from an Asset Sale (other than Specified ABL Facility Assets) the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall make mandatory prepayments of the Term Loans.  The Borrower may apply such mandatory prepayment, at its option:

 

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(A)                                to repay (a) Indebtedness constituting Pari Passu Lien Obligations (and, if the Indebtedness repaid is revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto); provided that if the Borrower shall so reduce Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the Borrower will equally and ratably reduce the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans then outstanding in the manner set forth in clause (iii) below at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, (b) Indebtedness constituting Pari Passu Indebtedness other than Pari Passu Lien Obligations so long as the Asset Sale proceeds are with respect to non-Collateral (provided that if the Borrower shall so reduce Pari Passu Indebtedness, the Borrower will equally and ratably reduce the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans then outstanding in the manner set forth in clause (iii) below), or (c) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor;

 

(B)                                to purchase Replacement Assets (or enter into a binding agreement to purchase such Replacement Assets); provided that (a) such purchase is consummated no later than the later of (i) the 360th day after such Asset Sale or (ii) 180 days after the date of such binding agreement entered into within 360 days after such Asset Sale, (b) if such purchase is not consummated within the period set forth in subclause (c), an amount equal to the Net Available Cash not so applied will be deemed to be Excess Proceeds (as defined below) and (d) if such Net Available Cash is received in respect of Collateral, the Replacement Assets, to the extent constituting Notes/Term Collateral or ABL Collateral and not an Excluded Asset, shall be pledged as Collateral;

 

(C)                                to make a  Collateral Waivable Mandatory Prepayment pursuant to sub-clause (iii)(B) below; or

 

(D)                                to make a Waivable Mandatory Prepayment pursuant to sub-clause (iii)(C) below.

 

Pending the final application of any Net Available Cash, the Borrower may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under any Credit Facility or otherwise expend or invest such Net Available Cash in any manner that is not prohibited by this Agreement.

 

An amount equal to any Net Available Cash from Asset Sales of Collateral (other than Specified ABL Facility Assets) that is not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in clause (b)(ii) above  will be deemed to constitute “ Collateral Excess Proceeds .”

 

An amount equal to any Net Available Cash from Asset Sales of non-Collateral (other than Specified ABL Facility Assets) that is not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in clause (b)(ii) above  will be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .”

 

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(iii)                                Notice; Manner of Payment .

 

(A)                                Upon the occurrence of any event triggering the prepayment requirement under clauses (i) or (ii) above, the Borrower shall promptly deliver a Notice of Prepayment to the Administrative Agent and upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly so notify the Lenders.  Each prepayment of the Initial Term Loans under this Section shall be applied to reduce on a pro rata basis the next twelve scheduled principal installments thereof in direct order of maturity and then to the remaining scheduled principal installments of the Initial Term Loans pursuant to Section 4.3 .  Proceeds of any Refinancing Term Loans shall be applied solely to prepay each applicable Class of Term Loans so refinanced.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent any Incremental Term Loans, Extended Term Loans or Refinancing Term Loans are made, the application of prepayments of Term Loans pursuant to this clause (iii) shall be made on a pro rata basis among the Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Extended Term Loans and Refinancing Term Loans (except to the extent that any applicable Refinancing Amendment provides that the Class of Term Loans made thereunder shall be entitled to less than pro rata treatment).

 

(B)                                If and when the aggregate amount of Collateral Excess Proceeds exceeds $35,000,000, the Borrower shall make a prepayment (a “ Collateral Waivable Mandatory Prepayment ”) in an amount equal to 100% of the Ratable Share of the Collateral Excess Proceeds (such amount, the “ Collateral Prepayment Amount ”).  The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing at least five Business Days prior to any such prepayment specifying the prepayment date, the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid and a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such Collateral Prepayment Amount. Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall thereafter notify each Lender of the amount of such Lender’s pro rata share of such Collateral Prepayment Amount and Lender’s option to decline such amount.  Each Lender may reject all or a portion of its pro rata share, or other applicable share of any Waivable Mandatory Prepayment required to be made pursuant to this Section 4.4(b)  (such declined amounts, the “ Collateral Declined Proceeds ”) by providing written notice (each, a “Rejection Notice”) to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower no later than 5:00 p.m., New York time, two (2) Business Days after the date of such Lender’s receipt of Notice of Prepayment.  Each Rejection Notice from a given Lender shall specify the principal amount of the Collateral Prepayment Amount rejected by such Lender.  If a Lender fails to deliver a Rejection Notice within the time frame specified above or such Rejection Notice fails to specify the principal amount of rejected Term Loans, any such failure shall be deemed an acceptance of the total amount of the Lender’s pro rata share of such Collateral Prepayment Amount.  Subject to the terms of the agreements governing any other Pari Passu Lien Obligations or Indebtedness secured by a Permitted Lien, any Collateral Prepayment Amount not actually applied to repay, prepay or redeem Pari Passu Lien Obligations or obligations secured by a Permitted Lien (other than any Lien that is junior or subordinated to the Lien securing the Obligations) shall be re-offered to the non-rejecting Lenders. In the event of such a re-offer, the non-rejecting Lenders may elect, by written notice to the Administrative Agent within one Business Day of

 

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receiving notification of such re-offer, to decline all of the amount of such prepayment that is re-offered to them, in which case the aggregate amount of the prepayment that would have been applied to such Term Loans pursuant to such re-offer but was so declined shall be retained by the Borrower to be used for any other purpose not prohibited by this Agreement.  Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 5.1 .

 

(C)                                If and when the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $35,000,000, the Borrower shall make a prepayment (a “ Waivable Mandatory Prepayment ”) in an amount equal to 100% of the Ratable Share of the Excess Proceeds (such amount, the “ Non-Collateral Prepayment Amount ”).  The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing at least five Business Days prior to any such prepayment specifying the prepayment date, the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid and a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such Non-Collateral Prepayment Amount. Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall thereafter notify each Lender of the amount of such Lender’s pro rata share of such Non-Collateral Prepayment Amount and Lender’s option to decline such amount.  Each Lender may reject all or a portion of its pro rata share, or other applicable share of any Waivable Mandatory Prepayment required to be made pursuant to this Section 4.4(b)  (such declined amounts, the “ Declined Proceeds ”) by providing written notice (each, a “Rejection Notice”) to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower no later than 5:00 p.m., New York time, two (2) Business Days after the date of such Lender’s receipt of Notice of Prepayment.  Each Rejection Notice from a given Lender shall specify the principal amount of the Non-Collateral Prepayment Amount rejected by such Lender.  If a Lender fails to deliver a Rejection Notice within the time frame specified above or such Rejection Notice fails to specify the principal amount of rejected Term Loans, any such failure shall be deemed an acceptance of the total amount of the Lender’s pro rata share of such Non-Collateral Prepayment Amount.  Subject to the terms of the agreements governing any other Pari Passu Indebtedness, any Non-Collateral Prepayment Amount not actually applied to repay, prepay or redeem Pari Passu Indebtedness shall be re-offered to the non-rejecting Lenders. In the event of such a re-offer, the non-rejecting Lenders may elect, by written notice to the Administrative Agent within one Business Day of receiving notification of such re-offer, to decline all of the amount of such prepayment that is re-offered to them, in which case the aggregate amount of the prepayment that would have been applied to such Term Loans pursuant to such re-offer but was so declined shall be retained by the Borrower to be used for any other purpose not prohibited by this Agreement.  Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 5.1 .

 

(iv)                               No Reborrowings .  Amounts prepaid under the Term Loans pursuant to this Section may not be reborrowed.  Each prepayment shall be accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 5.9 .

 

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(c)                                   Call Premium .  In the event that, on or prior to the six-month anniversary of the Closing Date, the Borrower (i) makes any prepayment of the Initial Term Loans in connection with any Repricing Transaction (as defined below) or (ii) effects any amendment of this Agreement resulting in a Repricing Transaction, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable account of each applicable Lender, a fee in an amount equal to, (x) in the case of clause (i), a prepayment premium of 1.0% of the amount of the Initial Term Loans being prepaid and (y) in the case of clause (ii), a payment equal to 1.0% of the aggregate amount of the applicable Initial Term Loans outstanding immediately prior to such amendment that are affected by such Repricing Transaction.  Such fees shall be due and payable within five (5) Business Days of the date of the effectiveness of such Repricing Transaction.  For the purpose of this clause (c), “ Repricing Transaction ” means (a) any prepayment or repayment of the Initial Term Loans with the proceeds of, or any conversion of the Initial Term Loans into, any new or replacement tranche of term loans or Indebtedness bearing interest with an “effective yield” (taking into account upfront fees, interest rate spreads, interest rate benchmark floors and original issue discount, but excluding the effect of any arrangement, structuring, syndication or other fees payable in connection therewith that are not shared with all lenders or holders of such new or replacement loans) less than the “effective yield” applicable to the Initial Term Loans (as such comparative yields are determined in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent consistent with generally accepted financial practices) and (b) any amendment to the pricing terms of the Initial Term Loans which reduces the “effective yield” applicable to the Initial Term Loans.

 

(d)                                  Change of Control .

 

(a)                                  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Lender will have the right to require the Borrower to repay all or any part of such Lender’s Term Loans in an amount equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to but not including the repayment date, except to the extent the Borrower has previously or concurrently elected to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with Section 4.4(a) .

 

(b)                                  Within 30 days following any Change of Control, except to the extent that the Borrower has exercised its right to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with Section 4.4(a) , the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver notice to each Lender to the address of such Lender appearing in the Register or otherwise in accordance with Section 12.1 of the following (such notification, a “ Change of Control Offer ”):

 

(i)                                      that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Lender has the right to require the Borrower to repay such Lender’s Term Loans in an amount equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but not including the repayment date;

 

(ii)                                   the circumstances and relevant facts and financial information regarding such Change of Control;

 

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(iii)                                the repayment date (which shall be no earlier than thirty (30) days nor later than sixty (60) days from the date on which the Administrative Agent is notified) (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”);

 

(iv)                               that unless the Borrower defaults in making the payment, all Term Loans accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

(v)                                  that Lenders electing to have any Term Loans repaid pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to notify the Administrative Agent prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

(vi)                               that Lenders will be entitled to withdraw their election to require the Borrower to repay such Term Loans; provided that the Administrative Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the expiration date of the Change of Control Offer, a facsimile transmission, electronic mail or letter setting forth the name of such Lender, the principal amount of Term Loans to be repaid, and a statement that such Lender is withdrawing its election to have such Term Loans repaid; and

 

(vii)                            the other instructions determined by the Borrower or as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, consistent with this Section 4.4(d) , that a Lender must follow in order to have its Term Loans repaid.

 

The notice, if delivered in a manner herein provided, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Lender receives such notice.  If (x) the notice is delivered in a manner herein provided and (y) any Lender fails to receive such notice or a Lender receives such notice but it is defective, such Lender’s failure to receive such notice or such defect shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the repayment of the Term Loans as to all other Lenders that properly received such notice without defect.

 

(c)                                   On the repayment date, the Borrower shall repay the Term Loans in an amount equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to but not including the repayment date to the Lenders electing such repayment.

 

(d)                                  A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, and conditioned upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

 

The Borrower will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Agreement and repays all Term Loans properly elected to be repaid and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer and the Borrower shall instruct the Administrative Agent to accept repayments made by such third party

 

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SECTION 4.5                                              Reverse Dutch Auction Prepayments.

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Borrower may at any time and from time to time after the Closing Date conduct reverse Dutch auctions in order to prepay Term Loans below par value on a non-pro rata basis (each, an “ Auction ”, and each such Auction to be managed exclusively by the Administrative Agent or another investment bank of recognized standing selected by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “ Auction Manager ”)), so long as the following conditions are satisfied:

 

(a)                                  each Auction shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures, terms and conditions set forth in this Section and such procedures as are either (A) set forth in Exhibit I or (B) otherwise agreed to by the applicable Auction Manager, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (the “ Alternate Auction Procedures ”);

 

(b)                                  no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom on the date of the delivery of each notice of any Auction and at the time of prepayment of any Term Loans in connection with any Auction and after giving effect to any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith;

 

(c)                                   the principal amount (calculated on the face amount thereof) of all Term Loans that the Borrower offers to repay in any such Auction shall be no less than $5,000,000 and whole increments of $100,000 in excess thereof (unless another amount is agreed to by the Administrative Agent and Auction Manager);

 

(d)                                  the aggregate principal amount (calculated on the face amount thereof) of all Term Loans so prepaid by the Borrower shall automatically be cancelled and retired by the Borrower on the settlement date of the relevant prepayment;

 

(e)                                   no more than one Auction may be ongoing at any one time;

 

(f)                                    the Borrower represents and warrants that, at the time of any prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to such Auction, neither the Borrower nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall have any MNPI with respect to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or Affiliates, any assets of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any Credit Party’s ability to perform any obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other matter that may be material to a decision by any Lender to participate in any such prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to this Section, in any case, that has not been previously disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (other than because such Lender does not wish to receive MNPI) prior to such time;

 

(g)                                   at the time of each prepayment of Term Loans through the Auction, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Auction Manager an officer’s certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying as to compliance with the preceding clauses (b) and (f) and Exhibit I or the Alternate Auction Procedures, as the case may be; and

 

(h)                                  any Auction shall be offered ratably to all Lenders with outstanding Term Loans of the applicable tranche that are to be prepaid on a pro rata basis.

 

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(b)                                  The Borrower must terminate an Auction if it fails to satisfy one or more of the conditions set forth above or in Exhibit I or the Alternate Auction Procedures, as the case may be, which are required to be met at the time which otherwise would have been the time of prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to the respective Auction.  If the Borrower commences any Auction (and all relevant requirements set forth above which are required to be satisfied at the time of the commencement of the respective Auction have in fact been satisfied), and if at such time of commencement the Borrower reasonably believes that all required conditions set forth above which are required to be satisfied at the time of the prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to such Auction shall be satisfied, then the Borrower shall have no liability to any Lender for any termination of the respective Auction as a result of its failure to satisfy one or more of the conditions set forth above which are required to be met at the time which otherwise would have been the time of prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to the respective Auction, and any such failure shall not result in any Default or Event of Default hereunder. With respect to all prepayments of Term Loans made by the Borrower pursuant to this Section, (i) the Borrower shall pay on the settlement date of each such prepayment all accrued and unpaid interest and fees (except to the extent otherwise set forth in the relevant offering documents), if any, on the prepaid Term Loans up to the settlement date of such prepayment and (ii) such prepayments shall not constitute voluntary or mandatory payments or prepayments for purposes of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 4.4 .

 

(c)                                   The Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby consent to any Auction and the other transactions contemplated by this Section (provided that no Lender shall have an obligation to participate in any Auction) and hereby waive the requirements of any provision of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Sections 4.4 and 5.6 ) that may otherwise prohibit any Auction or any other transaction contemplated by this Section.  The parties hereto understand and acknowledge that prepayments of the Term Loans by the Borrower contemplated by this Section shall not constitute Investments by the Borrower.  The Auction Manager acting in its capacity as such hereunder shall be entitled to the benefits of the provisions of Article XI and Section 12.3 mutatis mutandis as if each reference therein to the “Administrative Agent” were a reference to the Auction Manager, and the Administrative Agent shall cooperate with the Auction Manager as reasonably requested by the Auction Manager in order to enable it to perform its responsibilities and duties in connection with each Auction.

 

SECTION 4.6                                              Extension of Maturity Date .

 

(a)                                  The Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent (an “ Extension Request ”), which shall promptly notify the applicable Class of Lenders, request one or more extensions of the maturity date applicable to the Term Loans of a given Class (each, an “ Existing Term Loan Tranche ” and the extended loans of such Class, the “ Extended Term Loans ”) then in effect (such existing maturity date applicable to any Class of Term Loans being the “ Existing Term Loan Maturity Date ”) to a date specified in such Extension Request.

 

(b)                                  Each Extension Request shall specify the date on which the Borrower proposes that the extension shall be effective, which shall be a date reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.  Within the time period specified in such Extension Request, each applicable Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent whether it consents to such extension (which consent may be given or withheld in such Lender’s sole and absolute discretion).  Any

 

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Lender not responding within the above time period shall be deemed not to have consented to such extension.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the applicable Lenders of such Lenders’ responses.

 

(c)                                   The maturity date applicable to any Class of Term Loans shall be extended only with respect to such Existing Term Loan Tranche held by such Lenders that have consented thereto (the Lenders providing term loans that so consent being the “Extending Term Lenders” and the Lenders providing term loans that declined being the “ Non-Extending Lenders ”) (it being understood and agreed that, except for the consents of Extending Term Lenders no other consents shall be required hereunder for such extensions).  If so extended, the scheduled maturity date with respect to the Term Loans of the relevant Class held by the Extending Term Lenders shall be extended to the date specified in the Extension Request, which shall become the new maturity date of the applicable Class of Term Loans (such maturity date for the Term Loans so affected, the “ Extended Term Loan Maturity Date ”).  The Administrative Agent shall promptly confirm to the applicable Extending Term Lenders and Non-Extending Lenders such extension, specifying the effective date of such extension (the “ Extension Effective Date ”), the Existing Term Loan Maturity Date applicable to the Non-Extending Lenders, and the Extended Term Loan Maturity Date (after giving effect to such extension) applicable to the Extending Term Lenders.

 

(d)                                  The proposed terms of the Extended Term Loans to be established shall (x) be identical as offered to each Lender under the applicable tranche of Term Loan and (y) be identical to the Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which such Extended Term Loans are to be amended, except that:

 

(i)                                      the maturity date of the Extended Term Loans shall be later than the maturity date of the applicable Existing Term Loan Tranche;

 

(ii)                                   all or any of the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Extended Term Loans may be delayed to later dates than the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Term Loans of such Existing Term Loan Tranche, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment ;

 

(iii)                                the “effective yield” with respect to the Extended Term Loans (whether in the form of interest rate margin, upfront fees, original issue discount or otherwise) may be different than the “effective yield” for the Term Loans of such Existing Term Loan Tranche, in each case, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment;

 

(iv)                               additional fees and/or premiums may be payable to the Lenders providing such Extended Term Loan Loans in addition to any of the items contemplated by the preceding clause (iii).

 

(v)                                  the Extension Amendment may provide for other covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the final maturity date of the Term Loans held by the Non-Extending Lenders that is in effect on the effective date of the Extension Amendment (immediately prior to the establishment of such Extended Term Loans); and

 

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(vi)                               Extended Term Loans may have call protection as may be agreed by the Borrower and the Extending Lenders; provided that no Extended Term Loans may be optionally prepaid prior to the date on which all Term Loans with an earlier final stated maturity (including Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which they were amended) are repaid in full, unless such optional prepayment is accompanied by a pro rata optional prepayment of such other Term Loans.

 

(e)                                   As a condition precedent to such extension, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of the Borrower dated as of the Extension Effective Date, signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying that, before and after giving effect to such extension, the representations and warranties contained in Article VII made by it that are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct, and the representations that are not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case on and as of the Extension Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case any such representation and warranty that is qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct as of such earlier date and any such representation and warranty that is not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date, and no Default or Event of Default exists or will exist as of the Extension Effective Date.

 

(f)                                    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Borrower shall have the right, at any time after any applicable Extension Effective Date and prior to any applicable Existing Term Loan Maturity Date, at the Borrower’s sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Non-Extending Lender and the Administrative Agent, to require each such Non-Extending Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 12.9 ), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (to the extent such consent is required pursuant to Section 12.9 ), which consent(s) shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed, (ii) each Non-Extending Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Term Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts), (iii) the Borrower or such assignee shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the processing and recordation fee specified in Section 12.9(b)(iv)  and (iv) in no event shall the Borrower be entitled to exercise its replacement right under this subclause (f) with respect to a Non-Extending Lender that is also acting as the Administrative Agent.  Any such replacement Lender shall for all purposes constitute an Extending Term Lender.

 

(g)                                   Notwithstanding the terms of Section 12.2 , the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall be entitled (without the consent of any other Lenders except to the extent required under subsection (c) above) to enter into any amendments (an “ Extension Amendment ”) to this Agreement that the Administrative Agent believes are necessary to appropriately reflect, or provide for the integration of, any extension of the maturity date and other amendments applicable to any Class of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 4.6 .

 

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(h)                                  At no time shall there be Classes of Term Loans hereunder which have more than three (3) different maturity dates.

 

SECTION 4.7                                              Refinancing Term Loans .

 

(a)                                  The Borrower may at any time and from time to time, by written notice to the Administrative Agent, request the establishment of one or more additional Classes of term loans under this Agreement (“ Refinancing Term Loans ”) or one or more series of debt securities (“ Refinancing Notes ”) to refinance all or a portion of any Class of Term Loans; provided that:

 

(i)                                      the proceeds of such Refinancing Term Loans and/or Refinancing Notes shall be applied, concurrently or substantially concurrently with the incurrence thereof, solely to the pro rata repayment of the outstanding Class of Term Loans being so refinanced;

 

(ii)                                   each Class of Refinancing Term Loans shall be in an aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof (or such other amount necessary to repay any Class of outstanding Term Loans in full);

 

(iii)                                such Refinancing Term Loans and/or Refinancing Notes shall be in an aggregate principal amount not greater than the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans to be refinanced or replaced, plus any accrued interest, premium, fees and expenses related thereto (including any original issue discount or upfront fees);

 

(iv)                               the final maturity date of such Refinancing Term Loans and/or Refinancing Notes shall be later than the maturity date of the Term Loans being refinanced (or, in the case of any unsecured Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Notes, later than the date 91 days after the latest final maturity date of the Term Loans existing at the time of such refinancing or replacement), and the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Refinancing Term Loans and/or Refinancing Notes shall be longer than the then remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of each Class of Term Loans being refinanced;

 

(v)                                  (A) the pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees and optional and mandatory prepayment or redemption provisions applicable to such Refinancing Term Loans and/or Refinancing Notes shall be as agreed between the Borrower and the Refinancing Term Lenders and/or Refinancing Note Holders so long as, in the case of any mandatory prepayment or redemption provisions, such Refinancing Term Lenders and/or Refinancing Note Holders do not participate on a greater than pro rata basis in any such prepayments as compared to the Lenders and (B) the covenants, other terms and security documents applicable to such Refinancing Term Loans (excluding those terms described in the immediately preceding clause (A)), shall be substantially identical to, or (taken as a whole) no more favorable (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) to the Refinancing Term Lenders and/or Refinancing Note Holders than those applicable to the Class of Term Loans being refinanced or replaced, except to the extent such covenants and other terms apply solely to any period after the latest final maturity date of the Term Loans existing at the time of such refinancing or replacement (or, in the case of any unsecured

 

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lien Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Notes, after the date 91 days after such latest final maturity date) as certified by the chief financial officer of the Borrower prior to such incurrence or issuance;

 

(vi)                               additional fees and/or premiums may be payable to the Lenders providing such Refinancing Loans in addition to any of the items contemplated by the preceding clause (v);

 

(vii)                            no Restricted Subsidiary is a borrower or a guarantor with respect to such Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Notes unless such Restricted Subsidiary is a Guarantor which shall have previously or substantially concurrently guaranteed the Secured Obligations;

 

(viii)                         any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be an “unrestricted subsidiary” under the terms of any Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Notes;

 

(ix)                               no existing Lender shall be required to provide any Refinancing Term Loans and/or Refinancing Notes;

 

(x)                                  the Refinancing Term Loans and/or Refinancing Notes may rank pari passu or junior in right of payment with the remaining Term Loans or may be unsecured so long as the holders of any Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Notes (or a duly authorized agent on their behalf) that are subordinated in right of payment are subject to a subordination agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower;

 

(xi)                               the Refinancing Term Loans and/or Refinancing Notes may be secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis so long as (A) the holders of any Refinancing Notes (or a duly authorized agent on their behalf) that are secured on a pari passu basis are subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (B) any Refinancing Notes are (x) not secured by any assets that do not also constitute Collateral and (y) secured pursuant to security documentation that is, taken as a whole, not materially more restrictive to the Credit Parties than the Security Documents.

 

(b)                                  Each such notice shall specify (x) the date (each, a “ Refinancing Effective Date ”) on which the Borrower proposes that the Refinancing Term Loans and/or Refinancing Notes be made, which shall be a date reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and (y) in the case of Refinancing Term Loans, the identity of the Persons (each of which shall be a Person that would be an Eligible Assignee (for this purpose treating a Lender of Refinancing Term Loans as if it were an assignee)) whom the Borrower proposes would provide the Refinancing Term Loans and the portion of the Refinancing Term Loans to be provided by each such Person.  On each Refinancing Effective Date, each Person with a commitment for a Refinancing Term Loan (each such Person, a “ Refinancing Term Lender ”) or Refinancing Notes (each such Person, a “ Refinancing Note Holder ”) shall make a Refinancing Term Loan to the Borrower, and/or purchase Refinancing Notes from the Borrower, in a principal amount equal to such Person’s commitment therefor.

 

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(c)                                   This Section 4.7 shall supersede any provisions in Section 5.6 or Section 12.2 to the contrary (but shall be in addition to and not in lieu of the second paragraph of Section 12.2 ).  The Refinancing Term Loans shall be documented by a Refinancing Amendment executed by the Persons providing the Refinancing Term Loans (and the other Persons specified in the definition of Refinancing Amendment but no other existing Lender), and the Refinancing Amendment may provide for such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 4.7 .  The Refinancing Notes shall be established pursuant to documentation which shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in Section 4.7(a) .  The effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of conditions consistent with the conditions in Section 6.1 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) customary legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date (conformed as appropriate) other than changes to such legal opinions resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Security Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that such Refinancing Term Loan is provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents.

 

ARTICLE V

 

GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS

 

SECTION 5.1                                              Interest .

 

(a)                                  Interest Rate Options .  Subject to the provisions of this Section, at the election of the Borrower, the Term Loans shall bear interest at (A) the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin or (B) the LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin ( provided that the LIBOR Rate shall not be available until three (3) Business Days (or four (4) Business Days with respect to a LIBOR Rate based on a twelve month Interest Period) after the Closing Date unless the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a letter in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent indemnifying the Lenders in the manner set forth in Section 5.9 of this Agreement).  The Borrower shall select the rate of interest and Interest Period, if any, applicable to any Term Loan at the time a Notice of Borrowing is given or at the time a Notice of Conversion/Continuation is given pursuant to Section 5.2 .

 

(b)                                  Default Rate .  Subject to Section 10.3 , (i) immediately upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default under Section 10.1(a) , (b) , (g)  or (h) , (A) all outstanding LIBOR Rate Loans shall bear interest at a rate per annum of two percent (2%) in excess of the rate (including the Applicable Margin) then applicable to LIBOR Rate Loans until the end of the applicable Interest Period, (B) all outstanding Base Rate Loans and other Obligations arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to two percent (2%) in excess of the rate (including the Applicable Margin) then applicable to Base Rate Loans or such other Obligations arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document and (C) all accrued and unpaid interest shall be due and payable on demand of the Administrative Agent.  Interest shall continue to accrue on the Obligations after the filing by

 

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or against the Borrower of any petition seeking any relief in bankruptcy or under any Debtor Relief Law.

 

(c)                                   Interest Payment and Computation .  Interest on each Base Rate Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter commencing on June 30, 2014; and interest on each LIBOR Rate Loan shall be due and payable on the last day of each Interest Period applicable thereto, and if such Interest Period extends over three (3) months, at the end of each three (3) month interval during such Interest Period.  All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by the Prime Rate shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed.  All other computations of fees and interest provided hereunder shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365/366-day year).

 

(d)                                  Maximum Rate .  In no contingency or event whatsoever shall the aggregate of all amounts deemed interest under this Agreement charged or collected pursuant to the terms of this Agreement exceed the highest rate permissible under any Applicable Law which a court of competent jurisdiction shall, in a final determination, deem applicable hereto.  In the event that such a court determines that the Lenders have charged or received interest hereunder in excess of the highest applicable rate, the rate in effect hereunder shall automatically be reduced to the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law and the Lenders shall at the Administrative Agent’s option (i) promptly refund to the Borrower any interest received by the Lenders in excess of the maximum lawful rate or (ii) apply such excess to the principal balance of the Obligations.  It is the intent hereof that the Borrower not pay or contract to pay, and that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender receive or contract to receive, directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever, interest in excess of that which may be paid by the Borrower under Applicable Law.

 

SECTION 5.2                                              Notice and Manner of Conversion or Continuation of Term Loans .  Provided that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing, the Borrower shall have the option to (a) convert at any time all or any portion of any outstanding Base Rate Loans in a principal amount equal to $5,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof into one or more LIBOR Rate Loans and (b) upon the expiration of any Interest Period, (i) convert all or any part of its outstanding LIBOR Rate Loans in a principal amount equal to $3,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof into Base Rate Loans or (ii) continue such LIBOR Rate Loans as LIBOR Rate Loans.  Whenever the Borrower desires to convert or continue Term Loans as provided above, the Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent irrevocable prior written notice in the form attached as Exhibit E (a “ Notice of Conversion/Continuation ” ; however , such irrevocable notice may be given to the Administrative Agent by telephone, provided, that, such telephonic notice by the Borrower must be promptly confirmed by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Notice of Conversion/Continuation)  not later than 12:00 p.m. three (3) Business Days before the day on which a proposed conversion or continuation of such Term Loan is to be effective specifying (A) the Term Loans to be converted or continued, and, in the case of any LIBOR Rate Loan to be converted or continued, the last day of the Interest Period therefor, (B) the effective date of such conversion or continuation (which shall be a Business Day), (C) the principal amount of such Term Loans to be converted or continued, and (D) the Interest Period to be applicable to such converted or continued LIBOR Rate Loan; provided that if the Borrower wishes to request LIBOR Rate Loans having an Interest

 

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Period of twelve months in duration, such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 p.m. four (4) Business Days prior to the requested date of such conversion or continuation, whereupon the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the applicable Lenders of such request and determine whether the requested Interest Period is acceptable to all of them.  If the Borrower fails to give a timely Notice of Conversion/Continuation prior to the end of the Interest Period for any LIBOR Rate Loan, or if the Borrower requests a conversion to, or continuation of, LIBOR Rate Loans, but fails to specify an Interest Period, then the applicable LIBOR Rate Loan shall be continued as a LIBOR Rate Loan with an Interest Period equal to the immediately preceding Interest Period or, if none, an Interest Period of one month.  Any such automatic conversion or continuation shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable LIBOR Rate Loan.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the affected Lenders of such Notice of Conversion/Continuation.

 

SECTION 5.3                                              Fees .  The Borrower shall pay to the Arrangers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders such other fees, if any, as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified.

 

SECTION 5.4                                              Manner of Payment .  Each payment by the Borrower on account of the principal of or interest on the Term Loans or of any fee, commission or other amounts payable to the Lenders under this Agreement shall be made not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified for payment under this Agreement to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent’s Office for the account of the Lenders entitled to such payment in Dollars, in immediately available funds and shall be made without any set off, counterclaim or deduction whatsoever.  Any payment received after such time but before 3:00 p.m. on such day shall be deemed a payment on such date for the purposes of Section 10.1 , but for all other purposes shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day.  Any payment received after 3:00 p.m. shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day for all purposes.  Upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of each such payment, the Administrative Agent shall distribute to each such Lender at its address for notices set forth herein its Term Loan Percentage in respect of the Term Loans (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment and shall wire advice of the amount of such credit to each Lender.  Each payment to the Administrative Agent of Administrative Agent’s fees or expenses shall be made for the account of the Administrative Agent and any amount payable to any Lender under Sections 5.9 , 5.10 , 5.11 or 12.3 shall be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lender.  Subject to the definition of Interest Period, if any payment under this Agreement shall be specified to be made upon a day which is not a Business Day, it shall be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day and such extension of time shall in such case be included in computing any interest if payable along with such payment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there exists a Defaulting Lender each payment by the Borrower to such Defaulting Lender hereunder shall be applied in accordance with Section 5.15(a)(ii) .

 

SECTION 5.5                                              Evidence of Indebtedness .  The Extensions of Credit made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business.  The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent (including the Register maintained pursuant to Section 12.9(c) ) and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Extensions of Credit made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon.  Any failure to so

 

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record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations.  In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the Register and the corresponding accounts and records of the Administrative Agent (including the Register maintained pursuant to Section 12.9(c) ) shall control in the absence of manifest error.  Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Term Loan Note which shall evidence such Lender’s Term Loans in addition to such accounts or records.  Each Lender may attach schedules to its Term Loan Notes with respect to the date, amount and maturity of its Term Loans and payments with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 5.6                                              Sharing of Payments by Lenders .  If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Term Loans or other obligations hereunder resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of its Term Loans and accrued interest thereon or other such obligations (other than pursuant to Sections 5.9 , 5.10 , 5.11 or 12.3 ) greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Term Loans and such other obligations of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Term Loans and other amounts owing them; provided that:

 

(i)                                      if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and

 

(ii)                                   the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), or (B) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Term Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply).

 

Each Credit Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under Applicable Law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against each Credit Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of each Credit Party in the amount of such participation.

 

SECTION 5.7                                              Administrative Agent’s Clawback .

 

(a)                                  Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent .  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender (i) in the case of Base Rate Loans, not later than 12:00 noon on the date of any proposed borrowing and (ii) otherwise, prior

 

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to the proposed date of any borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 4.2 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.  In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the daily average Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans.  If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period.  If such Lender pays its share of the applicable borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Term Loan included in such borrowing.  Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

 

(b)                                  Payments by the Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent .  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due.  In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

(c)                                   Nature of Obligations of Lenders Regarding Extensions of Credit .  The obligations of the Lenders under this Agreement to make the Term Loans are several and are not joint or joint and several.  The failure of any Lender to make available its Term Loan Percentage of any Term Loan requested by the Borrower shall not relieve it or any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Term Loan Percentage of such Term Loan available on the borrowing date, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make its Term Loan Percentage of such Term Loan available on the borrowing date.

 

SECTION 5.8                                              Changed Circumstances .

 

(a)                                  Circumstances Affecting LIBOR Rate Availability .  In connection with any request for a LIBOR Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof, if for any reason (i) the Administrative Agent shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and

 

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binding absent manifest error) that Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Term Loan, (ii) the Administrative Agent shall determine in good faith (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that reasonable and adequate means do not exist for the ascertaining the LIBOR Rate for such Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Rate Loan or (iii) the Required Lenders shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the LIBOR Rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining such Term Loans during such Interest Period, then the Administrative Agent shall promptly give written notice thereof to the Borrower as to such determination and the basis therefor.  Thereafter the obligation of the Lenders to make LIBOR Rate Loans and the right of the Borrower to convert any Term Loan to or continue any Term Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan shall be suspended (until such time as the conditions or events described in clauses (i) through (iii) of the preceding sentence and specified in the written notice described in the preceding sentence shall no longer exist or shall have otherwise been remedied, at which time, the Administrative Agent shall revoke the foregoing written notice), and the Borrower shall upon receipt of such written notice and for so long as the same has not been revoked by the Administrative Agent either (A) repay in full (or cause to be repaid in full) the then outstanding principal amount of each such LIBOR Rate Loan together with accrued interest thereon (subject to Section 5.1(d) ), on the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loan; or (B) convert the then outstanding principal amount of each such LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan as of the last day of such Interest Period.

 

(b)                                  Laws Affecting LIBOR Rate Availability .  If, after the date hereof, the introduction of, or any change in, any Applicable Law or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency, shall make it unlawful or impossible for any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) to honor its obligations hereunder to make or maintain any LIBOR Rate Loan, such Lender shall promptly give notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall promptly give written notice to the Borrower and the other Lenders as to such circumstances and the basis therefor.  Thereafter, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that such circumstances specified in the written notice described in the preceding sentence no longer exist or have otherwise been remedied, (i) the obligations of the Lenders to make LIBOR Rate Loans, and the right of the Borrower to convert any Term Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan or continue any Term Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan shall be suspended and thereafter the Borrower may select only Base Rate Loans and (ii) if any of the Lenders may not lawfully continue to maintain a LIBOR Rate Loan to the end of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto, the applicable Term Loan shall immediately be converted to a Base Rate Loan for the remainder of such Interest Period.

 

SECTION 5.9                                              Indemnity .  Upon demand from time to time of any Lender and receipt by the Borrower of written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall indemnify each of the Lenders against any actual loss or expense (including any actual loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain a LIBOR Rate Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were

 

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obtained , but not any loss of anticipated profits) which may arise or be attributable to each Lender’s obtaining, liquidating or employing deposits or other funds acquired to effect, fund or maintain any Term Loan (a) as a consequence of any failure by the Borrower to make any payment when due of any amount due hereunder in connection with a LIBOR Rate Loan, (b) due to any failure of the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Term Loan) to borrow, continue or convert on a date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation or (c) due to any payment, prepayment or conversion of any LIBOR Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor.  A certificate of such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the factual basis for, and calculations used in, determining such amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender shall be forwarded to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent and shall be presumed to be correct save for manifest error.

 

SECTION 5.10                                       Increased Costs .

 

(a)                                  Increased Costs Generally .  If any Change in Law shall:

 

(i)                                      impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or advances, loans or other credit extended by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the LIBOR Rate);

 

(ii)                                   subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

 

(iii)                                impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or LIBOR Rate Loans made by such Lender;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to (i) increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Term Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Term Loan) or (ii) to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or such other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, in each case, upon written request of such Lender or other Recipient, the Borrower shall promptly pay to any such Lender or other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered, as set forth in such certificate (absent manifest error).

 

(b)                                  Capital Requirements .  If any Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any lending office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Term Loan Commitment of such Lender or the Term Loans made by such Lender to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding

 

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company would have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time upon written request of such Lender the Borrower shall promptly pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered, as set forth in such certificate (absent manifest error).

 

(c)                                   Certificates for Reimbursement .  A certificate of a Lender or such other Recipient setting forth in reasonable detail the factual basis for, and calculations used in, determining such amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such other Recipient or any of their respective holding companies, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Borrower, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(d)                                  Delay in Requests .  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or such other Recipient to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such other Recipient’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate any Lender or any other Recipient pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than 90 days prior to the date that such Lender or such other Recipient, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions, and of such Lender’s or such other Recipient’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 90-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 

SECTION 5.11                                       Taxes .

 

(a)                                  Defined Terms .  For purposes of this Section 5.11 , the term “Applicable Law” includes FATCA.

 

(b)                                  Payments Free of Taxes .  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by Applicable Law.  If any Applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Credit Party shall be increased as necessary so that, after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

(c)                                   Payment of Other Taxes by the Credit Parties .  The Credit Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

 

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(d)                                  Indemnification by the Credit Parties .  The Credit Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto (other than those incurred as a result of the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Recipient), whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority; provided , however , that the Credit Parties shall not be obligated to make payment to a Recipient pursuant to this Section 5.11(d)  in respect of penalties, interest and other similar liabilities attributable to any Indemnified Taxes required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient or payable or paid by such Recipient, if written demand therefor has not been made by such Recipient within 90 days from the date on which it received written notice of the imposition of Indemnified Taxes by the relevant Governmental Authority (but only to the extent that making such demand after such 90-day period gave rise to such penalties, interest and other similar liabilities); provided further that, if the Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted giving rise to such claims are retroactive, then the 90-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Recipient (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Recipient, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(e)                                   Indemnification of the Administrative Agent by the Lenders .  Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Credit Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Credit Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 12.9(d)  relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (e).

 

(f)                                    Evidence of Payments .  As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Credit Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 5.11 , such Credit Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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(g)                                   Status of Lenders .

 

(i)                                      Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times prescribed by law and at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 5.11(g)(ii)(A), (ii)(B), (ii)(C) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

(ii)                                   Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

 

(A)                                Any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from United States federal backup withholding tax;

 

(B)                                any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

 

(1)                                  in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, United States federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

 

(2)                                  executed originals of IRS Form W-8ECI;

 

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(3)                                  in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable,; or

 

(4)                                  to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H-2 or Exhibit H-3 , IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

 

(C)                                any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of any other form prescribed by Applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by Applicable Law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

 

(D)                                if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to United States federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by Applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment.  Solely for purposes of this clause (D),

 

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“FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

 

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(h)                                  Treatment of Certain Refunds .  If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 5.11 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 5.11 ), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund).  Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (h) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (h), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (h) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid.  This paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

(i)                                      [Reserved]

 

(j)                                     Survival .  Each party’s obligations under this Section 5.11 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Term Loan Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

 

SECTION 5.12                                       Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders .

 

(a)                                  Designation of a Different Lending Office .  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 5.10 , or requires the Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 5.11 , then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Term Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 5.10 or Section 5.11 , as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such

 

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Lender.  The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

(b)                                  Replacement of Lenders .  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 5.10 , or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 5.11 , and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 5.12(a) , or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 12.9 ), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 5.10 or Section 5.11 ) and obligations under, and interests in, as applicable, its outstanding Term Loans and this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

 

(i)                                      the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee (if any) specified in Section 12.9 ;

 

(ii)                                   such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Term Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 5.9 ) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts, including any amounts under Section 4.4(c) );

 

(iii)                                in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 5.10 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 5.11 , such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;

 

(iv)                               such assignment does not conflict with Applicable Law; and

 

(v)                                  in the case of any assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent.

 

A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply and such Lender has notified the Borrower thereof in writing.  Each Lender hereby grants to the Administrative Agent an irrevocable power of attorney (which power is coupled with an interest) to execute and deliver, on behalf of such Lender as assignor, any Assignment and Assumption necessary to effectuate any assignment of such Lender’s interests hereunder in the circumstances contemplated by this Section 5.12(b) .

 

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SECTION 5.13                                       Incremental Term Loans .

 

(a)                                  At any time following the Closing Date, the Borrower may by written notice to the Administrative Agent elect to request the establishment of one or more incremental term loan commitments (any such incremental term loan commitment, an “ Incremental Term Loan Commitment ”) to make one or more additional term loans under this Agreement (any such additional term loan, an “ Incremental Term Loan ”); provided that (1) the total aggregate principal amount for all such Incremental Term Loan Commitments shall not (as of any date of incurrence thereof) exceed the sum of (i) $300,000,000 and (ii) an unlimited amount so long as after giving pro forma effect thereto (assuming that any such Incremental Term Loan Commitment is fully drawn) the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio would not exceed 4.00 to 1.00 and (2) the total aggregate amount for each Incremental Term Loan Commitment (and the Incremental Term Loans made thereunder) shall not be less than a minimum principal amount of $50,000,000 or, if less, the remaining amount permitted pursuant to the foregoing clause (1).  Each such notice shall specify the date (each, an “ Increased Amount Date ”) on which the Borrower proposes that any Incremental Term Loan Commitment shall be effective, which shall be a date not less than five (5) Business Days after the date on which such notice is delivered to Administrative Agent.  The Borrower may invite any Lender, any Affiliate of any Lender and/or any Approved Fund, and/or any other Person reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, to provide an Incremental Term Loan Commitment (any such Person, an “ Incremental Lender ”).  Any proposed Incremental Lender offered or approached to provide all or a portion of any Incremental Term Loan Commitment may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to provide such Incremental Term Loan Commitment.  Any Incremental Term Loan Commitment shall become effective as of such Increased Amount Date; provided that:

 

(A)                                no Default or Event of Default shall exist on such Increased Amount Date immediately before or immediately after giving effect to (1) any Incremental Term Loan Commitment, (2) the making of any Incremental Term Loans pursuant thereto and (3) any transaction consummated in connection therewith; provided , that, solely with respect to any Incremental Term Loan Commitment incurred in connection with a Permitted Acquisition, no Default or Event of Default shall exist at the time of delivering notice of electing to establish the Incremental Term Loan Commitment and no Event of Default under Section 10.1(a) , (b) , (g)  or (h)  shall have occurred and be continuing immediately after giving effect to the Incremental Term Loans provided on such date;

 

(B)                                [Reserved];

 

(C)                                each of the representations and warranties contained in Article VII shall be true and correct in all material respects, except to the extent any such representation and warranty is qualified by materiality or reference to Material Adverse Effect, in which case, such representation and warranty shall be true, correct and complete in all respects, on such Increased Amount Date with the same effect as if made on and as of such date (except for any such representation and warranty that by its terms is made only as of an earlier date, which representation and warranty shall remain true and correct as of such earlier date) ; provided , that, solely with respect to any Incremental Term Loan Commitment incurred in connection with a Permitted Acquisition; only the Specified

 

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Representations shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualifiers set forth therein);

 

(D)                                the proceeds of any Incremental Term Loans shall be used for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including acquisitions and investments); and

 

(E)                                 each Incremental Term Loan Commitment (and the Incremental Term Loans made thereunder) shall constitute Obligations of the Borrower and shall be secured and guaranteed with the other Extensions of Credit on a pari passu basis.

 

(b)                                  The terms of each Incremental Term Loan shall be set forth in the relevant Lender Joinder Agreement and shall reflect the following:

 

(i)                                      such Incremental Term Loan will not have a shorter weighted average life to maturity than the remaining weighted average life to maturity of the Initial Term Loan or a maturity date (such incremental maturity date, the “ Incremental Term Loan Maturity Date ”) earlier than the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date;

 

(ii)                                   the Applicable Margin and pricing grid, if applicable, for such Incremental Term Loan shall be determined by the applicable Incremental Lenders and the Borrower on the applicable Increased Amount Date; provided that if the Applicable Margin in respect of any Incremental Term Loan incurred within twelve (12) months following the Closing Date exceeds the Applicable Margin for the Initial Term Loan by more than 0.50%, then the Applicable Margin for the Initial Term Loan shall be increased so that the Applicable Margin in respect of such Initial Term Loan is equal to the Applicable Margin for the Incremental Term Loan minus 0.50%; provided further in determining the Applicable Margin(s) applicable to each Incremental Term Loan and the Applicable Margin(s) for the Initial Term Loan, (AA) original issue discount (“ OID ”) or upfront fees (which shall be deemed to constitute like amounts of OID) payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under such Incremental Term Loan or the Initial Term Loan in the initial primary syndication thereof shall be included (with OID being equated to interest based on assumed four-year life to maturity) and (BB) customary arrangement or commitment fees payable to any Lead Arranger (or its affiliates) in connection with the Initial Term Loan or to one or more arrangers (or their affiliates) of any Incremental Term Loan shall be excluded (it being understood that the effects of any and all interest rate floors shall be included in determining Applicable Margin(s) under this provision); and

 

(iii)                                except as provided above, the other terms and documentation in respect of any Incremental Term Loans shall be (A) substantially consistent (taken as a whole) with the Term Loan Facility existing as such time, (B) no more favorable (taken as a whole) to the Lenders providing such Incremental Term Loans than those applicable to the Term Loans existing at such time, as reasonably determined by the Borrower, or (C) otherwise, will be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower;

 

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(A)                                any Incremental Lender making any Incremental Term Loan shall be entitled to the same voting rights as the existing Lenders under the Term Loan Facility and each Incremental Term Loan shall receive proceeds of prepayments on the same basis as the Initial Term Loan (such prepayments to be shared pro rata on the basis of the original aggregate funded amount thereof among the Initial Term Loan and the Incremental Term Loans); and

 

(B)                                such Incremental Term Loan Commitments shall be effected pursuant to one or more Lender Joinder Agreements executed and delivered by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the applicable Incremental Lenders (which Lender Joinder Agreement may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section 5.13 ); and

 

(C)                                the Borrower shall deliver or cause to be delivered any customary legal opinions or other documents (including, without limitation, a resolution duly adopted by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of each Credit Party authorizing such Incremental Term Loan and/or Incremental Term Loan Commitment) reasonably requested by Administrative Agent in connection with any such transaction.

 

(c)

 

(i)                                      The Incremental Term Loans shall be deemed to be Term Loans; provided that such Incremental Term Loan shall be designated as a separate tranche of Term Loans for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

(ii)                                   The Incremental Lenders shall be included in any determination of the Required Lenders and, unless otherwise agreed, the Incremental Lenders will not constitute a separate voting class for any purposes under this Agreement.

 

(d)                                  On any date on which any Incremental Term Loan Commitment becomes effective, subject to the foregoing terms and conditions, each Incremental Lender with an Incremental Term Loan Commitment shall make, or be obligated to make, an Incremental Term Loan to the Borrower in an amount equal to its Incremental Term Loan Commitment and shall become a Lender hereunder with respect to such Incremental Term Loan Commitment and the Incremental Term Loan made pursuant thereto.

 

SECTION 5.14                                       [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 5.15                                       Defaulting Lenders .

 

(a)                                  Defaulting Lender Adjustments .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law:

 

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(i)                                      Waivers and Amendments .  Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of Required Lenders and Section 12.2 .

 

(ii)                                   Defaulting Lender Waterfall .  Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article X or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 12.4 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows:  first , to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second , as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Term Loan or funded participation in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; third , if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Term Loans and funded participations under this Agreement and; fourth , to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; fifth , so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and sixth , to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (1) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Term Loans in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (2) such Term Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 , 4.7 or 5.13 , as applicable,  were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Term Loans of all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Term Loans of such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Term Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Term Loan Commitments under the applicable Term Loan Facility.  Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this Section 5.15(a)(ii)  shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND BORROWING

 

SECTION 6.1                                              Conditions to Closing and Initial Extensions of Credit .  The obligation of the Lenders to close this Agreement and to make the initial Term Loans or is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

 

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(a)                                  Executed Loan Documents .  This Agreement, a Term Loan Note in favor of each Lender requesting a Term Loan Note, the Security Documents and the Guaranty and Security Agreement, together with any other applicable Loan Documents, shall have been duly authorized, executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent by the parties thereto, shall be in full force and effect and no Default or Event of Default shall exist hereunder or thereunder.

 

(b)                                  Closing Certificates; Etc.   The Administrative Agent shall have received each of the following in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

 

(i)                                      Officer’s Certificate .  A certificate from a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to the effect that (A) all representations and warranties of the Credit Parties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true, correct and complete in all material respects (except to the extent any such representation and warranty is qualified by materiality or reference to Material Adverse Effect, in which case, such representation and warranty shall be true, correct and complete in all respects); and (B) after giving effect to the Closing Date Transactions, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

(ii)                                   Certificate of Secretary of each Credit Party .  A certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Credit Party certifying as to the incumbency and genuineness of the signature of each officer of such Credit Party executing Loan Documents to which it is a party and certifying that attached thereto is a true, correct and complete copy of (A) the articles or certificate of incorporation or formation (or equivalent), as applicable, of such Credit Party and all amendments thereto, certified as of a recent date by the appropriate Governmental Authority in its jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation (or equivalent), as applicable, (B) the bylaws or other governing document of such Credit Party as in effect on the Closing Date, (C) resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors (or other governing body) of such Credit Party authorizing and approving the transactions contemplated hereunder and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (D) each certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(iii) .

 

(iii)                                Certificates of Good Standing .  Certificates as of a recent date of the good standing (to the extent such concept exists in the applicable jurisdiction) of each Credit Party under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation (or equivalent), as applicable.

 

(iv)                               Opinions of Counsel .  Opinions of counsel to the Credit Parties addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with respect to the Credit Parties, the Loan Documents and such other matters as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request (which such opinions shall expressly permit reliance by permitted successors and assigns of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on customary terms).

 

(c)                                   Personal Property Collateral .

 

(i)                                      Filings and Recordings .  The Administrative Agent shall have received all documents to be filed or recorded in the United States that are necessary to perfect the

 

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security interests of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, in the Collateral and the Administrative Agent shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that upon such filings and recordations such security interests constitute valid and perfected (i) first priority Liens thereon (subject to Permitted Liens) in the case of Notes/Term Collateral and (ii) second priority Liens thereon (subject to Permitted Liens) in the case of ABL Collateral.

 

(ii)                                   Pledged Collateral .  The Administrative Agent shall have received original stock certificates or other certificates evidencing the certificated Equity Interests pledged pursuant to the Security Documents, together with an undated stock power for each such certificate duly executed in blank by the registered owner thereof, but excluding any documentation relative to foreign laws.

 

(iii)                                Lien Search .  The Administrative Agent shall have received the results of a Lien search (including a search as to bankruptcy, tax and intellectual property matters), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory thereto, made against the Credit Parties under the Uniform Commercial Code (or applicable judicial docket) as in effect in each jurisdiction in which filings or recordations under the Uniform Commercial Code should be made to evidence or perfect security interests in all assets of such Credit Party, indicating among other things that the assets of each such Credit Party are free and clear of any Lien (except for Permitted Liens).

 

(iv)                               Property and Liability Insurance .  The Administrative Agent shall have received, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, evidence of property hazard, business interruption and liability insurance covering each Credit Party (with appropriate endorsements naming the Administrative Agent as lender’s loss payee on all certificates for property hazard insurance and as additional insured on all certificates for liability insurance), and, if requested by the Administrative Agent, copies of such insurance policies.

 

(d)                                  [ Reserved ]

 

(e)                                   Governmental and Third Party Approvals .  The Credit Parties shall have received all material governmental, shareholder and third party consents and approvals necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

(f)                                    [Reserved]

 

(g)                                   Financial Matters .

 

(i)                                      Financial Statements .  The Administrative Agent shall have received the audited Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013, and the related audited statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then ended.

 

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(ii)                                   Financial Projections .  The Administrative Agent shall have received projections prepared by management of the Borrower, of balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements on a quarterly basis for the first year following the Closing Date and on an annual basis for each year thereafter through 2018.

 

(iii)                                Solvency Certificate .  The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and certified as accurate by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, that after giving effect to the Closing Date Transactions, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a Consolidated basis, are Solvent.

 

(iv)                               Payment at Closing .  The Borrower shall have paid or made arrangements to pay contemporaneously with closing (A) to the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders the fees set forth or referenced in Section 5.3 and any other accrued and unpaid fees or commissions due hereunder, (B) all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent) to the extent accrued and unpaid prior to or on the Closing Date and required to be paid pursuant to the Fee Letter and (C) the Administrative Agent and any Lender such amount as may be due pursuant to this Agreement, in each case to the extent invoiced at least one Business Day prior to the Closing Date.

 

(h)                                  Miscellaneous .

 

(i)                                      Existing Indebtedness .  All existing Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including Indebtedness under the Existing Credit Agreement but excluding Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 ) shall be repaid in full, all commitments (if any) in respect thereof shall have been terminated and all guarantees therefor and security therefor shall be released (in each case, other than with respect to any cash collateral for outstanding letters of credit and ongoing indemnity obligations), and the Administrative Agent shall have received pay-off letters in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it evidencing such repayment, termination and release.

 

(ii)                                   PATRIOT Act, etc .  The Borrower and each of the Guarantors shall have provided to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders the documentation and other information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent at least three Business Days prior to the Closing Date in order to comply with requirements of the PATRIOT Act, applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations.

 

SECTION 6.2                                              Conditions to All Extensions of Credit .  The obligations of the Lenders to make or participate in any Extensions of Credit (including the initial Extension of Credit, but excluding any Extension of Credit pursuant to Section 5.13 ), are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent on the relevant borrowing date:

 

(a)                                  Continuation of Representations and Warranties .  The representations and warranties contained in Article VII shall be true and correct in all material respects, except for any representation and warranty that is qualified by materiality or reference to Material Adverse Effect, which such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all respects, on and as

 

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of such borrowing date with the same effect as if made on and as of such date (except for any such representation and warranty that by its terms is made only as of an earlier date, which representation and warranty shall remain true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date, except for any representation and warranty that is qualified by materiality or reference to Material Adverse Effect, which such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all respects as of such earlier date).

 

(b)                                  No Existing Default .  No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the borrowing date with respect to such Term Loan or after giving effect to the Term Loans to be made on such date.

 

(c)                                   Notices .  The Administrative Agent shall have received a Notice of Borrowing from the Borrower in accordance with Section 4.2 .

 

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 11.3 , for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Section 6.1 and Section 6.2 , the Administrative Agent and each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CREDIT PARTIES

 

To induce the Administrative Agent and Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to induce the Lenders to make Extensions of Credit, the Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders both before and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereunder, which representations and warranties shall be deemed made on the Closing Date and as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, that:

 

SECTION 7.1                                              Organization; Power; Qualification .  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concept is applicable in the relevant jurisdiction) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, (b) has the power and authority to own its Properties and to carry on its business as now being and hereafter proposed to be conducted and (c) is duly qualified and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of its Properties or the nature of its business requires such qualification and authorization except in jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  The jurisdictions in which each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof are organized and qualified to do business as of the Closing Date are described on Schedule 7.1.

 

SECTION 7.2                                              Ownership Schedule 7.2 hereto identifies each Subsidiary as of the Closing Date, noting whether such Subsidiary is a Material Subsidiary and a Restricted Subsidiary or Unrestricted Subsidiary, the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, as the

 

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case may be, the percentage of issued and outstanding shares of each class of its capital stock or other equity interests owned by the Borrower and the other Subsidiaries and, if such percentage is not 100% (excluding directors’ qualifying shares as required by law), a description of each class issued and outstanding.  All of the outstanding shares of capital stock and other equity interests of each Subsidiary are validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable (to the extent such concepts are applicable in the relevant jurisdiction) and all such shares and other equity interests indicated on Schedule 7.2 as owned by the Borrower or another Subsidiary are owned, beneficially and of record, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens and Liens created under the Loan Documents.  There are no outstanding commitments or other obligations of any Subsidiary to issue, and no options, warrants or other rights of any Person to acquire, any shares of any class of capital stock or other equity interests of any Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 7.3                                              Authorization; Enforceability .  Each Credit Party has the right, power and authority and has taken all necessary organizational action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms.  This Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of each Credit Party party thereto, and each such document constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of each Credit Party that is a party thereto, enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar state or federal Debtor Relief Laws from time to time in effect which affect the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general and the availability of equitable remedies and requirements of reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing.

 

SECTION 7.4                                              Compliance of Agreement, Loan Documents and Borrowing with Laws, Etc .   The execution, delivery and performance by each Credit Party thereof of the Loan Documents to which each such Person is a party, in accordance with their respective terms, the Extensions of Credit hereunder and the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby do not and will not, by the passage of time, the giving of notice or otherwise, (a) require any Governmental Approval that have not been obtained or violate any Applicable Law relating to any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof where the failure to obtain such Governmental Approval or such violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (b) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under the articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents of any Credit Party, (c) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which such Person is a party or by which any of its properties may be bound or any Governmental Approval relating to such Person, which could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (d) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Person other than Permitted Liens or (e) require any consent or authorization of, filing with, or other act in respect of, an arbitrator or Governmental Authority and no consent of any other Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of this Agreement other than (i) consents, authorizations, filings or other acts or consents for which the failure to obtain or make could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) consents or filings under the UCC.

 

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SECTION 7.5                                              Compliance with Law; Governmental Approvals .  Each Credit Party and each Restricted Subsidiary thereof (a) has all Governmental Approvals required by any Applicable Law for it to conduct its business, (b) is in compliance with each Governmental Approval applicable to it and in compliance with all other Applicable Laws relating to it or any of its properties and (c) has timely filed all material reports, documents and other materials required to be filed by it under all Applicable Laws with any Governmental Authority and has retained all material records and documents required to be retained by it under Applicable Law, except in each case of clauses (a), (b) and (c), where the failure to have, comply or file would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 7.6                                              Taxes .  Each Credit Party and each Subsidiary has timely filed or caused to be timely filed all federal, state, local and other Tax returns required by Applicable Law to have been filed (except for extensions duly obtained) and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which such Credit Party or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP applicable to it or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 7.7                                              [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 7.8                                              Environmental Matters .  Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect:

 

(a)                                  to its knowledge, the properties owned, leased or operated by each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof now or in the past do not contain, and have not previously contained, any Hazardous Materials in amounts or concentrations which constitute or constituted a violation of applicable Environmental Laws;

 

(b)                                  to its knowledge, each Credit Party and each Subsidiary thereof and such properties and all operations conducted in connection therewith are in compliance, and have been in compliance, with all applicable Environmental Laws, and there is no contamination by Hazardous Materials at, under or about such properties or such operations which could interfere with the continued operation of such properties or impair the fair saleable value thereof;

 

(c)                                   no Credit Party nor any Subsidiary thereof has received any unresolved notice of violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, liability or potential liability regarding environmental matters, Hazardous Materials, or compliance with Environmental Laws;

 

(d)                                  to its knowledge, Hazardous Materials have not been transported or disposed of to or from the properties owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof in violation of, or in a manner or to a location which would reasonably be expected to give rise to liability under, Environmental Laws, nor have any Hazardous Materials been generated, treated, stored or disposed of at, on or under any of such properties in violation of, or in a manner that would reasonably be expected to give rise to liability under, any applicable Environmental Laws;

 

(e)                                   no judicial proceedings or governmental or administrative action is pending, or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, under any Environmental Law to which any Credit

 

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Party or any Subsidiary thereof is or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, will be named as a potentially responsible party, nor are there any consent decrees or other decrees, consent orders, administrative orders or other orders, or other administrative or judicial requirements outstanding under any applicable Environmental Law with respect to any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof; and

 

(f)                                    to its knowledge, there has been no release or threat of release, of Hazardous Materials at or from properties owned, leased or operated by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary, now or in the past, in violation of or in amounts or in a manner that could give rise to liability under applicable Environmental Laws.

 

SECTION 7.9                                              Employee Benefit Matters .  No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 7.10                                       Margin Stock .  The Credit Parties are not engaged principally or as one of its activities in the business of extending credit for the purpose of “purchasing” or “carrying” any “margin stock” (as each such term is defined or used, directly or indirectly, in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System).  No part of the proceeds of any of the Term Loans will be used for any purpose that violates the provisions of Regulation U or X of such Board of Governors.

 

SECTION 7.11                                       Government Regulation .  No Credit Party is an “investment company” (as defined or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940).

 

SECTION 7.12                                       [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 7.13                                       [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 7.14                                       [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 7.15                                       Financial Statements .  The audited and unaudited financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(f)(i)  fairly present, in all material respects, on a Consolidated basis the financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates, and the results of the operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (other than customary year-end adjustments for unaudited financial statements and the absence of footnotes from unaudited financial statements).  All such financial statements, including the related schedules and notes thereto, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (other than the absence of footnotes from unaudited financial statements).  The projections delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(g)(ii)  and were prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions are believed to be reasonable in light of then existing conditions except that such financial projections and statements shall be subject to normal year end closing and audit adjustments (it being recognized by the Lenders that projections are not to be viewed as facts and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections may vary from such projections).

 

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SECTION 7.16                                       No Material Adverse Change .  Since the date of the most recent audited financial statements delivered pursuant to Article VI or Section 8.1(a) , there has been no material adverse change in the properties, business, operations, or financial condition of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and no event has occurred or circumstance arisen, either individually or in the aggregate, that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 7.17                                       Solvency .  The Credit Parties, on a Consolidated basis, are Solvent.

 

SECTION 7.18                                       [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 7.19                                       Litigation .  There are no material actions, suits or proceedings pending nor, to its knowledge, threatened against or in any other way relating adversely to or affecting any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective properties in any court or before any arbitrator of any kind or before or by any Governmental Authority that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 7.20                                       Anti-Terrorism; Anti-Money Laundering .  No Credit Party nor any of its Subsidiaries or, to their knowledge, any of their Related Parties (i) is an “enemy” or an “ally of the enemy” within the meaning of Section 2 of the Trading with the Enemy Act of the United States (50 U.S.C. App. §§ 1 et seq.), (ii) is in violation of (A) the Trading with the Enemy Act, (B) any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto or (C) the PATRIOT Act (collectively, the “ Anti-Terrorism Laws ”) or (iii) is a Sanctioned Person.  No part of the proceeds of any Extension of Credit hereunder will be used by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof unlawfully directly or indirectly to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country, or in any other manner that will result in any violation by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof of any Anti-Terrorism Laws.

 

SECTION 7.21                                       Absence of Defaults .  No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

SECTION 7.22                                       Disclosure .  The written information furnished in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) (excluding projected financial information, pro forma financial information, estimated financial information and other projected or estimated information contained in such information), taken as a whole and after giving effect to any updates provided, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that (x) it is understood that financial statements only contain such disclosures as are required by GAAP and (y) with respect to projected financial information, pro forma financial information, estimated financial information and other projected or estimated information (including those delivered subsequent to the Closing Date), the Borrower only represents that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to

 

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be reasonable at the time (it being recognized by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that projections are not to be viewed as facts and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections may vary from such projections and such differences may be material).

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

Until all of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due) have been paid and satisfied in full in cash and the Term Loan Commitments terminated, the Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to:

 

SECTION 8.1                                              Financial Statements and Budgets .  Deliver to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly make such information available to the Lenders in accordance with its customary practice):

 

(a)                                  Annual Financial Statements .  Within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year (commencing with the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2014), an audited Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such Fiscal Year and audited Consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for such Fiscal Year and a report containing management’s discussion and analysis of such financial statements for such Fiscal Year, including the notes thereto , all in reasonable detail setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures as of the end of and for the preceding Fiscal Year and prepared in accordance with GAAP and, if applicable, containing disclosure of the effect on the financial position or results of operations of any change in the application of accounting principles and practices during the year.  Such annual financial statements shall be audited by Ernst & Young LLP or any other independent certified public accounting firm of recognized national standing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and accompanied by a report and opinion thereon by such certified public accountants prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards that is not subject to any “going concern” or similar qualification or exception or any qualification as to the scope of such audit.

 

(b)                                  Quarterly Financial Statements .  Within forty-five (45) days after the end of the first three fiscal quarters of each Fiscal Year (commencing with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014, an unaudited Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal quarter and unaudited Consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and a report containing management’s discussion and analysis of such financial statements for such fiscal quarter and that portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, including the notes thereto, all in reasonable detail setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures as of the end of and for the corresponding period in the preceding Fiscal Year and prepared by the Borrower in accordance with GAAP and, if applicable, containing disclosure of the effect on the financial position or results of operations of any change in the application of accounting principles and practices during the period, and certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to present fairly in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis as of their respective dates and the results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the

 

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respective periods then ended, subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

provided that to the extent any non-Guarantor Subsidiaries do not collectively meet the definition of “minor” under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, using 6% instead of 3%, any such annual and quarterly information provided pursuant to Sections 8.1(a)  and (b)  shall include consolidated financial information for the Borrower and the Guarantors, separate from any non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, with respect to revenue, net income, Consolidated Cash Flow, total assets and total liabilities.

 

(c)           Annual Business Plan and Budget .  Within sixty (60) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, a projected Consolidated income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a quarterly basis for the upcoming Fiscal Year.

 

SECTION 8.2               Certificates; Other Reports .  Deliver to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly make such information available to the Lenders in accordance with its customary practice):

 

(a)           at each time financial statements are delivered pursuant to Sections 8.1(a)  or (b) , a duly completed Officer’s Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to the effect that no Default or Event of Default exists or, if any Default or Event of Default does exist, specifying the nature and extent thereof; and

 

(b)           promptly upon the request thereof, such other information and documentation required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act), as from time to time reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender; and

 

(c)           such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request.

 

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 8.1(a)  or (b)  or Section 8.2(c)  (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed in Section 12.1 ; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (by facsimile or electronic mail), which upon receipt shall notify each Lender, of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions of such documents.  Except for such Officer’s Compliance Certificates, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility

 

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to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arrangers will make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “ Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Borrower Materials on Debt Domain, IntraLinks, SyndTrak Online or another similar electronic system (the “ Platform ”) and (b) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders ( i.e. , Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities) (each, a “ Public Lender ”).  The Borrower hereby agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Borrower Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that (w) all such Borrower Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, means that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws ( provided , however , that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 12.10 ); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor.”  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall be under no obligation to mark any Borrower Materials “PUBLIC”.

 

SECTION 8.3               Notice of Litigation and Other Matters .  Promptly notify the Administrative Agent in writing of (which shall promptly make such information available to the Lenders in accordance with its customary practice):

 

(a)           the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;

 

(b)           the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, whether at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority, against the Borrower that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(c)           any notice of any violation received by any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof from any Governmental Authority including, without limitation, any notice of violation of Environmental Laws which in any such case would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect

 

(d)           any development that has resulted in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Each notice pursuant to Section 8.3 shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

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SECTION 8.4               Preservation of Corporate Existence and Related Matters .  Except as permitted by Section 9.7, preserve and maintain its separate legal existence and all rights, franchises, licenses and privileges necessary to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole in the ordinary course of business in all material respects, and qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation or other entity and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 8.5               Maintenance of Property and Licenses .

 

(a)           Protect and preserve all Properties necessary in and material to the conduct of its business, including copyrights, patents, trade names, service marks and trademarks; maintain in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, all buildings, equipment and other tangible real and personal property; and from time to time make or cause to be made all repairs, renewals and replacements thereof and additions to such Property necessary for the conduct of its business, in each case except as such action or inaction would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           Maintain, in full force and effect in all material respects, each license, permit, certification, qualification, approval or franchise issued by any Governmental Authority (each a “ License ”) required for each of them to conduct their respective businesses as presently conducted, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 8.6               Insurance .  Maintain insurance with financially sound and reputable insurance companies against at least such risks and in at least such amounts as are customarily maintained by similar businesses and as may be required by Applicable Law and as are required by any Security Documents (including, without limitation, hazard and business interruption insurance).  All such insurance shall, (a) name the Administrative Agent as an additional insured party thereunder and (b) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, name the Administrative Agent as lender’s loss payee.  On the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter deliver to the Administrative Agent upon its reasonable request information in reasonable detail as to the insurance then in effect, stating the names of the insurance companies, the amounts and rates of the insurance, the dates of the expiration thereof and the properties and risks covered thereby.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary may self-insure against such risks and in such amounts as are customary in the Borrower’s industry.

 

SECTION 8.7               Accounting Methods and Financial Records .  Maintain a system of accounting, and keep in all material respects proper books of record and account in which true and correct entries in all material respects in conformity, in all material respects, with GAAP and Applicable Law are made of all material dealings and material transactions in relation to its business and activities.

 

SECTION 8.8               Payment of Taxes and Other Obligations .  Pay and perform (a) all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges that may be levied or assessed upon it or any of its Property and (b) all other Indebtedness, obligations and liabilities in accordance with customary trade practices, except where the failure to pay or perform such items described in

 

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clauses (a) or (b) of this Section would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided , that the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary may contest any item described in clause (a) of this Section in good faith so long as adequate reserves are maintained with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.

 

SECTION 8.9               Compliance with Laws and Approvals .  Remain in compliance with all Applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws and ERISA) and maintain in full force and effect all Governmental Approvals, in each case applicable to the conduct of its business except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 8.10             [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 8.11             Compliance with ERISA .  In addition to and without limiting the generality of Section 8.9, (a) except where the failure to so comply could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) comply with applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to all Employee Benefit Plans, (ii) not take any action or fail to take action the result of which could reasonably be expected to result in a liability to the PBGC or to a Multiemployer Plan, (iii) not participate in any prohibited transaction that could result in any civil penalty under ERISA or tax under the Code and (iv) operate each employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) in such a manner that will not incur any tax liability under Section 4980B of the Code or any liability to any qualified beneficiary as defined in Section 4980B of the Code and (b) furnish to the Administrative Agent upon the Administrative Agent’s request such additional information about any Employee Benefit Plan as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent

 

SECTION 8.12             Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries. The Board of Directors of the Borrower may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided that:

 

(1)     any Guarantee by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness of the Subsidiary being so designated will be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, at the time of such designation, and such Incurrence of Indebtedness would be permitted under Section 9.1 ;

 

(2)     the aggregate Fair Market Value of all outstanding Investments owned by the Borrower and other Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary being so designated (including any Guarantee by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary) will be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of such designation, and such Investment would be permitted under Section 9.5 ;

 

(3)     such Subsidiary does not hold any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or own or hold any Lien on any property or assets of, or have any Investment in, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is not simultaneously being designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

(4)     the Subsidiary being so designated:

 

(a)     is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary unless the terms of any such agreement,

 

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contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Borrower (or, if this condition is not satisfied, the value of such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding to such Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be, and must be permitted as, a Restricted Payment); and

 

(b)     is a Person with respect to which neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any direct or indirect obligation (i) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (ii) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and

 

(c)     has not Guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, except to the extent such Guarantee or credit support would be released upon such designation; and

 

(5)     no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.

 

Any designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Administrative Agent by filing with the Administration Agent the resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with this Section 8.12 and is permitted under this Agreement.

 

For purposes of the foregoing, the designation of a Subsidiary of the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be the designation of all of the Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary as Unrestricted Subsidiaries. Unless so designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower will be classified as a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

The Board of Directors of the Borrower may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that:

 

(A)     such designation will be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation will only be permitted if the Incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 9.1 at the date when such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(B)     all outstanding Investments owned by such Unrestricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be made as of the time of such designation and such designation will only be permitted if such Investments would be permitted under Section 9.5 at the date when such Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(C)     all Liens upon property or assets of such Unrestricted Subsidiary existing at the time of such designation shall be deemed to be incurred at the date of such designation and at such date would be a Permitted Lien; and

 

(D)     no Default or Event of Default would be in existence immediately following such designation.

 

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SECTION 8.13             Visits and Inspections .  Permit representatives of the Administrative Agent, who may be accompanied by a Lender, from time to time upon no less than five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice and at such times during normal business hours, all at the expense of the Borrower, to visit and inspect its properties; inspect, audit and make extracts from its books, records and files, including, but not limited to, management letters prepared by independent accountants; and discuss with its principal officers, and its independent accountants, its business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects; provided that excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than one (1) time during any calendar year at the Borrower’s expense; provided, further , that upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may do any of the foregoing during normal business hours at the expense of the Borrower.  The Borrower acknowledges that the Administrative Agent, after exercising its rights of inspection, may prepare and distribute to the Lenders certain reports pertaining to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries’ assets for internal use by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders; provided that if any such report contains MNPI, it shall not be distributed to a Public Lender.  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall have no obligation to discuss or disclose to Administrative Agent, any Lender, or any of their officers, directors, employees or agents, materials protected by attorney-client privilege (including any attorney work product) and materials that the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may not disclose without violation of a confidentiality obligation binding upon it.

 

SECTION 8.14             Additional Domestic Subsidiaries .  Promptly after the creation or acquisition of any (i) Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Domestic Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) or upon a wholly owned domestic Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) being designated as a Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) Restricted Subsidiary that is not already a Guarantor that Guarantees or becomes an obligor of any other Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Guarantor with an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 or more, in each case, cause such Subsidiary to (i) become a Guarantor by delivering to the Administrative Agent a duly executed supplement to the Guaranty and Security Agreement or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose, (ii) grant a security interest in all Collateral specified in the Guaranty and Security Agreement (subject to the exceptions specified in the Guaranty and Security Agreement, including with respect to Excluded Assets) owned by such Subsidiary by delivering to the Administrative Agent a duly executed supplement to each applicable Security Document or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose and comply with the terms of each applicable Security Document, (iii) deliver to the Administrative Agent such opinions, documents and certificates referred to in Section 6.1 as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, (iv) if the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary are certificated, deliver to the Administrative Agent such original certificated Equity Interests or other certificates and stock or other transfer powers evidencing the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary, (v) deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed joinder to each of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and (vi) deliver to the Administrative Agent such updated Schedules to the Loan Documents as requested by the Administrative Agent with respect to such Person.  For purposes of this Section 8.14 , compliance with applicable foreign law with respect to the grant, creation and perfection of Liens on and security interests in the Collateral will not be required.

 

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SECTION 8.15             Additional Foreign Subsidiaries .  Notify the Administrative Agent promptly after the Borrower or any Guarantor creates or acquires a First Tier Foreign Subsidiary, and promptly thereafter (and, in any event, within forty five (45) days after such notification, as such time period may be extended by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), cause (i) the applicable Credit Party to deliver to the Administrative Agent Security Documents pledging, to the extent that the following does not constitute Excluded Assets, sixty-five percent (65%) of the total outstanding voting Equity Interests (and one hundred percent (100%) of the non-voting Equity Interests, if any) of any such new First Tier Foreign Subsidiary and, if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, a consent thereto executed by such new First Tier Foreign Subsidiary (including, without limitation, if applicable, original certificated Equity Interests (or the equivalent thereof pursuant to the Applicable Laws and practices of any relevant foreign jurisdiction) evidencing the Equity Interests to be pledged of such new First Tier Foreign Subsidiary, together with an appropriate undated stock or other transfer power for each certificate duly executed in blank by the registered owner thereof), (ii) such Person to deliver to the Administrative Agent such opinions, documents and certificates referred to in Section 6. 1 as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, (iii) such Person to deliver to the Administrative Agent such updated Schedules to the Loan Documents as requested by the Administrative Agent with regard to such Person, (iv) deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed joinder to each of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and (v) such Person to deliver to the Administrative Agent such other documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, all in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.  For purposes of this Section 8.15 , compliance with applicable foreign law with respect to the grant, creation and perfection of Liens on and security interests in the Collateral will not be required.

 

SECTION 8.16             Use of Proceeds .

 

(a)           The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Initial Term Loans, together with the proceeds of the ABL Facility and the Senior Notes, to refinance the Existing Credit Agreement, to pay fees, commissions and expenses in connection with the Closing Date Transactions and for the general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

 

(b)           The Borrower shall use the proceeds of any Incremental Term Loan as permitted pursuant to Section 5.13 , as applicable.

 

SECTION 8.17             Maintenance of Debt Ratings .  Use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain Debt Ratings from both Moody’s and S&P (but not to maintain any particular Debt Rating).

 

SECTION 8.18             Further Assurances .  Execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements and other documents), which may be required under any Applicable Law, or which the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or to grant, preserve, protect or perfect the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents (subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement) or the validity or priority of any such Lien, all at the expense of the Credit Parties.  The Borrower also

 

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agrees to provide to the Administrative Agent, from time to time upon the reasonable request by the Administrative Agent, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents. For purposes of this Section 8.18 , compliance with applicable foreign law with respect to the grant, creation and perfection of Liens on and security interests in the Collateral will not be required.

 

SECTION 8.19             Lender Meetings .  Borrower will, within 90 days after the close of each fiscal year of Borrower, at the request of the Administrative Agent or of the Required Lenders and upon reasonable prior notice, hold a meeting (at a mutually agreeable location and time or, at the option of Administrative Agent, by conference call) with all Lenders who choose to attend such meeting at which meeting shall be reviewed the financial results of the previous fiscal year and the financial condition of Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and the projections presented for the current fiscal year of Borrower.

 

SECTION 8.20             Post-Closing Deliveries .  Following the Closing Date, within 90 days (or such longer period as may be agreed by the ABL Collateral Agent in its sole discretion), the Credit Parties shall, with respect to all Deposit Accounts of each Credit Party (other than with respect to Excluded Assets), obtain and deliver to the Administrative Agent, Control Agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent..  All representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to effect the foregoing (and to permit the taking of the actions described in this Section 8.20 within the time periods required by this Section 8.20 , rather than as elsewhere provided in the Loan Documents), provided that (x) to the extent any representation and warranty would not be true because the foregoing actions were not taken on the Closing Date, the respective representation and warranty shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects at the time the respective action is taken (or was required to be taken) in accordance with this this Section 8.20 and (y) all representations and warranties relating to the Security Documents shall be required to be true in all material respects immediately after the actions required to be taken by this Section 8.20 have been taken (or were required to be taken).

 

ARTICLE IX

 

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

Until all of the Obligations (other than contingent, indemnification obligations not then due) have been paid and satisfied in full in cash and the Term Loan Commitments terminated, the Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to:

 

SECTION 9.1               Indebtedness .  Incur any Indebtedness (including acquired Indebtedness); provided , however , that the Borrower  and the Guarantors may Incur Indebtedness (including acquired Indebtedness) if, after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness and the receipt and application of the proceeds therefrom, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Borrower’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements have

 

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been delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.1(a)  or (b) , would be at least 2.0 to 1.0.

 

The first paragraph of this Section 9.1 shall not prohibit the Incurrence of any Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 9.1 and any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “ Permitted Indebtedness ”):

 

(1)                                  Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the greatest of (a) $300,000,000 less (i) any prepayments of term loans under Credit Facilities (other than the Term Loans incurred on the Closing Date or any refinancing, refunding, replacement, extension, modification or renewal with aggregate borrowings or principal amount not to exceed that of the Term Loans on the Closing Date) and (ii) any prepayments under any revolving Credit Facility accompanied by permanent commitment reductions thereof, in the case of each (i) and (ii) with the proceeds of an Asset Sale (other than any Asset Sale in respect of ABL Collateral), (b) 30% of Consolidated Tangible Assets and (c) the sum of 85% of the net book value of the accounts receivable of the Borrower  and its Restricted Subsidiaries and 65% of the net book value of the inventory of the Borrower  and its Restricted Subsidiaries (the “ Borrowing Base ”);

 

(2)                                  (a) the Guaranties and other Guarantees by the Borrower and Guarantors of Indebtedness Incurred by the Borrower or a Guarantor in accordance with this Agreement; provided that in the event such Indebtedness that is being Guaranteed is Indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Term Loans or any Guaranty, then the related Guarantee shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Term Loans or the Guaranty, as the case may be, and (b) other Guarantees by non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness Incurred by non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with this Agreement;

 

(3)                                  Indebtedness of the Borrower owing to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to and held by the Borrower  or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that:

 

(a)                                  if the Borrower  is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is unsecured and expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Loan Documents;

 

(b)                                  if a Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness and the Borrower  or a Guarantor is not the obligee, such Indebtedness is unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Guaranty of such Guarantor; and

 

(c)                                   any event that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary (except for any pledgee of Indebtedness whose Lien is a Permitted Lien until the pledgee commences action to foreclose on such Indebtedness) will be deemed to constitute an Incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Borrower or such

 

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Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that is not permitted by this clause (3).

 

(4)                                  Indebtedness represented by (a) any Indebtedness (other than the Indebtedness described in clause (1)) outstanding on the Closing Date after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of the Senior Notes and any borrowings made under the Credit Facilities on the Closing Date, (b) the Senior Notes issued under the Senior Notes Indenture and the related Guarantees thereof and (c) Indebtedness borrowed under the Loan Documents;

 

(5)                                  Indebtedness for Hedging Obligations that are entered into for the purpose of fixing, hedging or swapping interest rate risk, commodity price or basis risk, or foreign currency exchange rate risk (or to reverse or amend any such agreements previously made for such purpose) and not for speculative purposes; provided that in the case of Hedging Obligations relating to interest rates, (a) such Hedging Obligations relate to payment obligations on Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred under this Section 9.1 , and (b) the notional principal amount of such Hedging Obligations at the time incurred does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Hedging Obligations relate;

 

(6)                                  Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or other payments, in each case Incurred to finance all or any part of the purchase price, lease or cost of construction or improvement of assets or property (other than Equity Interests or other Investments) acquired, constructed or improved, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (6), not to exceed the greater of (a) $50,000,000 and (b) 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Borrower, determined as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness;

 

(7)                                  Indebtedness in respect of workers’ compensation claims, self-insurance obligations or the financing of insurance premiums or participation in insurance pools, or in respect of performance, surety, completion, and similar bonds and guarantees in the ordinary course of business, and appeal and similar bonds and guarantees provided or obtained by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with its business;

 

(8)                                  Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Borrower  or a Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, earn-outs, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations (including Indebtedness in respect of letters of credit or bonds securing the foregoing), in each case, Incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business, assets or Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by any person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or capital stock of a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition); provided that, in the case of a disposition, the maximum aggregate liability in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds actually received by the Borrower  and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition;

 

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(9)                                  Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided , however , that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five business days after Incurrence;

 

(10)                           Indebtedness arising in connection with endorsement of instruments for deposit in the ordinary course of business;

 

(11)                           Indebtedness constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit; provided that such obligations under any letter of credit are reimbursed within 30 days after the drawing of such letter of credit;

 

(12)                           Indebtedness of any Person outstanding on the date on which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower  or was acquired by, or merged into or amalgamated, arranged or consolidated with, the Borrower  or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness Incurred in contemplation of, as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate the transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower  or was otherwise acquired by the Borrower ); provided , however , that at the time such Person is acquired, either:

 

(a)                                  the Borrower  would have been able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 9.1 after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness pursuant to this Section 9.1(12) ; or

 

(b)                                  after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness pursuant to this Section 9.1(12) , the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Borrower’s most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent  pursuant to Section 8.1(a)  or (b)  would have been higher than such ratio immediately prior to such acquisition, merger, amalgamation, arrangement or consolidation;

 

(13)                           Indebtedness, sufficient net cash proceeds of which are promptly deposited to defease or to satisfy and discharge all of the Senior Notes in accordance with the Senior Notes Indenture;

 

(14)                           Contingent Obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted under this Section 9.1 ;

 

(15)                           Indebtedness, including Guarantees, Incurred by Foreign Subsidiaries to fund working capital requirements in an aggregate principal amount that when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (15), not to exceed 10.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets attributable to Foreign Subsidiaries;

 

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(16)                           Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness of the Borrower  or any Guarantor issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to Refinance, any Indebtedness, including any Disqualified Stock, incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 9.1 and Sections 9.1(2) , (4) , (12) , and (16) ; and

 

(17)                           in addition to the items referred to in Sections 9.1(1)  through (16) above, Indebtedness of the Borrower  and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate outstanding principal amount which, when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this  Section 9.1 (17) , including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this Section 9.1(17) , and then outstanding, shall not exceed the greater of (a) $50,000,000 or (b) 5.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Borrower  at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness; provided , that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Indebtedness Incurred by any non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary shall not exceed $25,000,000.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 9.1 , in the event that any proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories described in Section 9.1(1)  through (17) above, or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 9.1 , the Borrower will be permitted to classify, and may later reclassify, such item of Indebtedness or a part thereof in any manner that complies with this Section 9.1 .  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Term Loans incurred on the Closing Date will be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on Section 9.1(4)(c)  and cannot be reclassified.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. Dollar Equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred (or first committed, in the case of revolving credit Indebtedness); provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

 

The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such Refinancing .

 

The Borrower shall not Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Borrower unless it is subordinated in right of payment to the Term Loans at least to the same extent.  The Borrower shall not permit any Guarantor to Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of such Guarantor unless it is subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantor’s Guaranty at least to

 

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the same extent.  For purposes of this Agreement, no Indebtedness will be deemed to be subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Guarantor, as applicable, solely by reason of any Liens or Guarantees arising or created in respect thereof or by virtue of the fact that the holders of any secured Indebtedness have entered into intercreditor agreements giving one or more of such holders priority over the other holders in the collateral held by them.

 

Indebtedness permitted by this Section 9.1 need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Indebtedness but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this Section 9.1 permitting such Indebtedness.

 

Accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the accretion or payment of dividends on any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 9.1 ; provided , in each such case, that the amount thereof as accrued shall be included as required in the calculation of the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Borrower.

 

If Indebtedness is secured by a letter of credit that serves only to secure such Indebtedness, then the total amount deemed incurred shall be equal to the greater of (a) the principal of such Indebtedness and (b) the amount that may be drawn under such letter of credit.

 

SECTION 9.2                                              Liens .  Create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other than Permitted Liens) upon any Collateral securing the Term Loans, now owned or hereafter acquired.

 

The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of their property or assets (other than Collateral securing the Term Loans) now owned or hereafter acquired, in order to secure any Indebtedness, unless all payments due under the Loan Documents are secured by a Lien on such property or assets on an equal and ratable basis with the Indebtedness so secured (or, in the case of Indebtedness subordinated to the Term Loans and the Guaranties, senior in priority thereto, with the same relative priority as the Term Loans will have with respect to such subordinated Indebtedness) until such time as such Indebtedness is no longer secured by a Lien.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Lien securing the Term Loans and the Guaranties granted pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon:  (i) the release of all other Liens that require the grant of Liens to secure the Term Loans and the Guaranties pursuant to the preceding paragraph, (ii) any sale, exchange or transfer to any Person not an Affiliate of the Borrower  of the property or assets secured by such Lien (provided that such Lien will be released only with respect to such property or assets), (iii) any sale, exchange or transfer, in compliance with this Agreement, to any Person not an Affiliate of the Borrower of all of the Capital Stock held by the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary in, or all or substantially all the assets of, any Restricted Subsidiary creating such Lien (provided that such Lien will be released only with respect to the Capital

 

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Stock and the assets of such Restricted Subsidiary sold, exchanged or transferred), or (iv) with respect to any Lien securing a Guaranty, the release of such Guaranty in accordance with the this Agreement and the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.3                                              Asset Sales .  Consummate an Asset Sale unless:

 

(1)                                  the Borrower (or Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and

 

(2)                                  at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Borrower  or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of:

 

(a)                                  Cash Equivalents (including any Cash Equivalents received from the conversion within 60 days of such Asset Sale of any securities, notes or other obligations received in consideration of such Asset Sale) or Liquid Securities;

 

(b)                                  Replacement Assets;

 

(c)                                   any liabilities of the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Borrower  or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities, Indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Term Loans or any Guaranty and liabilities to the extent owed to the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets or Equity Interests and for which the Borrower  and all of the Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing;

 

(d)                                  any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Borrower  or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Asset Sale having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (d) since the Closing Date, not to exceed 10.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration (with the Fair Market Value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); or

 

(e)                                   any combination of the consideration specified in clauses (a) to (d) (the foregoing collectively being “ Permitted Consideration ”).

 

Any Asset Sale pursuant to a condemnation, appropriation or other similar taking, including by deed in lieu of condemnation, or pursuant to the foreclosure or other enforcement of a Permitted Lien or exercise by the related lienholder of rights with respect thereto, including by deed of assignment in lieu of foreclosure, shall not be required to satisfy the conditions set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above.

 

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The Net Available Proceeds of any Asset Sale shall be applied in the manner as set forth in Section 4.4(b) .

 

SECTION 9.4                                              [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 9.5                                              Restricted Payments .

 

(A) Take any of the following actions (each, a “ Restricted Payment ”):

 

(a)                                  declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution with respect to any of the Equity Interests of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Equity Interests of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries in their capacity as such (other than dividends, payments or distributions (i) payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower, (ii) to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) made by a Restricted Subsidiary on a pro-rata basis to holders of Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary);

 

(b)                                  purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) any Equity Interests of the Borrower held by any Person (other than by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary) or any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary held by any Person other than by the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(c)                                   make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to the Stated Maturity thereof any Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the Term Loans or any Guaranty except (i) in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such payment, purchase or other acquisition or (ii) intercompany Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (3) of the second paragraph of Section 9.1 ; or

 

(d)                                  make any Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) in any Person,

 

unless, at the time of and after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted Payment:

 

(1)                                  no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; and

 

(2)                                  the Borrower  could Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of Section 9.1 ; and

 

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(3)                                  such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Borrower  and the Restricted Subsidiaries after the Closing Date (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by sub-clauses (a), (b), (c), (e), (f), (g), (i) and (k) of Section 9.5 (B)  is less than the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(a)                                  50% of the Consolidated Net Income on a cumulative basis during the period (taken as one accounting period) beginning on the first day of the first fiscal quarter commencing after the Closing Date and ending on the last day of the Borrower’s last fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such proposed Restricted Payment for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.1 (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit), plus

 

(b)                                  the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Borrower  and the Fair Market Value of any marketable securities or other property received by the Borrower  since the Closing Date as a contribution to its common equity capital or from the issue or sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower  and the amount of reduction of Indebtedness of the Borrower  or its Restricted Subsidiaries that has been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests sold to, or Indebtedness held by, a Subsidiary of the Borrower ), plus

 

(c)                                   with respect to Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made by the Borrower  and the Restricted Subsidiaries after the Closing Date (including any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary), an amount equal to the net reduction in such Investments in any Person (except, in each case, to the extent any such amount is included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income), resulting from repayment to the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary of loans or advances or from the receipt of net cash proceeds from the sale or otherwise in respect of such Investment, or from the release of any Guarantee, except to the extent any amounts are paid under such Guarantee; plus

 

(d)                                  in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as Restricted Subsidiary (as long as the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary was deemed a Restricted Payment), the Fair Market Value of the Borrower’s interest in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation (except to the extent any such amount is included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income); plus

 

(e)                                   100% of any dividends received by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower after the Closing Date from an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, to the extent that such dividends were not

 

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otherwise included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower for such period.

 

(B)                                The preceding provisions shall not prohibit:

 

(a)                                  any Restricted Payment made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of the Borrower  (other than Disqualified Stock and other than Equity Interests issued or sold to a Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such sale to an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust is financed by loans from or Guaranteed by the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary unless such loans have been repaid with cash on or prior to the date of determination); provided, however , that the net cash proceeds from such transaction that are used for such purposes shall be excluded from clause  (A)(3)(b) of this Section 9.5 ;

 

(b)                                  any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition, payment or retirement of Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the Term Loans or any Guaranty made by exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds from the substantially concurrent Incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness that is permitted pursuant to Section 9.1 ;

 

(c)                                   any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Disqualified Stock of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of Disqualified Stock of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that, in each case, is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 9.1 and that in each case constitutes Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;

 

(d)                                  The payment of any dividend or redemption payment or the making of any distribution within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with the provisions of this Agreement or any dividend or similar distribution by a Restricted Subsidiary to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis;

 

(e)                                   so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,

 

(i)                                      the purchase, redemption or other acquisition, cancellation or retirement for value of Equity Interests of the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary held by any existing or former employees, officers, managers, partners, directors or holders of Equity Interests of the Borrower  or any Subsidiary of the Borrower  or their assigns, estates or heirs, in each case in connection with the repurchase provisions under restricted stock units, stock option or stock purchase agreements or other agreements; provided that such

 

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redemptions or repurchases pursuant to this clause shall not exceed $1,500,000 in the aggregate during any calendar year (with any unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the immediately succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum of $3,000,000 in any calendar year), plus the amount of any capital contributions to the Borrower  as a result of sales of Equity Interests of the Borrower  to such persons ( provided, however , that, to the extent used under this clause (e)(i), the net cash proceeds from such sale of Equity Interests shall be excluded from clause (A)(3)(b)) plus the net cash proceeds of any “key-man” life insurance policies ( provided, however , that, to the extent used under this clause (e)(i), the net cash proceeds from such policies shall be excluded from clause (A)(3)(b)); and

 

(ii)                                   loans or advances to employees, officers or directors of the Borrower  or any Subsidiary of the Borrower , the proceeds of which are used to purchase Equity Interests of the Borrower , in an aggregate amount not in excess of $2,000,000 at any one time outstanding (without giving effect to the forgiveness of any such loan);

 

(f)                                    so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Borrower issued after the Closing Date in accordance with the first paragraph of Section 9.1 to the extent such dividends or other distributions constitute “Fixed Charges;”

 

(g)                                   repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the vesting or settlement of restricted stock units, exercise of stock options, warrants, other rights to purchase Equity Interests or other convertible securities or similar securities if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price thereof (or withholding, purchases or deemed purchases of Equity Interests to satisfy related withholding taxes with regard to the exercise of such stock options, warrants or other rights to purchase Equity Interests or the vesting or settlement of any such restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units or any similar securities);

 

(h)                                  the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Indebtedness subordinated in right of payment to the Term Loans to the extent required by the agreement governing such Indebtedness (i) at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal amount of such subordinated Indebtedness in the event of a Change of Control in accordance with Section 4.4(d)  or (ii)  at a purchase price not greater than 100% of the principal amount thereof in accordance with provisions similar to Section 4.4(b)(ii) ; provided that, prior to or simultaneously with such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or

 

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other acquisition or retirement, the Borrower has complied with the requirements of Section 4.4 with respect thereto to the extent applicable;

 

(i)                                      an Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) either (i) solely in exchange for shares of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower  or (ii) through the application of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Borrower ) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower ; provided , that the net cash proceeds from such sale of Capital Stock shall be excluded from clause (A)(3)(b);

 

(j)                                     payments or distributions to dissenting stockholders pursuant to applicable law in connection with a merger or consolidation that complies with the provisions of Section 9.7 ;

 

(k)                                  cash payment in lieu of issuance of fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for the Equity Interests of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, that such payment shall not be for the purpose of evading the limitations of this Section 9.5 (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Borrower in good faith);

 

(l)                                      so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect thereto, additional Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed the greater of (i) $35,000,000 and (ii) 3.0% of Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Borrower , determined as of the date of such Restricted Payment; and

 

(m)                              so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect thereto, additional Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed $100,000,000 if, at the time of the making of such Restricted Payment, and after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the incurrence of any Indebtedness to finance such payment), the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio is less than 4.00 to 1.00.

 

In determining whether any Restricted Payment is permitted by this Section 9.5 , the Borrower may allocate or re-allocate all or any portion of such Restricted Payment among Sections 9.5(B) ( a )  through ( m )  or among such clauses and Section 9.5(1) ; provided that at the time of such allocation or re-allocation all such Restricted Payments or allocated portions thereof, and all prior Restricted Payments would be permitted under this Section 9.5 .

 

If any Person in which an Investment is made, which Investment constitutes a Restricted Payment when made, thereafter becomes a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with this Agreement, all such Investments previously made in such Person shall be Permitted Investments, and for the avoidance of doubt all such Investments shall no longer be counted as Restricted Payments for purposes of calculating the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to this Section 9.5(A) , in each case to the extent such Investments would otherwise be so counted.

 

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For purposes of this Section 9.5, if a particular Restricted Payment involves a non-cash payment, including a distribution of assets, then such Restricted Payment shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the cash portion of such Restricted Payment, if any, plus an amount equal to the fair market value of the non-cash portion of such Restricted Payment, which fair market value of the non-cash portion, if greater than $20,000,000 shall be determined conclusively by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Borrower  acting in good faith and having no personal stake in such Restricted Payment, whose resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 9.6                                              Transactions with Affiliates .  Enter into any Transaction (including without limitation making any payment to, or selling, leasing, transferring or otherwise disposing of any of its properties or assets to, or purchasing any property or assets from, or entering into or making or amending any Transaction) with, or for the benefit of, any of their Affiliates involving aggregate consideration in excess of $1,000,000 (each, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”), unless:

 

(i)                                      such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Borrower or the relevant Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable arm’s-length Transaction by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unaffiliated party; and

 

(ii)                                   with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $20,000,000, the terms of such transaction shall have been approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Borrower and by a majority of the Disinterested Members (or, if there is only one Disinterested Member, such Disinterested Member), if any, and the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent a resolution adopted by such majority or majorities, as the case may be, of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving such Affiliate Transaction and resolving that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i) above.

 

The foregoing limitations do not limit, and shall not apply to:

 

(1)                                  transactions between or among the Borrower  and/or the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(2)                                  Permitted Investments and Restricted Payments that are permitted by Section 9.5 ;

 

(3)                                  any issuance or sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower ;

 

(4)                                  transactions pursuant to agreements or arrangements in effect on the Closing Date, or any amendment, modification, or supplement thereto or replacement thereof, as long as such agreement or arrangement, as so amended, modified, supplemented or replaced, taken as a whole, is not materially more disadvantageous to the Borrower  and the Restricted Subsidiaries than the agreement or arrangement in existence on the  Closing Date (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Borrower );

 

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(5)                                  loans or advances to employees, officers or directors of the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate amount not in excess of $5,000,000 at any one time outstanding;

 

(6)                                  payment of reasonable and customary fees and expenses to, and reasonable and customary indemnification arrangements and similar arrangements and payments on behalf of, directors of the Borrower  or any Subsidiary of the Borrower ;

 

(7)                                  any employment, consulting, service or termination agreement, or reasonable and customary indemnification arrangements, entered into by the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary with officers and employees of the Borrower  or any Subsidiary thereof and the payment of compensation to officers and employees of the Borrower  or any Subsidiary thereof (including amounts paid pursuant to employee benefit plans, employee stock option or similar plans), so long as such agreement or payment has been approved by a majority of the Disinterested Members (or, if there is only one Disinterested Member, such Disinterested Member);

 

(8)                                  Transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of the business of the Borrower  and its Restricted Subsidiaries and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Agreement; provided that in the reasonable determination of the members of the Board of Directors or senior management of the Borrower , such Transactions are on terms that are no less favorable to the Borrower  or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable Transaction by the Borrower  or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person;

 

(9)                                  any sale or other issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower  to, or receipt of a capital contribution from, an Affiliate (or a Person that becomes an Affiliate) of the Borrower ;

 

(10)                           direct or indirect sales of equipment, supplies, products and services by the Borrower  or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to any direct or indirect joint venture of the Borrower  or one of the Restricted Subsidiaries at or above Cost;

 

(11)                           transactions in which the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary delivers to the Administrative Agent a letter from an independent financial advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Borrower  or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view; and

 

(12)                           transactions pursuant to the Master Frac Services Agreement or any amendment, modification or supplement thereto or replacement thereof so long as such agreement, as so amended, modified, supplemented or replaced, taken as a whole, is not materially adverse to the Lenders.

 

SECTION 9.7                                              Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease .  The Borrower shall not, directly or indirectly:  (a) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not the Borrower is the surviving corporation), or (b) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Borrower and the Restricted

 

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Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in any Transaction, to another Person, unless at the time and after giving effect thereto:

 

(1)                                  immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness not previously an obligation of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries which becomes the obligation of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred at the time of such transaction) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

(2)                                  either:

 

(a)                                  the Borrower  is the surviving entity; or

 

(b)                                  the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Borrower ) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made (i) is an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and (ii) assumes all the Obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Documents, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents; provided that if such surviving entity is not a corporation, a corporation satisfying the foregoing requirements shall be a co-obligor under this Agreement;

 

(3)                                  immediately after giving effect to such Transaction on a pro forma basis (on the assumption that the Transaction occurred on the first day of the four-quarter period for which financial statements are available ending immediately prior to the consummation of such Transaction with the appropriate adjustments with respect to the Transaction being included in such pro forma calculation), either (x) the Borrower  (or the surviving entity if the Borrower  is not a continuing obligor under any Loan Document) could on the first day following such four-quarter period Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test (for purposes of this paragraph as set forth in the first paragraph of Section 9.1 ) or (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would be not less than such Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio immediately prior to such transaction;

 

(4)                                  each Guarantor, unless such Guarantor is the Person with which the Borrower  has entered into a Transaction under this Section 9.7 , will have confirmed to the Administrative Agent in writing that its Guaranty will apply to the Obligations of the Borrower or the surviving Person in accordance with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

 

(5)                                  (i) the surviving entity (if other than the Borrower ) causes such amendments, supplements or other instruments to be executed, delivered, filed and recorded, as applicable, in such jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law to preserve and protect the Liens of the Security Documents on the Collateral owned by or

 

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transferred to such surviving entity; and (ii) the Collateral owned by or transferred to the surviving entity (if other than the Borrower ) shall (a) continue to constitute Collateral under the Loan Documents, (b) be subject to the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and (c) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens; and

 

(6)                                  the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, in each case to the effect that such Transaction and such agreement comply with this Section 9.7 and that all conditions precedent provided for in this Agreement relating to such Transaction have been complied with;

 

provided, however , that clause (3) above shall not apply if, in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors of the Borrower, whose determination shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution, the principal purpose of such Transaction is to change the state of organization of the Borrower, and any such Transaction shall not have as one of its purposes the evasion of the foregoing limitations.

 

Upon any consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition in accordance with this Section 9.7 , the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Borrower  is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition is made will succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Agreement referring to the “Borrower “ will refer instead to the successor Person and not to the Borrower), and may exercise every right and power of, the Borrower under the Loan Documents with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Borrower thereunder.  When the successor assumes all of the Borrower’s Obligations under the Loan Documents, the predecessor Borrower (if it separately survives such Transaction) shall be discharged from those Obligations.

 

In addition, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, in any Transaction, to any other Person.

 

A Guarantor shall not, directly or indirectly:  (1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person other than the Borrower (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person), or (2) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Guarantor, in any Transaction, to another Person, other than the Borrower or another Guarantor, unless:

 

(1)                                  immediately after giving effect to that Transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and

 

(2)                                  either:

 

(a)                                  the Guarantor is the surviving Person, or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition which has been made (i) is organized or existing under the

 

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laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (ii) assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor under the Loan Documents pursuant to a joinder to the Guaranty and Security Agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (iii) causes such amendments, supplements or other instruments to be executed, delivered, filed and recorded, as applicable, in such jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law to preserve and protect the Lien of the Security Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to such entity; or

 

(b)                                  such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition or consolidation or merger is in compliance, as of the date thereof, with  Section 9.3 and Section 9.7 to the extent applicable (and to the extent such section is applicable, the Borrower  shall thereafter comply with Section 4.4(b)(ii)) .

 

SECTION 9.8                                              No Further Negative Pledges; Restrictive Agreements .  Create or permit to exist or become effective or enter into any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock owned by the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary or pay any Indebtedness or other obligation owed to the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) make loans or advances to the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof or (iii) transfer any of its property or assets to the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

However, the preceding provisions shall not apply to the following:

 

(1)                                  any encumbrance or restriction in existence on the Closing Date, including those required by the ABL Revolver or the Senior Notes Indenture by any other agreement or documents entered into in connection with the ABL Revolver or the Senior Notes Indenture and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements or Refinancings, of any of the foregoing agreements or documents, or any other Credit Facility, provided that the terms of such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements or Refinancings of any such other Credit Facility, in the good-faith judgment of the Borrower , are not, taken as a whole, materially more restrictive than the dividend or other payment restrictions contained in these agreements on the Closing Date or Refinancings thereof;

 

(2)                                  any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement relating to an acquisition of property (whether directly or through the purchase of Equity Interests of the Person owning such property), so long as the encumbrances or restrictions in any such agreement relate solely to the property so acquired (and are not or were not created in anticipation of or in connection with the acquisition thereof);

 

(3)                                  any encumbrance or restriction which exists with respect to a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or merges with or into a Restricted Subsidiary on or after the Closing Date, which is in existence at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, but not created in connection with or in anticipation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, and which is not applicable to any

 

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Person or the property or assets of any Person other than such Person or the property or assets of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(4)                                  any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement effecting a permitted Refinancing or extension of Indebtedness issued pursuant to an agreement containing any encumbrance or restriction referred to in the foregoing clauses (1) through (3), so long as the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such Refinancing agreement are not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Borrower , materially more restrictive than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(5)                                  customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease, contract, or license of the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary, customary provisions restricting the disposition of assets subject to a lease or license, or provisions in agreements that restrict the assignment of such agreement or any rights thereunder;

 

(6)                                  any encumbrance or restriction by reason of applicable law, rule, regulation or order;

 

(7)                                  any encumbrance or restriction under any Loan Document;

 

(8)                                  any encumbrance or restriction under an agreement relating to a disposition of assets or Capital Stock, including, without limitation, any agreement for the sale or other disposition of or by a Subsidiary that restricts distributions, loans or transfers by that Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;

 

(9)                                  restrictions on cash and other deposits or net worth imposed by customers or suppliers or required by insurance, surety or bonding companies, under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(10)                           customary provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements, limited liability company agreements, partnership agreements, shareholder agreements, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements, sale leaseback agreements and other similar agreements;

 

(11)                           any instrument governing any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness or Capital Stock was Incurred or issued in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired, provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this Agreement to be Incurred;

 

(12)                           purchase-money obligations (including Capital Lease Obligations) for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions on that property so acquired of the nature described in clause (iii) of the first paragraph hereof;

 

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(13)                           provisions of agreements relating to Permitted Liens;

 

(14)                           Indebtedness Incurred or Equity Interests issued by an Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements or instruments relating thereto (a) either (i) apply only in the event of a payment default or a default with respect to a financial covenant  or (ii) shall not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Borrower , materially adversely affect the Borrower’s ability to pay all principal, interest and premium, if any, on the Notes, and (b) are not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Borrower , materially more restrictive than is customary in comparable financings;

 

(15)                           customary encumbrances or restrictions contained in agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business in connection with Hedging Obligations permitted under the Loan Documents; and

 

(16)                           any other agreement governing Indebtedness entered into after the Closing Date that contains encumbrances and restrictions that are not, taken as a whole, in the good-faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Borrower, materially more restrictive than those in effect on the Closing Date with respect to that Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to agreements in effect on the Closing Date.

 

Nothing contained in this Section 9.8 shall prevent the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from (i) creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to exist any Liens in compliance with Section 9.2 or (ii) restricting the sale or other disposition of property or assets of the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary that secure Indebtedness of the Borrower  or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred in accordance with the Sections 9.1 and 9.2 .

 

SECTION 9.9                                              Suspension of Covenants .  Following the first day (the “ Suspension Date ”) that:

 

(1)                                  the Term Loans have an Investment Grade Rating from both of the Rating Agencies, and

 

(2)                                  no Default has occurred and is continuing,

 

the Borrower  and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be subject to Sections 9.1 , 9.3 , 9.5 , 9.6 , 9.8 , 9.10 , Section 4.4(b)(ii)  and clause (3) of the first paragraph of Section 9.7 (collectively, the “ Suspended Covenants ”):

 

In the event that the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “ Reversion Date ”) one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraws its Investment Grade Rating or downgrades the rating assigned to the Term Loans below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Borrower  and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants with respect to future events (the period of time between the Suspension Date and the Reversion Date, the “ Suspension Period ”).  Notwithstanding that the Suspended Covenants may be reinstated, no default shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of a failure to comply with the Suspended Covenants during the Suspension Period.

 

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On the Reversion Date, all Indebtedness Incurred during the Suspension Period shall be classified to have been Incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 9.1 or one of the clauses of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness (to the extent such Indebtedness would be permitted to be Incurred thereunder as of the Reversion Date and after giving effect to Indebtedness Incurred prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reversion Date).  To the extent such Indebtedness would not be so permitted to be Incurred, such Indebtedness shall be deemed to have been outstanding on the Closing Date, so that it is classified as permitted under Section 9.1(4) . Calculations made after the Reversion Date of the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments shall be made as though Section 9.5 had been in effect since the Closing Date and throughout the Suspension Period.  Accordingly, Restricted Payments made during the Suspension Period shall reduce the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 9.5(A)  and the items specified in subclauses (3)(a) through (3)(d) of Section 9.5(A)  shall increase the amount available to be made under Section 9.5(A) .  However, no Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred on the Reversion Date (or thereafter) under any Suspended Covenant solely as a result of any action taken by the Borrower  or the Restricted Subsidiaries, or events occurring, during the Suspension Period.

 

SECTION 9.10                                       Limitation on Business Activities .  Engage in any business other than a Permitted Business, except to such extent as would not be material to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

ARTICLE X

 

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

SECTION 10.1                                       Events of Default .  Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:

 

(a)                                  Default in Payment of Principal of Term Loans .  The Borrower shall default in the payment when due of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Term Loan when due and payable (whether on the applicable Term Loan Maturity Date or upon prepayment, acceleration, optional prepayment or otherwise).

 

(b)                                  Other Payment Default .  The Borrower or any other Credit Party shall default in the payment when and as due (whether at maturity, by reason of acceleration or otherwise) of interest on any Loan or the payment of any other Obligation, and such default shall continue for a period of three (3) Business Days.

 

(c)                                   Misrepresentation .  Any representation or warranty made by any Credit Party in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall prove to have been materially incorrect when made (or, in the case of any representation or warranty which is already subject to a materiality qualifier, such representation or warranty shall prove to have been incorrect in any respect when made).

 

(d)                                  Default in Performance of Certain Covenants .  Any Credit Party shall default in the performance or observance of any covenant or agreement contained in, 8.3(a)  or 8.4 (only

 

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with respect to the legal existence of the Borrower) or Article IX (after giving effect to the operation of Section 9.9, if applicable) .

 

(e)                                   Default in Performance of Other Covenants and Conditions .  Any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof shall default in the performance or observance of any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than as specifically provided for in this Section) or any other Loan Document and such default shall continue for a period of (i) 5 Business Days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender) if such breach relates to the terms or provisions of Section 8.1 or Section 8.2(a)  or (ii) otherwise, thirty (30) days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender);

 

(f)                                    Indebtedness Cross-Acceleration .  A default or defaults under any bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of Indebtedness (other than the Term Loans) by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary having, individually or in the aggregate, a principal or similar amount outstanding of at least $30,000,000, whether such Indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, which default or defaults either (a) shall have resulted in the acceleration of the maturity of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity or (b) shall constitute a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium on, such Indebtedness when due and payable after the expiration of any applicable grace period with respect thereto.

 

(g)                                   [Reserved]

 

(h)                                  Voluntary Bankruptcy Proceeding .  Any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof shall (i) commence a voluntary case under any Debtor Relief Laws, (ii) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any Debtor Relief Laws, (iii) consent to or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner any petition filed against it in an involuntary case under any Debtor Relief Laws, (iv) apply for or consent to, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of itself or of a substantial part of its property, domestic or foreign, (v) admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due, (vi) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (vii) take any corporate action for the purpose of authorizing any of the foregoing.

 

(i)                                      Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceeding .  A case or other proceeding shall be commenced against any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking (i) relief under any Debtor Relief Laws, or (ii) the appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator or the like for any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof or for all or any substantial part of their respective assets, domestic or foreign, and such case or proceeding shall continue without dismissal or stay for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days, or an order granting the relief requested in such case or proceeding (including, but not limited to, an order for relief under such federal bankruptcy laws) shall be entered.

 

(j)                                     Collateral .  Unless all of the Collateral has been released from the Liens in accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents, (x) the liens and security interests on assets or collections of assets constituting Collateral having a fair market value in excess of $30,000,000 shall cease to be perfected, or shall fail to have the priority contemplated hereby, in

 

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each case subject to Permitted Liens, and the same shall continue for a period in excess of 30 consecutive days following written notice from the Administrative Agent, (y) the repudiation or disaffirmation by any Credit Party of its material obligations under the Security Documents or (z) the determination in a judicial proceeding that the Security Documents are unenforceable or invalid against any Credit Party party thereto for any reason with respect to any Collateral, individually or in the aggregate, having a fair market value in excess of $30,000,000; provided that such default, repudiation, disaffirmation or determination is not rescinded, stayed, or waived by the Persons having such authority pursuant to the Security Documents or otherwise cured within 60 days after the Borrower receives written notice thereof specifying such occurrence from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders and demanding that such default be remedied.

 

(k)                                  Judgment .  The entry against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of a final judgment(s) for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $30,000,000 (net of amounts covered by (x) insurance for which the insurer thereof has been notified of such claim and has not challenged such coverage or (y) valid third party indemnifications for which the indemnifying party thereof has been notified of such claim and has not challenged such indemnification), by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction, which judgment(s) remain undischarged, unwaived, unstayed, unbonded and unsatisfied for a period of 60 consecutive days.

 

SECTION 10.2                                       Remedies .  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, with the consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, or upon the request of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall, by notice to the Borrower:

 

(a)                                  Acceleration; Termination of Term Loan Facility .  Declare the principal of and interest on the Term Loans at the time outstanding, and all other amounts owed to the Lenders and to the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and all other Obligations, to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by each Credit Party, anything in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, and terminate the Term Loan Facility and any right of the Borrower to request borrowings thereunder; provided, that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 10.1(i)  or (j) , the Term Loan Facility shall be automatically terminated and all Obligations shall automatically become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by each Credit Party, anything in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding.

 

(b)                                  General Remedies .  Exercise on behalf of the Secured Parties all of its other rights and remedies under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and Applicable Law, in order to satisfy all of the Secured Obligations.

 

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SECTION 10.3                                       Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Non-Waiver; etc.

 

(a)                                  The enumeration of the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders set forth in this Agreement is not intended to be exhaustive and the exercise by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of any right or remedy shall not preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies, all of which shall be cumulative, and shall be in addition to any other right or remedy given hereunder or under the other Loan Documents or that may now or hereafter exist at law or in equity or by suit or otherwise.  No delay or failure to take action on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or privilege shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege or shall be construed to be a waiver of any Event of Default.  No course of dealing between the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders or their respective agents or employees shall be effective to change, modify or discharge any provision of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or to constitute a waiver of any Event of Default.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Credit Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 10.2 for the benefit of all the Lenders; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 12.4 (subject to the terms of Section 5.6 ), or (c) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Credit Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided , further , that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.2 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 5.6 , any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders.

 

SECTION 10.4                                       Crediting of Payments and Proceeds .  In the event that the Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to Section 10.2 or the Administrative Agent or any Lender has exercised any remedy set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, all payments received on account of the Secured Obligations and all net proceeds from the enforcement of the Secured Obligations shall, subject to Section 5.15 , and the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Credit Agreement, be applied by the Administrative Agent as follows:

 

First , to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts, including attorney fees, payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

 

Second , to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders under

 

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the Loan Documents, including attorney fees, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

 

Third , to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Term Loans, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

 

Fourth , to payment of that portion of the Secured Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Term Loans ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause  Fourth payable to them; and

 

Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Secured Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Applicable Law.

 

SECTION 10.5                                       Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim .  In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Credit Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Term Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(a)                                  to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Term Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Sections 5.3 and 12.3 ) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(b)                                  to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 5.3 and 12.3 .

 

SECTION 10.6                                       Credit Bidding .

 

(a)                                  The Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the Lenders, shall have the right to credit bid and purchase for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders all or any portion of Collateral at any sale thereof conducted by the Administrative Agent under the provisions of the UCC, including pursuant to Sections 9-610 or 9-620 of the UCC, at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, including

 

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Section 363 thereof, or a sale under a plan of reorganization, or at any other sale or foreclosure conducted by the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with Applicable Law.

 

(b)                                  Each Lender hereby agrees that, except as otherwise provided in any Loan Documents or with the written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, it will not take any enforcement action, accelerate obligations under any Loan Documents, or exercise any right that it might otherwise have under Applicable Law to credit bid at foreclosure sales, UCC sales or other similar dispositions of Collateral.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

SECTION 11.1                                       Appointment and Authority .

 

(a)                                  Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints Wells Fargo to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  Except for the rights granted to any Credit Party under Sections 11.6 and 11.9 hereof, the provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary thereof shall have rights as a third-party beneficiary of any of such provisions.  It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any Applicable Law.  Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

 

(b)                                  Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent is authorized to enter into the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any other intercreditor or subordination agreement (and any amendments, amendments and restatements, restatements or waivers of or supplements to or other modifications to, any of the foregoing) and to take all actions (and execute all documents) required (or otherwise deemed advisable by the Administrative Agent) in connection with the incurrence by any Credit Party of any Indebtedness permitted hereunder, in order to permit such Indebtedness to be secured by a valid, perfected lien and/or to have the priority contemplated hereby and the parties hereto acknowledge that any such intercreditor or subordination agreement will be binding upon them.  Each Lender (i) hereby agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or any other such intercreditor or subordination agreement and (ii) hereby authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to enter into the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any other such intercreditor or subordination agreement (and any amendments, amendments and restatements, restatements or waivers of or supplements to or other modifications to, any of the foregoing) in connection with the incurrence by any Credit Party of any Indebtedness permitted hereunder, in order to permit such Indebtedness to be

 

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secured by a valid, perfected lien and/or to have the priority contemplated hereby and to subject the Liens on the Collateral securing the Secured Obligations to the provisions thereof.

 

(c)                                   The Administrative Agent shall also act as the “ collateral agent ” under the Loan Documents, and each of the Lenders and the hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as the agent of such Lender for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by any of the Credit Parties to secure any of the Secured Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto (including, without limitation, to enter into additional Loan Documents or supplements to existing Loan Documents on behalf of the Secured Parties).  In this connection, the Administrative Agent, as “collateral agent” and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Article XI for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Security Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Administrative Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of Articles XI and XII (including Section 12.3 , as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 11.2                                       Rights as a Lender .  The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity.  Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

 

SECTION 11.3                                       Exculpatory Provisions .

 

(a)                                  The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

 

(i)                                      shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(ii)                                   shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or Applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under

 

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any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and

 

(iii)                                shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

 

(b)                                  The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Section 12.2 and Section 10.2 ) or (ii) in the absence of its own bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final nonappealable judgment.  The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless and until notice describing such Default or Event of Default is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender.

 

(c)                                   The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article VI or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 11.4                                       Reliance by the Administrative Agent .  The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person.  The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon.  In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Term Loan that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Term Loan.  The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

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SECTION 11.5                                       Delegation of Duties .  The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties.  The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the Term Loan Facility as well as activities as Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

 

SECTION 11.6                                       Resignation of Administrative Agent .

 

(a)                                  The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, and the Borrower.  Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower and subject to the consent of the Borrower (provided no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such resignation), to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States.  If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “ Resignation Effective Date ”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to), on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above.  Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date.

 

(b)                                  If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, by notice in writing to the Borrower and such Person, remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, in consultation with the Borrower and subject to the reasonable consent of the Borrower (provided no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such appointment), appoint a successor.  If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “ Removal Effective Date ”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date and the Required Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above; provided that in such circumstance, the Required Lenders shall designate a single Lender for purposes of giving to or receiving from the Borrower any notices, documents, certificates, schedules, updates or other information, written or otherwise, until a successor agent shall have been appointed pursuant to the terms hereof, and each obligation of the Borrower to deliver notices, documents, certificates, schedules, updates or other information to the Administrative Agent shall be deemed satisfied when delivered by the Borrower to such designated Lender for such period of time.

 

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(c)                                   With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable), (1) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder (other than its duties and obligations under Section 12.10 hereof) and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (2) except for any indemnity payments owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above.  Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring or removed Administrative Agent (other than any rights to indemnity payments owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent), and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder (other than its duties and obligations under Section 12.10 hereof) or under the other Loan Documents.  The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor.  After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 12.3 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 11.7                                       Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders .  Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

SECTION 11.8                                       No Other Duties, etc.   Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the syndication agents, documentation agents, co-agents, arrangers or bookrunners listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent or a Lender hereunder.

 

SECTION 11.9                                       Collateral and Guaranty Matters .

 

(a)                                  Subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, Liens on Collateral securing the Obligations will be automatically and unconditionally released:

 

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(i)                                      as to any property or asset (including Capital Stock of a Subsidiary of the Borrower), to enable the Credit Parties to consummate the disposition of such property or asset to the extent not prohibited by Section 9.3 , 9.6 or 12.2 ;

 

(ii)                                   in respect of the property and assets of a Guarantor, upon the designation of such Guarantor to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with Section 8.18 and the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary”;

 

(iii)                                granted to or held by the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, under any Loan Document (A) upon the termination of the Term Loan Commitment and payment in full of all Secured Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations), (B) that is sold or otherwise disposed of or to be sold or otherwise disposed of as part of or in connection with any sale or other disposition (including any Asset Sale pursuant to Section 4.4(b) ) permitted under the Loan Documents, or (C) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing in accordance with Section 12.2 ;

 

(iv)                               with respect to property and assets of a Guarantor upon release or discharge of the Guarantee of such Guarantor in accordance with this Agreement;

 

(v)                                  as to the pledge of Capital Stock of First Tier Foreign Subsidiaries, in connection with a reorganization, change or modification of the direct or indirect ownership of such First Tier Foreign Subsidiaries by the Borrower or a Guarantor, as applicable, in compliance with this Agreement, a release may be obtained as to such Capital Stock in connection with the substitution of a pledge of 65% of the voting Capital Stock and 100% of the non-voting Capital Stock of any one or more new or replacement First Tier Foreign Subsidiaries pursuant to valid Security Documents;

 

(vi)                               in connection with the subordination of any Lien on any Collateral granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Permitted Lien;

 

(vii)                            as otherwise permitted under this Agreement and any other Loan Document.

 

(b)                                  Subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, each of the Lenders irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to automatically and unconditionally release any Guarantor from its obligations under this Agreement and any other Loan Document as provided for in Section 12.21 .

 

Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty and Security Agreement pursuant to this Section 11.9 .  In each case as specified in this Section 11.9 , the Administrative Agent will, at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Credit Party such documents as such Credit Party may reasonably request to evidence the release of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Security Documents or to subordinate its interest in such item, or to release such

 

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Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty and Security Agreement, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 11.9 .  In the case of any such sale, transfer or disposal of any property constituting Collateral in a transaction constituting an Asset Sale permitted pursuant to Section 9.3 , the Liens created by any of the Security Documents on such property shall be automatically released without need for further action by any person.

 

(c)                                   The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon, or any certificate prepared by any Credit Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 12.1                                       Notices .

 

(a)                                  Notices Generally .  Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile as follows:

 

 

If to the Borrower:

 

 

 

777 Main Street

 

Suite 3000

 

Fort Worth, TX 76102

 

Attn: Michael J. Doss

 

Fax No. 817-339-3641

 

 

 

With copies to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

 

 

Larry D. Cannon

 

777 Main Street

 

Suite 3000

 

Fort Worth, TX 76102

 

Fax No. 817-339-3641

 

 

 

If to Wells Fargo as

 

Administrative

 

Agent:

 

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Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

 

MAC D1109-019

 

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

 

Charlotte, NC 28262

 

Attention of: Syndication Agency Services

 

Telephone No.: (704) 590-2703

 

Group email address:  agencyservices.requests@wellsfargo.com

 

 

 

With copies to:

 

 

 

Shearman & Sterling LLP

 

599 Lexington Avenue

 

New York, NY 10022

 

Attn:  Jonathan DeSantis, Esq.

 

Fax No.:  646-848-5085

 

 

 

If to any Lender:

 

 

 

To the address set forth on the Register

 

Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient).  Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below, shall be effective as provided in said paragraph (b).

 

(b)                                  Electronic Communications .  Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication.  The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.  Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or other communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.

 

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(c)                                   Administrative Agent’s Office .  The Administrative Agent hereby designates its office located at the address set forth above, or any subsequent office which shall have been specified for such purpose by written notice to the Borrower and Lenders, as the Administrative Agent’s Office referred to herein, to which payments due are to be made and at which Term Loans will be disbursed.

 

(d)                                  Change of Address, Etc.   Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

(e)                                   Platform .

 

(i)                                      Each Credit Party agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the Borrower Materials available to the Lenders by posting the Borrower Materials on the Platform.

 

(ii)                                   The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.”  The Agent Parties (as defined below) do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the Borrower Materials or the adequacy of the Platform, and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omissions in the Borrower Materials.  No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including, without limitation, any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any Agent Party in connection with the Borrower Materials or the Platform.  In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “ Agent Parties ”) have any liability to any Credit Party, any Lender or any other Person or entity for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of any Credit Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of communications through the Internet (including, without limitation, the Platform), except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to any Credit Party, any Lender, or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages, losses or expenses (as opposed to actual damages, losses or expenses).

 

(f)                                    [Reserved]

 

SECTION 12.2                                       Amendments, Waivers and Consents .  Except as set forth below or as specifically provided in any Loan Document, any term, covenant, agreement or condition of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents may be amended or waived by the Lenders, and any consent given by the Lenders, if, but only if, such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing signed by the Required Lenders (or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders) and delivered to the Administrative Agent and, in the case of an amendment, signed by the Borrower; provided, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall:

 

(a)                                  [Reserved].

 

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(b)           increase the Term Loan Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Term Loan Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 10.2 ) or the amount of Term Loans of any Lender, in any case, without the written consent of such Lender;

 

(c)           waive, extend or postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment or mandatory prepayment (it being understood that a waiver of a mandatory prepayment under Section 4.4(b)  shall only require the consent of the Required Lenders) of principal, interest or fees due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;

 

(d)           reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Term Loan or (subject to clause (ii) of the proviso set forth in the paragraph below) any fees payable hereunder without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby; provided that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the rate set forth in Section 5.1(b)  during the continuance of an Event of Default;

 

(e)           except as otherwise permitted by Sections 4.6 , 4.7 , 5.13 or this Section 12.2 , change Section 5.6 or Section 10.4 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;

 

(f)            except as otherwise permitted by Sections 4.6 , 4.7 , 5.13 or this Section 12.2 , change any provision of this Section or reduce the percentages specified in the definition of “Required Lenders”, or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

(g)           consent to the assignment or transfer by any Credit Party of such Credit Party’s rights and obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party (except as permitted pursuant to Section 9.4 ), in each case, without the written consent of each Lender; or

 

(h)           release all of the Guarantors or Guarantors comprising substantially all of the credit support for the Secured Obligations, in any case, from the Guaranty and Security Agreement (other than as authorized in Section 11.9 ), without the written consent of each Lender; or

 

(i)            release all or substantially all of the Collateral (other than as authorized in Section 11.9 or as otherwise specifically permitted or contemplated in this Agreement or the applicable Security Document) without the written consent of each Lender;

 

provided further , that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (ii) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto, (iii) any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement that by its terms

 

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affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of Lenders holding Term Loans or Term Loan Commitments of a particular Class (but not the Lenders holding Term Loans or Term Loan Commitments of any other Class) may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the requisite percentage in interest of the affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereunder under this Section if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time and (iv) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall be permitted to amend any provision of the Loan Documents (and such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document) if the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall have jointly identified an obvious error or any error or omission of a technical or immaterial nature in any such provision.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent on its behalf, and without further consent, to enter into amendments or modifications to this Agreement (including, without limitation, amendments to this Section 12.2 ) or any of the other Loan Documents or to enter into additional Loan Documents as the Administrative Agent reasonably deems appropriate in order to effectuate the terms of Section  4.6 , 4.7 and 5.13 including, without limitation, as applicable:

 

(A)                            to provide that additional Classes of Term Loans shall share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Obligations;

 

(B)                                to include appropriately the Lenders holding such Classes in any determination of (1) Required Lenders or (2) similar required lender terms applicable thereto;

 

(C)          to permit any such additional credit facilities to share ratably with the Term Loans in the application of prepayments;

 

(D)          to cure any ambiguity, defect, omission, mistake or inconsistency; or

 

(E)           to add to the Collateral securing the Obligations.

 

SECTION 12.3             Expenses; Indemnity .

 

(a)           Costs and Expenses .  The Borrower and any other Credit Party, jointly and severally, shall pay (i) all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements of one external counsel for the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, taken as a whole), in connection with the syndication of the Term Loan Facility, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and (ii) all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements of one firm of counsel for the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, taken as a whole, and one firm of external local counsel for the Administrative Agent in any applicable jurisdiction as to which the Administrative Agent reasonably determined local counsel is necessary), in connection with the

 

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enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Term Loans made hereunder, including all such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Term Loans .

 

(b)           Indemnification by the Borrower .  The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, and shall pay or reimburse any such Indemnitee for, any and all losses, claims (including, without limitation, any Environmental Liability), penalties, damages, liabilities and related reasonable, documented, out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of one firm of counsel for all Indemnitees (excluding any local counsel or regulatory counsel (if the applicable Indemnitee or Indemnitees reasonably determine that local or regulatory counsel is necessary) or any additional counsel reasonably necessary as a result of an actual conflict of interest or a reasonable likelihood of a conflict of interest of any Indemnitee, which, in the case of local counsel, shall be limited to one firm of counsel for each applicable jurisdiction, in the case of regulatory counsel, shall be limited to one firm of such counsel for all Indemnitees, and in the case of a conflict of interest, shall be limited to one firm of counsel for all Indemnitees similarly situated)), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any Person (including the Borrower or any other Credit Party), other than such Indemnitee and its Related Parties, arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (including, without limitation, the Transactions), (ii) any Term Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged Environmental Liability related in any way to any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary, (iv) any actual or prospective (if threatened in writing) claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by any Credit Party or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, or (v) any claim (including, without limitation, any Environmental Liability), investigation, litigation or other proceeding (whether or not the Administrative Agent or any Lender is a party thereto) and the prosecution and defense thereof, arising out of or in any way connected with the Term Loans, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (A) to the extent resulting from such Indemnitee’s own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment, (B) to the extent that they are found by a final, nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to arise from a material breach of the obligations of such Indemnitee under any Loan Document, (C) arising out of or in connection with any claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding that does not involve an act or omission of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates (as found by a final, nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction) and that is brought by an Indemnitee against any other Indemnitee) or (D) in respect of any loss, claim, penalty, damage, liability or expense resulting directly from any information concerning the Indemnitees furnished to the Borrower in writing by the Arrangers specifically for inclusion

 

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in the confidential information memoranda and other marketing materials to be used in connection with the syndication of the Term Loan Facilities.  This Section 12.3(b)  shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.

 

(c)           Reimbursement by Lenders .  To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under clause (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof) or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought based on each Lender’s share of the Total Credit Exposure at such time, or if the Total Credit Exposure has been reduced to zero, then based on such Lender’s share of the Total Credit Exposure immediately prior to such reduction) of such unpaid amount (including any such unpaid amount in respect of a claim asserted by such Lender); provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in connection with such capacity.  The obligations of the Lenders under this clause (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 5.7 .

 

(d)           Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc .  To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, no Credit Party or Indemnitee shall assert, and each Credit Party and Indemnitee hereby waives, any claim against any Credit Party or other Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Term Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that the foregoing shall not limit the liability of any Credit Party pursuant to clause (b) above.  No Credit Party or any Indemnitee referred to in clause (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

(e)           Payments .  All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly after demand therefor, which demand shall be accompanied by a statement from the applicable Person to whom such payment is due setting forth such amounts in reasonable detail.

 

(f)            Survival .  Each party’s obligations under this Section shall survive the termination of the Loan Documents and payment of the obligations hereunder.

 

SECTION 12.4             Right of Setoff .  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender

 

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or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any other Credit Party against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower or such Credit Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or any of its Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or any such Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower or such Credit Party may be unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or such Affiliate different from the branch, office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.4 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff.  The rights of each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or its Affiliates may have.  Each Lender, agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

 

SECTION 12.5             Governing Law; Jurisdiction, Etc.

 

(a)           Governing Law .  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document (except, as to any other Loan Document, as expressly set forth therein) and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

(b)           Submission to Jurisdiction .  The Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not commence any action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Administrative Agent, any Lender, or any Related Party of the foregoing in any way relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions relating hereto or thereto, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County, and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any such action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, in such federal court.  Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against the Borrower or any other Credit Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

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(c)           Waiver of Venue .  The Borrower and each Credit Party irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(d)           Service of Process .  Each party hereto irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 12.1 .  Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law.

 

SECTION 12.6             Waiver of Jury Trial .  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

SECTION 12.7             Reversal of Payments .  To the extent any Credit Party makes a payment or payments to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Lenders or the Administrative Agent receives any payment or proceeds of the Collateral which payments or proceeds or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any Debtor Relief Law, other Applicable Law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment or proceeds repaid, the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 12.8             Injunctive Relief .  The Borrower recognizes that, in the event the Borrower fails to perform, observe or discharge any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement, any remedy of law may prove to be inadequate relief to the Lenders.  Therefore, the Borrower agrees that the Lenders, at the Lenders’ option, shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief in any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages.

 

SECTION 12.9             Successors and Assigns; Participations .

 

(a)           Successors and Assigns Generally .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and

 

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assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of paragraph (e) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void).  Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in paragraph (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)           Assignments by Lenders .  Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Term Loans at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

(i)            Minimum Amounts .

 

(A)          in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Term Loan Commitments or such Lender’s Term Loans at the time owing to it (in each case with respect to any Class) or contemporaneous assignments to related Approved Funds that equal at least the amount specified in paragraph (b)(i)(B) of this Section in the aggregate or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

 

(B)          in any case not described in paragraph (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Term Loan Commitment (which for this purpose includes Term Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the applicable Term Loan Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Term Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if a “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date) shall not be less than $1,000,000, unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed);

 

(ii)           Proportionate Amounts .  Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Term Loan or the Term Loan Commitment assigned, except that this clause (ii) shall not prohibit any Lender from assigning all or a portion of its rights and obligations among separate Classes on a non- pro rata basis;

 

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(iii)          Required Consents .  No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by paragraph (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:

 

(A)          consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (x) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (y) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or (z) the assignment is made to any Person approved by the Borrower in writing on or before the Closing Date in connection with the primary syndication of the Term Loan Facility and during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the date that is ninety (90) days following the Closing Date; provided , that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within 10 Business Days after having received notice thereof; and provided , further , that the Borrower’s consent shall not be required during the primary syndication of the Credit Facility;

 

(B)          the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required, except in the case of an assignment pursuant to Section 4.5 or Section 12.9(e)  or (f) , for assignments in respect of (i) any unfunded Term Loan Commitments if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender with a Term Loan Commitment, as applicable, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender or (ii) the Term Loans to a Person who is not a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund.

 

(iv)          Assignment and Assumption .  The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 for each assignment; provided that (A) only one such fee will be payable in connection with simultaneous assignments to two or more related Approved Funds by a Lender and (B) the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment.  The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire and any Tax forms or documentation required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.11(g) .

 

(v)           No Assignment to Certain Persons .  No such assignment shall be made to (A) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or (B) any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B).

 

(vi)          No Assignment to Natural Persons .  No such assignment shall be made to a natural Person.

 

(vii)         Certain Additional Payments .  In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative

 

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Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Term Loans previously requested, but not funded by, the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (A) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent and each other Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon), and (B) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Term Loans.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under Applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.

 

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 5.8 , 5.9 , 5.10 , 5.11 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 5.11(g) ) and 12.3 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment; provided , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.  Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this paragraph shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (d) of this Section (other than a purported assignment to a natural Person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries or Affiliates, which shall be null and void.)

 

(c)           Register .  The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, a copy of each Assignment and Assumption and each Lender Joinder Agreement delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Term Loan Commitment of, and principal amounts of (and stated interest on) the Term Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender (but only to the extent of entries in the Register that are applicable to such Lender), at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

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(d)           Participations .  Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural Person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries or Affiliates) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Term Loan Commitment and/or the Term Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 12.3(c)  with respect to any payments made by such Lender to its Participant(s).

 

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver or modification described in Section 12.2(b) , (c) , (d)  or (e)  that directly and adversely affects such Participant and could not be effected by a vote of the Required Lenders.  The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 5.9 , 5.10 and 5.11 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 5.11(g)  (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.11(g)  shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 5.12 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section (without duplication of any such benefits that would otherwise be owed to the Lender with respect to the Term Loans subject to such participation); and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 5.10 or 5.11 , with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive unless the right of such Participant to receive any such greater payment shall have been consented to in writing by the Borrower prior to or concurrently with the effectiveness of the sale of the participation to such Participant.  Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 5.12(b)  with respect to any Participant.  To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 12.4 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 5.6 as though it were a Lender.

 

Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts of (and stated interest on) each Participant’s interest in the Term Loans or other Obligations under the Loan Documents (the “ Participant Register ”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Term Loan Commitments, Term Loans or its other Obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Term Loan Commitment, Term Loan or other Obligation is in registered form

 

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under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

(e)                                   Affiliate Buybacks .

 

(i)                                      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, with respect to any assignment to or by an Affiliated Lender:

 

(A)                                the Affiliated Lender and such other Lender shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an assignment agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit G-2 hereto (an “ Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption ”); and

 

(B)                                at the time of such assignment after giving effect to such assignment, the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans held by Affiliated Lenders shall not exceed 15% of the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans and Term Loan Commitments outstanding under this Agreement; and

 

(C)                                at the time of such assignment, the Affiliated Lender shall represent and warrant that it shall have no MNPI with regard to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that both (x) has not been previously disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (other than because any given Lender does not wish to receive such MNPI) prior to such time and (y) could reasonably be expected to have a material effect upon, or otherwise be material to, a Lender’s decision to assign its Loans.

 

(ii)                                   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Affiliated Lender shall have any right to (A) attend (including by telephone) any meeting or discussions (or portion thereof) among the Administrative Agent or any Lender to which representatives of the Borrower are not invited or (B) receive any information or material prepared by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any communication by or among the Administrative Agent and/or one or more Lenders, except to the extent such information or materials have been made available to the Borrower or its representatives.

 

(iii)                                Notwithstanding anything in Section 12.2 or the definition of “Required Lenders” to the contrary, for purposes of determining whether the Required Lenders, all affected Lenders or all Lenders have (A) consented (or not consented) to any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any departure by any Credit Party therefrom, (B) otherwise acted on any matter related to any Loan Document, or (C) directed or required the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or

 

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refrain from taking any action) with respect to or under any Loan Document, an Affiliated Lender shall be deemed to have voted its interest as a Lender without discretion in the same proportion as the allocation of voting with respect to such matter by Lenders who are not Affiliated Lenders; provided that no amendment, modification, waiver, consent or other action with respect to any Loan Document shall deprive such Affiliated Lender of its ratable portion of any payments to which such Affiliated Lender is entitled under the Loan Documents without such Affiliated Lender providing its consent; provided , further , that such Affiliated Lender shall have the right to approve any amendment, modification, waiver or consent that (x) disproportionately and adversely affects such Affiliated Lender or (y) is of the type described in Section 12.2 (b) through (i) of this Agreement to the extent that such Affiliated Lender is directly and adversely affected thereby; and in furtherance of the foregoing, (x) the Affiliated Lender agrees to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent any instrument reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to evidence the voting of its interest as a Lender in accordance with the provisions of this Section 12.9(e)(iii) ; provided that if the Affiliated Lender fails to promptly execute such instrument such failure shall in no way prejudice any of the Administrative Agent’s rights under this paragraph and (y) the Administrative Agent is hereby appointed (such appointment being coupled with an interest) by the Affiliated Lender as the Affiliated Lender’s attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of the Affiliated Lender and in the name of the Affiliated Lender, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s discretion to take any action and to execute any instrument that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section 12.9(e)(iii) .

 

(iv)                               Each Affiliated Lender, solely in its capacity as a Lender, hereby agrees, and each Affiliated Lender Assignment Agreement shall provide a confirmation that, if any Credit Party shall be subject to any voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or liquidation proceeding (for purposes of this Section 12.9(e)(iv)  only, “ Bankruptcy Proceedings ”), (i) such Affiliated Lender shall not take any step or action in such Bankruptcy Proceeding to object to, impede, or delay the exercise of any right or the taking of any action by the Administrative Agent (or the taking of any action by a third party that is supported by the Administrative Agent) in relation to such Affiliated Lender’s claim with respect to its Term Loans (for purposes of this Section 12.9(e)(iv)  only, “ Claim ”) (including, without limitation, objecting to any debtor in possession financing, use of cash collateral, grant of adequate protection, sale or disposition, compromise, or plan of reorganization) so long as such Affiliated Lender is treated in connection with such exercise or action on the same or better terms as the other Lenders and (ii) with respect to any matter requiring the vote of Lenders during the pendency of a Bankruptcy Proceeding (including, without limitation, voting on any plan of reorganization), the Term Loans held by such Affiliated Lender (and any Claim with respect thereto) shall be deemed to be voted in accordance with clause (iii) of this Section 12.9(e) , so long as such Affiliate Lender is treated in connection with the exercise of such right or taking of such action on the same or better terms as the other Lenders.  For the avoidance

 

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of doubt, the Lenders and each Affiliated Lender agree and acknowledge that the provisions set forth in this Section 12.9(e)(iv) , and the related provisions set forth in each Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption, constitute a “subordination agreement” as such term is contemplated by, and utilized in, Section 510(a) of the United States Bankruptcy Code, and, as such, would be enforceable for all purposes in any case where a Credit Party has filed for protection under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors applicable to such Credit Party.

 

(v)                                  Each Affiliated Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower promptly (and in any event within 10 Business Days) if it acquires any Person who is also a Lender, and each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) if it becomes an Affiliated Lender.  The Administrative Agent may conclusively rely upon any notice delivered pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence and shall not have any liability for any losses suffered by any Person as a result of any purported assignment to or from an Affiliated Lender.

 

(f)                                    Borrower Buybacks .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Lender may, at any time, assign all or a portion of its Term Loans to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that (i) any Term Loans that are so assigned will be immediately, automatically and irrevocably cancelled and the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans of the applicable Term Loan Facility then outstanding shall be reduced by an amount equal to the principal amount of such Term Loans, (ii) the Borrower or its Subsidiary (as applicable) shall clearly identify itself as such in the applicable assignment documentation and (iii) the Borrower or its relevant Subsidiary, as applicable, shall represent and warrant to the assigning Lenders that it shall have no MNPI with regard to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that both (x) has not been disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (other than because any given Lender does not wish to receive such MNPI) prior to such time and (y) could reasonably be expected to have a material effect upon, or otherwise be material to, a Lender’s decision to assign its Term Loans.

 

As a condition to each assignment pursuant to this subsection (f), the Administrative Agent shall have been provided a notice in connection with each assignment to the Borrower in which the Borrower shall waive any right to bring any action in connection with such Term Loans against the Administrative Agent, in its capacity under this subsection (f).

 

(g)                                   Certain Pledges .  Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

SECTION 12.10                                Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality .  Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information

 

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(as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Related Parties who need to know the Information (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential on substantially the same terms as provided herein), (b) upon the request or demand of any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over such Person or any of their Affiliates (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners) if, when and solely to the extent required to be delivered thereto, (c) as to the extent required by Applicable Laws, pursuant to a subpoena or an order of any court or administrative agency or in any pending legal or administrative proceeding (in which case each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as applicable, agree to promptly notify the Borrower so that Borrower may seek a protective order or take other appropriate action, and the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as applicable, will cooperate in the Borrower’s efforts to obtain a protective order or other reasonable assurance that the confidential treatment will be accorded the Information), (d) to any other party hereto, (e) if (and solely to the extent) reasonably necessary in connection with the exercise of any remedies under this Agreement, under any other Loan Document, or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any (provided it agrees in writing in advance to be bound by this Section 12.10 or to otherwise keep such Information confidential on substantially the terms as provided herein) prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement, or (ii) to a nationally recognized rating agency solely to the extent it requires access to information regarding the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the Term Loans and the Loan Documents in connection with ratings issued with respect to an Approved Fund, (g) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency solely to the extent required in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the Term Loan Facility or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency solely in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the Term Loan Facility, (h) with the prior written consent of the Borrower, (i) to Gold Sheets and other similar bank trade publications, such information to consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications, (j) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section, (k) to governmental regulatory authorities in connection with any regulatory examination of the Administrative Agent or any Lender or in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s regulatory compliance policy if the Administrative Agent or such Lender deems necessary for the mitigation of claims by those authorities against the Administrative Agent or such Lender or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or (l) for purposes of establishing a “due diligence” defense if, when and solely to the extent necessary.  For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof relating to any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender prior to disclosure by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof other than as a result of a breach of this Section 12.10 .  The parties hereto hereby agree that unless otherwise clearly identified by the Borrower at the time of delivery thereof, any information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof shall be deemed confidential unless such information shall already be publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 12.10.

 

140



 

SECTION 12.11                                Performance of Duties .  Each of the Credit Party’s obligations under each Loan Document to which it is a party shall be performed by such Credit Party at its sole cost and expense.

 

SECTION 12.12                                All Powers Coupled with Interest .  All powers of attorney and other authorizations granted to the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and any Persons designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to any provisions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents shall be deemed coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable so long as any of the Obligations remain unpaid or unsatisfied, any of the Term Loan Commitments remain in effect or the Term Loan Facility has not been terminated.

 

SECTION 12.13                                Survival .

 

(a)                                  All representations and warranties set forth in Article VII and all representations and warranties contained in any certificate or any of the Loan Documents (including, but not limited to, any such representation or warranty made in or in connection with any amendment thereto) shall constitute representations and warranties made under this Agreement.  All representations and warranties made under this Agreement shall be made or deemed to be made at and as of the Closing Date (except those that are expressly made as of a specific date), shall survive the Closing Date and shall not be waived by the execution and delivery of this Agreement, any investigation made by or on behalf of the Lenders or any borrowing hereunder.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, the indemnities to which the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are entitled under the provisions of this Article XII and any other provision of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall continue in full force and effect and shall protect the Administrative Agent and the Lenders against events arising after such termination as well as before.

 

SECTION 12.14                                Titles and Captions .  Titles and captions of Articles, Sections and subsections in, and the table of contents of, this Agreement are for convenience only, and neither limit nor amplify the provisions of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 12.15                                Severability of Provisions .  Any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions hereof or thereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 12.16                                Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution .

 

(a)                                  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent and/or the Arrangers, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent

 

141



 

and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or in electronic (i.e., “pdf” or “tif”) format shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Electronic Execution of Assignments .  The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any Applicable Law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

 

SECTION 12.17                                Term of Agreement .  This Agreement shall remain in effect from the Closing Date through and including the date upon which all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due) arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall have been paid in full and the Term Loan Commitments have been terminated.  No termination of this Agreement shall affect the rights and obligations of the parties hereto arising prior to such termination or in respect of any provision of this Agreement which survives such termination.

 

SECTION 12.18                                USA PATRIOT Act .  The Administrative Agent and each Lender hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the PATRIOT Act, each of them is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Credit Party, which information includes the name and address of each Credit Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify each Credit Party in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.

 

SECTION 12.19                                Independent Effect of Covenants .  The Borrower expressly acknowledges and agrees that each covenant contained in Articles VIII or IX hereof shall be given independent effect.  Accordingly, the Borrower shall not engage in any transaction or other act otherwise permitted under any covenant contained in Articles VIII or IX , before or after giving effect to such transaction or act, the Borrower shall or would be in breach of any other covenant contained in Articles VIII or IX .

 

SECTION 12.20                                Inconsistencies with Other Documents .  In the event there is a conflict or inconsistency between this Agreement, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any other Loan Document, the terms of this Agreement shall control; provided that any provision of the Security Documents which imposes additional burdens on the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or further restricts the rights of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or gives the Administrative Agent or Lenders additional rights shall not be deemed to be in conflict or inconsistent with this Agreement and shall be given full force and effect; provided , further , that (x) the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement govern and control in the event of any conflict with any other Loan Document and (y) the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement governs and controls in the event of any conflict with the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

142



 

SECTION 12.21                                Release of Guarantors .  Subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Guaranty of each Guarantor under the Guaranty Agreement and any other Loan Document shall be automatically and unconditionally released (and thereupon shall terminate and be discharged and be of no further force and effect):

 

(a)                                  in connection with any sale or other disposition (including by merger or otherwise) of Capital Stock of such Guarantor after which such Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, if the sale or disposition of such Capital Stock of that Guarantor complies with the applicable provisions of this Agreement;

 

(b)                                  in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, if the sale or other disposition does not violate the applicable provisions of the this Agreement;

 

(c)                                   in connection with an enforcement action with respect to the Collateral, as provided for in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(d)                                  if the Borrower properly designates the Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary under this Agreement;

 

(e)                                   in the case of a Guaranty entered into because a Person has Guaranteed other Indebtedness of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, upon the release or discharge of the Guarantee that resulted in the creation of such Guaranty or a payment of the Indebtedness supported by such Guarantee; and

 

(f)                                    upon the Guarantor becoming an Excluded Subsidiary.

 

Upon any occurrence giving rise to a release of any Guaranty of a Guarantor as specified above, the Administrative Agent will execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence or effect such release, suspension, discharge and termination in respect of such Guaranty.

 

[ Signature pages to follow ]

 

143



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed under seal by their duly authorized officers, all as of the day and year first written above.

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., as Borrower

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

Title:

Senior Vice President — Finance and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, as Grantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

Title:

Senior Vice President — Finance and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING, LLC, as Grantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

Title:

Senior Vice President — Finance and Treasurer

 

[Signature Page to Term Loan Credit Agreement]

 



 

 

AGENT:

 

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent, and Lender

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Clawson

 

Name:

Michael J. Clawson

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Term Loan Credit Agreement]

 


 

Exhibit A

 

FORM OF TERM LOAN NOTE

 

$

, 20        

 

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), promises to pay to                     (the “ Lender ”), at the place and times provided in the Term Loan Agreement, the principal sum of                    DOLLARS ($             ) or, if less, the unpaid principal amount of all Term Loans made by the Lender pursuant to that certain Term Loan Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”) by and among the Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

The unpaid principal amount of this Term Loan Note from time to time outstanding is payable as provided in the Term Loan Agreement and shall bear interest as provided in Section 5.1 of the Term Loan Agreement.  All payments of principal and interest on this Term Loan Note shall be payable in Dollars in immediately available funds as provided in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

This Term Loan Note is entitled to the benefits of, and evidences Obligations incurred under, the Term Loan Agreement, to which reference is made for a description of the security for this Term Loan Note and for a statement of the terms and conditions on which the Borrower is permitted and required to make prepayments and repayments of principal of the Obligations evidenced by this Term Loan Note and on which such Obligations may be declared to be immediately due and payable.

 

THIS TERM LOAN NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

The Borrower hereby waives all requirements as to diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and (except as required by the Term Loan Agreement) notice of any kind with respect to this Term Loan Note.

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Term Loan Note under seal as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 



 

Exhibit B

 

FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING

 

Dated as of:                            

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent

MAC D 1109-019

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28262

Attention:  Syndication Agency Services

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This irrevocable Notice of Borrowing is delivered to you pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), by and among FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

1.                                       The Borrower hereby requests that the Lenders make [ the Initial Term Loan ][ an Incremental Term Loan ] [ Extended Term Loan] [Refinancing Term Loan] to the Borrower in the aggregate principal amount of $           .  (Complete with an amount in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Term Loan Agreement for such class.)

 

2.                                       The Borrower hereby requests that such Term Loan(s) be made on the following Business Day:                       .  (Complete with a Business Day in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Term Loan Agreement for the applicable Class).

 

3.                                       The Borrower hereby requests that such Term Loan(s) bear interest at the following interest rate, plus the Applicable Margin, as set forth below:

 

Component
of Term
Loan(1)

 

Interest Rate

 

Interest Period
(LIBOR
Rate only)

 

 

[ Base Rate or LIBOR Rate ] (2)

 

 

 


(1)  Complete with the Dollar amount of that portion of the overall Term Loan requested that is to bear interest at the selected interest rate and/or Interest Period (e.g., for a $20,000,000 loan, $5,000,000 may be requested at Base Rate, $8,000,000 may be requested at LIBOR with an interest period of three months and $7,000,000 may be requested at LIBOR with an interest period of one month).

 

(2)  Complete with (i) the Base Rate or the LIBOR Rate for the applicable Class.

 



 

4.                                       The aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding as of the date set forth in paragraph 2 above (including the Term Loan(s) requested herein) will not exceed the maximum amount permitted to be outstanding pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan Agreement.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Notice of Borrowing as of the day and year first written above.

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 


 

Exhibit C

 

NOTICE OF ACCOUNT DESIGNATION

 

Dated April   , 2014

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

1525 W WT Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28262-0680

Attn: Syndication Agency Services

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This Notice of Account Designation is delivered pursuant to the Term Loan Agreement dated on or about April 16, 2014 , by and among FTS International, Inc., the financial institutions party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.

 

1. The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to disburse all Term Loan proceeds into the following account:

 

Bank Name:

ABA Routing Number:

Account Number:

Account Name:

 

2. This authorization shall remain in effect until revoked or until a subsequent Notice of Account Designation is provided to the Administrative Agent.

 

In witness whereof, the undersigned has executed this Notice of Account Designation this        day of             , 201 .

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

Signature:

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 

 



 

Exhibit D

 

FORM OF NOTICE OF PREPAYMENT

 

 

Dated as of:

 

 

 

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent

MAC D 1109-019

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28262

Attention:  Syndication Agency Services

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This [irrevocable](1) Notice of Prepayment is delivered to you pursuant to Section [4.4(a)][4.4(b)] of the Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), by and among FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

1.             The Borrower hereby provides notice to the Administrative Agent that it shall repay the following [ Base Rate Loans ] and/or [ LIBOR Rate Loans ] :                 . (Complete with an amount in accordance with Section [4.4(a)][4.4(b)] of the Term Loan Agreement.)

 

2.             The Borrower shall repay the above-referenced Term Loans on the following Business Day:                 .  (Complete with a date no earlier than (i) the same Business Day as of the date of this Notice of Prepayment with respect to any Base Rate Loan and (ii) three (3) Business Days subsequent to date of this Notice of Prepayment with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan.)

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 


(1)  Any Notice of Prepayment delivered under Section 4.4(a)  of the Term Loan Agreement in connection with any refinancing of all or any portion of the Term Loan Facility with the proceeds of such refinancing or of any other incurrence of Indebtedness or the receipt of net cash proceeds of any equity issuance or Asset Sale may be, if expressly so stated to be, contingent upon the consummation of such refinancing, incurrence or receipt, revoked by the Borrower in the event such refinancing is not consummated or such net cash proceeds are not received; provided that the delay or failure of such contingency shall not relieve the Borrower from its obligations in respect thereof under Section 5.9 of the Term Loan Agreement.

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Notice of Prepayment as of the day and year first written above.

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Exhibit E

 

FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION/CONTINUATION

 

 

Dated as of:

 

 

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent

MAC D 1109-019

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28262

Attention:  Syndication Agency Services

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This irrevocable Notice of Conversion/Continuation (this “ Notice ”) is delivered to you pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), by and among FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

1.             The Term Loan to which this Notice relates is [ the Initial Term Loan ] [ an Incremental Term Loan ] [Extended Term Loan] [Refinancing Term Loan]. (Delete as applicable.)

 

2.             This Notice is submitted for the purpose of:  (Check one and complete applicable information in accordance with the Term Loan Agreement.)

 

o

Converting all or a portion of a Base Rate Loan into a LIBOR Rate Loan

 

 

 

Outstanding principal balance:

$                  

 

 

 

 

Principal amount to be converted:

$                    

 

 

 

 

Requested effective date of conversion:

 

 

 

 

 

Requested new Interest Period:

 

 

 

 

o

Converting a portion of a LIBOR Rate Loan into a Base Rate Loan

 

 

 

 

Outstanding principal balance:

$                  

 

 

 

 

Principal amount to be converted:

$                  

 

 

 

 

Last day of the current Interest Period:

 

 

 

 

 

Requested effective date of conversion:

 

 



 

¨

Continuing all or a portion of a LIBOR Rate Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan

 

 

 

 

Outstanding principal balance:

$              

 

 

 

 

Principal amount to be continued:

$              

 

 

 

 

Last day of the current Interest Period:

 

 

 

 

 

Requested effective date of continuation:

 

 

 

 

 

Requested new Interest Period:

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Notice of Conversion/Continuation as of the day and year first written above.

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 


 

Exhibit F

 

OFFICER’S COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

 

Dated as of:

 

 

 

The undersigned, on behalf of FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), hereby certifies to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, each as defined in the Term Loan Agreement referred to below, as follows:

 

1.                                       This certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), by and among the Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

2.                                       I have reviewed the financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries dated as of                 and for [fiscal quarter] [Fiscal Year] then ended and such statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis as of their respective dates and the results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the respective periods then ended [, subject to normal year end adjustments and the absence of footnotes].

 

3.                                       I have reviewed the terms of the Term Loan Agreement, and the related Loan Documents and have made, or caused to be made under my supervision, a review in reasonable detail of the transactions and the condition of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by the financial statements referred to in Paragraph 2 above.  Such review has not disclosed the existence of, nor do I have any knowledge of, any Default or Event of Default [ except for such Defaults or Events of Default set forth below with a description of the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Borrower has taken, is taking and proposes to take with respect thereto ] .

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 



 

WITNESS the following signature as of the day and year first written above.

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 



 

Exhibit G-1

 

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Assignment and Assumption (the “ Assignment and Assumption ”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [ INSERT NAME OF ASSIGNOR ] (the “ Assignor ”) and the parties identified on the Schedules hereto and [ the ] [ each ] (1) Assignee identified on the Schedules hereto as “Assignee” or as “Assignees” (collectively, the “ Assignees ” and each, an “ Assignee ”).  [ It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of the Assignees(2) hereunder are several and not joint. ] (3)  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Term Loan Agreement identified below (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by [ the ] [ each ] Assignee.  The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 (the “ Standard Terms and Conditions ”) attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the [ Assignee ] [ respective Assignees ] , and [ the ] [ each ] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Term Loan Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Term Loan Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including without limitation any guarantees included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under Applicable Law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Term Loan Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned to [ the ] [ any ] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as, [ the ] [ an ] Assigned Interest ”).  Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.                                       Assignor:                                                                                                                                               [ INSERT NAME OF ASSIGNOR ]

 

2.                                       Assignee(s):                                                                                                                                 See Schedules attached hereto

 

3 .                                       Affiliate Status:                                                                                                           The Assignee is not an Affiliated Lender.  [If the Assignee hereunder is an Affiliated Lender, do NOT use Exhibit G-1

 


(1)  For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language.  If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.

 

(2)   Select as appropriate.

 

(3)   Include bracketed language if there are multiple Assignees.

 



 

to the Term Loan Agreement.  Instead, use Exhibit G-2 to the Term Loan Agreement.]

 

4.                                       Borrower/Subsidiary Status                                             The Assignee is not the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower.  [If the Assignee hereunder is the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower, do NOT use Exhibit G-1 to the Term Loan Agreement.  Instead, use Exhibit G-3 to the Term Loan Agreement.]

 

5.                                       Borrower:                                                                                                                                           FTS International, Inc.

 

6.                                       Administrative Agent:                                                                          Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent under the Term Loan Agreement.

 

7.                                       Term Loan Agreement:                                                                  The Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 among FTS International, Inc., as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified)

 

8.                                       Assigned Interest:                                                                                                 See Schedules attached hereto

 

[9.                                   Trade Date:                                                                                                                                               ] (4)

 

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 


(4)   To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignees intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

 



 

Effective Date:                   , 2     [ TO BE INSERTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR ]

 

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

 

ASSIGNOR

 

[ NAME OF ASSIGNOR ]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 Name:

 

 Title:

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNEES

 

 

 

See Schedules attached hereto

 



 

[ Consented to and ] (5)  Accepted:

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Administrative Agent

 

By

 

 

 

Title:

 

[ Consented to: ] (6)

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

By

 

 

 

Title:

 

 


(5)   To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent and Issuing Lender is required by the terms of the Term Loan Agreement.  May also use a Master Consent.

 

(6)   To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Term Loan Agreement.  May also use a Master Consent.

 



 

SCHEDULE 1
To Assignment and Assumption

 

By its execution of this Schedule, the Assignee identified on the signature block below agrees to the terms set forth in the attached Assignment and Assumption.

 

Assigned Interests:

 

Term Loan
Facility Assigned

 

Aggregate Amount
of Term Loans /
Term Loan
Commitment for
all Lenders(1)

 

Amount of
Term Loans / Term
Loan Commitment
Assigned(2)

 

Percentage
Assigned of
Term Loans /
Term Loan
Commitment (3)

 

CUSIP Number

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

[ NAME OF ASSIGNEE ] (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 


(1)   Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

 

(2)   Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

 

(3)   Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Term Loan Commitment/Term Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

 

(4)   Add additional signature blocks, as needed.

 



 

ANNEX 1
to Assignment and Assumption

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1.                                       Representations and Warranties .

 

1.1                                Assignor .  The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assigned Interest, (ii)  [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) it is [ not ] a Defaulting Lender; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Term Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

 

1.2.                             Assignee [ s ] [ The ] [ Each ] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Term Loan Agreement, (ii) it meets the requirements of an Eligible Assignee under the Term Loan Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 12.9 of the Term Loan Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Term Loan Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Term Loan Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to [ Section 6.1]   [ Section 8.1] thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest, and (vii) attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan Agreement, duly completed and executed by [ the ] [ such ] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [ the ] [ any ] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will

 



perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

2.                                       Payments .  From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [ the ] [ each ] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

 

3.                                       General Provisions .  This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption.  This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 


 

Exhibit G-2

 

FORM OF AFFILIATED LENDER ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption (the “ Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption ”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [ INSERT NAME OF ASSIGNOR ] (the “ Assignor ”) and the parties identified on the Schedules hereto and [ the ] [ each ] (1) Assignee identified on the Schedules hereto as “Assignee” or as “Assignees” (collectively, the “ Assignees ” and each, an “ Assignee ”).  [ It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of the Assignees(2) hereunder are several and not joint. ] (3)  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Term Loan Agreement identified below (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by [ the ] [ each ] Assignee.  The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 (the “ Standard Terms and Conditions ”) attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

 

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the [ Assignee ] [ respective Assignees ] , and [ the ] [ each ] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Term Loan Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Term Loan Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including without limitation any guarantees included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under Applicable Law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Term Loan Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned to [ the ] [ any ] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as, [ the ] [ an ] Assigned Interest ”).  Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.                                       Assignor:                                                                                                                                               [ INSERT NAME OF ASSIGNOR ]

 

2.                                       Assignee(s):                                                                                                                                 See Schedules attached hereto

 


(1)   For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language.  If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.

 

(2)   Select as appropriate.

 

(3)   Include bracketed language if there are multiple Assignees.

 



 

3.                                       Borrower/Subsidiary Status:                                         The Assignee is not the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower.  [If the Assignee hereunder is the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower, do NOT use Exhibit G-2 to the Term Loan Agreement.  Instead, use Exhibit G-3 to the Term Loan Agreement.]

 

4.                                       Borrower:                                                                                                                                           FTS International, Inc.

 

5.                                       Administrative Agent:                                                                          Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent under the Term Loan Agreement

 

6.                                       Term Loan Agreement:                                                                  The Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 among FTS International, Inc., as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified).

 

7.                                       Assigned Interest:                                                                                                 See Schedules attached hereto

 

[8.                                   Trade Date:                                                                                                                                               ] (4)

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 


(4)   To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignees intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

 



 

Effective Date:                   , 2     [ TO BE INSERTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR ]

 

The terms set forth in this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

 

ASSIGNOR

 

[ NAME OF ASSIGNOR ]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNEES

 

 

 

See Schedules attached hereto

 



 

[ Consented to and ] (5)  Accepted:

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

[ Consented to: ] (6)

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Title:

 

 


(5)   To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent and Issuing Lender is required by the terms of the Term Loan Agreement.  May also use a Master Consent.

 

(6)   To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Term Loan Agreement.  May also use a Master Consent.

 



 

SCHEDULE 1
To Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption

 

By its execution of this Schedule, the Assignee identified on the signature block below agrees to the terms set forth in the attached Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption.

 

Assigned Interests:

 

Term Loan
Facility Assigned

 

Aggregate Amount
of Term Loans /
Term Loan
Commitment for
all Lenders(1)

 

Amount of
Term Loans / Term
Loan Commitment
Assigned(2)

 

Percentage
Assigned of
Term Loans /
Term Loan
Commitment (3)

 

CUSIP Number

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ NAME OF ASSIGNEE ] (4)

 

and is an Affiliate of [     ]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 


(1)   Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

 

(2)   Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

 

(3)   Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Term Loan Commitment/Term Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

 

(4)   Add additional signature blocks, as needed.

 



 

ANNEX 1
to Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1.                                       Representations and Warranties .

 

1.1                                A ssignor .  The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assigned Interest, (ii)  [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) it is [ not ] a Defaulting Lender; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Term Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

 

1.2.                             Assignee [ s ] [ The ] [ Each ] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Term Loan Agreement, (ii) it is an Affiliated Lender as such term is defined in the Term Loan Agreement, (iii) it meets the requirements of an Eligible Assignee under the Term Loan Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 12.9 of the Term Loan Agreement), (iv) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Term Loan Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (v) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (vii) it has received a copy of the Term Loan Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to [ Section 6.1 ] [ Section 8.1 ] thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest, (vii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest, (viii) attached to the Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan Agreement, duly completed and executed by [ the ] [ such ] Assignee, (ix) that it has no MNPI with regard to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that both (1) has not been previously disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (other than because any given

 



 

Lender does not wish to receive such MNPI) prior to the date hereof and (2) could reasonably be expected to have a material effect upon, or otherwise be material to, a Lender’s decision to assign its Term Loans and (x) after giving effect to the purchase and assumption of the Assigned Interest, the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans held by Affiliated Lenders does not exceed 15% of the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans and Term Loan Commitments outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement as of the date hereof; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [ the ] [ any ] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

3.                                       [The] [Each] Affiliated Lender hereby agrees that it shall have no right to (A) attend (including by telephone) any meeting or discussions (or portion thereof) among the Administrative Agent or any Lender to which representatives of the Borrower are not invited or (B) receive any information or material prepared by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any communication by or among the Administrative Agent and/or one or more Lenders, except to the extent such information or materials have been made available to the Borrower or its representatives.

 

4.                                       If [the] [each] Affiliated Lender is a Lender when a Bankruptcy Proceeding is commenced by or against a Borrower or any other Credit Party, [the] [each] Affiliated Lender (i) shall not take any step or action in such Bankruptcy Proceeding to object to, impede, or delay the exercise of any right or the taking of any action by the Administrative Agent (or the taking of any action by a third party that is supported by the Administrative Agent) in relation to such Affiliated Lender’s claim with respect to its Term Loans (for purposes of this Section  4 only, “ Claim ”) (including, without limitation, objecting to any debtor in possession financing, use of cash collateral, grant of adequate protection, sale or disposition, compromise, or plan of reorganization) so long as [the] [such] Affiliated Lender is treated in connection with such exercise or action on the same or better terms as the other Lenders and (ii) with respect to any matter requiring the vote of Lenders during the pendency of a Bankruptcy Proceeding (including, without limitation, voting on any plan of reorganization), the Term Loans held by [the] [such] Affiliated Lender (and any Claim with respect thereto) shall be deemed to be voted in accordance with Section 12.9(e)(iii) of the Term Loan Agreement, so long as [the] [such] Affiliated Lender is treated in connection with the exercise of such right or taking of such action on the same or better terms as the other Lenders.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Lenders and [the] [each]Affiliated Lender agree and acknowledge that the provisions set forth in this Section 4, and the related provisions set forth in this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption, constitute a “subordination agreement” as such term is contemplated by, and utilized in, Section 510(a) of the United States Bankruptcy Code, and, as such, would be enforceable for all purposes in any case where a Credit Party has filed for protection under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors applicable to such Credit Party.

 

5.                                       Payments .  From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [ the ] [ each ] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the

 



 

Effective Date and to [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

 

6.                                       General Provisions .  This Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  This Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption.  This Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 


Exhibit G-3

 

FORM OF BORROWER ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Borrower Assignment and Assumption (the “ Borrower Assignment and Assumption ”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [ INSERT NAME OF ASSIGNOR ] (the “ Assignor ”) and the parties identified on the Schedules hereto and [ the ] [ each ] (1) Assignee identified on the Schedules hereto as “Assignee” or as “Assignees” (collectively, the “ Assignees ” and each, an “ Assignee ”).  [ It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of the Assignees(2) hereunder are several and not joint. ] (3)  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Term Loan Agreement identified below (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by [ the ] [ each ] Assignee.  The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 (the “ Standard Terms and Conditions ”) attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Borrower Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the [ Assignee ] [ respective Assignees ] , and [ the ] [ each ] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Term Loan Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Term Loan Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including without limitation any guarantees included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under Applicable Law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Term Loan Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned to [ the ] [ any ] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as, [ the ] [ an ] Assigned Interest ”).  Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Borrower Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1.

Assignor:

[ INSERT NAME OF ASSIGNOR ]

 

 

 

2.

Assignee(s):

See Schedules attached hereto

 

 

 

3 .

Affiliate Status:

The Assignee is not an Affiliated Lender. [If the Assignee hereunder is an Affiliated Lender, do NOT use Exhibit G-3

 


(1)   For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language.  If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.

 

(2)   Select as appropriate.

 

(3)   Include bracketed language if there are multiple Assignees.

 



 

 

 

to the Term Loan Agreement. Instead, use Exhibit G-2 to the Term Loan Agreement.]

 

 

 

4.

Borrower:

FTS International, Inc.

 

 

 

5.

Administrative Agent:

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent under the Term Loan Agreement

 

 

 

6.

Term Loan Agreement:

The Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 among FTS International, Inc., as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified).

 

 

 

7.

Assigned Interest:

See Schedules attached hereto

 

 

 

[8.

Trade Date:

                           ] (4)

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 


(4)   To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignees intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

 



 

Effective Date:                   , 2     [ TO BE INSERTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR ]

 

The terms set forth in this Borrower Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

 

ASSIGNOR

 

[ NAME OF ASSIGNOR ]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNEES

 

 

 

See Schedules attached hereto

 



 

[ Consented to and ] (5)  Accepted:

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

[ Consented to: ] (6)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

Title:

 

 


(5)   To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent and Issuing Lender is required by the terms of the Term Loan Agreement.  May also use a Master Consent.

 

(6)   To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Term Loan Agreement.  May also use a Master Consent.

 



 

SCHEDULE 1
To Borrower Assignment and Assumption

 

By its execution of this Schedule, the Assignee identified on the signature block below agrees to the terms set forth in the attached Borrower Assignment and Assumption.

 

Assigned Interests:

 

Term Loan
Facility Assigned

 

Aggregate Amount
of Term Loans /
Term Loan

Commitment for

all Lenders(1)

 

Amount of
Term Loans / Term
Loan Commitment
Assigned(2)

 

Percentage

Assigned of
Term Loans /
Term Loan
Commitment (3)

 

CUSIP Number

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ NAME OF ASSIGNEE ] (4)

 

and is [the Borrower ][ a Subsidiary of the Borrower]

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 


(1)   Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

 

(2)   Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

 

(3)   Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Term Loan Commitment/Term Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

 

(4)   Add additional signature blocks, as needed.

 



 

ANNEX 1
to Borrower Assignment and Assumption

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1.             Representations and Warranties .

 

1.1          Assignor .  The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assigned Interest, (ii)  [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Borrower Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) it is [ not ] a Defaulting Lender; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Term Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

 

1.2.         Assignee [ s ] [ The ] [ Each ] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Borrower Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Term Loan Agreement, (ii) it is [the Borrower][a Subsidiary of the Borrower] as such term[s] [is][are] defined in the Term Loan Agreement, (iii) it meets the requirements of an Eligible Assignee under the Term Loan Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 12.9 of the Term Loan Agreement), (iv) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Term Loan Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (v) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (vii) it has received a copy of the Term Loan Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to [ Section 6.1 ] [ Section 8.1] thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Borrower Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest, (vii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Borrower Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [ the ] [ such ] Assigned Interest, (viii) attached to the Borrower Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan Agreement, duly completed and executed by [ the ] [ such ] Assignee, and (ix) that it has no MNPI with regard to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that both (1) has not been disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (other than because any given Lender does not wish to



 

receive such MNPI) prior to the date hereof and (2) could reasonably be expected to have a material effect upon, or otherwise be material to, a Lender’s decision to assign its Term Loans; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [ the ] [ any ] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

3.             Cancellation .        Any Term Loans that are assigned under this Borrower Assignment and Assumption will be immediately, automatically and irrevocably cancelled and the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans of the applicable Term Loan Facility then outstanding shall be reduced by an amount equal to the principal amount of such Term Loans.

 

4.             Payments .  From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [ the ] [ each ] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [ the ] [ the relevant ] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

 

5.             Waiver .  [The] [Each] Assignor hereby waives any right to bring any action in connection with the Term Loans assigned under this Borrower Assignment and Assumption against the Administrative Agent.

 

6.             General Provisions .  This Borrower Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  This Borrower Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Borrower Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Borrower Assignment and Assumption.  This Borrower Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 


 

Exhibit H-1

 

FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), by and among FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the lenders who are or may become a party thereto, as Lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.11 of the Term Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (a) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Term Loan(s) (as well as any Term Loan Note(s) evidencing such Term Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (b) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (c) it is not a ten percent (10%) shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code and (d) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (a) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and (b) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two (2) calendar years preceding such payments.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Date:             , 20

 



 

Exhibit H-2

 

FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Term Loan Agreement dated as of April [_], 2014 (the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), by and among FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the lenders who are or may become party a thereto, as Lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.11 of the Term Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (a) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (b) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (c) it is not a ten percent (10%) shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code and (d) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (a) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing and (b) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two (2) calendar years preceding such payments.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Date:             , 20

 



 

Exhibit H-3

 

FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), by and among FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the lenders who are or may become party thereto, as Lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.11 of the Term Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (a) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (b) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (c) with respect such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (d) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent (10%) shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code and (e) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption:  (a) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (b) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (i) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (ii) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two (2) calendar years preceding such payments.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Date:             , 20

 



 

Exhibit H-4

 

FORM OF U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”), by and among FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the lenders who are or may become party thereto, as Lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.11 of the Term Loan Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (a) it is the sole record owner of the Term Loan(s) (as well as any Term Loan Note(s) evidencing such Term Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (b) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Term Loan(s) (as well as any Term Loan Note(s) evidencing such Term Loan(s)), (c) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Term Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (d) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent (10%) shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code and (e) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption:  (a) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (b) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (i) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and (ii) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two (2) calendar years preceding such payments.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Date:             , 20

 



 

EXHIBIT I

 

[FORM OF]

 

AUCTION PROCEDURES

 

Reference is made to the TERM LOAN AGREEMENT dated as of April [  ], 2014, (as such may be amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”) entered into by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation, as Borrower, the lenders who are party to the Term Loan Agreement and the lenders who may become a party to the Term Loan Agreement pursuant to the terms thereof, as Lenders, and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

This Exhibit I is intended to summarize certain basic terms of the reverse Dutch auction procedures pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 4.5 of the Term Loan Agreement (each such auction, an “ Auction ”), of which this Exhibit I is a part.  It is not intended to be a definitive statement of all of the terms and conditions of a reverse Dutch auction, the definitive terms and conditions for which shall be set forth in the applicable offering document.  None of the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager, or any of their Affiliates makes any recommendation pursuant to any offering document as to whether or not any Lender should sell any Class of its Term Loans (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Extended Term Loans and Refinancing Term Loans, as applicable) to the Borrower pursuant to any offering documents, nor shall the decision by the Administrative Agent or the Auction Manager (or any of their respective Affiliates) in its capacity as a Lender to sell any such Term Loans to the Borrower be deemed to constitute such a recommendation.  Each Lender should make its own decision as to whether to sell any of its Term Loans (or any Term Loans of a particular Class) and as to the price to be sought for any such Term Loans.  In addition, each Lender should consult its own attorney, business advisor or tax advisor as to legal, business, tax and related matters concerning each Auction and the relevant offering documents.  Each Lender, by participating in an Auction, acknowledges and agrees that in connection with such Auction, (1) such Lender has independently and, without reliance on the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager or any of their respective Affiliates, made its own analysis and determination to participate in such Auction and (2) none of the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager or any of their respective Affiliates shall have any liability to such Lender, and such Lender hereby waives and releases, to the extent permitted by law, any claims such Lender may have against the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager and their respective Affiliates.

 

(A)                                NOTICE PROCEDURES.  In connection with each Auction, the Borrower will provide notification to the Auction Manager (for distribution to the Lenders of the applicable Class(es)), as determined by the Borrower in its sole discretion, that will be the subject of such Auction (each, an “ Auction Notice ”).  Each Auction Notice shall contain (i) the maximum principal amount (calculated on the face amount thereof) of each Class of Term Loans that the Borrower offers to purchase in such Auction (the “ Auction Amount ”), which shall be no less than

 



 

$5,000,000 and whole increments of $100,000 in excess thereof (across all such Classes) (unless a lesser amount is agreed to by the Administrative Agent and Auction Manager in its reasonable discretion); (ii) the range of discounts to par (the “ Discount Range ”), expressed as a range of prices (in increments of $5) per $1,000, at which the Borrower would be willing to purchase Term Loans of each applicable Class in such Auction; and (iii) the date on which such Auction will conclude, on which date Return Bids ( as defined below) will be due by 1:00 p.m., New York City time (as such date and time may be extended by the Auction Manager at the request of the Borrower as set forth below, the “ Expiration Time ”).  Such Expiration Time may be extended for a period not exceeding three Business Days upon notice by the Borrower to the Auction Manager received not less than 24 hours before the original Expiration Time; provided , that only two extensions per offer shall be permitted (unless otherwise approved by the Auction Manager prior to the date of the applicable Auction).  An Auction shall be regarded as a “failed auction” in the event that either (x) the Borrower withdraws such Auction in accordance with the terms hereof or as set forth in Section 4.5(b) of the Term Loan Agreement or (y) the Expiration Time occurs with no Qualifying Bids (as defined below) having been received.  In the event of a failed auction, the Borrower shall not be permitted to deliver a new Auction Notice prior to the date occurring three Business Days after such withdrawal or Expiration Time, as the case may be.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Borrower shall not initiate any Auction by delivering an Auction Notice to the Auction Manager until after the conclusion (whether successful or failed) of the previous Auction (if any), whether such conclusion occurs by withdrawal of such previous Auction or the occurrence of the Expiration Time of such previous Auction.

 

(B)                                REPLY PROCEDURES.  In connection with any Auction, each Lender of the applicable Class(es) of Term Loans wishing to participate in such Auction shall, prior to the Expiration Time, provide the Auction Manager with a notice of participation, in the form included in the applicable offering document (each, a “ Return Bid ”) which shall specify (i) a discount to par that must be expressed as a price (in increments of $5) per $1,000 in principal amount of Term Loans of the applicable Class(es) (the “ Reply Price ”) within the Discount Range and (ii) the principal amount of Term Loans of the applicable Class(es), in an amount not less than $ 500,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, that such Lender offers for sale at its Reply Price (the “ Reply Amount ”).  A Lender may submit a Reply Amount that is less than the minimum amount and incremental amount requirements described above only if the Reply Amount comprises the entire amount of the Term Loans of the applicable Class(es) that are subject to such Auction held by such Lender.  Lenders may only submit one Return Bid per Class per Auction, but each Return Bid may contain up to three component bids, each of which may result in a separate Qualifying Bid and each of which will not be contingent on any other component bid submitted by such Lender resulting in a Qualifying Bid.  In addition to the Return Bid, the participating Lender must execute and deliver, to be held in escrow by the Auction Manager, an assignment and assumption in the form included in the applicable offering document (each, an “ Auction Assignment and Assumption ”).  The Borrower will not purchase any Term Loans of any Class at a price that is outside of the applicable Discount Range for such Class, nor will any Return Bids (including any component bids specified therein) submitted at a price that is outside such applicable Discount Range for such Class be considered in any calculation of the Applicable Threshold Price (as defined below) for such Class.

 



 

(C)                                ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURES.  Based on the Reply Prices and Reply Amounts for the applicable Class of Term Loans received by the Auction Manager, the Auction Manager, in consultation with the Borrower, will calculate the lowest purchase price (the “ Applicable Threshold Price ”) for such Auction within the Discount Range for such Auction that will allow the Borrower to complete the Auction by purchasing the full Auction Amount (or such lesser amount of Term Loans of the applicable Class for which the Borrower has received Qualifying Bids).  Subject to any conditions contained in the Auction Notice, the Borrower shall purchase Term Loans of each applicable Class from each Lender whose Return Bid is within the Discount Range for such Class and contains a Reply Price that is equal to or less than the Applicable Threshold Price for such Class (each, a “ Qualifying Bid ”).  All Term Loans of the applicable Class included in Qualifying Bids (including multiple component Qualifying Bids contained in a single Return Bid) received at a Reply Price lower than the Applicable Threshold Price will be purchased at such applicable Reply Prices and shall not be subject to proration.  Each participating Lender will receive notice of a Qualifying Bid as soon as reasonably practicable but in no case later than five business days from the date of the Expiration Time.

 

(D)                                PRORATION PROCEDURES.  All Term Loans of any applicable Class offered in Return Bids (or, if applicable, any component bid thereof) constituting Qualifying Bids at the Applicable Threshold Price will be purchased at the Applicable Threshold Price; provided that if the aggregate principal amount (calculated on the face amount thereof) of all Term Loans of the applicable Class for which Qualifying Bids have been submitted in any given Auction at the Applicable Threshold Price would exceed the remaining portion of the Auction Amount (after deducting all Term Loans of the applicable Class to be purchased at prices below the Applicable Threshold Price), the Borrower shall purchase such Term Loans of such Class ratably based on the relative principal amounts offered by each Lender for Term Loans of such Class in an aggregate amount equal to the amount necessary to complete the purchase of the Auction Amount.  No Return Bids or any component bid thereof will be accepted above the Applicable Threshold Price.

 

(E)                                 NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES.  The Auction Manager will calculate the Applicable Threshold Price and will post the Applicable Threshold Price and proration factor onto an internet or intranet site (including an IntraLinks, SyndTrak or other electronic workspace) in accordance with the Auction Manager’s standard dissemination practices by 4:00 p.m. New York City time on the Business Day during which the Expiration Time occurs.  The Auction Manager will insert the principal amount of Term Loans of the applicable Class to be assigned and the applicable settlement date into each applicable Auction Assignment and Assumption received in connection with a Qualifying Bid.  Upon the request of the submitting Lender, the Auction Manager will promptly return any Auction Assignment and Assumption received in connection with a Return Bid that is not a Qualifying Bid.

 

(F)                                  ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES.  Once initiated by an Auction Notice, the Borrower may withdraw an Auction only if (i) no Qualifying Bid has been received by the Auction Manager at the time of withdrawal or (ii) the Borrower has failed, or believes in good faith that it will fail, to satisfy one or more of the conditions set forth in Section 4.15 of the Term Loan Agreement that are required to be met at the time that otherwise would have been the time of purchase of Term Loans of the applicable Class pursuant to such Auction.  Any Return Bid (including any component bid thereof) delivered to the Auction Manager may not be withdrawn, modified,

 



 

revoked, terminated or cancelled by a Lender.  However, an Auction may become void if the conditions to the purchase set forth in Section 4.15 of the Term Loan Agreement are not met.  The purchase price in respect of each Qualifying Bid for which purchase by the Borrower is required in accordance with the foregoing provisions shall be paid directly by the Borrower to the respective assigning Lender on a settlement date as determined jointly by the Borrower and the Auction Manager (which shall be not later than ten Business Days after the date Return Bids are due with respect to such Auction).  The Borrower shall execute each applicable Auction Assignment and Assumption received in connection with a Qualifying Bid.  All questions as to the form of documents and validity and eligibility of each applicable Class of Term Loans that are the subject of an Auction will be reasonably determined by the Auction Manager, in consultation with the Borrower, and its determination will be final and binding so long as such determination is not inconsistent with the terms of Section 4.15 of the Term Loan Agreement or this Exhibit I.  The Auction Manager’s interpretation of the terms and conditions of the offering document, in consultation with the Borrower, will be final and binding so long as such interpretation is not inconsistent with the terms of Section 4.15 of the Term Loan Agreement or this Exhibit I.  None of the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager or any of their respective Affiliates assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information concerning the Borrower, the Credit Parties, or any of their Affiliates (whether contained in an offering document or otherwise) or for any failure to disclose events that may have occurred and may affect the significance or accuracy of such information.

 

In the event that the Auction Manager is not the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Auction Manager or the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall provide reasonable assistance to the Auction Manager and the Borrower with respect to the posting and/or disseminating of any information to the Lenders required hereby.

 

This Exhibit I shall not require the Borrower to initiate any Auction.

 



 

Schedule 1

 

Initial Term Loan Commitment

 

Lender

 

Initial Term Loan 
Commitment

 

Share

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

 

$

 

550,000,000

 

100

%

 


 

Execution Version

 

Schedule 7.1

 

Jurisdictions of Organization and Qualification

 

Entity

 

Jurisdiction of Formation

 

Foreign Qualification
Jurisdiction

FTS International, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Arkansas

 

 

 

 

Colorado

 

 

 

 

Kansas

 

 

 

 

Mississippi

 

 

 

 

New Mexico

 

 

 

 

New York

 

 

 

 

North Dakota

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania

 

 

 

 

South Dakota

 

 

 

 

Texas

 

 

 

 

West Virginia

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Texas

 

Alabama

 

 

 

 

Arkansas

 

 

 

 

Colorado

 

 

 

 

Illinois

 

 

 

 

Kansas

 

 

 

 

Kentucky

 

 

 

 

Louisiana

 

 

 

 

Mississippi

 

 

 

 

Missouri

 

 

 

 

New Mexico

 

 

 

 

New York

 

 

 

 

North Dakota

 

 

 

 

Ohio

 

 

 

 

Oklahoma

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania

 

 

 

 

South Dakota

 

 

 

 

Utah

 

 

 

 

West Virginia

 

 

 

 

Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

Wyoming

 



 

Entity

 

Jurisdiction of Formation

 

Foreign Qualification
Jurisdiction

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

Texas

 

Arkansas

 

 

 

 

Colorado

 

 

 

 

Kansas

 

 

 

 

Kentucky

 

 

 

 

Louisiana

 

 

 

 

Mississippi

 

 

 

 

New Mexico

 

 

 

 

New York

 

 

 

 

North Dakota

 

 

 

 

Ohio

 

 

 

 

Oklahoma

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania

 

 

 

 

South Dakota

 

 

 

 

Utah

 

 

 

 

West Virginia

FTS International Ventures I, LLC

 

Delaware

 

N/A

FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

Delaware

 

N/A

FTS International Netherlands I C.V.

 

Netherlands

 

N/A

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.

 

Netherlands

 

N/A

FTS International Netherlands, LLC

 

Delaware

 

N/A

FTS International Netherlands Coöperatief U.A.

 

Netherlands

 

N/A

FTS International Netherlands B.V.

 

Netherlands

 

N/A

 


 

Schedule 7.2

 

Subsidiaries and Capitalization

 

Entity

 

Owner

 

Jurisdiction of
Entity

 

Class of
Equity

 

Authorized
Shares

 

Outstanding
Shares

 

Percentage
Ownership

 

Restricted
(Y/N)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

Texas

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

100%

 

Yes

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Texas

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

100%

 

Yes

FTS International Ventures I, LLC

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Delaware

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

100%

 

No

FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Delaware

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

100%

 

No

FTS International Netherlands I C.V.

 

FTS International Ventures I, LLC

 

Netherlands

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

99%
General Partner

 

No

 

 

FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

 

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

1%
Limited Partner

 

 

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.

 

FTS International Netherlands I C.V.

 

Netherlands

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

99%
General Partner

 

No

 

 

FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

 

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

1%
Limited Partner

 

 

FTS International Netherlands, LLC

 

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.

 

Delaware

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

100%

 

No

 



 

Entity

 

Owner

 

Jurisdiction of
Entity

 

Class of
Equity

 

Authorized
Shares

 

Outstanding
Shares

 

Percentage
Ownership

 

Restricted
(Y/N)

FTS International Netherlands Coöperatief U.A.

 

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.

 

Netherlands

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

99%

 

No

 

 

FTS International Netherlands, LLC

 

 

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

1%

 

 

FTS International Netherlands B.V.

 

FTS International Netherlands Coöperatief U.A.

 

Netherlands

 

Membership interest

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

100%

 

No

 


 

Schedule 9.1

 

Permitted Indebtedness

 

1.               Indebtedness related to the cash collateralization of a standby letter of credit issued by Bank of America in favor of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in the amount of $3,525,000.

2.               The series A convertible preferred stock issued by Parent Borrower.

 



 

Schedule 9.2

 

Permitted Liens

 

1.               Liens on Bank of America Certificate of Deposit Account #91000143745765, and the cash contained in such account, related to the cash collateralization of a standby letter of credit issued by Bank of America in favor of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.

2.               Liens set forth in the table below.

 

Credit Party

 

Secured Party

 

File No. and
Date of Filing

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.

 

08-0008296891
3/7/2008

 

 

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.

 

08-0008297034
3/7/2008

 

 

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.

 

08-0016004372
5/9/2008

 

 

Comerica Leasing Corporation

 

08-0026613076
8/8/2008

 

 

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.

 

08-0032138964
9/30/2008

 

 

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.

 

08-0032139541
9/30/2008

 

 

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.

 

08-0032140684
9/30/2008

 

 

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.

 

08-0032141150
9/30/2008

 

 

Comercia Leasing Corporation

 

13-0031698425
10/4/2013

FTS International Services, LLC

 

PNC Equipment Finance, LLC

 

12-0019156499
6/15/2012

 



 

Credit Party

 

Secured Party

 

File No. and
Date of Filing

 

 

Aries SPC, LLC

 

12-0038236106
12/10/2012

 

 

Aries SPC, LLC

 

12-0038295595
12/10/2012

 

 

Aries SPC, LLC

 

12-0038295616
12/10/2012

 

 

Aries SPC, LLC

 

12-0038302099
12/10/2012

 

 

Aries SPC, LLC

 

12-0038302110
12/10/2012

 




Exhibit 10.2

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of December 6, 2014, (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Perry Harris, a resident of Texas (“ Executive ”).

 

RECITALS:

 

A.                                     The Company desires to employ or continue to employ Executive and Executive desires to continue or gain employment with the Company, all upon the terms and provisions, and subject to the conditions, as set forth in this Agreement;

 

B.                                     The Company desires to be assured that the unique and expert services of Executive will be available to the Company, and that Executive is willing and able to render such services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

C.                                      Executive and the Company agree and acknowledge that this Agreement revokes, replaces, and supersedes any and all prior employment agreements between Executive and the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of such employment and the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

 

l.                                              Position and Duties .

 

1.1.                              Reporting . During the Employment Term (as defined below), the Company shall employ Executive, and Executive shall serve, as the Senior Vice President, Wireline Services of the Company. Executive shall report directly to the Senior Vice President of Operations and Wireline of the Company or his designee (the “ Supervising Officer ”).

 

1.2.                                Responsibilities . During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve on a full- lime basis and perform services in a managerial capacity in a manner consistent with Executive’s position as Senior Vice President, Wireline Services of the Company, and in any other responsible capacities that are reasonably assigned to Executive from time to time.

 

1.3.                                Devotion of Executive’s Time . Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time, labor, skill and energy (except off hours, paid time off (“ PTO ”), holidays and periods of disability, in each case as provided by the Company’s policies) to conducting the business and affairs of the Company and use his best efforts performing his duties and responsibilities to the Company. This Agreement does not prohibit Executive from managing Executive’s personal, personal financial or family affairs or engaging in charitable or civic activities. Executive shall perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company diligently, competently, faithfully and to the best of his ability.

 

2.                                          Employment Term .

 

2.1.                             Term . The term of Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years, commencing on the Effective Date, unless sooner terminated as provided in this Agreement (the “ Employment Term ”).

 

2.2.                             Date of Termination . For purposes of this Agreement, the date of termination of Executive’s employment hereunder shall be the earliest of the following: (a) in the case of Executive’s death, the date of his death; (b) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for any reason, the effective date of such termination set forth in the Notice of Termination (as defined below) given by the Company to Executive; or (c) if Executive terminates his employment for any reason, the effective date of such termination set forth in the Notice of Termination given by Executive to the Company; provided that , in the case of clauses (b) and (c) of this Section 2.2 , the effective date of termination set forth in the applicable Notice of Termination must satisfy the minimum notice

 



 

requirements (if any) required by this Agreement for the provision(s) pursuant to which Executive’s employment is being terminated.

 

2.3.                             Notice of Termination . Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or Executive hereunder (as applicable) shall be effected by a Notice of Termination from the party effecting the termination to the other party hereto; provided that , notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Notice of Termination must be given, and no other action shall be required to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder, if Executive’s employment terminates due to his death. For purposes of this Agreement, a “ Notice of Termination ” shall mean a written notice that (a) indicates the specific termination provision(s) in this Agreement pursuant to which Executive’s employment is being terminated and (b) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances that provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to such provision(s).

 

3.                                   Compensation .

 

3.1.                              Base Salary . In consideration of the services rendered by Executive under this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) at the rate of $320,000 per calendar year during the Employment Term. The Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s policies, subject to applicable withholding and other taxes. The Supervising Officer (which if not the Chief Executive Officer, shall be with the agreement of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company) may increase the Base Salary.

 

3.2.                                Short-Term Incentive . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to participate in any short-term incentive plan of the Company (the “ STIP ”). The Executive’s annual target bonus percentage shall equal or exceed 40% of annual Base Salary. Any bonus achieved by Executive pursuant to the STIP will be paid in cash, unless otherwise determined by the Board (as defined below).

 

3.3.                                Long-Term Incentive . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible effective as of October 1, 2014 to participate in any long-term incentive plan of the Company (the “ LTIP ”). The Executive’s target bonus percentage shall equal or exceed 40% of annual Base Salary. Any bonus achieved by Executive pursuant to the LTIP will be paid in the form of equity of the Company, unless otherwise determined by the Board.

 

3.4.                             Retention Bonus . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible for retention bonuses to be paid only in the manner set forth below:

 

(a)                                  If Executive remains employed on a full time basis by the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined below) for a continuous period of one (I) year beginning on the Effective Date of this Agreement (the “ First Year Retention Period ”) and meets performance criteria set by the Supervising Officer during such period, Executive will be entitled to a retention bonus equal to 10% of annual Base Salary. This bonus shall be paid in four equal quarterly installments within 21 days after the end of each of the first four fiscal quarters of the Company immediately following the First Year Retention Period (less normal payroll deductions).

 

(b)                                  If Executive remains employed on a full time basis by the Company or any of its Affiliates for a continuous period of one (1) year beginning on the expiration of the First Year Retention Period (the “ Second Year Retention Period ”) and meets performance criteria set by the Supervising Officer during such period, Executive will be entitled to a retention bonus equal to 20% of annual Base Salary. This bonus shall be paid in four equal quarterly installments within 21 days after the end of each of the first four fiscal quarters of the Company immediately following the Second Year Retention Period (less normal payroll deductions).

 

(c)                                   If Executive remains employed on a full time basis by the Company or any of its Affiliates for a continuous period of one (1) year beginning on the expiration of the Second Year Retention Period (the “ Third Year Retention Period ”) and meets performance criteria set by the Supervising Officer during such period, Executive will be entitled to a retention bonus equal to 40% of annual Base Salary. This bonus shall be paid in four equal quarterly installments within 21 days after the end of each of the first four fiscal quarters of the Company immediately following the Third Year Retention Period (less normal payroll deductions).

 

3.5.                             Paid Time Off . Executive shall be entitled to PTO consistent with the Company’s policies. Notwithstanding the Company’s policies to the contrary, except as set forth in Section 5 , no additional compensation

 

2



 

will be paid to Executive for Executive’s failure to utilize the PTO allowed in a given calendar year.

 

3.6.                             Benefits, Insurance . During the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to participate in all benefit plans of the Company or any of its subsidiaries offered generally to all employees of the Company as in effect from time to time (collectively, “ Benefit Plans ”), in accordance with the provisions of any such Benefit Plans.

 

3.7.                             Expenses . The Company agrees promptly to reimburse Executive for all reasonable and necessary business expenses upon the presentation by Executive of appropriate evidence thereof.

 

3.8.                             Full Indemnity . The Company shall provide directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (in amounts and on terms determined from time to time by the Company or the Board) to fully insure Executive for Executive’s actions taken (or omitted) on behalf of the Company, at no cost to Executive. The Company also agrees to fully defend and indemnify Executive for all of Executive’s actions taken (or omitted) on behalf of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

4.                                    Termination . Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated as follows:

 

4.1.                             Death . Automatically in the event of the death of Executive.

 

4.2.                             Disability . The Company may terminate Executive’s employment if Executive becomes disabled, as defined under applicable state or federal law, and no reasonable accommodation can be provided without undue hardship to the Company.

 

4.3.                             For Cause . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2 above, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause (as defined below); provided , however , that Executive shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until the Supervising Officer determines that Executive committed an act falling within the definition of Cause and specifying the basis for such determination in the applicable Notice of Termination given by the Company to Executive. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Cause ” shall mean:

 

(a)                       the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform his material job duties with the Company or one of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to Executive becoming disabled, as defined under applicable state or federal law), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Supervising Officer which specifically identifies the manner in which the Supervising Officer believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties and Executive has had an opportunity for thirty (30) days to cure such failure after receipt of such written demand;

 

(b)                       engaging in an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation or theft which results in damage to the Company or any of its Affiliates;

 

(c)                        conviction of Executive of, or Executive pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (other than a violation of a motor vehicle or moving violation law) or a misdemeanor if such misdemeanor (i) materially damages the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) involves the commission of a criminal act against the Company or any of its Affiliates; or

 

(d)                         the breach by Executive of any material provision of, or inaccuracy in any material respect of any representation made by Executive in, in each case, this Agreement or the Company’s policies that is not cured within thirty (30) days of written notice from the Company setting forth with reasonable particularity such breach or inaccuracy, provided that , if such breach or inaccuracy is not capable of being cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, Executive shall not be entitled to such cure period.

 

4.4.                                 Termination Without Cause . The Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time without Cause.

 

4.5.                                 Executive Option . At the option of Executive, at any time, for any reason, on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the Company.

 

3



 

4.6.                                 For Good Reason . At the option of Executive for Good Reason (as defined below). For purposes of this Agreement and except as modified by Section 7.3 , the term “ Good Reason ” shall mean, without Executive’s consent:

 

(a)                                  the Company’s material breach of any of its obligations under this Agreement;

 

(b)                              a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than pursuant to a reduction applicable to all senior executives or employees of the Company generally; or

 

(c)                                a move of Executive’s primary place of work more than 50 miles from its current location without Executive’s consent;

 

provided that , in each case, Executive must provide at least sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of termination for Good Reason in reliance upon this Section 4.6 within thirty (30) days after the event that Executive claims constitutes Good Reason, and the Company shall have the opportunity to cure such circumstances within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice. For the avoidance of doubt, Good Reason shall not exist hereunder unless and until the thirty (30) day cure period following receipt by the Company of Executive’s written notice expires and the Company shall not have cured such circumstances, and in such case Executive’s employment shall terminate for Good Reason on the day following expiration of such sixty (60) day notice period.

 

5.                                       Severance Compensation Upon Termination of Employment.

 

5.1.                              Death or Permanent Disability . Upon the termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 4.1 or Section 4.2 , Executive or Executive’s legal representatives shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to (a) Executive’s accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination, (b) any unpaid STIP bonus for the calendar year ending before such termination date (payable at the same time and in the same amount as if the Executive remained employed through the normal STIP payment date), (c) a prorated amount of Executive’s target STlP for the period of the calendar year of termination from January 1 of such year through the date of termination, and (d) any earned, but unpaid retention bonus pursuant to Section 3.4. Executive or Executive’s legal representatives shall also be entitled to any accrued but unpaid PTO or other benefits which may be owing in accordance with the Company’s policies or applicable law.

 

5.2.                              Termination Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason . lf Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company at any time during the Employment Term without Cause pursuant to Section 4.4 or by Executive at any time during the Employment Term for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4.6 , Executive shall be entitled to (a) Executive’s accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination, (b) Executive’s Base Salary through the one (I) year anniversary of such date of termination, payable in accordance with the usual payroll policies in effect at the Company as if Executive was employed at the time; provided that, the first payment shall be made on the first payroll date immediately following the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of termination, (c) the average of Executive’s STIP bonuses paid or payable if Executive had remained employed (or for a full fiscal year for which Executive was eligible to participate in the STIP, but no bonus was paid or payable under the terms of the STIP, zero Dollars ($0.00)) for the last three (3) full fiscal years ending before the date of termination, payable on the first payroll date immediately following the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of termination (or, if Executive has not been eligible to participate in the STIP for such last three (3) full fiscal years, the average of the STIP bonuses paid or payable to Executive for the number of full fiscal years of employment ending before the date of termination during which Executive was eligible to participate in the STlP), and (d) any earned, but unpaid retention bonus pursuant to Section 3.4 ; provided, however, that each payment under clauses (b), (c) and (d) of this Section 5.2 is intended to constitute a separate payment within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below). Executive shall also be entitled to any accrued but unpaid PTO for the calendar year or other benefits which may be owing in accordance with the Company’s policies or applicable law. In the event that Executive is rehired by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the period that Executive is receiving payments of Base Salary under this Section 5.2, Executive will no longer be entitled to such payments of Base Salary beginning on the rehire date.

 

5.3.                              Termination for Cause or by Executive Without Good Reason . Upon the termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause pursuant to Section 4.3 or by the Executive without Good Reason pursuant to Section 4.5 , Executive shall be entitled to accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the day on

 

4



 

which Executive’s employment is terminated, any accrued and unpaid PTO for the calendar year and other benefits owing in accordance with the Company’s policies or applicable law. In addition, if such termination is by the Executive without Good Reason pursuant to Section 4.5 and occurs after the Third Year Retention Period, Executive shall be entitled to any earned, but unpaid retention bonus pursuant to Section 3.4. Executive shall not be entitled to receive severance or any other compensation or benefits after the last date of employment with the Company upon the termination of Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause pursuant to Section 4.3 or upon Executive’s termination of employment without Good Reason pursuant to Section 4.5.

 

5.4.                                Condition to Payment . All payments and benefits due to Executive under this Section 5 that are not otherwise required by applicable law or other contract shall be contingent upon (a) within sixty (60) days of the date of termination, execution by Executive (or Executive’s legal representatives) of a general release of all claims to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law against the Company, its Affiliates and its current and fanner stockholders, directors, members, officers, managers, employees and agents, in such form as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such release becoming effective and (b) compliance by Executive with Executive’s obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the restrictions on activities of Executive set forth in Section 6 and under any stockholders or other agreement to which the Company (or any of its Affiliates) and Executive are a party.

 

5.5.                                No Other Severance . Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that, other than the severance payment described in Section 5.2 hereof, upon termination, Executive shall not be entitled to any other severance under any benefit plan or severance policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates generally available to the Company’s employees or otherwise.

 

5.6.                              Board Resignation . Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent applicable, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination, as an officer, director, or member of any committee or other managing body of the Company and/or any of its Affiliates.

 

6.                                       Restrictions on Activities of Executive.

 

6.1.                         Non-Competition . Taking into consideration the fact that Executive will be provided with sensitive and confidential information of the Company and its Affiliates during the Employment Term, for the greater of a period of one (1) year immediately following the termination of Executive’s employment or through the final payment of Base Salary under Section 5.2(b)  (the “ Non-Competition Period ”), Executive shall not:

 

(a)                                 directly or indirectly, own, manage, engage in, operate, control, work for as an employee, consult with, render services for, do business with or participate in a business that is competitive with the Business (as defined below); or

 

(b)                                 perform any action, activity or course of conduct that is substantially detrimental to the business reputation of any of the Company or its Affiliates or the Business conducted at the time Executive ceases to be an employee of the Company.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Executive may hold passive investments in any enterprise if such investment constitutes less than one percent (1%) of the equity of such enterprise. During the Non-Competition Period, the Company agrees to continue to pay Executive’s Base Salary on each regularly scheduled payroll payment date if such continuation of Base Salary is required by this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term “ Business ” is defined as providing products or services to any Person (as defined in Section 7.4 ) to whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has provided products or services during the Employment Term and for which Executive has (or has had) responsibilities or about which Executive has Confidential Information (as defined below) and, as of the end of the Employment Term, any other Person with whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has undertaken material, substantive steps to engage within the twelve (12) month period prior to such time and for which Executive has had material responsibility with regard to, or Confidential Information about, such steps. Without limiting the foregoing, “Business” shall be deemed to include the well completion and servicing business, including, but not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, pressure pumping, wire line, pressure testing, pump-down, perforating and other complementary services.

 

5



 

6.2.                       Non-Solicitation . During the Employment Term and the Non-Competition Period, taking into consideration the fact that Executive will be provided with sensitive and confidential information of the Company and its Affiliates, Executive shall not (a) cause, solicit, induce or encourage any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave such employment or hire, employ or otherwise engage any such individual (other than for the Company and its Affiliates); or (b) cause, induce or encourage any material actual or prospective client, customer, supplier, or licensor of the Company or any of its Affiliates (including any Person or entity that becomes a client or customer of the Company or any of its Affiliates after the Effective Date) or any other Person who has a material business relationship with the Company or its Affiliates to terminate or modify any such actual or prospective relationship.

 

6.3.                      Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information . Executive will be given access to and provided with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ sensitive, confidential, proprietary and trade secret information during the Employment Tenn. Executive shall not, during the Employment Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, disclose, reveal, divulge or communicate to any Person (other than authorized officers, directors and employees of the Company) or use or otherwise exploit for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of anyone (other than the Company), any Confidential Information. Executive shall not have any obligation to keep confidential any Confidential Information if and to the extent disclosure thereof is specifically required by applicable law; provided , however , that in the event disclosure is required by applicable law, Executive shall, to the extent reasonably possible, provide the Company with prompt notice of such requirement prior to making any disclosure so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order. Promptly upon termination, for any reason, of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive agrees to deliver to the Company all property and materials within Executive’s possession or control which belong to the Company or any of its Affiliates which contain Confidential Information.

 

Confidential Information ” means any sensitive, confidential, proprietary or trade secret information with respect to the Company or any of its Affiliates or the Business, including, but not limited to, methods of operation, customer lists, products, prices, fees, costs, technology, formulas, inventions, trade secrets, know-how, software, marketing methods, plans, personnel, suppliers, competitors, markets or other specialized information or proprietary matters; provided that , there shalt be no obligation hereunder with respect to information that (a) is generally available to the public on the Effective Date or (b) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure not otherwise permissible hereunder.

 

6.4.                      Geographic Scope . Because the Company’s Business competes on a global basis, the obligations in this Section 6 shall apply anywhere in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and any other country in which the Company operates or has definitive plans to operate on the date of termination of Executive’s employment (including operations through subsidiaries and joint ventures).

 

6.5.                        Reformation . The Company and Executive agree that if any arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction determines that a specified time period, a specified geographical area, a specified business limitation or any other relevant feature of this Section 6 is unreasonable, arbitrary or against public policy, then a lesser period of time, geographical area, business limitation or other relevant feature which is determined by such arbitrator or court to be reasonable, not arbitrary, and not against public policy may be substituted and enforced against the applicable party.

 

6.6.                       Notification Obligations . Executive agrees that during the term of the restrictions in Sections 6.1 and 6.2, Executive shall promptly inform the Company in writing of the identity of any new employer, the job title of Executive’s new position and a description of any services to be rendered to that employer. If the new employer is a business that is competitive with the Business of the Company or any of its Affiliates, Executive will communicate Executive’s obligations under this Agreement to each such new employer.

 

6.7.                      Remedies . In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any provision of Section 6 of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to (a) injunctive relief by temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, and/or permanent injunction, (b) recovery of all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the Company in obtaining such relief, and (c) any other legal and equitable relief to which the Company may be entitled, including without limitation any and all monetary damages which the Company may incur as a result of such breach or threatened breach.

 

6



 

7.                                   Change in Control .

 

7.1.                        Consequences . !fa “Change in Control” (as defined in Section 7.4 hereof) shall have occurred, and within two (2) years after such Change in Control, Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason, the Company will pay or provide to Executive the following:

 

(a)                                  Executive’s accrued and unpaid Base Salary payable through the date of termination;

 

(b)                               Any earned, but unpaid retention bonus pursuant to Section 3.4; and

 

(c)                                a lump sum cash payment equal to the sum of:

 

(i)                                      Executive’s Base Salary at the highest annual rate in effect on or before the date of termination (but prior to giving effect to any reduction therein which precipitated such termination), plus

 

(ii)                                   an amount equal to the greater of:

 

(A)                       the average of Executive’s STIP bonuses paid or payable if Executive had remained employed (or for a full fiscal year for which Executive was eligible to participate in the STIP, but no bonus was paid or payable under the terms of the STIP, zero Dollars ($0.00)) for the last three (3) full fiscal years ending before the date of termination (or, if Executive has not been eligible to participate in the STIP for such last three (3) full fiscal years, the average of the STIP bonuses paid or payable to Executive for the number of full fiscal years of employment ending before the date of termination during which Executive was eligible to participate in the STIP);

 

(B)                        the STIP bonus paid to Executive for the last full fiscal year of employment ending before the date of termination; or

 

(C)                        an amount equal to Executive’s target STIP for the fiscal year that includes the date of termination;

 

which lump sum cash payment will be paid to Executive on the first payroll date immediately following the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of termination if the Change in Control constitutes a Qualifying Change in Control. A “ Qualifying Change in Control ” shall mean a Change in Control that also qualities as: (i) a change in the ownership of the Company. as determined in accordance with Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v) of the Treasury Regulations, (ii) a change in the effective control of the Company, as determined in accordance with Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi) of the Treasury Regulations, or (iii) a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, as determined in accordance with Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii) of the Treasury Regulations. If the Change in Control does not constitute a Qualifying Change in Control, then the payment pursuant to this Section 7.1(c)  shall be made at the same time and in the same form as the payment under Section 5.2.

 

7.2.                             Equity Awards . In addition, if a Change in Control shall have occurred, and within two (2) years after such Change in Control, Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason, except to the extent that more favorable treatment is otherwise provided in the applicable equity award agreement:

 

(a)                                  each outstanding award to acquire equity securities of the Company (or any of its Affiliates) held by Executive immediately prior to such Change in Control shall become fully vested and exercisable, regardless of whether the vesting conditions set forth in the applicable award agreement have been satisfied in full, and shall remain fully exercisable for the remainder of the general term of such equity award; and

 

(b)                                  all restrictions on any restricted equity securities of the Company (or any of its Affiliates) granted to Executive prior to such Change in Control shall be removed and such equity securities shall be freely

 

7



 

transferable (subject to any applicable stockholders or similar agreements and applicable securities laws), regardless of whether the conditions set forth in the relevant award agreements have been satisfied in full.

 

7.3.                             Effect of Prior Termination . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if (a) a Change in Control occurs, and (b) Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for any reason other than Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason, on or within ninety (90) days before the effective date of the Change in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement, such Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred on the date immediately prior to the date of such termination; provided that the payments shall be made at the same time and in the same form as specified in the last sentence of Section 7.1.

 

7.4.                             Certain Defined Terms . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms are defined as set forth below:

 

(a)                                Affiliate ” means a Person, including a joint venture entity, that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified. An entity will be deemed an Affiliate of the Company for purposes of this definition only for such periods as the requisite ownership or control relationship is maintained.

 

(b)                                Beneficial Owner ” (or any variant thereof) has the meaning defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

 

(c)                                 Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(d)                            Change in Control ” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following after the Effective Date:

 

(i)                                      any Person other than the Company or any Affiliate thereof is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person, any securities acquired directly from the Company or any Affiliate thereat) representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then-outstanding securities; or

 

(ii)                                   the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving on the Board: (A) individuals who, on the Effective Date, constitute the Board and (B) any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including, but not limited to, a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or

 

(iii)                                there is consummated a merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Company or any Affiliate thereof with any other corporation, other than a merger, amalgamation or consolidation immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity surviving such merger, amalgamation or consolidation or, if the Company or the entity surviving such merger is then a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or

 

(iv)                               there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than (A) a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company following the completion of such transaction in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or (B) a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity to which such assets are sold or disposed or, if such entity is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control will not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the

 

8



 

consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of shares of Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.

 

(e)                                 Common Stock ” means the shares of common stock, par value $0.0 I per share, of the Company.

 

(f)                                  Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

(g)                                 Person ” has the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term will not include (i) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate thereof, (ii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iii) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company.

 

7.5.                             Condition to Payment . All payments and benefits due to Executive under this Section 7 that are not otherwise required by applicable law or other contract shall be contingent upon (a) within sixty (60) days of the date of termination, execution by Executive (or Executive’s legal representatives) of a general release of all claims to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law against the Company, its Affiliates and its current and former stockholders, directors, members, officers, managers, employees and agents, in such form as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such release becoming effective and (b) compliance by Executive with Executive’s obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the restrictions on activities of Executive set forth in Section 6 and under any stockholders or other agreement to which the Company (or any of its Affiliates) and Executive are a party.

 

8.                                   Excise Tax.

 

8.1.                             Reduction in Payments . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any portion of the payments or benefits provided to or for the bene tit of Executive under this Agreement or which Executive otherwise receives or is entitled to receive from the Company or any successor would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), or any interest, penalties or additions to tax with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any interest, penalties or additions to tax with respect to such excise tax, is herein collectively referred to as the “ Excise Tax ”), all such payments and benefits being collectively referred to herein as the “ Total Payments ”, then, except as otherwise provided in Section 8.2 , the Total Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) or eliminated (as further provided for in Section 8.3) to the extent the Independent Tax Advisor (as hereinafter defined) shall reasonably determine is necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments shall be subject to the Excise Tax.

 

8.2.                             Modification of Reduction . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.1 if the Independent Tax Advisor reasonably determines that Executive would receive, in the aggregate, a greater amount of the Total Payments on an after-tax basis (after including and taking into account all applicable federal, foreign, state, and local income, employment and other applicable taxes and the Excise Tax) if the Total Payments were not reduced or eliminated pursuant to Section 8.1 , then no such reduction or elimination shall be made notwithstanding that all or any portion of the Total Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax.

 

8.3.                                 Determination of Reduction . For purposes of determining which of Section 8.1 and Section 8.2 shall be given effect, the determination of which of the Total Payments shall be reduced or eliminated to avoid the Excise Tax shall be made by the Independent Tax Advisor, provided that, the Independent Tax Advisor shall reduce or eliminate, as the case may be, the Total Payments in the following order (and within the category described in each of the following Sections 8.3(a)  through 8.3(e) , in reverse order beginning with the Total Payments which are to be paid furthest in time except as otherwise provided in Section 8.3(d) :

 

(a)                              by first reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments otherwise due and

 

9



 

which are not payable in cash (other than that portion of the Total Payments subject to Sections 8.3(d)  and 8.3(e);

 

(b)                              then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments otherwise due and which are payable in cash (other than that portion of the Total Payments subject to Sections 8.3(c)- (e) );

 

(c)                                then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments otherwise due to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and which are payable in cash;

 

(d)                               then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments otherwise due that represent equity-based compensation, such reduction or elimination to be made in reverse chronological order with the most recent equity-based compensation awards reduced first; and

 

(e)                               then by reducing or eliminating the portion of the Total Payments otherwise due to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and which are not payable in cash.

 

8.4.                             Conclusiveness of Determination . The Independent Tax Advisor shall provide its determinations, together with detailed supporting calculations and documentation, to the Company and Executive for their review no later than ten (10) days after the Date of Termination. The determinations of the Independent Tax Advisor shall, after due consideration of the Company’s and Executive’s comments with respect to such determinations and the interpretation and application of this Section, be final and binding on all parties hereto absent manifest error. The Company and Executive shall furnish to the Independent Tax Advisor such information and documents as the Independent Tax Advisor may reasonably request in order to make the determinations required under this Section 8 .

 

8.5.                             Independent Tax Advisor . For purposes of this Section 8 , “ Independent Tax Advisor ” shall mean a lawyer with a nationally recognized law firm, a certified public accountant with a nationally recognized accounting firm, or a compensation consultant with a nationally recognized actuarial and benefits consulting firm, in each case with expertise in the area of executive compensation tax law, who shall be selected by the Company and shall be acceptable to Executive (Executive’s acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld), and all of whose fees and disbursements shall be paid by the Company.

 

9.                                       Expenses of Enforcement . Upon demand by Executive made to the Company, the Company shall fully reimburse Executive for the reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses and costs of expert witnesses) incurred by Executive in enforcing or seeking to enforce the payment of any amount or other benefit to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company in accordance with the terms hereof. Payments under this Section 9 shall be made within ten (10) business days after the delivery of Executive’s written request for the payment accompanied by such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company may reasonably require.

 

10.                                No Obligation to Mitigate; No Rights of Offset .

 

10.1.                      Mitigation . Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or other benefit required to be paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, whether by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any such payment or other benefit be reduced on account of any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another Person.

 

10.2.                      Offset . The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set­ off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others.

 

11.                               No Effect on Other Rights . Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by the Company or any of its Affiliates and for which Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may have under any restricted stock, restricted stock unit or other agreements with the Company or any of its Affiliates. Amounts which are vested benefits or which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by, or any other contract or agreement with, the Company or any of its

 

10


 

Affiliates at or subsequent to the date of termination shall be payable or otherwise provided in accordance with such plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

 

12.                               Severable Provisions . The provisions of this Agreement are severable and the invalidity of any one or more provisions shall not affect the validity of any other provision. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is unenforceable in whole or in part because of the duration or scope thereof, the parties hereto agree that said court in making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration and scope of such provision to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and that this Agreement in its reduced form shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.

 

13.                               Notices . All notices hereunder, to be effective, shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective when delivered by hand or mailed by (a) certified mail, postage and fees prepaid, or (b) nationally recognized overnight express mail service, as follows:

 

If to the Company:

 

FTS International, Inc.

ATTENTION:

General Counsel

777 Main Street

Suite 3000

Fort Worth, TX 76102

 

If to Executive, at the address in the Company’s human resources records.

 

14.                           Miscellaneous .

 

14.1.                      Executive Representations . Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive has the right to negotiate and enter into this Agreement, and Executive’s execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement does not breach, interfere or conflict with or constitute a default under any other contractual agreement, covenant not to compete, option, right of first refusal or other existing business relationship or any judgment or order, in each case, to which Executive is a party or otherwise subject. The Company is employing Executive solely for the use of Executive’s general skills, knowledge, and abilities. Executive has not been requested to, and will not disclose any proprietary, trade secret, or confidential information of a former employer to the Company or use such information for the benefit of the Company.

 

14.2.                      Entire Agreement; Amendment . This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral. Moreover, notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, in the case of awards under the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “ 2014 LTIP ”), a Change in Control will not be deemed to have occurred under this Agreement unless the event also constitutes a Liquidity Event (as defined in the award agreements under the 2014 LTIP). This Agreement may not be amended or revised except by a writing signed by each of the parties.

 

14.3.                      Assignment and Transfer . The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor in interest to, the Company. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations of Executive shall be assignable by Executive, nor shall any of the payments required or permitted to be made to Executive by this Agreement be encumbered, transferred or in any way anticipated, except as required by applicable laws. All rights of Executive under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s legal representatives, estate, executors, administrators, heirs and beneficiaries. All amounts payable to Executive hereunder shall be paid, in the event of Executive’s death, to Executive’s legal representatives, estates, heirs or beneficiaries, in each case, in accordance with applicable law.

 

14.4.                      Waiver of Breach . A waiver by any party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement by any other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach by any other party.

 

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14.5. Section 409A.

 

(a)                                 It is the intention of the parties to this Agreement that no payment or entitlement pursuant to this Agreement will give rise to any adverse tax consequences to Executive under Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including that issued after the Effective Date (collectively, “ Section 409A ”). The Agreement shall be interpreted to that end and, consistent with that objective and notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Company may unilaterally take any action deemed necessary or desirable to amend any provision herein to avoid the application of or excise tax under Section 409A. The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding implementation of this Section 14.5; provided that , neither the Company nor its employees or representatives shall have liability to Executive with respect hereto.

 

(b)                                 A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A on account or as a result of a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to “termination,” “terminate,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean separation from service.

 

(c)                                  All reimbursements for costs and expenses under this Agreement shall be paid in no event later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurs such expense. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, provided, however , that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.

 

(d)                                 Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-l(i) and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time) on the date of termination, to the extent payments or benefits made hereunder (as well as any other payment or benefit that Executive is entitled to receive upon his separation from service) constitute deferred compensation (after taking account any applicable exceptions under Section 409A), and to the extent required by Section 409A, payments or benefits payable upon separation from service which otherwise would be payable during the six-month period immediately following the date of termination will instead be paid or made available on the earlier of (i) the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s date of termination and (ii) Executive’s death.

 

14.6.                       Governing Law and Venue . This Agreement shall be construed under and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof. The sole and exclusive venue for any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be the state or federal courts of Tarrant County, Texas.

 

14.7.                      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and shall have the same effect as if the signatures hereto and thereto were on the same instrument.

 

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Greg A. Lanham

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

/s/ Perry Harris

 

Perry Harris

 




Exhibit 10.3

 

SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

 

This SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 3, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and between FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Michael J. Doss, a resident of Texas (“ Executive ”).

 

RECITALS:

 

A.                                     The Company is considering various alternatives to improve its balance sheet and financial performance in light of current industry conditions;

 

B.                                     The Executive is a key employee of the Company and has made and is expected to continue to make major contributions to the short- and long-term growth and financial strength of the Company;

 

C.                                     The Company desires to assure itself of both present and future continuity of management and desires to establish certain minimum severance benefits for certain of its executives, including the Executive, applicable to the circumstances described in this Agreement; and

 

D.                                     The Company desires to provide additional inducement for the Executive to continue to remain in the ongoing employ of the Company;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Severance Agreement Term .   The term of this Agreement will be for a period of one (1) year (the “ Term ”), commencing on the Effective Date.

 

2.                                       Termination .   In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, the Executive will be entitled to the payment provided by Section 4 .

 

2.1.                             Cause .  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Cause ” shall mean:

 

(a)                                  the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform his material job duties with the Company or one of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from Disability), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties and Executive has had an opportunity for thirty (30) days to cure such failure after receipt of such written demand;

 

(b)                                  engaging in an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation or theft which results in damage to the Company or any of its Affiliates;

 



 

(c)                                   conviction of Executive of, or Executive pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (other than a violation of a motor vehicle or moving violation law) or a misdemeanor if such misdemeanor (i) materially damages the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) involves the commission of a criminal act against the Company or any of its Affiliates; or

 

(d)                                  the breach by Executive of any material provision of, or inaccuracy in any material respect of any representation made by Executive in, the Company’s policies that is not cured within thirty (30) days of written notice from the Company setting forth with reasonable particularity such breach or inaccuracy, provided that , if such breach or inaccuracy is not capable of being cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, Executive shall not be entitled to such cure period.

 

2.2.                                         Good Reason .  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Good Reason ” shall mean, without Executive’s consent:

 

(a)                                  a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than pursuant to a reduction applicable to all executives or employees of the Company generally;

 

(b)                                  a move of Executive’s primary place of work more than 50 miles from its current location without Executive’s consent; or

 

(c)                                   a material diminution in Executive’s normal duties and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, the assignment without Executive’s consent of any diminished duties and responsibilities which are inconsistent with Executive’s positions, duties and responsibilities with the Company and its Affiliates on the date of this Agreement, or a materially adverse change in Executive’s reporting responsibilities or titles as in effect on the date of this Agreement, or any removal of Executive from or any failure to re-elect Executive to any of such positions, except in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause or upon death, Disability, voluntary resignation or other termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason;

 

provided that , in each case, Executive must provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of termination for Good Reason in reliance upon this Section 2 within thirty (30) days after the event that Executive claims constitutes Good Reason, and the Company shall have the opportunity to cure such circumstances within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice.  For the avoidance of doubt, Good Reason shall not exist hereunder unless and until the thirty (30) day cure period following receipt by the Company of Executive’s written notice expires and the Company shall not have cured such circumstances, and in such case Executive’s employment shall terminate for Good Reason on the day following expiration of such sixty (30) day notice period; provided further that , for the avoidance of doubt, Executive will not be entitled to any severance payment under this Agreement upon death, Disability, voluntary resignation or other termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason.

 

3.                                       Notice of Termination .  Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or Executive (as applicable) shall be effected by a Notice of Termination from the party effecting the termination to the other party hereto; provided that , notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Notice of Termination must be given, and no other action shall be required

 

2



 

to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder, if Executive’s employment terminates due to his death.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “ Notice of Termination ” shall mean a written notice that (a) indicates the specific provision(s) in this Agreement pursuant to which Executive is or is not entitled to severance under this Agreement and (b) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances that provide a basis for payment or non-payment of severance pursuant to such provision(s).

 

4.                                       Severance Compensation Upon Termination of Employment .

 

4.1.                             Termination Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason .  If during the Term Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive will be entitled to one and one-half times (1.5x) Executive’s annual base salary as of the date of termination, payable in a lump-sum on the first payroll date immediately following the date of termination or the effective date of the general release referenced in Section 4.2 , whichever is later, subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 .  The payment under this Section 4.1 is intended to constitute a separation payment within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below) and will be paid, if at all, in all events within the Section 409A short-term deferral period.  Executive shall also be entitled to any other benefits which may be owing in accordance with the Company’s policies or applicable law.  In the event that Executive is rehired by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the period before Executive has received payment under this Section 4.1 , Executive will no longer be entitled to such payment beginning on the rehire date.

 

4.2.                             Condition to Payment .  All payments due to Executive under this Section 4 will be (a) contingent upon execution by Executive (or Executive’s legal representatives) of a general release of all claims to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law against the Company, its Affiliates and its current and former stockholders, directors, members, officers, managers, employees and agents, in such form as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such release becoming effective and (b) forfeited and subject to repayment if Executive fails to comply with his obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the restrictions on activities of Executive set forth in Section 5 and under any other agreement to which the Company (or any of its Affiliates) and Executive are a party.  The Company will provide the form of general release within ten (10) days following termination of Executive’s employment, and Executive will be required to return the executed general release within thirty (30) days of receipt from the Company, unless local, state, or federal law requires that Executive be allowed a longer period of time to return the executed general release.

 

4.3.                             No Other Severance .  Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that, other than the severance payment described in Section 4.1 hereof, upon termination, Executive shall not be entitled to any other severance under any benefit plan or severance policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates generally available to the Company’s employees or otherwise.

 

4.4.                             Board Resignation .  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent applicable, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination, as an officer, director, or member of any committee or other managing body of the Company and/or any of its Affiliates.

 

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5.                                       Restrictions on Activities of Executive .

 

5.1.                             Non-Solicitation .  During the Term and for one year following the termination of Executive’s employment, taking into consideration the fact that Executive will be provided with sensitive and confidential information of the Company and its Affiliates, Executive shall not (a) cause, solicit, induce or encourage any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave such employment or hire, employ or otherwise engage any such individual (other than for the Company and its Affiliates); or (b) cause, induce or encourage any material actual or prospective customer, supplier, or licensor of the Company or any of its Affiliates (including any Person or entity that becomes a customer of the Company or any of its Affiliates after the Effective Date) or any other Person who has a material business relationship with the Company or its Affiliates to terminate or modify any such actual or prospective relationship.

 

5.2.                             Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information .  Executive will be given access to and provided with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ sensitive, confidential, proprietary and trade secret information during the Term.  Executive shall not, during the Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, disclose, reveal, divulge or communicate to any Person (other than authorized officers, directors and employees of the Company) or use or otherwise exploit for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of anyone (other than the Company), any Confidential Information.  Executive shall not have any obligation to keep confidential any Confidential Information if and to the extent disclosure thereof is specifically required by applicable law; provided , however , that in the event disclosure is required by applicable law, Executive shall, to the extent reasonably possible, provide the Company with prompt notice of such requirement prior to making any disclosure so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order.  Promptly upon termination, for any reason, of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive agrees to deliver to the Company all property and materials within Executive’s possession or control which belong to the Company or any of its Affiliates which contain Confidential Information.

 

5.3.                             Reformation .  The Company and Executive agree that if any arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction determines that a specified time period, business limitation or any other relevant feature of this Section 5 is unreasonable, arbitrary or against public policy, then a lesser period of time, business limitation or other relevant feature which is determined by such arbitrator or court to be reasonable, not arbitrary, and not against public policy may be substituted and enforced against the applicable party.

 

5.4.                             Notification Obligations .  Executive agrees that during the term of the restrictions in Section 5.1 , Executive shall promptly inform the Company in writing of the identity of any new employer, the job title of Executive’s new position and a description of any services to be rendered to that employer.  Executive will communicate Executive’s obligations under this Agreement to each such new employer.

 

5.5.                             Remedies .  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any provision of Section 5 of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to (a) injunctive relief by temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, and/or permanent injunction, (b) recovery of all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the Company in obtaining such relief, and (c) any other legal and equitable relief to which the Company may be entitled, including without

 

4



 

limitation any and all monetary damages which the Company may incur as a result of such breach or threatened breach.

 

5.6.                             Non-Competition .  Upon payment to Executive of severance under Section 4 , Executive will no longer be subject to any non-competition agreement or policy of the Company other than the provisions set forth in this Agreement.

 

6.                                       Certain Defined Terms .  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms are defined as set forth below:

 

6.1.                             Affiliate ” means a Person, including a joint venture entity, that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified.  An entity will be deemed an Affiliate of the Company for purposes of this definition only for such periods as the requisite ownership or control relationship is maintained.

 

6.2.                             Business ” means providing products or services to any Person (as defined below) to whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has provided products or services during the Term and for which Executive has (or has had) responsibilities or about which Executive has Confidential Information (as defined below) and, as of the end of the Term, any other Person with whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has undertaken material, substantive steps to engage within the twelve (12) month period prior to such time and for which Executive has had material responsibility with regard to, or Confidential Information about, such steps.  Without limiting the foregoing, “Business” shall be deemed to include the well completion and servicing business, including, but not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, pressure pumping, wire line, pressure testing, pump-down, perforating and other complementary services.

 

6.3.                             Confidential Information ” means any sensitive, confidential, proprietary or trade secret information with respect to the Company or any of its Affiliates or the Business, including, but not limited to, methods of operation, customer lists, products, prices, fees, costs, technology, formulas, inventions, trade secrets, know-how, software, marketing methods, plans, personnel, suppliers, competitors, markets or other specialized information or proprietary matters; provided that , there shall be no obligation hereunder with respect to information that (a) is generally available to the public on the Effective Date or (b) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure not otherwise permissible hereunder.

 

6.4.                             Disability ” means the Executive becomes disabled, as defined under applicable state or federal law, and no reasonable accommodation can be provided without undue hardship to the Company.

 

6.5.                             Person ” has the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

7.                                       Employment Rights Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement will create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Executive to have the Executive remain in the employment of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

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8.                                       Expenses of Enforcement .  Upon demand by Executive made to the Company, the Company shall fully reimburse Executive for the reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses and costs of expert witnesses) incurred by Executive in enforcing or seeking to enforce the payment of any amount to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company in accordance with the terms hereof.  Payments under this Section 8 shall be made within ten (10) business days after the delivery of Executive’s written request for the payment accompanied by such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company may reasonably require.

 

9.                                       No Obligation to Mitigate; No Rights of Offset .

 

9.1.                             Mitigation .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment required to be paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, whether by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any such payment be reduced on account of any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another Person.

 

9.2.                             Offset .  The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others.

 

10.                                No Effect on Other Rights .   Except as set forth in Section 4.3 , nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by the Company or any of its Affiliates and for which Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may have under any restricted stock unit or other agreements with the Company or any of its Affiliates.  Amounts which are vested benefits or which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by, or any other contract or agreement with, the Company or any of its Affiliates at or subsequent to the date of termination shall be payable or otherwise provided in accordance with such plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

 

11.                                Severable Provisions .   The provisions of this Agreement are severable and the invalidity of any one or more provisions shall not affect the validity of any other provision.  In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is unenforceable in whole or in part because of the duration or scope thereof, the parties hereto agree that said court in making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration and scope of such provision to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and that this Agreement in its reduced form shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.

 

12.                                Notices .  All notices hereunder, to be effective, shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective when delivered by hand or mailed by (a) certified mail, postage and fees prepaid, or (b) nationally recognized overnight express mail service, as follows:

 

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If to the Company:

 

FTS International, Inc.
ATTENTION:  General Counsel
777 Main Street
Suite 2900
Fort Worth, TX  76102

 

If to Executive, at the address in the Company’s human resources records.

 

13.                                Miscellaneous .

 

13.1.                      Entire Agreement; Amendment .  This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral this Agreement may not be amended or revised except by a writing signed by each of the parties.

 

13.2.                      Assignment and Transfer .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor in interest to, the Company.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations of Executive shall be assignable by Executive, nor shall any of the payments required or permitted to be made to Executive by this Agreement be encumbered, transferred or in any way anticipated, except as required by applicable laws.  All rights of Executive under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s legal representatives, estate, executors, administrators, heirs and beneficiaries.  All amounts payable to Executive hereunder shall be paid, in the event of Executive’s death, to Executive’s legal representatives, estates, heirs or beneficiaries, in each case, in accordance with applicable law.

 

13.3.                      Waiver of Breach .  A waiver by any party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement by any other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach by any other party.

 

13.4.                      Section 409A .

 

(a)                                  It is the intention of the parties to this Agreement that no payment or entitlement pursuant to this Agreement will give rise to any adverse tax consequences to Executive under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and the Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including that issued after the Effective Date (collectively, “ Section 409A ”).  The Agreement shall be interpreted to that end and, consistent with that objective and notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Company may unilaterally take any action deemed necessary or desirable to amend any provision herein to avoid the application of or excise tax under Section 409A.  The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding implementation of this Section 13.4 ; provided that , neither the Company nor its employees or representatives shall have liability to Executive with respect hereto.

 

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(b)                                  A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A on account or as a result of a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to “termination,” “terminate,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean separation from service.

 

(c)                                   All reimbursements for costs and expenses under this Agreement shall be paid in no event later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurs such expense.  With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, provided , however , that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.

 

(d)                                  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time) on the date of termination, to the extent payments made hereunder (as well as any other payment or benefit that Executive is entitled to receive upon his separation from service) constitute deferred compensation (after taking account any applicable exceptions under Section 409A), and to the extent required by Section 409A, payments or benefits payable upon separation from service which otherwise would be payable during the six-month period immediately following the date of termination will instead be paid or made available on the earlier of (i) the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s date of termination and (ii) Executive’s death.

 

13.5.                      Governing Law and Venue .  This Agreement shall be construed under and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.  The sole and exclusive venue for any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be the state or federal courts of Tarrant County, Texas.

 

13.6.                      Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and shall have the same effect as if the signatures hereto and thereto were on the same instrument.

 

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Larry D. Cannon

 

 

Name:

Larry D. Cannon

 

 

Title:

Chief Administrative Officer and

 

 

 

General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Michael J. Doss

 




Exhibit 10.4

 

SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

 

This SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 3, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and between FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Buddy Petersen, a resident of Texas (“ Executive ”).

 

RECITALS:

 

A.                                     The Company is considering various alternatives to improve its balance sheet and financial performance in light of current industry conditions;

 

B.                                     The Executive is a key employee of the Company and has made and is expected to continue to make major contributions to the short- and long-term growth and financial strength of the Company;

 

C.                                     The Company desires to assure itself of both present and future continuity of management and desires to establish certain minimum severance benefits for certain of its executives, including the Executive, applicable to the circumstances described in this Agreement; and

 

D.                                     The Company desires to provide additional inducement for the Executive to continue to remain in the ongoing employ of the Company;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Severance Agreement Term .   The term of this Agreement will be for a period of one (1) year (the “ Term ”), commencing on the Effective Date.

 

2.                                       Termination .   In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, the Executive will be entitled to the payment provided by Section 4 .

 

2.1.                             Cause .  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Cause ” shall mean:

 

(a)                                  the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform his material job duties with the Company or one of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from Disability), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties and Executive has had an opportunity for thirty (30) days to cure such failure after receipt of such written demand;

 

(b)                                  engaging in an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation or theft which results in damage to the Company or any of its Affiliates;

 



 

(c)                                   conviction of Executive of, or Executive pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (other than a violation of a motor vehicle or moving violation law) or a misdemeanor if such misdemeanor (i) materially damages the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) involves the commission of a criminal act against the Company or any of its Affiliates; or

 

(d)                                  the breach by Executive of any material provision of, or inaccuracy in any material respect of any representation made by Executive in, the Company’s policies that is not cured within thirty (30) days of written notice from the Company setting forth with reasonable particularity such breach or inaccuracy, provided that , if such breach or inaccuracy is not capable of being cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, Executive shall not be entitled to such cure period.

 

2.2.                             Good Reason .  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Good Reason ” shall mean, without Executive’s consent:

 

(a)                                  a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than pursuant to a reduction applicable to all executives or employees of the Company generally;

 

(b)                                  a move of Executive’s primary place of work more than 50 miles from its current location without Executive’s consent; or

 

(c)                                   a material diminution in Executive’s normal duties and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, the assignment without Executive’s consent of any diminished duties and responsibilities which are inconsistent with Executive’s positions, duties and responsibilities with the Company and its Affiliates on the date of this Agreement, or a materially adverse change in Executive’s reporting responsibilities or titles as in effect on the date of this Agreement, or any removal of Executive from or any failure to re-elect Executive to any of such positions, except in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause or upon death, Disability, voluntary resignation or other termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason;

 

provided that , in each case, Executive must provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of termination for Good Reason in reliance upon this Section 2 within thirty (30) days after the event that Executive claims constitutes Good Reason, and the Company shall have the opportunity to cure such circumstances within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice.  For the avoidance of doubt, Good Reason shall not exist hereunder unless and until the thirty (30) day cure period following receipt by the Company of Executive’s written notice expires and the Company shall not have cured such circumstances, and in such case Executive’s employment shall terminate for Good Reason on the day following expiration of such sixty (30) day notice period; provided further that , for the avoidance of doubt, Executive will not be entitled to any severance payment under this Agreement upon death, Disability, voluntary resignation or other termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason.

 

3.                                       Notice of Termination .  Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or Executive (as applicable) shall be effected by a Notice of Termination from the party effecting the termination to the other party hereto; provided that , notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Notice of Termination must be given, and no other action shall be required

 

2



 

to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder, if Executive’s employment terminates due to his death.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “ Notice of Termination ” shall mean a written notice that (a) indicates the specific provision(s) in this Agreement pursuant to which Executive is or is not entitled to severance under this Agreement and (b) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances that provide a basis for payment or non-payment of severance pursuant to such provision(s).

 

4.                                       Severance Compensation Upon Termination of Employment .

 

4.1.                             Termination Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason .  If during the Term Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive will be entitled to one and one-half times (1.5x) Executive’s annual base salary as of the date of termination, payable in a lump-sum on the first payroll date immediately following the date of termination or the effective date of the general release referenced in Section 4.2 , whichever is later, subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 .  The payment under this Section 4.1 is intended to constitute a separation payment within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below) and will be paid, if at all, in all events within the Section 409A short-term deferral period.  Executive shall also be entitled to any other benefits which may be owing in accordance with the Company’s policies or applicable law.  In the event that Executive is rehired by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the period before Executive has received payment under this Section 4.1 , Executive will no longer be entitled to such payment beginning on the rehire date.

 

4.2.                             Condition to Payment .  All payments due to Executive under this Section 4 will be (a) contingent upon execution by Executive (or Executive’s legal representatives) of a general release of all claims to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law against the Company, its Affiliates and its current and former stockholders, directors, members, officers, managers, employees and agents, in such form as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such release becoming effective and (b) forfeited and subject to repayment if Executive fails to comply with his obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the restrictions on activities of Executive set forth in Section 5 and under any other agreement to which the Company (or any of its Affiliates) and Executive are a party.  The Company will provide the form of general release within ten (10) days following termination of Executive’s employment, and Executive will be required to return the executed general release within thirty (30) days of receipt from the Company, unless local, state, or federal law requires that Executive be allowed a longer period of time to return the executed general release.

 

4.3.                             No Other Severance .  Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that, other than the severance payment described in Section 4.1 hereof, upon termination, Executive shall not be entitled to any other severance under any benefit plan or severance policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates generally available to the Company’s employees or otherwise.

 

4.4.                             Board Resignation .  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent applicable, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination, as an officer, director, or member of any committee or other managing body of the Company and/or any of its Affiliates.

 

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5.                                       Restrictions on Activities of Executive .

 

5.1.                             Non-Solicitation .  During the Term and for one year following the termination of Executive’s employment, taking into consideration the fact that Executive will be provided with sensitive and confidential information of the Company and its Affiliates, Executive shall not (a) cause, solicit, induce or encourage any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave such employment or hire, employ or otherwise engage any such individual (other than for the Company and its Affiliates); or (b) cause, induce or encourage any material actual or prospective customer, supplier, or licensor of the Company or any of its Affiliates (including any Person or entity that becomes a customer of the Company or any of its Affiliates after the Effective Date) or any other Person who has a material business relationship with the Company or its Affiliates to terminate or modify any such actual or prospective relationship.

 

5.2.                             Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information .  Executive will be given access to and provided with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ sensitive, confidential, proprietary and trade secret information during the Term.  Executive shall not, during the Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, disclose, reveal, divulge or communicate to any Person (other than authorized officers, directors and employees of the Company) or use or otherwise exploit for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of anyone (other than the Company), any Confidential Information.  Executive shall not have any obligation to keep confidential any Confidential Information if and to the extent disclosure thereof is specifically required by applicable law; provided , however , that in the event disclosure is required by applicable law, Executive shall, to the extent reasonably possible, provide the Company with prompt notice of such requirement prior to making any disclosure so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order.  Promptly upon termination, for any reason, of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive agrees to deliver to the Company all property and materials within Executive’s possession or control which belong to the Company or any of its Affiliates which contain Confidential Information.

 

5.3.                             Reformation .  The Company and Executive agree that if any arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction determines that a specified time period, business limitation or any other relevant feature of this Section 5 is unreasonable, arbitrary or against public policy, then a lesser period of time, business limitation or other relevant feature which is determined by such arbitrator or court to be reasonable, not arbitrary, and not against public policy may be substituted and enforced against the applicable party.

 

5.4.                             Notification Obligations .  Executive agrees that during the term of the restrictions in Section 5.1 , Executive shall promptly inform the Company in writing of the identity of any new employer, the job title of Executive’s new position and a description of any services to be rendered to that employer.  Executive will communicate Executive’s obligations under this Agreement to each such new employer.

 

5.5.                             Remedies .  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any provision of Section 5 of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to (a) injunctive relief by temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, and/or permanent injunction, (b) recovery of all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the Company in obtaining such relief, and (c) any other legal and equitable relief to which the Company may be entitled, including without

 

4



 

limitation any and all monetary damages which the Company may incur as a result of such breach or threatened breach.

 

5.6.                             Non-Competition .  Upon payment to Executive of severance under Section 4 , Executive will no longer be subject to any non-competition agreement or policy of the Company other than the provisions set forth in this Agreement.

 

6.                                       Certain Defined Terms .  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms are defined as set forth below:

 

6.1.                             Affiliate ” means a Person, including a joint venture entity, that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified.  An entity will be deemed an Affiliate of the Company for purposes of this definition only for such periods as the requisite ownership or control relationship is maintained.

 

6.2.                             Business ” means providing products or services to any Person (as defined below) to whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has provided products or services during the Term and for which Executive has (or has had) responsibilities or about which Executive has Confidential Information (as defined below) and, as of the end of the Term, any other Person with whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has undertaken material, substantive steps to engage within the twelve (12) month period prior to such time and for which Executive has had material responsibility with regard to, or Confidential Information about, such steps.  Without limiting the foregoing, “Business” shall be deemed to include the well completion and servicing business, including, but not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, pressure pumping, wire line, pressure testing, pump-down, perforating and other complementary services.

 

6.3.                             Confidential Information ” means any sensitive, confidential, proprietary or trade secret information with respect to the Company or any of its Affiliates or the Business, including, but not limited to, methods of operation, customer lists, products, prices, fees, costs, technology, formulas, inventions, trade secrets, know-how, software, marketing methods, plans, personnel, suppliers, competitors, markets or other specialized information or proprietary matters; provided that , there shall be no obligation hereunder with respect to information that (a) is generally available to the public on the Effective Date or (b) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure not otherwise permissible hereunder.

 

6.4.                             Disability ” means the Executive becomes disabled, as defined under applicable state or federal law, and no reasonable accommodation can be provided without undue hardship to the Company.

 

6.5.                             Person ” has the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

7.                                       Employment Rights Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement will create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Executive to have the Executive remain in the employment of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

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8.                                       Expenses of Enforcement .  Upon demand by Executive made to the Company, the Company shall fully reimburse Executive for the reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses and costs of expert witnesses) incurred by Executive in enforcing or seeking to enforce the payment of any amount to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company in accordance with the terms hereof.  Payments under this Section 8 shall be made within ten (10) business days after the delivery of Executive’s written request for the payment accompanied by such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company may reasonably require.

 

9.                                       No Obligation to Mitigate; No Rights of Offset .

 

9.1.                             Mitigation .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment required to be paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, whether by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any such payment be reduced on account of any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another Person.

 

9.2.                             Offset .  The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others.

 

10.                                No Effect on Other Rights .   Except as set forth in Section 4.3 , nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by the Company or any of its Affiliates and for which Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may have under any restricted stock unit or other agreements with the Company or any of its Affiliates.  Amounts which are vested benefits or which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by, or any other contract or agreement with, the Company or any of its Affiliates at or subsequent to the date of termination shall be payable or otherwise provided in accordance with such plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

 

11.                                Severable Provisions .   The provisions of this Agreement are severable and the invalidity of any one or more provisions shall not affect the validity of any other provision.  In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is unenforceable in whole or in part because of the duration or scope thereof, the parties hereto agree that said court in making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration and scope of such provision to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and that this Agreement in its reduced form shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.

 

12.                                Notices .  All notices hereunder, to be effective, shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective when delivered by hand or mailed by (a) certified mail, postage and fees prepaid, or (b) nationally recognized overnight express mail service, as follows:

 

6



 

If to the Company:

 

FTS International, Inc.
ATTENTION:  General Counsel
777 Main Street
Suite 2900
Fort Worth, TX  76102

 

If to Executive, at the address in the Company’s human resources records.

 

13.                                Miscellaneous .

 

13.1.                      Entire Agreement; Amendment .  This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral this Agreement may not be amended or revised except by a writing signed by each of the parties.

 

13.2.                      Assignment and Transfer .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor in interest to, the Company.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations of Executive shall be assignable by Executive, nor shall any of the payments required or permitted to be made to Executive by this Agreement be encumbered, transferred or in any way anticipated, except as required by applicable laws.  All rights of Executive under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s legal representatives, estate, executors, administrators, heirs and beneficiaries.  All amounts payable to Executive hereunder shall be paid, in the event of Executive’s death, to Executive’s legal representatives, estates, heirs or beneficiaries, in each case, in accordance with applicable law.

 

13.3.                      Waiver of Breach .  A waiver by any party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement by any other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach by any other party.

 

13.4.                      Section 409A .

 

(a)                                  It is the intention of the parties to this Agreement that no payment or entitlement pursuant to this Agreement will give rise to any adverse tax consequences to Executive under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and the Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including that issued after the Effective Date (collectively, “ Section 409A ”).  The Agreement shall be interpreted to that end and, consistent with that objective and notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Company may unilaterally take any action deemed necessary or desirable to amend any provision herein to avoid the application of or excise tax under Section 409A.  The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding implementation of this Section 13.4 ; provided that , neither the Company nor its employees or representatives shall have liability to Executive with respect hereto.

 

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(b)                                  A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A on account or as a result of a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to “termination,” “terminate,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean separation from service.

 

(c)                                   All reimbursements for costs and expenses under this Agreement shall be paid in no event later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurs such expense.  With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, provided , however , that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.

 

(d)                                  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time) on the date of termination, to the extent payments made hereunder (as well as any other payment or benefit that Executive is entitled to receive upon his separation from service) constitute deferred compensation (after taking account any applicable exceptions under Section 409A), and to the extent required by Section 409A, payments or benefits payable upon separation from service which otherwise would be payable during the six-month period immediately following the date of termination will instead be paid or made available on the earlier of (i) the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s date of termination and (ii) Executive’s death.

 

13.5.                      Governing Law and Venue .  This Agreement shall be construed under and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.  The sole and exclusive venue for any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be the state or federal courts of Tarrant County, Texas.

 

13.6.                      Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and shall have the same effect as if the signatures hereto and thereto were on the same instrument.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Larry D. Canon

 

 

Name:

Larry D. Cannon

 

 

Title:

Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Buddy Petersen

 

Buddy Petersen

 




Exhibit 10.5

 

SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

 

This SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 3, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and between FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Lance Turner, a resident of Texas (“ Executive ”).

 

RECITALS:

 

A.                                     The Company is considering various alternatives to improve its balance sheet and financial performance in light of current industry conditions;

 

B.                                     The Executive is a key employee of the Company and has made and is expected to continue to make major contributions to the short- and long-term growth and financial strength of the Company;

 

C.                                     The Company desires to assure itself of both present and future continuity of management and desires to establish certain minimum severance benefits for certain of its executives, including the Executive, applicable to the circumstances described in this Agreement; and

 

D.                                     The Company desires to provide additional inducement for the Executive to continue to remain in the ongoing employ of the Company;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Severance Agreement Term .   The term of this Agreement will be for a period of one (1) year (the “ Term ”), commencing on the Effective Date.

 

2.                                       Termination .   In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, the Executive will be entitled to the payment provided by Section 4 .

 

2.1.                             Cause .  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Cause ” shall mean:

 

(a)                                  the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform his material job duties with the Company or one of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from Disability), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties and Executive has had an opportunity for thirty (30) days to cure such failure after receipt of such written demand;

 

(b)                                  engaging in an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation or theft which results in damage to the Company or any of its Affiliates;

 



 

(c)                                   conviction of Executive of, or Executive pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (other than a violation of a motor vehicle or moving violation law) or a misdemeanor if such misdemeanor (i) materially damages the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) involves the commission of a criminal act against the Company or any of its Affiliates; or

 

(d)                                  the breach by Executive of any material provision of, or inaccuracy in any material respect of any representation made by Executive in, the Company’s policies that is not cured within thirty (30) days of written notice from the Company setting forth with reasonable particularity such breach or inaccuracy, provided that , if such breach or inaccuracy is not capable of being cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, Executive shall not be entitled to such cure period.

 

2.2.                                         Good Reason .  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Good Reason ” shall mean, without Executive’s consent:

 

(a)                                  a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than pursuant to a reduction applicable to all executives or employees of the Company generally;

 

(b)                                  a move of Executive’s primary place of work more than 50 miles from its current location without Executive’s consent; or

 

(c)                                   a material diminution in Executive’s normal duties and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, the assignment without Executive’s consent of any diminished duties and responsibilities which are inconsistent with Executive’s positions, duties and responsibilities with the Company and its Affiliates on the date of this Agreement, or a materially adverse change in Executive’s reporting responsibilities or titles as in effect on the date of this Agreement, or any removal of Executive from or any failure to re-elect Executive to any of such positions, except in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause or upon death, Disability, voluntary resignation or other termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason;

 

provided that , in each case, Executive must provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of termination for Good Reason in reliance upon this Section 2 within thirty (30) days after the event that Executive claims constitutes Good Reason, and the Company shall have the opportunity to cure such circumstances within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice.  For the avoidance of doubt, Good Reason shall not exist hereunder unless and until the thirty (30) day cure period following receipt by the Company of Executive’s written notice expires and the Company shall not have cured such circumstances, and in such case Executive’s employment shall terminate for Good Reason on the day following expiration of such thirty (30) day notice period; provided further that , for the avoidance of doubt, Executive will not be entitled to any severance payment under this Agreement upon death, Disability, voluntary resignation or other termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason.

 

3.                                       Notice of Termination .  Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or Executive (as applicable) shall be effected by a Notice of Termination from the party effecting the termination to the other party hereto; provided that , notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Notice of Termination must be given, and no other action shall be required

 

2



 

to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder, if Executive’s employment terminates due to his death.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “ Notice of Termination ” shall mean a written notice that (a) indicates the specific provision(s) in this Agreement pursuant to which Executive is or is not entitled to severance under this Agreement and (b) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances that provide a basis for payment or non-payment of severance pursuant to such provision(s).

 

4.                                       Severance Compensation Upon Termination of Employment .

 

4.1.                             Termination Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason .  If during the Term Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive will be entitled to one times (1.0x) Executive’s annual base salary as of the date of termination, payable in a lump-sum on the first payroll date immediately following the date of termination or the effective date of the general release referenced in Section 4.2 , whichever is later, subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 .  The payment under this Section 4.1 is intended to constitute a separation payment within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below) and will be paid, if at all, in all events within the Section 409A short-term deferral period.  Executive shall also be entitled to any other benefits which may be owing in accordance with the Company’s policies or applicable law.  In the event that Executive is rehired by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the period before Executive has received payment under this Section 4.1 , Executive will no longer be entitled to such payment beginning on the rehire date.

 

4.2.                             Condition to Payment .  All payments due to Executive under this Section 4 will be (a) contingent upon execution by Executive (or Executive’s legal representatives) of a general release of all claims to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law against the Company, its Affiliates and its current and former stockholders, directors, members, officers, managers, employees and agents, in such form as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such release becoming effective and (b) forfeited and subject to repayment if Executive fails to comply with his obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the restrictions on activities of Executive set forth in Section 5 and under any other agreement to which the Company (or any of its Affiliates) and Executive are a party.  The Company will provide the form of general release within ten (10) days following termination of Executive’s employment, and Executive will be required to return the executed general release within thirty (30) days of receipt from the Company, unless local, state, or federal law requires that Executive be allowed a longer period of time to return the executed general release.

 

4.3.                             No Other Severance .  Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that, other than the severance payment described in Section 4.1 hereof, upon termination, Executive shall not be entitled to any other severance under any benefit plan or severance policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates generally available to the Company’s employees or otherwise.

 

4.4.                             Board Resignation .  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent applicable, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination, as an officer, director, or member of any committee or other managing body of the Company and/or any of its Affiliates.

 

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5.                                       Restrictions on Activities of Executive .

 

5.1.                             Non-Solicitation .  During the Term and for one year following the termination of Executive’s employment, taking into consideration the fact that Executive will be provided with sensitive and confidential information of the Company and its Affiliates, Executive shall not (a) cause, solicit, induce or encourage any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave such employment or hire, employ or otherwise engage any such individual (other than for the Company and its Affiliates); or (b) cause, induce or encourage any material actual or prospective customer, supplier, or licensor of the Company or any of its Affiliates (including any Person or entity that becomes a customer of the Company or any of its Affiliates after the Effective Date) or any other Person who has a material business relationship with the Company or its Affiliates to terminate or modify any such actual or prospective relationship.

 

5.2.                             Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information .  Executive will be given access to and provided with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ sensitive, confidential, proprietary and trade secret information during the Term.  Executive shall not, during the Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, disclose, reveal, divulge or communicate to any Person (other than authorized officers, directors and employees of the Company) or use or otherwise exploit for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of anyone (other than the Company), any Confidential Information.  Executive shall not have any obligation to keep confidential any Confidential Information if and to the extent disclosure thereof is specifically required by applicable law; provided , however , that in the event disclosure is required by applicable law, Executive shall, to the extent reasonably possible, provide the Company with prompt notice of such requirement prior to making any disclosure so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order.  Promptly upon termination, for any reason, of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive agrees to deliver to the Company all property and materials within Executive’s possession or control which belong to the Company or any of its Affiliates which contain Confidential Information.

 

5.3.                             Reformation .  The Company and Executive agree that if any arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction determines that a specified time period, business limitation or any other relevant feature of this Section 5 is unreasonable, arbitrary or against public policy, then a lesser period of time, business limitation or other relevant feature which is determined by such arbitrator or court to be reasonable, not arbitrary, and not against public policy may be substituted and enforced against the applicable party.

 

5.4.                             Notification Obligations .  Executive agrees that during the term of the restrictions in Section 5.1 , Executive shall promptly inform the Company in writing of the identity of any new employer, the job title of Executive’s new position and a description of any services to be rendered to that employer.  Executive will communicate Executive’s obligations under this Agreement to each such new employer.

 

5.5.                             Remedies .  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any provision of Section 5 of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to (a) injunctive relief by temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, and/or permanent injunction, (b) recovery of all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the Company in obtaining such relief, and (c) any other legal and equitable relief to which the Company may be entitled, including without

 

4



 

limitation any and all monetary damages which the Company may incur as a result of such breach or threatened breach.

 

5.6.                             Non-Competition .  Upon payment to Executive of severance under Section 4 , Executive will no longer be subject to any non-competition agreement or policy of the Company other than the provisions set forth in this Agreement.

 

6.                                       Certain Defined Terms .  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms are defined as set forth below:

 

6.1.                             Affiliate ” means a Person, including a joint venture entity, that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified.  An entity will be deemed an Affiliate of the Company for purposes of this definition only for such periods as the requisite ownership or control relationship is maintained.

 

6.2.                             Business ” means providing products or services to any Person (as defined below) to whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has provided products or services during the Term and for which Executive has (or has had) responsibilities or about which Executive has Confidential Information (as defined below) and, as of the end of the Term, any other Person with whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has undertaken material, substantive steps to engage within the twelve (12) month period prior to such time and for which Executive has had material responsibility with regard to, or Confidential Information about, such steps.  Without limiting the foregoing, “Business” shall be deemed to include the well completion and servicing business, including, but not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, pressure pumping, wire line, pressure testing, pump-down, perforating and other complementary services.

 

6.3.                             Confidential Information ” means any sensitive, confidential, proprietary or trade secret information with respect to the Company or any of its Affiliates or the Business, including, but not limited to, methods of operation, customer lists, products, prices, fees, costs, technology, formulas, inventions, trade secrets, know-how, software, marketing methods, plans, personnel, suppliers, competitors, markets or other specialized information or proprietary matters; provided that , there shall be no obligation hereunder with respect to information that (a) is generally available to the public on the Effective Date or (b) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure not otherwise permissible hereunder.

 

6.4.                             Disability ” means the Executive becomes disabled, as defined under applicable state or federal law, and no reasonable accommodation can be provided without undue hardship to the Company.

 

6.5.                             Person ” has the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

7.                                       Employment Rights Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement will create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Executive to have the Executive remain in the employment of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

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8.                                       Expenses of Enforcement .  Upon demand by Executive made to the Company, the Company shall fully reimburse Executive for the reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses and costs of expert witnesses) incurred by Executive in enforcing or seeking to enforce the payment of any amount to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company in accordance with the terms hereof.  Payments under this Section 8 shall be made within ten (10) business days after the delivery of Executive’s written request for the payment accompanied by such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company may reasonably require.

 

9.                                       No Obligation to Mitigate; No Rights of Offset .

 

9.1.                             Mitigation .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment required to be paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, whether by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any such payment be reduced on account of any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another Person.

 

9.2.                             Offset .  The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others.

 

10.                                No Effect on Other Rights .   Except as set forth in Section 4.3 , nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by the Company or any of its Affiliates and for which Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may have under any restricted stock unit or other agreements with the Company or any of its Affiliates.  Amounts which are vested benefits or which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by, or any other contract or agreement with, the Company or any of its Affiliates at or subsequent to the date of termination shall be payable or otherwise provided in accordance with such plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

 

11.                                Severable Provisions .   The provisions of this Agreement are severable and the invalidity of any one or more provisions shall not affect the validity of any other provision.  In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is unenforceable in whole or in part because of the duration or scope thereof, the parties hereto agree that said court in making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration and scope of such provision to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and that this Agreement in its reduced form shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.

 

12.                                Notices .  All notices hereunder, to be effective, shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective when delivered by hand or mailed by (a) certified mail, postage and fees prepaid, or (b) nationally recognized overnight express mail service, as follows:

 

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If to the Company:

 

FTS International, Inc.
ATTENTION:  General Counsel
777 Main Street
Suite 2900
Fort Worth, TX  76102

 

If to Executive, at the address in the Company’s human resources records.

 

13.                                Miscellaneous .

 

13.1.                      Entire Agreement; Amendment .  This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral this Agreement may not be amended or revised except by a writing signed by each of the parties.

 

13.2.                      Assignment and Transfer .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor in interest to, the Company.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations of Executive shall be assignable by Executive, nor shall any of the payments required or permitted to be made to Executive by this Agreement be encumbered, transferred or in any way anticipated, except as required by applicable laws.  All rights of Executive under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s legal representatives, estate, executors, administrators, heirs and beneficiaries.  All amounts payable to Executive hereunder shall be paid, in the event of Executive’s death, to Executive’s legal representatives, estates, heirs or beneficiaries, in each case, in accordance with applicable law.

 

13.3.                      Waiver of Breach .  A waiver by any party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement by any other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach by any other party.

 

13.4.                      Section 409A .

 

(a)                                  It is the intention of the parties to this Agreement that no payment or entitlement pursuant to this Agreement will give rise to any adverse tax consequences to Executive under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and the Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including that issued after the Effective Date (collectively, “ Section 409A ”).  The Agreement shall be interpreted to that end and, consistent with that objective and notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Company may unilaterally take any action deemed necessary or desirable to amend any provision herein to avoid the application of or excise tax under Section 409A.  The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding implementation of this Section 13.4 ; provided that , neither the Company nor its employees or representatives shall have liability to Executive with respect hereto.

 

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(b)                                  A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A on account or as a result of a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to “termination,” “terminate,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean separation from service.

 

(c)                                   All reimbursements for costs and expenses under this Agreement shall be paid in no event later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurs such expense.  With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, provided , however , that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.

 

(d)                                  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time) on the date of termination, to the extent payments made hereunder (as well as any other payment or benefit that Executive is entitled to receive upon his separation from service) constitute deferred compensation (after taking account any applicable exceptions under Section 409A), and to the extent required by Section 409A, payments or benefits payable upon separation from service which otherwise would be payable during the six-month period immediately following the date of termination will instead be paid or made available on the earlier of (i) the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s date of termination and (ii) Executive’s death.

 

13.5.                      Governing Law and Venue .  This Agreement shall be construed under and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.  The sole and exclusive venue for any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be the state or federal courts of Tarrant County, Texas.

 

13.6.                      Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and shall have the same effect as if the signatures hereto and thereto were on the same instrument.

 

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Larry D. Cannon

 

 

Name:

Larry D. Cannon

 

 

Title:

Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Lance Turner

 

Lance Turner

 




Exhibit 10.6

 

SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

 

This SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 3, 2016 (the “ Effective Date ”), is entered into by and between FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Larry D. Cannon, a resident of Texas (“ Executive ”).

 

RECITALS:

 

A.                                     The Company is considering various alternatives to improve its balance sheet and financial performance in light of current industry conditions;

 

B.                                     The Executive is a key employee of the Company and has made and is expected to continue to make major contributions to the short- and long-term growth and financial strength of the Company;

 

C.                                     The Company desires to assure itself of both present and future continuity of management and desires to establish certain minimum severance benefits for certain of its executives, including the Executive, applicable to the circumstances described in this Agreement; and

 

D.                                     The Company desires to provide additional inducement for the Executive to continue to remain in the ongoing employ of the Company;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Severance Agreement Term .   The term of this Agreement will be for a period of one (1) year (the “ Term ”), commencing on the Effective Date.

 

2.                                       Termination .   In the event the Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, the Executive will be entitled to the payment provided by Section 4 .

 

2.1.                             Cause .  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Cause ” shall mean:

 

(a)                                  the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform his material job duties with the Company or one of its Affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from Disability), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Company which specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties and Executive has had an opportunity for thirty (30) days to cure such failure after receipt of such written demand;

 

(b)                                  engaging in an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation or theft which results in damage to the Company or any of its Affiliates;

 



 

(c)                                   conviction of Executive of, or Executive pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony (other than a violation of a motor vehicle or moving violation law) or a misdemeanor if such misdemeanor (i) materially damages the Company or any of its Affiliates or (ii) involves the commission of a criminal act against the Company or any of its Affiliates; or

 

(d)                                  the breach by Executive of any material provision of, or inaccuracy in any material respect of any representation made by Executive in, the Company’s policies that is not cured within thirty (30) days of written notice from the Company setting forth with reasonable particularity such breach or inaccuracy, provided that , if such breach or inaccuracy is not capable of being cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, Executive shall not be entitled to such cure period.

 

2.2.                                         Good Reason .  For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Good Reason ” shall mean, without Executive’s consent:

 

(a)                                  a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary, other than pursuant to a reduction applicable to all executives or employees of the Company generally;

 

(b)                                  a move of Executive’s primary place of work more than 50 miles from its current location without Executive’s consent; or

 

(c)                                   a material diminution in Executive’s normal duties and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, the assignment without Executive’s consent of any diminished duties and responsibilities which are inconsistent with Executive’s positions, duties and responsibilities with the Company and its Affiliates on the date of this Agreement, or a materially adverse change in Executive’s reporting responsibilities or titles as in effect on the date of this Agreement, or any removal of Executive from or any failure to re-elect Executive to any of such positions, except in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause or upon death, Disability, voluntary resignation or other termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason;

 

provided that , in each case, Executive must provide at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of termination for Good Reason in reliance upon this Section 2 within thirty (30) days after the event that Executive claims constitutes Good Reason, and the Company shall have the opportunity to cure such circumstances within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice.  For the avoidance of doubt, Good Reason shall not exist hereunder unless and until the thirty (30) day cure period following receipt by the Company of Executive’s written notice expires and the Company shall not have cured such circumstances, and in such case Executive’s employment shall terminate for Good Reason on the day following expiration of such sixty (30) day notice period; provided further that , for the avoidance of doubt, Executive will not be entitled to any severance payment under this Agreement upon death, Disability, voluntary resignation or other termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason.

 

3.                                       Notice of Termination .  Any termination of Executive’s employment by the Company or Executive (as applicable) shall be effected by a Notice of Termination from the party effecting the termination to the other party hereto; provided that , notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Notice of Termination must be given, and no other action shall be required

 

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to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder, if Executive’s employment terminates due to his death.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “ Notice of Termination ” shall mean a written notice that (a) indicates the specific provision(s) in this Agreement pursuant to which Executive is or is not entitled to severance under this Agreement and (b) sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances that provide a basis for payment or non-payment of severance pursuant to such provision(s).

 

4.                                       Severance Compensation Upon Termination of Employment .

 

4.1.                             Termination Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason .  If during the Term Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive will be entitled to one times (1.0x) Executive’s annual base salary as of the date of termination, payable in a lump-sum on the first payroll date immediately following the date of termination or the effective date of the general release referenced in Section 4.2 , whichever is later, subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 .  The payment under this Section 4.1 is intended to constitute a separation payment within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below) and will be paid, if at all, in all events within the Section 409A short-term deferral period.  Executive shall also be entitled to any other benefits which may be owing in accordance with the Company’s policies or applicable law.  In the event that Executive is rehired by the Company or any of its Affiliates during the period before Executive has received payment under this Section 4.1 , Executive will no longer be entitled to such payment beginning on the rehire date.

 

4.2.                             Condition to Payment .  All payments due to Executive under this Section 4 will be (a) contingent upon execution by Executive (or Executive’s legal representatives) of a general release of all claims to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law against the Company, its Affiliates and its current and former stockholders, directors, members, officers, managers, employees and agents, in such form as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such release becoming effective and (b) forfeited and subject to repayment if Executive fails to comply with his obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, the restrictions on activities of Executive set forth in Section 5 and under any other agreement to which the Company (or any of its Affiliates) and Executive are a party.  The Company will provide the form of general release within ten (10) days following termination of Executive’s employment, and Executive will be required to return the executed general release within thirty (30) days of receipt from the Company, unless local, state, or federal law requires that Executive be allowed a longer period of time to return the executed general release.

 

4.3.                             No Other Severance .  Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that, other than the severance payment described in Section 4.1 hereof, upon termination, Executive shall not be entitled to any other severance under any benefit plan or severance policy of the Company or any of its Affiliates generally available to the Company’s employees or otherwise.

 

4.4.                             Board Resignation .  Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent applicable, Executive agrees to resign, as of the date of such termination, as an officer, director, or member of any committee or other managing body of the Company and/or any of its Affiliates.

 

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5.                                       Restrictions on Activities of Executive .

 

5.1.                             Non-Solicitation .  During the Term and for one year following the termination of Executive’s employment, taking into consideration the fact that Executive will be provided with sensitive and confidential information of the Company and its Affiliates, Executive shall not (a) cause, solicit, induce or encourage any employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates to leave such employment or hire, employ or otherwise engage any such individual (other than for the Company and its Affiliates); or (b) cause, induce or encourage any material actual or prospective customer, supplier, or licensor of the Company or any of its Affiliates (including any Person or entity that becomes a customer of the Company or any of its Affiliates after the Effective Date) or any other Person who has a material business relationship with the Company or its Affiliates to terminate or modify any such actual or prospective relationship.

 

5.2.                             Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information .  Executive will be given access to and provided with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ sensitive, confidential, proprietary and trade secret information during the Term.  Executive shall not, during the Term or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, disclose, reveal, divulge or communicate to any Person (other than authorized officers, directors and employees of the Company) or use or otherwise exploit for Executive’s own benefit or for the benefit of anyone (other than the Company), any Confidential Information.  Executive shall not have any obligation to keep confidential any Confidential Information if and to the extent disclosure thereof is specifically required by applicable law; provided , however , that in the event disclosure is required by applicable law, Executive shall, to the extent reasonably possible, provide the Company with prompt notice of such requirement prior to making any disclosure so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order.  Promptly upon termination, for any reason, of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive agrees to deliver to the Company all property and materials within Executive’s possession or control which belong to the Company or any of its Affiliates which contain Confidential Information.

 

5.3.                             Reformation .  The Company and Executive agree that if any arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction determines that a specified time period, business limitation or any other relevant feature of this Section 5 is unreasonable, arbitrary or against public policy, then a lesser period of time, business limitation or other relevant feature which is determined by such arbitrator or court to be reasonable, not arbitrary, and not against public policy may be substituted and enforced against the applicable party.

 

5.4.                             Notification Obligations .  Executive agrees that during the term of the restrictions in Section 5.1 , Executive shall promptly inform the Company in writing of the identity of any new employer, the job title of Executive’s new position and a description of any services to be rendered to that employer.  Executive will communicate Executive’s obligations under this Agreement to each such new employer.

 

5.5.                             Remedies .  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any provision of Section 5 of this Agreement, the Company shall be entitled to (a) injunctive relief by temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, and/or permanent injunction, (b) recovery of all attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the Company in obtaining such relief, and (c) any other legal and equitable relief to which the Company may be entitled, including without

 

4



 

limitation any and all monetary damages which the Company may incur as a result of such breach or threatened breach.

 

5.6.                             Non-Competition .  Upon payment to Executive of severance under Section 4 , Executive will no longer be subject to any non-competition agreement or policy of the Company other than the provisions set forth in this Agreement.

 

6.                                       Certain Defined Terms .  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms are defined as set forth below:

 

6.1.                             Affiliate ” means a Person, including a joint venture entity, that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified.  An entity will be deemed an Affiliate of the Company for purposes of this definition only for such periods as the requisite ownership or control relationship is maintained.

 

6.2.                             Business ” means providing products or services to any Person (as defined below) to whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has provided products or services during the Term and for which Executive has (or has had) responsibilities or about which Executive has Confidential Information (as defined below) and, as of the end of the Term, any other Person with whom the Company or any of its Affiliates has undertaken material, substantive steps to engage within the twelve (12) month period prior to such time and for which Executive has had material responsibility with regard to, or Confidential Information about, such steps.  Without limiting the foregoing, “Business” shall be deemed to include the well completion and servicing business, including, but not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, pressure pumping, wire line, pressure testing, pump-down, perforating and other complementary services.

 

6.3.                             Confidential Information ” means any sensitive, confidential, proprietary or trade secret information with respect to the Company or any of its Affiliates or the Business, including, but not limited to, methods of operation, customer lists, products, prices, fees, costs, technology, formulas, inventions, trade secrets, know-how, software, marketing methods, plans, personnel, suppliers, competitors, markets or other specialized information or proprietary matters; provided that , there shall be no obligation hereunder with respect to information that (a) is generally available to the public on the Effective Date or (b) becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure not otherwise permissible hereunder.

 

6.4.                             Disability ” means the Executive becomes disabled, as defined under applicable state or federal law, and no reasonable accommodation can be provided without undue hardship to the Company.

 

6.5.                             Person ” has the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

7.                                       Employment Rights Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement will create any right or duty on the part of the Company or the Executive to have the Executive remain in the employment of the Company or any Affiliate.

 

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8.                                       Expenses of Enforcement .  Upon demand by Executive made to the Company, the Company shall fully reimburse Executive for the reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses and costs of expert witnesses) incurred by Executive in enforcing or seeking to enforce the payment of any amount to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement as a result of the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company in accordance with the terms hereof.  Payments under this Section 8 shall be made within ten (10) business days after the delivery of Executive’s written request for the payment accompanied by such evidence of fees and expenses incurred as the Company may reasonably require.

 

9.                                       No Obligation to Mitigate; No Rights of Offset .

 

9.1.                             Mitigation .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment required to be paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement, whether by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any such payment be reduced on account of any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by another Person.

 

9.2.                             Offset .  The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others.

 

10.                                No Effect on Other Rights .   Except as set forth in Section 4.3 , nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by the Company or any of its Affiliates and for which Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as Executive may have under any restricted stock unit or other agreements with the Company or any of its Affiliates.  Amounts which are vested benefits or which Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, program, policy or practice of or provided by, or any other contract or agreement with, the Company or any of its Affiliates at or subsequent to the date of termination shall be payable or otherwise provided in accordance with such plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

 

11.                                Severable Provisions .   The provisions of this Agreement are severable and the invalidity of any one or more provisions shall not affect the validity of any other provision.  In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is unenforceable in whole or in part because of the duration or scope thereof, the parties hereto agree that said court in making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration and scope of such provision to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and that this Agreement in its reduced form shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.

 

12.                                Notices .  All notices hereunder, to be effective, shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective when delivered by hand or mailed by (a) certified mail, postage and fees prepaid, or (b) nationally recognized overnight express mail service, as follows:

 

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If to the Company:

 

FTS International, Inc.
ATTENTION:  Vice President of Human Resources
777 Main Street
Suite 2900
Fort Worth, TX  76102

 

If to Executive, at the address in the Company’s human resources records.

 

13.                                Miscellaneous .

 

13.1.                      Entire Agreement; Amendment .  This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral this Agreement may not be amended or revised except by a writing signed by each of the parties.

 

13.2.                      Assignment and Transfer .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor in interest to, the Company.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations of Executive shall be assignable by Executive, nor shall any of the payments required or permitted to be made to Executive by this Agreement be encumbered, transferred or in any way anticipated, except as required by applicable laws.  All rights of Executive under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s legal representatives, estate, executors, administrators, heirs and beneficiaries.  All amounts payable to Executive hereunder shall be paid, in the event of Executive’s death, to Executive’s legal representatives, estates, heirs or beneficiaries, in each case, in accordance with applicable law.

 

13.3.                      Waiver of Breach .  A waiver by any party of any breach of any provision of this Agreement by any other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach by any other party.

 

13.4.                      Section 409A .

 

(a)                                  It is the intention of the parties to this Agreement that no payment or entitlement pursuant to this Agreement will give rise to any adverse tax consequences to Executive under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and the Treasury Regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including that issued after the Effective Date (collectively, “ Section 409A ”).  The Agreement shall be interpreted to that end and, consistent with that objective and notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Company may unilaterally take any action deemed necessary or desirable to amend any provision herein to avoid the application of or excise tax under Section 409A.  The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding implementation of this Section 13.4 ; provided that , neither the Company nor its employees or representatives shall have liability to Executive with respect hereto.

 

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(b)                                  A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A on account or as a result of a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to “termination,” “terminate,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean separation from service.

 

(c)                                   All reimbursements for costs and expenses under this Agreement shall be paid in no event later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurs such expense.  With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, provided , however , that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.

 

(d)                                  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i) and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time) on the date of termination, to the extent payments made hereunder (as well as any other payment or benefit that Executive is entitled to receive upon his separation from service) constitute deferred compensation (after taking account any applicable exceptions under Section 409A), and to the extent required by Section 409A, payments or benefits payable upon separation from service which otherwise would be payable during the six-month period immediately following the date of termination will instead be paid or made available on the earlier of (i) the first day following the six (6) month anniversary of Executive’s date of termination and (ii) Executive’s death.

 

13.5.                      Governing Law and Venue .  This Agreement shall be construed under and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.  The sole and exclusive venue for any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be the state or federal courts of Tarrant County, Texas.

 

13.6.                      Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and shall have the same effect as if the signatures hereto and thereto were on the same instrument.

 

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Larry D. Cannon

 

Larry D. Cannon

 


 



Exhibit 10.7

 

 

Fort Worth

777 Main Street, Suite 3000

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Office: 817.862.2000

Toll Free: 866.877.1008

Fax: 817.339.3640

 

August 5, 2015

 

Lance Turner

Hand Delivered

 

Re:  Salary Change

 

Dear Lance:

 

As you know, FTSI has taken numerous cost-cutting measures this year to sustain our business through the downturn. This week I have made another decision to ensure FTSI’s long term sustainability. Effective August 9, 2015, I will temporarily reduce the base salaries of the leadership team, including myself. Your base salary will be reduced by 0% to $200,000. Your benefits will remain the same in accordance with FTSI’s policy.

 

Your base salary will be reinstated as our cash flow improves based on the following criteria:

 

·                   After the Company has achieved monthly Adjusted EBITDA averaging $12M for 3 consecutive months, 50% of your salary reduction will be reinstated.

 

·                   After the Company has achieved monthly Adjusted EBITDA averaging $17M for 3 consecutive months, the remaining 50% of your salary reduction will be reinstated.

 

I realize that you contribute a great deal to the organization, and that you have been asked to take on additional responsibilities with the recent changes that have occurred. I assure you that your contribution to this team is valued. As such, while there is an immediate need for the reduction, I am providing you with a retention opportunity that offsets the reduction and rewards you for your ongoing employment with FTSI.

 

Your retention bonus will be $40,000. As described below, the bonus will be paid in a manner designed to set the stage for your continued commitment to our future growth and accomplishments.

 

Milestone

 

Amount Paid

 

Payment Date

Achievement of monthly Adjusted EBITDA averaging $12M for 3 consecutive months

 

30% of Retention Bonus

 

Later of March 15, 2016 or first of the month following recognition of milestone achievement

Achievement of monthly Adjusted EBITDA averaging $17M for 3 consecutive months

 

70% of Retention Bonus

 

Later of December 15, 2016 or first of the month following recognition of milestone achievement

 

To be eligible for the retention bonus, you must be an active full-time employee of the Company on the applicable bonus payment dates. If you are terminated without cause or the Company completes a sale of a majority of its equity or substantially all of its assets, the retention bonus (or remaining portion) will be

 



 

paid to you at that time. If you tender your resignation or are terminated for cause, you will not be eligible for the retention bonus (or remaining portion) payable thereafter.

 

We need you engaged in the business at hand and comfortable that your employment status is secure. I hope that this plan allows you to continue focusing on accomplishing our goal of being the preferred well completion partner .

 

Sincerely,

 

/s/ Greg Lanham

 

 

Greg Lanham

Chief Executive Officer

 

I agree to and accept the terms set forth in this letter.

 

/s/ Lance Turner

 

8-7-15

 

Employee Signature

 

Date

 

 




Exhibit 10.8

 

 

Fort Worth

777 Main Street, Suite 2900

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Office: 817.862.2000

Toll Free: 866.877.1008

Fax: 817.339.3640

 

December 19, 2016

 

Larry Cannon

Hand Delivered

 

Re:  Updated Retention Bonus Offer

 

Dear Larry,

 

On August 5, 2015, you received a letter awarding you a retention bonus in recognition of your contributions and your support of our cost containment initiatives during the oil and gas economic downturn.  To this day, the downturn continues; noted as one of the most severe in our industry’s history.

 

Despite our best efforts and industry leading results, we still have a lot of work to do in order to meet our milestones.  In recognition of all you have done to keep FTSI moving forward, I would like to offer you a revised bonus and salary replacement schedule.  If accepted, this arrangement will replace and cancel your letter dated August 5, 2015.

 

As described below, the bonus and salary replacement will be paid in a manner designed for our future growth and accomplishments.

 

Milestone

 

Amount Paid

 

Salary Reinstatement

December 26, 2016
(payable on December 30, 2016 pay date)

 

5% of Salary (as of August 8, 2015)

 

50% of August 9, 2015 reduction

Later of July 1, 2017
(payable on July 14, 2017 pay date)
or
Achievement of monthly Adjusted EBITDA averaging $15M for 3 consecutive months

 

25% of Salary (as of 8/8/15)

 

50% of August 9, 2015 reduction

 

As before, to be eligible for the retention bonus payments, you must be an active full-time employee of the Company on the applicable bonus payment dates.  If you are terminated for cause, you will not be eligible for the retention bonus (or remaining portion) payable thereafter. If you are terminated without cause or the Company completes a sale of a majority of its equity or substantially all of its assets, the retention bonus (or remaining portions) will be paid to you in the next available pay cycle.  You must sign FTSI’s Separation and Release Agreement in order to receive this payment.  If you voluntarily terminate your employment with FTSI before three months of continuous employment following each payment, you agree to repay that payment in full within 20 business days following the termination of employment.

 



 

We have put our minds to work every day, overcoming obstacles and making personal sacrifices. Today, w e are well on our way to capturing greater market share, and with our improved efficiencies, and we have set the stage for ongoing growth and profitability.  To succeed, I continue to need you to be engaged in the business at hand.  So as we enter the home stretch of our journey, continue to be creative and passionate about what we do every day.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

/s/ Mike Doss

 

 

 

Michael Doss

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

I agree to and accept the terms set forth in this letter.

 

 

 

/s/ Larry Cannon

 

12/20/16

 

Employee Signature

 

Date

 

 




Exhibit 10.9

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
2014 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Section 1.                                           Purposes of Plan.  The name of the Plan is the FTS International, Inc. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”).  The purposes of the Plan are to provide an additional incentive to selected employees of the Company or its Affiliates whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of the Company’s business, in order to strengthen the commitment of such persons to the Company and its Affiliates, motivate such persons to faithfully and diligently perform their responsibilities, and attract and retain competent and dedicated persons whose efforts will result in the long-term growth and profitability of the Company.  The Plan also establishes a limited CEO Discretionary Pool for Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.

 

Section 2.                                           Definitions.  For purposes of the Plan, the following terms are defined as set forth below:

 

(a)                                  Administrator ” means (i) the Compensation Committee with respect to Awards of Restricted Stock Units and (ii) the CEO with respect to Awards granted under the CEO Discretionary Pool.

 

(b)                                  Affiliate ” means a Person, including a joint venture entity, that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified.  An entity will be deemed an Affiliate of the Company for purposes of this definition only for such periods as the requisite ownership or control relationship is maintained.

 

(c)                                   Award ” means any Restricted Stock Unit granted under the Plan or any Restricted Stock granted under the CEO Discretionary Pool.

 

(d)                                  Award Agreement ” means any written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award.

 

(e)                                   Beneficial Owner ” (or any variant thereof) has the meaning defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

 

(f)                                    Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(g)                                   Bylaws ” mean the Bylaws of the Company, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.

 

(h)                                  Cause ” has the meaning assigned to such term in any individual employment or severance agreement or Award Agreement with the Participant or, if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Cause,” Cause will mean the Participant has committed prior to termination of employment or service any of the following acts:

 



 

(1)                                  neglect of duties or failure to act, other than by reason of Disability or death;

 

(2)                                  the misappropriation, fraudulent conduct or acts of workplace dishonesty by the Participant with respect to the assets or operations of the Company or any of its Affiliates;

 

(3)                                  failure to comply with directives from superiors or written company policies;

 

(4)                                  personal misconduct which injuries the Company or any of its Affiliates and/or reflects poorly on the reputation of the Company or any of its Affiliates; or

 

(5)                                  the conviction of the Participant for, or a plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

 

In the event that there is a dispute between the Participant and the Company as to whether “ Cause ” for termination exists:  (A) such termination will nonetheless be effective and (B) such dispute will be subject to arbitration in Fort Worth, Texas, using the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association.

 

(i)                                      CEO ” means the Chief Executive Officer of the Company who is also a member of the Board.  If at any time or to any extent the CEO does not administer the CEO Discretionary Pool, then the functions of the Administrator specified in the Plan will be exercised by the Board or the Compensation Committee.

 

(j)                                     CEO Discretionary Pool ” means the limited number of Shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units that the CEO is authorized to grant and administer as set forth in Section 8 of the Plan.

 

(k)                                  Certificate of Incorporation ” means the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.

 

(l)                                      Change in Capitalization ” means any (1) merger, amalgamation, consolidation, reclassification, recapitalization, spin-off, spin-out, repurchase or other reorganization or corporate transaction or event, (2) special dividend (whether in the form of cash, shares of Common Stock or other property), share split or reverse share split or other distribution, (3) combination or exchange of Shares, or (4) other change in corporate structure, which, in any such case of (1) through (4), the Administrator determines, in its sole discretion, materially affects the Shares such that an adjustment pursuant to Section 5 hereof is appropriate.

 

(m)                              Change in Control ” will be deemed to have occurred if an event set forth in any one of the following paragraphs has occurred:

 

(1)                                  any Person other than the Company or any Affiliate thereof is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person, any securities acquired directly from the

 

2



 

Company, or any Affiliate thereof) representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then-outstanding securities; or

 

(2)                                  the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving on the Board:  individuals who, on the date hereof, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including, but not limited to, a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or

 

(3)                                  there is consummated a merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Company or any Affiliate thereof with any other corporation, other than a merger, amalgamation or consolidation immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity surviving such merger, amalgamation or consolidation or, if the Company or the entity surviving such merger is then a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof; or

 

(4)                                  the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than (A) a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company following the completion of such transaction in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or (B) a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity to which such assets are sold or disposed or, if such entity is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control will not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of shares of Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions.

 

(n)                                  Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto.

 

(o)                                  Common Stock ” means the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.

 

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(p)                                  Company ” means FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (or any successor company, except as the term “Company” is used in the definition of “Change in Control” above).

 

(q)                                  Compensation Committee ” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.  If at any time or to any extent the Compensation Committee does not administer the Plan, then the functions of the Administrator specified in the Plan will be exercised by the Board.  Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, any action of the Compensation Committee with respect to the administration of the Plan will be taken by a majority vote at a meeting at which a quorum is duly constituted or unanimous written consent of the Compensation Committee’s members.

 

(r)                                     Disability ” means, with respect to any Participant, that such Participant (i) as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving in the case of this clause (ii) income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company or an Affiliate thereof.

 

(s)                                    Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

(t)                                     Fair Market Value ” as of a particular date means the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided , however , that if the shares of Common Stock are admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on any date will be the closing sale price reported for such share on such exchange on such date or, if no sale was reported on such date, on the last day preceding such date on which a sale was reported.

 

(u)                                  Participant ” means an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company who has been selected by the Administrator, pursuant to the Administrator’s authority provided for in Section 3 below, to receive grants of Restricted Stock Units or, in the case of the CEO Discretionary Pool, Restricted Stock, or any combination of the foregoing, and, upon his or her Disability or death, his or her successors, heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may be.

 

(v)                                  Person ” has the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, except that such term will not include (i) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate thereof, (ii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iii) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company.

 

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(w)                                Restricted Period ” means the period of time that Awards are subject to time, performance and other conditions relating to vesting and restrictions on Transfer.

 

(x)                                  Restricted Stock ” means Shares granted pursuant to the CEO Discretionary Pool as described in Section 8 below, subject to certain restrictions, if any, that lapse at the end of a specified period or periods.

 

(y)                                  Restricted Stock Units ” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 7 or Section 8 hereof covering a number of Shares that, at the end of a specified deferral period or periods and/or upon attainment of specified performance objectives, may be settled in cash or by the issuance of those Shares.

 

(z)                                   Shares ” means shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, as adjusted pursuant to the Plan, and any successor (pursuant to a merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other reorganization) security.

 

Section 3.                                           Administration.

 

(a)                                  The Plan will be administered by the Administrator and will be administered in accordance with, to the extent applicable, Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (“ Rule 16b-3 ”).  The Plan is intended to comply, and will be administered in a manner that is intended to comply, with Section 409A of the Code and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent.  To the extent that an Award, issuance and/or payment is subject to Section 409A of the Code, it will be awarded and/or issued or paid in a manner that will comply with Section 409A of the Code, including any applicable regulations or guidance issued by the Secretary of the United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service with respect thereto.

 

(b)                                  Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Administrator will have the power and authority, without limitation:

 

(1)                                  to select Participants;

 

(2)                                  to determine whether and to what extent Awards are to be granted hereunder to Participants;

 

(3)                                  to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

 

(4)                                  to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of each Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, (i) the restrictions, if any, applicable to Awards and the conditions under which restrictions, if any, applicable to such Awards will lapse, (ii) the performance goals and periods applicable to Restricted Stock Units, (iii) the vesting schedule applicable to each Award, (iv) the number of Shares subject to each Award and (vi) subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (to the extent applicable), any amendments to the terms and conditions of outstanding Awards, including, but not limited to, accelerating the vesting schedule of such Awards, and, if the Administrator in its discretion determines to accelerate the vesting of Restricted Stock Units in

 

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connection with a Change in Control, the Administrator will also have discretion in connection with such action to provide that all Restricted Stock Units outstanding immediately prior to such Change in Control will expire on the effective date of such Change in Control;

 

(5)                                  to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, which will govern all written instruments evidencing Awards granted hereunder;

 

(6)                                  to determine the Fair Market Value;

 

(7)                                  to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absence which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of the Participant’s employment or service for purposes of Awards granted under the Plan, including authorizing the Company’s human resources department to adopt administrative rules, guidelines and practices applicable to the Plan;

 

(8)                                  to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it from time to time deems advisable, including authorizing the Company’s human resources department to adopt administrative rules, guidelines and practices applicable to the Plan; and

 

(9)                                  to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Award issued under the Plan (and any Award Agreement relating thereto), and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan and to exercise all powers and authorities either specifically granted under the Plan or necessary and advisable in the administration of the Plan.

 

(c)                                   All decisions made by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan will be final, conclusive and binding on all Persons, including, but not limited to, the Company and its Affiliates and the Participants.  No member of the Board or the Compensation Committee, nor the CEO or any other officer or employee of the Company or any Affiliate thereof acting on behalf of the Board or the Compensation Committee or as the Administrator, will be personally liable for any action, omission, determination, or interpretation taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and the CEO and all members of the Board or the Compensation Committee and each and any officer or employee of the Company and of any Affiliate thereof acting on their behalf will, to the maximum extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company in respect of any such action, omission, determination or interpretation.

 

Section 4.                                           Shares Reserved for Issuance Under the Plan.  Subject to Section 5 hereof, the number Shares that are reserved and available for issuance under the Plan is (i) 50,000,000 Shares for Awards of Restricted Stock Units and (ii) 25,000 Shares for Awards of Restricted Stock under the CEO Discretionary Pool.  The maximum number of Shares that may be granted in the aggregate under the Plan pursuant to Awards may not exceed 50,025,000 (subject to adjustment as provided by Section 5).

 

Section 5.                                           Equitable Adjustments.  In the event of any Change in Capitalization, an equitable substitution or proportionate adjustment will be made, in each case, as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, in (i) the aggregate number of Shares

 

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reserved for issuance under the Plan and (ii) the kind and number of Shares subject to outstanding Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted under the Plan; provided , however , that any fractional Shares resulting from the adjustment will be eliminated by rounding down to the nearest whole Share.  Such other equitable substitutions or adjustments will be made as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in connection with a Change in Capitalization, the Administrator may provide, in its sole discretion, for the cancellation of any outstanding Award granted hereunder in exchange for payment in cash or other property having an aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares covered by such Award.  The Administrator’s determinations pursuant to this Section 5 will be final, binding and conclusive.

 

Section 6.                                           Eligibility .  The Participants under the Plan will be selected from time to time by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, from those individuals that qualify.

 

Section 7.                                           Restricted Stock Units.

 

(a)                                  General .  Restricted Stock Units may be issued under the Plan.  The Administrator will determine (i) the Participants to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards of Restricted Stock Units will be made; (ii) the number of Shares to be awarded; (iii) the period of time before such Restricted Stock Units and underlying Shares become vested and free of restrictions on Transfer, if any; (iv) the performance objectives, if any, applicable to Restricted Stock Units; and (v) all other conditions of the Restricted Stock Units.  If the restrictions, performance objectives and/or conditions established by the Administrator are not attained, a Participant will forfeit his or her Restricted Stock Units in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.  The provisions of the Restricted Stock Units need not be the same with respect to each Participant.  All grants of Restricted Stock Units will vest subject to any additional terms or performance requirements determined under the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Awards and Certificates .  The prospective recipient of Restricted Stock Units will not have any rights with respect to any such Award, unless and until such recipient has executed an Award Agreement and delivered a fully executed copy thereof to the Company, within a period of sixty (60) days (or such other period as the Administrator may specify) after the Award date.  At the expiration of the Restricted Period, Share certificates in respect of Restricted Stock Units may, in the Administrator’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant, or his legal representative, in a number equal to the number of Shares covered by the Award of Restricted Stock Units.  The Administrator will also determine the time or times during which Restricted Stock Units may be settled and whether Restricted Stock Units may be settled in cash, Shares or a combination of both.

 

(c)                                   Restrictions and Conditions .  The Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Section 7 will be subject to the following restrictions and conditions and any additional restrictions or conditions as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant or, subject to Section 409A of the Code, thereafter:

 

(1)                                  The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments and may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part

 

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based on such factors and such circumstances as the Administrator may determine, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to, the attainment of certain performance related goals, the Participant’s termination of employment to the Company or any Affiliate thereof, or the Participant’s death or Disability.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control, the outstanding Awards will be subject to Section 9 hereof.

 

(2)                                  The Participant will not have the rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to an Award of Restricted Stock Units.

 

(3)                                  The applicable Award Agreement will set forth the rights of a Participant with respect to his or her Restricted Stock Units upon termination of employment with the Company or any Affiliate.

 

Section 8.                                           CEO Discretionary Pool.

 

(a)                                  General .  The CEO as Administrator may issue a limited number of Shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units under the CEO Discretionary Pool hereby established under the Plan.  Awards under this Section may not be granted to anyone at or above the Senior Vice President level at the Company.  The Administrator will determine (i) the Participants to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will be made; (ii) the number of Shares to be awarded; (iii) the period of time before such Shares become vested and free of restrictions on Transfer, if any; (iv) the performance objectives, if any, applicable to Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units; and (v) all other conditions of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.  If the restrictions, performance objectives and/or conditions established by the Administrator are not attained, a Participant will forfeit his or her Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.  The provisions of the Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units need not be the same with respect to each Participant.  All grants of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will vest subject to any additional terms or performance requirements determined under the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement.  The CEO as Administrator will report periodically to the Compensation Committee regarding Awards granted under this Section.

 

(b)                                  Awards and Certificates .  The prospective recipient of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units under the CEO Discretionary Pool will not have any rights with respect to any such Award, unless and until such recipient has executed an Award Agreement and delivered a fully executed copy thereof to the Company, within a period of sixty (60) days (or such other period as the Administrator may specify) after the Award date.  Except as otherwise provided below in Section 8(c), (i) each Participant who is granted an Award of Restricted Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be issued a Share certificate in respect of such Restricted Stock; and (ii) any such certificate so issued will be registered in the name of the Participant, and will bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to any such Award.  The Company may require that the Share certificates, if any, evidencing Restricted Stock granted hereunder be held in the custody of the Company, and that, as a condition of any award of Restricted Stock the Participant will have delivered a stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the Shares covered by such Award.  The Company may also require a Participant to execute a proxy in favor of the Company or its designee with

 

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respect to any Shares of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan.  At the expiration of the Restricted Period, Share certificates in respect of Restricted Stock Units may, in the Administrator’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant, or his or her legal representative, in a number equal to the number of Shares covered by the Award of Restricted Stock Units.  The Administrator will also determine the time or times during which Restricted Stock Units may be settled and whether Restricted Stock Units may be settled in cash, Shares or a combination of both.

 

Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, any Restricted Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be issued in uncertificated form pursuant to customary arrangements for issuing Shares in such form.

 

(c)                                   Restrictions and Conditions .  The Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Section 8 will be subject to the following restrictions and conditions and any additional restrictions or conditions as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant or, subject to Section 409A of the Code, thereafter:

 

(1)                                  The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments and may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part based on such factors and such circumstances as the Administrator may determine, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to, the attainment of certain performance related goals, the Participant’s termination of employment to the Company or any Affiliate thereof, or the Participant’s death or Disability.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control, the outstanding Awards will be subject to Section 9 hereof.

 

(2)                                  Whether or not the Participant will have the rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to an Award of Restricted Stock will be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.  The Participant will not have the rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to an Award of Restricted Stock Units.

 

(3)                                  The applicable Award Agreement will set forth the rights of a Participant with respect to his or her Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units upon termination of employment with the Company or any Affiliate.

 

Section 9.                                           Accelerated Vesting In Connection With a Change in Control.  Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator and evidenced in an Award Agreement, in the event that (a) a Change in Control occurs, and (b) the Participant’s employment or service is terminated by the Company, its successor or Affiliate thereof without Cause on or within ninety (90) days before the effective date of the Change in Control but prior to twenty-four (24) months following the effective date of the Change in Control, then the restrictions and forfeiture conditions applicable to an Award granted under the Plan will lapse (as of the date of the Change in Control or such termination without Cause, whichever is later) and such Awards will be deemed fully vested and any performance conditions imposed with respect to such Awards will be deemed to be fully achieved at the target level.

 

Section 10.                                    Amendment and Termination.  The Board may, at any time, suspend or terminate the Plan or any Award or revise or amend the Plan or any Award in any respect

 

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whatsoever; provided , however , that stockholder approval will be required for any such amendment if and to the extent such approval is required in order to comply with applicable law or stock exchange listing requirement.  Nothing herein will restrict the Administrator’s ability to exercise its discretionary authority pursuant to Sections 3, 4 and/or 5 hereof, which discretion may be exercised without amendment of the Plan.  No action hereunder may, without the consent of a Participant, impair the Participant’s rights under any outstanding Award.

 

Section 11.                                    Unfunded Status of Plan.  The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation.  With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein will give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company.

 

Section 12.                                    Withholding Taxes.  To the extent that the Company is required to withhold federal, state, local or foreign taxes in connection with any payment made or benefit realized by a Participant or other person under this Plan, it will be a condition to the receipt of such payment or the realization of such benefit that the Participant or such other person make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for payment of the balance of such taxes required to be withheld.  The Company and a Participant or such other person may also make similar arrangements with respect to the payment of any taxes with respect to which withholding is not required.

 

Section 13.                                    Transfer of Awards.  No purported sale, assignment, mortgage, hypothecation, transfer, charge, pledge, encumbrance, gift, transfer in trust (voting or other) or other disposition of, or creation of a security interest in or lien on, any Award or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing (each, a “ Transfer ”) by any holder thereof in violation of the provisions of the Plan or an Award Agreement will be valid; provided , however , that Transfers may be made by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  Any purported Transfer of an Award or any economic benefit or interest therein in violation of the Plan or an Award Agreement will be null and void ab initio , and will not create any obligation or liability of the Company, and any person purportedly acquiring any Award or any economic benefit or interest therein transferred in violation of the Plan or an Award Agreement will not be entitled to be recognized as a holder of such Award or Shares underlying such Award.

 

Section 14.                                    Continued Employment.  The adoption of the Plan will not confer upon any Participant any right to continued employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate thereof, as the case may be, nor will it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliate thereof to terminate the employment or service of any of its Participants at any time.

 

Section 15.                                    Effective Date.  The Plan was adopted by the Board on               , 2014 and approved by the stockholders of the Company and became effective on               , 2014 (the “ Effective Date ”).

 

Section 16.                                    Term of Plan.  No Award may be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.

 

Section 17.                                    Section 409A of the Code.  Payments and benefits under the Plan are intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the

 

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maximum extent permitted, the Plan will be interpreted and be administered to be in compliance therewith.  Any payments described in the Plan that are due within the “short-term deferral period” as defined in Section 409A of the Code will not be treated as deferred compensation unless applicable law requires otherwise.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, amounts that would otherwise be payable and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to the Plan during the six (6) month period immediately following a Participant’s termination of employment or service will instead be paid on the first business day after the date that is six (6) months following the Participant’s separation from service (or upon the Participant’s death, if earlier).  In addition, for purposes of the Plan, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided to a Participant pursuant to the Plan, which constitutes deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, will be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code and not one of a series of payments.

 

Section 18.                                    Compliance with Law and Agreements.  Subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the Company will not be obligated to issue any Shares or other securities pursuant to the Plan or any Award Agreement if the issuance thereof would, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, result in a violation of law or a breach of a credit agreement, indenture or other material agreement of the Company or its Affiliates.

 

Section 19.                                    Governing Law.  The Plan will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law of such state.

 

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Exhibit 10.10

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
(STOCK-SETTLED)

 

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into as of                , 2014, by and between FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and the individual named on the signature page to this Agreement (“ Grantee ”).  Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings assigned to those terms in the FTS International, Inc. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (the “ Plan ”).

 

RECITALS:

 

A.                                     Grantee is an employee of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company; and

 

B.                                     The execution of this Agreement has been authorized by the Administrator of the Plan.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of these premises and the covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, the Company and Grantee agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Grant of Restricted Stock Units .  Subject to and upon the terms, conditions, and restrictions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Grantee, the target number of Restricted Stock Units set forth on the signature page to this Agreement.  Each Restricted Stock Unit shall represent the right to receive one share of Common Stock.  This Agreement constitutes an “Award Agreement” under the Plan.  The number of Restricted Stock Units under this Agreement will be adjusted as set forth in Section 4(a) of this Agreement.

 

2.                                       Date of Award .  The effective date of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units is                  (the “ Date of Award ”).

 

3.                                       Restrictions on Transfer of Restricted Stock Units .  Neither the Restricted Stock Units granted hereby nor any interest therein may be transferred other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

4.                                       Vesting of Restricted Stock Units .

 

(a)                                  Performance Adjustment . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, unless earlier forfeited in accordance with Section 6, the number of Restricted Stock Units covered by this Agreement will be adjusted as set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement after December 31, 2014 and on or before March 31, 2015 based upon the Company’s and the Grantee’s achievement of the performance goals.  Achievement of performance goals and the related adjustment to the number of Restricted Stock Units will be made in the sole discretion of the Administrator.

 



 

(b)                                  Vesting Upon Liquidity Event . No Restricted Stock Units will become vested and nonforfeitable (“ Earned RSUs ”) on a date that is earlier than the date of a Liquidity Event (as defined below).  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, unless earlier forfeited in accordance with Section 4(a) or Section 6, the percentage of the number of Restricted Stock Units, if any, that become Earned RSUs on the date of a Liquidity Event shall be equal to:

 

(i)                                      100% of the Restricted Stock Units under this Agreement (after adjustment under Section 4(a) above) if the Grantee on the date of the Liquidity Event has been continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate for a period of time at least through December 31, 2016.

 

(ii)                                   50% of the Restricted Stock Units under this Agreement (after adjustment under Section 4(a) above) if the Grantee on the date of the Liquidity Event has been continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate for a period of time at least through December 31, 2015.

 

(c)                                   Vesting After Liquidity Event . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, unless earlier forfeited in accordance with Section 4(a) or Section 6, the percentage of the number of Restricted Stock Units, if any, that shall become Earned RSUs following the date of a Liquidity Event shall be equal to:

 

(i)                                      100% of the Restricted Stock Units under this Agreement (after adjustment under Section 4(a) above) on December 31, 2016 if the Grantee has been continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate from the Date of Award.

 

(ii)                                   50% of the Restricted Stock Units under this Agreement (after adjustment under Section 4(a) above) on December 31, 2015 if the Grantee has been continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate from the Date of Award.

 

(d)                                  Definitions .

 

(i)                                      Liquidity Event ” means the closing of (a) a consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other Person (other than a merger that will not result in more than 50% of the voting capital stock of the surviving entity outstanding being owned of record or beneficially by Persons other than the holders of such voting capital stock immediately prior to such merger in the same proportions in which such shares were held immediately prior to such merger), (b) a sale of all or a substantial part of the properties and assets of the Company in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions to any other Person, (c) the acquisition of “beneficial ownership” (as defined under the Exchange Act) by any Person or “group” (as defined under the Exchange Act) of voting capital stock of the Company representing more than 30% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of such voting capital stock, whether by way of merger or consolidation or otherwise, that, in the case of (a) through (c), results in, or provides an opportunity for, holders of Common Stock to receive any amount of cash or cash equivalents or any assets that can be converted into cash within 90 days of the closing of such acquisition with a value of at least $100 million, or (d) the Initial Public Offering.

 

(ii)                                   Initial Public Offering ” shall mean the closing of the sale of Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company in an underwritten public offering, pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, that results in aggregate net proceeds to the Company and any selling stockholders of at least $100 million.

 

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5.                                       Performance Objectives.   The Performance Objectives (as defined below) set forth in this Section 5 will be used to adjust the number of Restricted Stock Units granted to the Grantee in accordance with Section 4(a).

 

(a)                                  Definitions .  For purposes of this section:

 

(i)                                      Adjusted EBITDA ” means the net income of FTS International Services, LLC (“ FTSI Services ”) before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization and as further adjusted to exclude amounts related to impairment of assets, gains and losses on disposals of assets, ownership-based compensation, other transaction costs (e.g., other costs related to asset sales and discontinued debt financing costs), miscellaneous revenue (e.g., rental income and deferred gain), severance costs and other non-recurring items, in each case as shown in the financial statements of FTSI Services.

 

(ii)                                   Adjusted EBITDA Goal ” means for the year ending December 31, 2014, $[Compensation Committee to set Adjusted EBITDA Goal between $300 million and $350 million at February meeting].

 

(iii)                                Company Financial Performance ” means the Company’s financial performance measured by an Adjusted EBITDA Goal and a Revenue Goal.

 

(iv)                               Company Performance Objectives ” means the Company Financial Performance goals and the Company TRIR goal.

 

(v)                                  Company TRIR ” means the Company’s total recordable incidence rate which measures the rate of recordable workplace injuries, normalized per 100 workers per year.

 

(vi)                               Individual Performance Objective ” means individual performance goals as set forth in Exhibit B.*

 

(vii)                            Performance Objectives ” means both the Company Performance Objectives and Individual Performance Objective.*

 

(viii)                         Performance Objective Weight ” means the weight given to each performance metric (i.e., the Adjusted EBITDA Goal metric, the Revenue Goal metric, the Company TRIR metric and the Individual Performance Objective* metric) by the Administrator as set forth in Exhibit A.

 

(ix)                               Revenue ” means revenue from services and equipment sales of FTSI Services to third parties and related parties as shown in the financial statements of FTSI Services.

 


* Note:  Employees at the Director level and below will not have Individual Performance Objectives.  All references to Individual Performance Objectives will be removed from their agreements.

 

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(x)                                  Revenue Goal ” means for the year ending December 31, 2014, $[Compensation Committee to set Revenue Goal between $2.0 billion and $2.5 billion at February meeting].

 

(b)                                  Performance Objectives . The achievement of the Performance Objectives will be measured as set forth in Exhibit A to this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Number of Restricted Stock Units Earned .  After December 31, 2014 and on or before March 31, 2015, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether and to what extent the goals relating to the Performance Objectives have been satisfied. After the Administrator has determined the level of performance achieved for each Performance Objective, the Administrator will then multiply each Performance Objective Weight by the applicable percent of target achieved (set forth in Exhibit A) to get the “ Adjusted Weight ” as described in this section below.

 

(i)                                      Below Threshold .  If performance is determined by the Administrator to fall below the threshold level for a given Performance Objective, the applicable Performance Objective Weight will be multiplied by 0%, the applicable percent of target achieved.

 

(ii)                                   Threshold .  If performance is determined by the Administrator to equal the threshold level for a given Performance Objective, the applicable Performance Objective Weight will be multiplied by 25%, the applicable percent of target achieved.

 

(iii)                                Between Threshold and Target .  If performance is determined by the Administrator to exceed the threshold level, but is less than the target level for a given Performance Objective, the applicable Performance Objective Weight will be multiplied by a percentage between 25% and 100% (as set forth in Exhibit A ), the applicable percent of target achieved.

 

(iv)                               Target .  If performance is determined by the Administrator to equal the target level for a given Performance Objective, the applicable Performance Objective Weight will be multiplied by 100%, the applicable percent of target achieved.

 

(v)                                  Between Target and Maximum .  If performance is determined by the Administrator to exceed the target level, but is less than the maximum level for a given Performance Objective, the applicable Performance Objective Weight will be multiplied by a percentage between 100% and 200% (as set forth in Exhibit A ), the applicable percent of target achieved.

 

(vi)                               Equals or Exceeds Maximum .  If performance is determined by the Administrator to equal or exceed the maximum level for a given Performance Objective, the applicable Performance Objective Weight will be multiplied by 200%, the applicable percent of target achieved.

 

The Administrator will then sum the Adjusted Weights to get the “ Performance Percentage .”  Next, the Administrator will multiply the target number of Restricted Stock Units as set forth on the signature page to this Agreement by the Performance Percentage to get the “ Number of Restricted Stock Units Earned .”  The Administrator will then adjust the number of

 

4



 

Restricted Stock Units covered by this Agreement to equal the Number of Restricted Stock Units Earned.

 

6.                                       Forfeiture of Restricted Stock Units.  Except as otherwise described in this Section 6, any of the Restricted Stock Units that remain forfeitable in accordance with Section 4 hereof shall be forfeited if Grantee ceases for any reason to be employed by the Company or an Affiliate at any time prior to such Restricted Stock Units becoming nonforfeitable in accordance with Section 4 hereof.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the Grantee’s employment with the Company or an Affiliate shall not be deemed to have been interrupted, and Grantee shall not be deemed to have ceased to be an employee of the Company or an Affiliate, by reason of (a) the transfer of Grantee’s employment among the Company and its Affiliates, (b) an approved leave of absence of not more than 90 days under such administrative rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as maintained by the Company’s human resources department, or (c) the period of any leave of absence required to be granted by the Company under any law, rule, regulation or contract applicable to Grantee’s employment with the Company or any Affiliate.

 

7.                                       Settlement of Restricted Stock Units .  Subject to Section 11, all Earned RSUs will be settled as soon as reasonably practicable following the date that they become Earned RSUs, and in any event within sixty (60) days following such date.  At settlement, Shares underlying Restricted Stock Units shall be transferred to the Grantee, except as otherwise provided in Section 9; provided , however , that the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle the award of Restricted Stock Units wholly or partly in cash.

 

8.                                       Dividend, Voting and Other Rights .  The Grantee shall have no rights of ownership in the Restricted Stock Units and shall have no voting rights with respect to such Restricted Stock Units unless and until the date on which the Shares transferred to the Grantee pursuant to Section 7 above and a stock certificate representing such Shares is issued to the Grantee.  From and after the Date of Award, the Company shall not pay to the Grantee any dividends with respect to the Restricted Stock Units unless and until the Grantee receives the Shares underlying the Restricted Stock Units in accordance with Section 7 above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Grantee will be entitled to receive dividends declared on or after the Restricted Stock Units become Earned RSUs, and such dividends will be paid at settlement.

 

9.                                       Retention of Common Stock by the Company; Withholding .  The Shares underlying the Restricted Stock Units shall be released to the Grantee by the Company’s transfer agent at the direction of the Company.  At such time as the Restricted Stock Units become payable as specified in this Agreement, the Company shall direct the transfer agent to forward all such Shares to the Grantee; provided , however , that (a) the Company may withhold a number of Shares with a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount the Company is then required to withhold for taxes and (b) the transfer agent will be directed to forward the remaining balance of Shares after the amount necessary for such taxes has been deducted.  The cash, if any, paid to Grantee pursuant to Section 7 above shall be reduced by the minimum amount the Company is then required to withhold for taxes, as determined by the Administrator.  The foregoing provisions of this Section 9 are in all events subject to Section 11.

 

10.                                Compliance with Law .  The Company shall make reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws; provided , however , notwithstanding any other

 

5



 

provision of this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated to issue any Shares or other securities pursuant to this Agreement if the issuance thereof would, in the reasonable opinion of the Company, result in a violation of any such law.

 

11.                                Compliance with Section 409A of the Code .  This Agreement is intended to comply, and will be administered in a manner that is intended to comply, with Section 409A of the Code and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent.  To the extent that an Award, issuance and/or payment is subject to Section 409A of the Code, it will be awarded and/or issued or paid in a manner that will comply with Section 409A of the Code, including any applicable regulations or guidance issued by the Secretary of the United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service with respect thereto.

 

12.                                Other Agreements.   If required by the Company, Grantee shall execute and deliver a counterpart or joinder agreement to any agreement, in the form required by the Company, as a condition to receiving any Shares pursuant to this Agreement.

 

13.                                Termination of Agreement and Restricted Stock Units.  This Agreement will terminate on the ten-year (10-year) anniversary of the Date of Award and any Restricted Stock Units that remain forfeitable in accordance with Section 4 hereof shall be forfeited on such date.

 

14.                                Relation to Other Benefits .  Any economic or other benefit to the Grantee under this Agreement shall not be taken into account in determining any benefits to which the Grantee may be entitled.

 

15.                                Relation to Plan .  This Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.  In the event of any inconsistent provisions between this Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall govern.  Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Plan.  The Administrator, acting pursuant to the Plan, except as expressly provided otherwise herein, has the right to determine any questions which arise in connection with this grant.

 

16.                                Employment Rights .  This Agreement shall not confer on Grantee any right with respect to the continuance of employment or other services with the Company or any Affiliate.  No provision of this Agreement shall limit in any way whatsoever any right that the Company or an Affiliate may otherwise have to terminate the employment of Grantee at any time.

 

17.                                Communications .  All notices, demands and other communications required or permitted hereunder or designated to be given with respect to the rights or interests covered by this Agreement shall be deemed to have been properly given or delivered when delivered personally or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, U.S. mail or reputable overnight carrier, with full postage prepaid and addressed to the parties as follows:

 

If to the Company, at:

777 Main Street, Suite 1600

 

Fort Worth, TX 76102

 

Attention: General Counsel

 

 

If to Grantee, at:

Grantee’s last known address reflected on the payroll records of the Company

 

6



 

The Company may change the above designated address by notice to the Grantee.  The Grantee will maintain a current address with the payroll records of the Company.

 

18.                                Interpretation .  The interpretation and construction of this Agreement by the Administrator shall be final and conclusive.  No member of a Committee serving as the Administrator shall be liable for any such action or determination made in good faith.

 

19.                                Amendment in Writing .  This Agreement may be amended as provided in the Plan; provided , however , that all such amendments shall be in writing.

 

20.                                Integration .  The Restricted Stock Units are granted pursuant to the Plan.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement is subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, a copy of which is available upon request and which is incorporated herein by reference.  As such, this Agreement and the Plan embody the entire agreement and understanding of the Company and Grantee and supersede any prior understandings or agreements, whether written or oral, with respect to the Restricted Stock Units.

 

21.                                Severance .  In the event that one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be invalidated for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, any provision so invalidated shall be deemed to be separable from the other provisions hereof and the remaining provisions hereof shall continue to be valid and fully enforceable.

 

22.                                Governing Law .  This Agreement is made under, and shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

23.                                Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[REST OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

7



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed by a duly authorized representative of the Company on the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

The undersigned Grantee acknowledges receipt of an executed original of this Agreement, accepts the Restricted Stock Units subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and confirms receipt of the disclosure package distributed to Grantee in connection with this Agreement.

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grantee

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Target number of Restricted Stock Units covered by this Agreement:                                                                                                         

 

Performance Goals and the related adjustment will be determined after December 31, 2014 and on or before March 31, 2015 in accordance with Section 5.

 


 

EXHIBIT A
[VP and Above]

 

 

Performance Objective Mechanics

 

1.                                       Grantee’s Performance Objective Weights are as follows:

 

Performance Objective

 

Weight

 

Adjusted EBITDA Goal

 

16.25%

 

Revenue Goal

 

8.75%

 

Company TRIR

 

25.0%

 

Individual Performance Objective

 

50.0%

 

 

2.                                       Grantee’s Performance Objectives will be measured as follows:

 

(a)                                  Company Financial Performance (each of the Adjusted EBITDA Goal and Revenue Goal):

 

Percent of Company Financial
Performance Target Achieved

 

Percent of Target Award Achieved

Below 90%

 

0%

90%

 

25% Threshold

91%

 

30%

92%

 

35%

93%

 

40%

94%

 

45%

95%

 

50%

96%

 

75%

97%

 

85%

98%

 

90%

99%

 

95%

100%

 

100% Target

101%

 

110%

102%

 

120%

103%

 

130%

104%

 

140%

105%

 

150%

106%

 

160%

107%

 

170%

108%

 

180%

109%

 

190%

110% or Greater

 

200% Maximum

 



 

(b)                                  Company TRIR:

 

Company TRIR
Score Achieved

 

Percent of Target Award Achieved

Above 1.3

 

0%

1.30

 

25% Threshold

1.25

 

30%

1.20

 

40%

1.15

 

50%

1.10

 

60%

1.05

 

70%

1.00

 

80%

0.95

 

90%

0.90

 

100% Target

0.85

 

110%

0.80

 

120%

0.75

 

130%

0.70

 

150%

0.65

 

160%

0.60

 

175%

0.55

 

190%

0.50 or Below

 

200% Maximum

 

(c)                                   Individual Performance Objective:

 

Numeric Rating Achieved

 

Percent of Target Award Achieved

Below 5

 

0%

5

 

25% Threshold

6

 

100% Target

7

 

125%

8

 

150%

9

 

175%

10

 

200% Maximum

 

A- 2



 

EXHIBIT A
[Director & Below (Other than
District and Division Employees)]

 

Performance Objective Mechanics

 

1.                                       Grantee’s Performance Objective Weights are as follows:

 

Performance Objective

 

Weight

 

Adjusted EBITDA Goal

 

48.75%

 

Revenue Goal

 

26.25%

 

Company TRIR

 

25.0%

 

 

2.                                       Grantee’s Performance Objectives will be measured as follows:

 

(a)                                  Company Financial Performance (each of the Adjusted EBITDA Goal and Revenue Goal):

 

Percent of Company Financial
Performance Target Achieved

 

Percent of Target Award Achieved

Below 90%

 

0%

90%

 

25% Threshold

91%

 

30%

92%

 

35%

93%

 

40%

94%

 

45%

95%

 

50%

96%

 

75%

97%

 

85%

98%

 

90%

99%

 

95%

100%

 

100% Target

101%

 

110%

102%

 

120%

103%

 

130%

104%

 

140%

105%

 

150%

106%

 

160%

107%

 

170%

108%

 

180%

109%

 

190%

110% or Greater

 

200% Maximum

 



 

(b)                                  Company TRIR:

 

Company TRIR
Score Achieved

 

Percent of Target Award Achieved

Above 1.3

 

0%

1.30

 

25% Threshold

1.25

 

30%

1.20

 

40%

1.15

 

50%

1.10

 

60%

1.05

 

70%

1.00

 

80%

0.95

 

90%

0.90

 

100% Target

0.85

 

110%

0.80

 

120%

0.75

 

130%

0.70

 

150%

0.65

 

160%

0.60

 

175%

0.55

 

190%

0.50 or Below

 

200% Maximum

 

A- 2



 

EXHIBIT A
[District & Division Employees]

 

Performance Objective Mechanics

 

1.                                       Grantee’s Performance Objective Weights are as follows:

 

Performance Objective

 

Weight

 

Adjusted EBITDA Goal

 

32.5%

 

Revenue Goal

 

17.5%

 

Company TRIR

 

50.0%

 

 

2.                                       Grantee’s Performance Objectives will be measured as follows:

 

(a)                                  Company Financial Performance (each of the Adjusted EBITDA Goal and Revenue Goal):

 

Percent of Company Financial
Performance Target Achieved

 

Percent of Target Award Achieved

Below 90%

 

0%

90%

 

25% Threshold

91%

 

30%

92%

 

35%

93%

 

40%

94%

 

45%

95%

 

50%

96%

 

75%

97%

 

85%

98%

 

90%

99%

 

95%

100%

 

100% Target

101%

 

110%

102%

 

120%

103%

 

130%

104%

 

140%

105%

 

150%

106%

 

160%

107%

 

170%

108%

 

180%

109%

 

190%

110% or Greater

 

200% Maximum

 

If Grantee’s district or division, as applicable, does not meet its Gross Profit Goal, the Administrator will consider the performance level for the Company Financial Performance goal (both the Adjusted EBITDA Goal and the Revenue Goal) to be “Below Threshold” and will use 0% as the applicable percent of target achieved for the calculation described in Section 5(c).

 



 

(b)                                  Company TRIR:

 

Company TRIR
Score Achieved

 

Percent of Target Award Achieved

Above 1.3

 

0%

1.30

 

25% Threshold

1.25

 

30%

1.20

 

40%

1.15

 

50%

1.10

 

60%

1.05

 

70%

1.00

 

80%

0.95

 

90%

0.90

 

100% Target

0.85

 

110%

0.80

 

120%

0.75

 

130%

0.70

 

150%

0.65

 

160%

0.60

 

175%

0.55

 

190%

0.50 or Below

 

200% Maximum

 

If Grantee’s district or division, as applicable, does not achieve a TRIR score of at least 0.90, the Administrator will consider the performance level for the Company TRIR goal to be “Below Threshold” and will use 0% as the applicable percent of target achieved for the calculation described in Section 5(c).

 

A- 2



 

EXHIBIT B

 

Individual Performance Objective

 




Exhibit 10.13

 

MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENT

 

Between

 

CHESAPEAKE OPERATING, INC.

and any present or future subsidiaries or

affiliates named directly or indirectly by

Chesapeake Operating, Inc.

(herein collectively “Company”),

P.O. Box 18496,

Oklahoma City, OK

73154

 

and

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

and any present or future subsidiaries or

affiliates named directly or indirectly by

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

(herein collectively “Contractor”),

777 MAIN STREET STE 3000

FORT WORTH, TX

76102

 

On this 9 th day of July, 2012

 



 

Table of Contents

 

1.

Agreement

 

 

2.

Labor, Equipment, Materials, Supplies and Services

 

 

3.

Reports to be furnished by Contractor

 

 

4.

Independent Contractor Relationship

 

 

5.

Insurance

 

 

6.

Indemnity

 

 

7.

Taxes

 

 

8.

Audit

 

 

9.

Laws, Rules and Regulations

 

 

10.

Force Majeure

 

 

11.

Assignments and Subcontractors

 

 

12.

Contractor’s Safety Responsibilities

 

 

13.

Termination of Work

 

 

14.

Government Regulations

 

 

15.

Insolvency of Contractor

 

 

16.

Contractor Employees under Louisiana Worker’s Compensation

 

 

17.

Complete Agreement

 

 

18.

Time of the Essence

 

 

19.

Exhibits

 

 

20.

Insurance Exhibit A

 

 

21.

Certificate of Insurance Exhibit B

 

 

22.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Exhibit C

 

 

23.

Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy Exhibit D

 

 

24.

List of Potential Hazards Exhibit E

 

 

25.

Disclosures Exhibit F

 

2



 

Glossary of Terms

 

Additional Insured — A person or organization not automatically included as an insured under an insurance policy, but for whom insured status is arranged, usually by endorsement.  A named insured’s impetus for providing additional insured status to others may be a desire to protect the other party because of a close relationship with that party or to comply with a contractual agreement requiring the named insured to do so.

 

Borrowed Servant/Alternate Employer — An endorsement that provides those scheduled as alternate employers with primary Workers’ Compensation and Employers Liability coverage as if they were an insured in the policy.  This endorsement is commonly used when a temporary help supplier (the insured) is required by its customer (the alternate employer) to protect the alternate employer from claims brought by the insured’s employees.

 

Endorsement — A provision added to a policy, usually being written in on the printed page. It may also be in the form of a rider.

 

Indemnify — To make compensation to an entity, person, or insured for incurred hurt, loss, or damage.

 

Indemnity — Restoration to the victim of a loss up to the amount of the loss.

 

Waiver of Subrogation — The voluntary relinquishment by an insurer of the right to collect from another party for damages paid on behalf of the insured.  The waiver of subrogation condition in current liability policies is referred to as “transfer of rights of recovery.”

 

Hazardous Substance — Any substance which is or becomes defined as ‘hazardous substance’, pollutant or contaminant and requires investigation or remediation under any federal, state or local statute or regulation.  The presence of any substance on the property causes or threatens to cause a nuisance upon the property or to adjacent properties, or poses or threatens to pose a hazard to the health or safety of persons on or about the property, or could constitute trespass on adjacent properties, that contain but not limited to gasoline, diesel fuel, petroleum hydrocarbons.

 

3



 

WITNESSETH THAT,

 

WHEREAS , Company in the Course of operations regularly and customarily enters into contracts with independent Contractors for the performance of service relating thereto; and

 

WHEREAS , Company desires, as a matter of company policy, to establish and maintain an approved list of Contractors and to offer work or contracts only to those Contractors who are included on such approved list; and

 

WHEREAS , Contractor represents that it has adequate equipment in good working order and fully trained personnel capable of efficiently operating such equipment and performing services for Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual promises, conditions and agreements herein contained, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and the specifications and special provisions set forth in the exhibits attached hereto and made a part hereof, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:

 

1.0                                AGREEMENT

 

1.1                                Upon execution of this Agreement and compliance with its terms, Company agrees that the name of Contractor shall be added to the Company’s approved list of Contractors and this Agreement shall remain in force and effect until canceled by either party by giving the other party ten (10) days notice in writing at the respective address of either party.  If current work extends past ten (10) days, then cancellation shall not be effective until work is completed.  This Agreement shall control and govern any and all performance of services and/or supply of materials and equipment by Contractor for Company, under subsequent written purchase orders, work orders, supplemental agreements or oral instructions, hereinafter collectively called an “Order”.  Upon acceptance of any Order by Contractor and without the necessity of any reference therein, this Agreement shall become an integral part of the Order.  Agreements or stipulations in any such Order not in conformity with the terms and provisions hereof shall be null and void.  No waiver by Company of any of the terms, provisions or conditions hereof shall be effective unless said waiver shall be in writing and signed by an authorized officer of Company.

 

1.2                                This Agreement does not obligate Company to request services from Contractor nor does it obligate Contractor to accept orders for services from Company.

 

4



 

1.3                                This Agreement is effective as of the first date of service, whether prior to and after the date of execution of this Agreement, and supersedes all previous contracts.

 

2.0                                LABOR, EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

 

2.1                                When notified by Company either verbally or by written work order, of the services and/or equipment desired, Contractor shall commence furnishing same at the agreed upon time, and continue such operations diligently and without delay, in strict conformity with the specifications and requirements contained herein and such work orders.

 

2.2                                Contractor shall not employ in any work for Company any employee whose employment violates any labor, employment or other applicable laws.  Contractor shall not employ in any work for Company any employee who is a minor.

 

2.3                                A.                                     All work or services rendered or performed by Contractor shall be done with due diligence, in a good and workmanlike manner, using skilled, competent and experienced workmen and supervisors.  Contractor warrants full, clear and unrestricted title to all materials and equipment supplied by Contractor in performance of any Order free and clear of any and all liens, security interests, encumbrances and claims of others. Any portion of the work found to not be in strict compliance with the specifications of the Order, and all damages resulting from such nonconformity, if any, shall be removed, replaced, re-performed, or corrected by Contractor without additional cost or risk to Company. Contractor agrees to inspect all materials and equipment furnished by Company directly employed in the course of operations conducted hereunder and shall notify Company of any apparent defects therein before using such materials and equipment.  Should Contractor use such materials and equipment without notifying Company of any defect, Contractor shall be deemed to have assumed all risk and liability for any mishap that may occur in operations conducted hereunder by reason of failure or defects in such materials and equipment.  Contractor shall not be liable for claims due solely to latent defects.

 

B.                                     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Contractor in no event warrants or guarantees the results of any well or wells.

 

2.4                                Contractor agrees to insure that all machinery and equipment Contractor furnishes will be maintained in safe running order and inspected regularly to insure continues safe operations.

 

5



 

2.5                                The Contractor recognizes that the nature of the Contractor’s services are such that the Contractor will have access to information which is of a confidential nature, which is of great value to the Company and which is the foundation upon which the Company’s business is predicated.  The Contractor agrees not to disclose nor use for any purpose, other than the performance of this Agreement, any information, data or material, (regardless of the form) which is: (a) provided, disclosed or delivered to the Contractor by the Company, any officer, director, employee, agent, attorney, accountant, Contractor or other person or entity employed by the Company in any capacity, any customer, borrower or business associate of the Company or any public authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any business activity conducted by the Company: or (b) produced, developed, obtained or prepared by the Contractor (whether or not such information was developed in the performance of this Agreement) with respect to the Company or any of the Company’s assets, oil and gas prospects, business activities, officers, directors, employees, borrowers or customers.  On request by Company, the Company will be entitled to a copy of any such documents or such information in the possession of the Contractor.  The Contractor also agrees that the provisions of this paragraph will survive the termination, expiration or cancellation of this Agreement and that on termination, expiration, or cancellation of this Agreement, the Contractor will deliver to the Company all of the information, data and material containing such information.

 

2.6                                Company employees are prohibited from engaging in activities with vendors that promote the employee’s interests ahead of Company or otherwise create a conflict of interest.  Examples of activities prohibited by Company follow.

 

·                   Accepting cash from a vendor in any amount;

·                   Accepting gifts or services from a vendor that obligates an employee to a vendor.  Any gift accepted by a Company employee valued at more than $100 must be reported by the employee to Company management;

·                   Soliciting or accepting kickbacks, bribes, payments or loans from a vendor;

·                   Holding a financial interest in a vendor (other than a financial interest in a publicly traded corporation whose securities are quoted and traded in the public securities market);

·                   Divulging confidential or proprietary information about Company that is not integral to the product or service provided by the vendor;

 

6



 

·                   Accepting discounts (other than those available to the general public) on personal purchases from a vendor;

·                   Circumventing or otherwise failing to comply with Company’s established policies governing the competitive bidding process;

·                   Any activity that takes unfair advantage of a vendor through concealment, abuse or privileged or confidential information, misrepresentation or fraudulent behavior or cooperation with a vendor to take unfair advantage of another party.

 

In order to help ensure that these standards of conduct for dealings with vendors are met, Company has established a Vendor Protection Line with an independent party.  If Contractor becomes aware of or suspects an employee of the Company has violated the guidelines for fair dealings set out in this contract, Contractor agrees to report the matter by calling the Vendor Protection Line at 1-800-576-5262 (organization code #30076).  The caller will remain anonymous, and the details of the call will be immediately forwarded to a senior member of Company management, who will investigate the reported violation.

 

2.7                                All Contractors who are transporting on Company’s sites must follow these practices:

 

Sec. 4:  Potential Spill Prevention and Control

 

In the event that product is released during operations between the storage tanks and a transport, the truck driver will shut down the transfer pump, close all valves between the tanks and the truck, construct temporary berms, and call the posted emergency call number .

 

Sec. 5B:  Truck Loading Operations

 

The transport truck operator is required to remain near the truck during all loading/unloading operations.  The tank battery has been constructed utilizing a stairway and walkway with rails, which allows for inspection of tanks .

 

Truck operators follow industry accepted practices when transloading oil from tank batteries to trucks.  Typical practice includes the following minimum activities:

 

*Insure that all valves are closed before connecting hoses

*Check to see that space is available for loading

*Open valves and load truck

*When loaded, shut off pump, close load line valves and truck valves

*Empty hoses into appropriate containers

 

7



 

2.8                                Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace .  Attached to this Agreement as Exhibit “D” is a copy of Company’s Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy (the “Drug and Alcohol Policy”).  The Drug and Alcohol Policy shall apply to all employees and subcontractors of Contractor who enter on any property or facility owned, leased, or under the control of Company wherever located, including and without limitation field locations, buildings, structures, installations and vehicles (collectively “Company Property”).

 

As a prerequisite to performing any services for Company, Contractor covenants and agrees to immediately (a) provide a copy of Company’s Drug and Alcohol Policy to each of Contractor’s employees and subcontractors whom Contractor reasonably anticipates may work on Company Property for Contractor, (b) notify each such employee and subcontractor that entering upon Company Property shall constitute consent to drug and alcohol testing by Company and a search of the person and his or her equipment, vehicle, and personal effects, and (c) notify each such employee and subcontractor that any person found in violation of Company’s Drug and Alcohol Policy or who refuses to permit testing or inspection shall be immediately dismissed by Company from Company Property and barred from any further work for Company.

 

2.9                                Attached hereto as Exhibit “E” is a general list of known and/or reasonably foreseeable potential hazards which apply to the activities and locations of Company, and its subsidiary, and/or affiliated companies. For location and job specific hazards, you must consult your local Company field representative prior to beginning work.  Contractor is responsible for notifying its employees, agents, and subcontractors of the potential hazards itemized in Exhibit “E”.  Contractor is also responsible for ensuring that its employees, agents, and subcontractors comply with all requirements set forth in Exhibit “E”.

 

3.0                                REPORTS TO BE FURNISHED BY CONTRACTOR

 

3.1                                The quantity, description and condition of the materials and supplies and/or services furnished shall be verified and checked by Contractor, and all delivery tickets shall be properly certified as to receipt by Contractor’s representative.  Contractor must obtain approval of Company’s representative for materials and supplies for which Contractor is to be reimbursed by Company.

 

3.2                                Contractor shall orally report to Company, as soon as practicable, followed by an appropriate written report, all accidents or occurrences resulting in

 

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death or injuries to Contractor’s employees or third parties, or unintended release of hazardous substance, or damage to property of Company or third parties arising out of or during the course of work to be performed hereunder.  Contractor shall furnish Company with a copy of all reports made by Contractor to Contractor’s insurer or governmental authorities or to other parties of such accidents and occurrences.

 

3.3                                Emergency responding Contractor shall provide Company with documentation of qualification for such work.  Documentation should include, but not limited to, current employee certifications and contractor training policies.  Incident logs and safety performance records shall be provided upon request.

 

4.0                                INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP

 

In the performance of any work by Contractor for Company, Contractor shall be deemed to be an independent Contractor, with the authority and right to direct and control all of the details of the work, Company being interested only in the results obtained.  However, all work contractor related shall meet the approval of Company and shall be subjected to the general right of inspection.  Company shall have no right or authority to supervise or give instructions to the employees, agents, or representative of Contractor, and such employees, agents or representatives at all times shall be under the direct and sole supervision and control of Contractor.  Any suggestions, advice or directions given by Company or its employees to Contractor or its employees shall in no way establish or be evidence of an intent to create a master and servant or principal and agent relationship between Company and Contractor.  It is the understanding and intention of the parties hereto that no relationship of master and servant or principal and agent shall exist between Company and the employees, agents, or representatives of Contractor, and that all work or services covered hereby shall be performed at the sole risk of Contractor.

 

5.0                                INSURANCE

 

5.1                                At any and all times during the term of this Contract, Contractor shall at Contractor’s expense maintain, with an insurance company or companies authorized to do business in the state where the work is to be performed or through a self-insurance program, insurance coverages of the kind and in the minimum amounts as follows:

 

(a)                                  Workers’ Compensation, including coverage for occupational disease, and Employer’s Liability Insurance covering all

 

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employees in compliance with all applicable state and federal law.  This insurance shall be in an amount not less than:

 

Workers’ Compensation:         Statutory

 

If Contractor is a sole proprietor, Contractor must make the following election:

 

                                                                 I elect to be excluded from Workers’ Compensation coverage as a Sole Proprietor under state law.  I further certify that I will provide an insurance certificate evidencing Workers’ Compensation insurance is in place should I hire other parties to perform any services on my behalf for Company.

 

                                                                 I elect to be covered under Workers Compensation insurance as a Sole Proprietor.  A Certificate of Insurance evidencing Workers’ Compensation coverage is enclosed.

 

(b)                                  Employer’s Liability Insurance in the limits described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto for each accident, occurrence, or disease covering claims by the agents, servants or employees of Contractor.

 

(c)                                   Insurance provided in (a) and (b) above shall include a “Borrowed Servant/Alternate Employer Endorsement”, providing for claims brought against Company or Company barges or other vessels, in rem or in personam, by any agent, servant or employee of Contractor as a “borrowed servant” to be treated as a claim against Contractor.

 

(d)                                  Commercial General Liability Insurance, on an “Occurrence” form unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Company, including operations of Independent Contractors; Contractual Liability to the fullest extent permitted by law, including Action Over; Products and Completed Operations; and Sudden and Accidental Pollution Liability with a per occurrence limit for Bodily Injury, Personal Injury and Property Damage liability in an amount no less than those limits described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto.

 

(e)                                   Automobile Liability Insurance covering all owned, non-owned and hired vehicles with a combined single limit for Bodily

 

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Injury and Property Damage liability in an amount not less than those limits described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto.  If hauling hazardous waste, such insurance shall have the MCS-90 endorsement attached along with the broadened pollution coverage for autos, endorsement CA 9948 03/06.

 

(f)                                    Property Insurance and/or Rig Physical Damage Insurance on an “All Risk” or other form satisfactory to Company, covering the insurable value of all Contractor’s property and in amounts of insurance sufficient to comply with the minimum coinsurance requirements of the policies.

 

(g)                                   In the event Contractor moves equipment, materials and supplies, Contractor will carry cargo insurance in an amount sufficient to cover the replacement cost of the equipment, materials or supplies being moved.

 

(h)                                  The amounts of insurance required in this section 5.1 may be satisfied by the purchase of separate Primary and Umbrella (or Excess) Liability policies which when combined together provide the total limits of insurance specified.

 

(i)                                      Contractor further agrees to provide additional amounts or kinds of insurance as may be reasonably deemed necessary from time to time in accordance with the ongoing nature of operations, and changes in exposure to loss, to the extent the insurance is commercially available.

 

5.2                                Prior to commencing work for Company, Contractor shall obtain from its insurers a waiver of subrogation against (i) Company; (II) any party for whom Company is performing operations or services for including co-lessees, co-owners, partners or joint venturers, and (III) any other party identified by Company to which Company has agreed to provide insurance protection or benefit and/or to provide defense and/or indemnity in all of the insurance policies set forth in this Section, to include all insurance carried by Contractor protecting against loss of or damage to its property and equipment employed in the performance of this Agreement whether the same be set forth in this Section or not.

 

5.3                                All such insurance shall be carried in a company or companies acceptable to Company and shall be maintained in full force and effect during the term of this Contract, and shall not be canceled, or materially altered or amended,  without thirty (30) days prior written notice having first been furnished Company.  Prior to commencing work for Company,

 

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Contractor shall name (I) Company; (II) any party for whom Company is performing operations or services for including co-lessees, co-owners, partners or joint venturers, and (III) any other party identified by Company to which Company has agreed to provide insurance protection or benefit and/or to provide defense and/or indemnity, as an additional insured to the fullest extent permitted by law on all Contractor required insurance with the sole exception of worker’s compensation, but only to the extent required to comply with liabilities and indemnity obligations assumed by Contractor under this Agreement.  To the extent to which Contractor assumes liability hereunder, or agrees to indemnify Company, (I) all Contractor required insurance shall be primary to any insurance of Company that may apply to such occurrence, accident or claim and (II) no “other insurance” provision shall be applicable to Company and its affiliated, subsidiary and/or interrelated companies, by virtue of having been named an additional insured or loss payee under any policy of insurance.  Further, the Commercial General Liability policies of Contractor shall delete any provisions that might exclude coverage to the Company for claims by Contractor’s employees on the grounds of that employment relationship.

 

5.4                                Certificates of insurance acceptable to Company evidencing the coverage required by Company shall be provided by Contractor to Company prior to commencement of performance of services or the delivery of materials and equipment under this Agreement or an Order.

 

5.5                                In the event Contractor is a self-insurer and Company has consented to Contractor being a self-insurer as to any one or more of the risks as to which coverage is herein required, evidence of such consent must be in writing and approved by a representative of Company authorized to enter into such consent agreement.

 

5.6                                Contractor, in its agreements with its subcontractors, shall require subcontractors to obtain, maintain and keep in force during the time in which they are engaged in performing the Work hereunder, insurance and to include insurance contractual provisions which are substantially similar in coverage scope and endorsements to that which Company requires of Contractor herein.  As set forth in Section 11, Contractor shall be liable for any deficiencies in subcontractor’s insurance coverage.

 

5.7                                These requirements shall be conditions precedent to the payment of any sums that may be due Contractor.

 

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5.8                                Company shall maintain insurance coverages set forth in this Section 5 and the attached Exhibit A, in the same types and minimum amounts and to the extent of the liabilities and indemnity obligations assumed by Company under this Agreement,

 

6.0                                INDEMNITY

 

6.1                                It is agreed between Company and Contractor that certain responsibilities and liabilities for personal injuries and property damage arising out of the performance of this Agreement should be allocated between them in order to avoid protracted litigation between Company and Contractor along with the associated legal expenses and so that insurance or self-insurance may be arranged by each party as necessary to protect them against these exposures to loss.  The following sets out the specifics of the agreements between Company and Contractor as to the allocation of the responsibilities and liabilities.

 

6.2                                Contractor agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Company, its officers, directors, employees or their invitees, and any working interest owner or non-operator for whom Company is obligated to perform services, from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character without limit and without regard to the cause or causes thereof or the negligence or fault (active or passive) of any party or parties including the sole, joint or concurrent negligence (but excluding the willful misconduct) of Company, any theory of strict liability and defect of premises, or the unseaworthiness of any vessel (whether or not preexisting the date of this Contract), arising in connection herewith in favor of Contractor’s employees, Contractor’s subcontractors or their employees, or Contractor’s invitees on account of bodily injury, death or damage to property.

 

6.3                                Company agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Contractor, its officers, directors and employees or their invitees, from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character without limit and without regard to the cause or causes thereof or the negligence or fault (active or passive) of any party or parties including the sole, joint or concurrent negligence (but excluding the willful misconduct) of Contractor, any theory of strict liability, any professional liability, and defect of premises, or the unseaworthiness of any vessel (whether or not preexisting the date of this Contract), arising in connection herewith in favor of Company’s employees, Company’s contractors (other than Contractor herein) or

 

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their employees, or Company’s invitees on account of bodily injury, death or damage to property.

 

6.4                                Contractor agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Company, its officers, directors, employees or their invitees, and any working interest owner or non-operator for whom Company is performing services, from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character arising from the acts of Contractor in favor of third parties and persons not employed or contracted by Contractor or Company on account of bodily injury, death or damage to property.

 

6.5                                Company agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Contractor, its officers, directors, employees or their invitees from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character arising from the acts of Company in favor of third parties and persons not employed or contracted by Contractor or Company on account of bodily injury, death or damage to property.

 

6.6                                Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, it is understood and agreed by and between Company and Contractor that the responsibility for pollution and environmental damage shall be as follows:

 

(a)                                  Contractor shall assume all responsibility for, including control and removal of, and protect, defend indemnify and save harmless Company, its officers, directors, employees or their invitees, and any working interest owner or non-operator for whom Company is obligated to perform services, from and against all claims, demands and causes of action of every kind and character arising out of pollution or environmental damage which originates above the surface of the land or water from spills of fuels, lubricants, motor oils, pipe dope, paints, solvents, ballast, bilge and garbage, except unavoidable pollution from reserve pits, wholly in Contractor’s possession and control and directly associated with Contractors equipment and facilities.

 

(b)                                  Unless otherwise provided in this subsection 6.6, and further except as a result of or arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Contractor, as between Company and Contractor, Company shall assume all responsibility for, including control and removal of, and protect, defend, indemnify and save Contractor, its officers, directors and employees and their invitees, harmless from and against all claims, demands and causes of action of every kind

 

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and character arising directly or indirectly out of all other pollution or environmental damage, whether above or below the surface, which may occur during the conduct of operations hereunder, including, but not limited to, that which may result from fire, blowout, cratering, seepage or any other uncontrolled flow of oil, gas, water or other substance, as well as the use or disposition of oil emulsion, oil base or chemically treated drilling fluids, contaminated cuttings or cavings, lost circulation and fish recovery materials and fluids.

 

6.7                                A.                                     Contractor’s In-Hole Equipment .  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 6.2 and 6.11, and except to the extent such loss or damage results from Contractor’s negligence, fault, or a defect in such in-hole equipment, and further except as covered by Contractor’s insurance, , Company shall assume liability at all times for damage to or destruction of Contractor’s in-hole equipment, including, but not limited to, drill pipe, drill collars, tubing and tool joints, while in the hole or in use and below the level of the rotary table, and Company shall, at its option and expense, (i) recover and/or reimburse Contractor for the actual repair costs of such in-hole equipment, or (ii) reimburse Contractor for such in-hole equipment at its fair market value, including the cost of delivery to the work site.

 

B.                                     The Hole .  Except to the extent such loss or damage results from Contractor’s negligence, fault, or a defect in Contractor’s equipment, in the event the hole should be lost or damaged, Company shall release, protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Contractor from and against any and all claims, liability, and costs relating to such damage to or loss of the hole, including the casing therein and the cost to re-drill.

 

C.                                     Underground Damage and Trespass .  Except to the extent such loss or damage results from Contractor’s gross negligence or willfull misconduct, Company shall release, protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Contractor from and against any and all claims, liability, and costs resulting from operations hereunder on account of subsurface trespass or injury to, destruction of, or loss or impairment of any property right in or to oil, gas, or other mineral substance or water, if at the time of the act or omission causing such injury, destruction, loss, or impairment, said substance had not been reduced to physical possession about the surface of the earth, and for any loss of or damage to any formation, strata, or reservoir beneath the surface of the earth.

 

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D.                                     Wild Well .  Should a loss of well control occur, Company shall take over and be responsible for operations for purposes of regaining control of the well.  Except to the extent such loss or damage results from Contractor’s negligence, fault, or a defect in Contractor’s equipment, in the event of a loss of well control or wild well condition resulting in loss or damage to the well; or to the casing therein; or to any reservoir, geological formation, or underground strata; or to oil or gas therefrom, Company shall be liable for the cost of regaining control of such well, as well as for cost or removal of any debris and cost of property remediation and restoration, and Company shall release, and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Contractor from and against any liability for such cost and/or damages arising therefrom.

 

6.8                                Contractor represents and warrants that it owns or has the right to use and construct any and all equipment, tools, materials, computer software or hardware, data, trade secrets and know-how used by Contractor in connection with services provided to Company.  Contractor represents and warrants that such use does not violate or infringe on any patents issued or applied for or licenses of third parties.  Contractor further represents and warrants that such use does not constitute, directly or indirectly, the theft or misappropriation of any third parties’ trade secrets.  The indemnities of paragraphs 6.2 and 6.4 shall apply to any violations of the warranties and representations of this paragraph.  In addition to such indemnities, Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold Company harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character in favor of or made by a patentee, licensee, or claimant of any rights or priority to such tool or equipment, or the use or construction thereof, that may result from or arise out of furnishing or use of any such tool or equipment by Contractor in connection with the work

 

6.9                                Each party shall notify the other party immediately of any claim, demand, or suit that may be presented to or served upon it by any party arising out of or as a result of work performed pursuant hereto, affording such other party full opportunity to assume the defense of such claim, demand, or suit and to protect itself under the obligations of this Section. Each party covenants and agrees to support this indemnity agreement by available liability insurance coverage as set forth in Paragraphs 5.1 (a) through (e) above.  In the event that this Contract is subject to the indemnity limitations of any applicable State law, and so long as that law is in force, then it is agreed that the above obligations to indemnify are limited to the extent allowed by law.  Additionally, the parties agree that:

 

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(a)                                  In the event that this Agreement is subject to the indemnity limitations of Act 427 of the 1982 Louisiana Legislature, and so long as that act is in force, provisions 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7 herein shall not be applicable to the services performed in the State of Louisiana.  In lieu thereof, each party agrees to defend, indemnify, save and hold the other party harmless from and against all claims and causes of action to the extent such arise out of the indemnifying party’s negligence, gross negligence, strict liability or breach of contract.

 

(b)                                  In the event that this Agreement is subject to the indemnity limitations of Chapter 127 of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code, and so long as such limitations are in force, then it is agreed that the above obligations to indemnify are limited to the extent allowed by law, and each party covenants and agrees to support this indemnity agreement by liability insurance coverage, with limits of insurance required of each party equal to those specifically set forth in Paragraphs 5.1 (a) through (e) above.  In the event that this contract is subject to any other applicable state indemnity limitation, it is agreed that the above obligations to indemnify are limited to the extent allowed by law.

 

(c)                                   In the event that this Agreement is subject to the indemnity limitations in New Mexico Statutes, Sec. 56-7-2, and so long as that act is in force, provisions 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7 herein shall not be applicable to the services performed in the State of New Mexico.  In lieu thereof, each party agrees to defend, indemnify, save and hold the other party harmless from and against all claims and causes of action to the extent such arise out of the indemnifying party’s negligence, gross negligence, strict liability or breach of contract.

 

6.10                         In claims against any person or entity indemnified under this Section 6 by an employee of the Contractor, anyone directly or indirectly employed by them or anyone for whose acts they may be liable, the indemnification obligation under this Section 6 shall not be limited by a limitation on amount or type of damages, compensation or benefits payable by or for the Contractor under Workers’ or Workmen’s Compensation acts, disability benefit acts or other employee benefit acts.

 

6.11                         If it is judicially determined that the monetary limits of insurance required hereunder or of the indemnity voluntarily assumed under this Article which Contractor agrees will be supported either by equal liability insurance or voluntarily self-insured, in part or whole, exceeds the maximum limits

 

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permitted under such law, it is agreed that said insurance requirements or indemnity shall automatically be amended to conform to the maximum monetary limits permitted under such law.

 

6.12                         The indemnity provisions of this Agreement shall apply to any and all work performed, services rendered or material supplied by Contractor on behalf of Company whether Company is acting in the capacity of an operator, non-operator or working interest owner.

 

6.13                         Unless otherwise provided herein, and except when such loss or damage arises or results from Company’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, Contractor assumes the risk of loss at all times for damages to or destruction of Contractor’s equipment and materials, regardless of how such damage or destruction occurs, and Company shall be under no liability to reimburse Contractor for any such loss or damage thereto.  Contractor shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Company from any and all damage or loss thereof, regardless of the negligence or fault (active or passive) of any party or parties including the sole, joint or concurrent negligence (but excluding the gross negligence or willful misconduct) of Company, any theory of strict liability and defect of premises or the unseaworthiness of any vessel (whether or not preexisting the date of this Contract), arising in connection herewith in favor of Contractor, Contractor’s contractors, or Contractor’s invitees.

 

6.14                         Company assumes the risk of loss at all times for damage to or destruction of Company’s equipment and materials except where such damage or destruction results from or arises out of Contractor’s operations.

 

6.15                         Any defense and indemnity by either party under these provisions shall include, but not be limited to, all expenses of litigation, court costs, and attorney fees that may be incurred by or assessed against the party being indemnified.

 

6.16                         EXCEPT FOR EACH PARTY’S DEFENSE AND INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 6 HEREOF, AND FURTHER EXCEPT AS COVERED BY THE LIMITS OF INSURANCE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED HEREUNDER BY A PARTY AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 5 HEREOF IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, SUSTAINED FROM ANY CAUSE RELATING TO A PARTY’S PERFORMANCE HEREUNDER OR ARISING OUT OF ANY LEGAL THEORY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT TORT LIABILITY.  THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH 6.16 SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM

 

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THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF THE LIABLE PARTY.

 

7.                                       TAXES AND CLAIMS

 

7.1                                Contractor agrees to pay all taxes, licenses, and fees levied or assessed on Contractor in connection with or incident to the performance of this Agreement by any governmental agency and unemployment compensation insurance, old age benefits, social security, or any other taxes upon the wages of contractor, its agents, employees, and representatives.  Contractor agrees to require the same agreements and be liable for any breach of such agreements by any of its subcontractors.

 

7.2                                Contractor agrees to reimburse Company on demand for all such taxes or governmental charges, State or Federal, that Company may be required or deem it necessary to pay on account of employees of Contractor or its sub-contractors.  Contractor agrees to furnish Company with the information required to enable it to make the necessary reports and to pay such taxes or charges.  At its election, Company is authorized to deduct all sums so paid for such taxes and governmental charges from such amounts as may be or become due to Contractor hereunder.

 

7.3                                Contractor agrees to pay all valid claims for labor, materials, services, and supplies furnished by Contractor hereunder and agrees to allow no lien or charge to be fixed upon property of Company or the party for whom Company is performing services.  Contractor agrees to indemnify, protect, defend, and hold Company harmless from and against all such claims or indebtedness incurred by Contractor in connection with the services as provided hereunder.  It is agreed that Company shall have the right to pay any such claims or indebtedness out of any money due or to become due to Contractor hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company agrees that it will not pay any such claim or indebtedness as long as same is being actively contested by Contractor and Contractor has taken all actions necessary (including the posting of a bond when appropriate) to protect the property interests of Company and any other party affected by such claim or indebtedness.

 

7.4                                Before Company makes payments to Contractor, Company may require Contractor to furnish proof that there are no unsatisfied claims for labor, materials, equipment, and supplies or for injuries to persons or property not covered by insurance.

 

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8.                                       AUDIT

 

Contractor shall maintain, and shall cause any of Contractor’s subcontractors to maintain, a true and correct set of records pertaining to services performed in compliance with any Order and all transactions related thereto, and retain all such records for a period of not less than two (2) years after completion of services performed.  Company may, at its expense, require Contractor, or any of Contractor’s subcontractors, at any time within said two year period to furnish sufficient evidence, with documentary support, to enable Company to verify the correctness and accuracy of payments to Contractor or such subcontractors.  Within the time limit herein established, Company may, following written notice to Contractor or such subcontractor,  examine the non-confidential, non-privileged accounts, invoices, tickets and other documents exclusively related to services performed hereunder, or pursuant to any other Order previously executed between the parties hereto, in order to verify the accuracy and compliance with this provision. Company’s right to inspect records concerning Work does not waive, alter or otherwise affect the obligations of Company regarding payment as set forth above. Company shall have no right to audit the books of Contractor either as to (i) the components of Contractor’s rates/prices, (ii) rates/prices charged to Contractor’s other customers, or (iii) rates/prices vendors charge to Contractor unless the vendor charges are reimbursable items under the Order.

 

9.                                       LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

9.1                                Company and Contractor respectively agree to comply with all laws, rules, and regulations, which are now or may become applicable to operations covered by this Agreement or arising out of the performance of such operations.  If either party is required to pay any fine or penalty resulting from the other party’s failure to comply with such laws, rules, or regulations, the party failing to comply shall immediately reimburse the other for any such payment.

 

9.2                                Immigration Laws.   Contractor shall comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended, the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, as amended, and any successor statutes, laws, rules and regulations thereto (collectively, the “Immigration Laws”).  In addition to complying with the Immigration Laws, Contractor agrees to the following:

 

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a.                                       Contractor shall maintain photocopies of all supporting employment eligibility and identity documentation for all employees who are hired by Contractor.

 

b.                                       Contractor represents and warrants that it has not been the subject of enforcement or other action by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) within the two year period prior to the effective date of this Agreement, except for those enforcements or actions disclosed herein.  Any disclosure by Contractor pursuant to this subparagraph shall be attached to Exhibit “F” on Contractor’s or its legal counsel’s letterhead and shall be described in reasonable detail each event of enforcement or action by ICE.  Contractor further represents and warrants that the disclosure contained in Exhibit “F” is correct and complete and does not fail to state any material fact necessary in order to make the representations, warranties or statements contained herein or therein not misleading. Company reserves the right to terminate this Agreement (including all outstanding work) immediately, in its sole discretion depending upon the information provided by the Contractor pursuant to this subparagraph.  From time to time as Company may request, Contractor shall provide Company with a written certification making the representations and warranties set forth in this subparagraph.

 

c.                                        Contractor shall be responsible for properly completing Form I-9’s for all its employees performing services under this Agreement.  From time to time as Company may request in its sole discretion, Contractor shall, at its expense, audit such Form I-9’s as Company may designate.  At Company’s option, such audit shall be performed either by Contractor or by Contractor’s third party immigration attorney or consultant, who must be experienced and trained in the field of immigration compliance.  Such audit shall be completed within five days after Company’s request, and Company may suspend the services pending the completion of any such audit.  Upon completion of the audit, Contractor or its third party

 

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auditor, as applicable, shall execute a certification representing that all employees of Contractor performing services under this Agreement are authorized to work for Contractor, and that Contractor is in full compliance with the Immigration Laws.  Contractor shall retain all such certifications on file during the term of the Agreement, and shall deliver any or all such certifications to Company upon Company’s request.

 

d.                                       During the term of this Agreement, and whether or not any work or services are then outstanding, Contractor shall immediately, and in any event within one (1) hour, notify Company either by facsimile, in person or by telephone (not voice mail) of any unscheduled inspections, work site enforcement actions, investigations, inquiries, visits or audits conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) or any other governmental agency or authority related to environmental, immigration, or employee-safety issues Contractor, its agents or employees.

 

e.                                        Contractor represents and warrants that it is aware of, understands and is in compliance with the Immigrations Laws, and is in compliance, and Contractor is not knowingly employing any workers performing services under this Agreement in violating of the Immigration Laws.  Contractor agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Company, its officers, directors, employees or their invitees, and any working interest owner or non-operator for whom Company is performing services, from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character arising from Contractor or its subcontractors employing employees performing labor or services under this Agreement who are not authorized to work in the United States for Contractor or arising from any violations of the Immigration Laws by Contractor or its Subcontractors in the performance of this Agreement.

 

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9.3                                In the event any provision of this Agreement is inconsistent with or contrary to any applicable law, rule, or regulation, or if any provision of this Agreement is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be deemed to be modified to the extent required to comply with said law, rule, or regulation, or to make it valid and enforceable, and this contract as so modified, shall remain in full force and effect.  If said provision cannot be so modified, it shall be deemed deleted and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue and remain in full force and effect.

 

9.4                                This Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Oklahoma.

 

10.0         FORCE MAJEURE

 

Except for the duty to make payments hereunder when due, and the indemnification provisions under this Contract, neither Company nor Contractor shall be responsible to the other for any delay, damage or failure caused by or occasioned by a Force Majeure Event.  As used in this Contract, “Force Majeure Event” includes: acts of God, action of the elements, warlike action, insurrection, revolution or civil strife, laws, rules and regulations of any governmental authorities having jurisdiction in the premises or of any other group, organization or informal association (whether or not formally recognized as a government); acute and unusual labor or material or equipment shortages, or any other causes (except financial) beyond the control of either party.  Delays due to the above causes, or any of them, shall not be deemed to be a breach of or failure to perform under this Contract.  Neither Company nor Contractor shall be required against its will to adjust any labor or similar disputes except in accordance with applicable law.

 

11.0         ASSIGNMENTS and SUBCONTRACTORS

 

11.1 Company and Contractor agree that neither party may assign this Agreement or any sum that may accrue to it,  without the prior written consent of the other party

 

11.2 Subject to the foregoing, Contractor shall have the right to subcontract portions of the work or services (but not all of the work or services) as it shall determine to be necessary to sub-contractors.  Contractor acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(a)  the provisions of the Section shall not operate to limit or relieve in any way any obligation of Contractor to Company under this Contract, including obligations with

 

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respect to the conduct, quality and completion of the work or services, in strict accordance with the terms of this Contract; and

 

(b)  it will be liable to Company for all acts, omission and defaults of the subcontractors (and those of the employees, agents and invitees of the subcontractors) relating to, or in any way connected with the work or services, to the same extent as if they were the acts, omissions and defaults of Contractor.  Contractor agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Company, its officers, directors, employees or their invitees, and any working interest owner or non-operator for whom Company is performing services, from and against all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and character arising from the acts, omissions and default of Contractor’s subcontractors to the same extent as if they were the acts, omissions and defaults of Contractor.

 

12.0                         CONTRACTOR’S SAFETY RESPONSIBILITES

 

12,1 Contractor agrees to and shall be solely responsible for the safety of its employees, subcontractors, consultants and agents, as well as its subcontractors’ employees and agents and their respective invitees and guest and the training of such individuals in procedures adequate to insure safe operations and safe operation of any machinery or equipment provided by Contractor or its subcontractors.

 

12.2 Contractor agrees to provide the above listed persons with all necessary protective and safety equipment and training for the proper use of such equipment.

 

13.0         TERMINATION OF WORK

 

13.1                         Termination by Contractor: Contractor may terminate any subcontract for the same reasons and under the same circumstances and procedures with respect to Company as Company may terminate with respect to Contractor under this Contract.  In the event of such termination by the Contractor for any reason which is not the fault of Contractor, sub-contractors or their agents or employees or other persons performing portions of the Work under contract with Contractor, Contractor shall be entitled to recover from Company payment for work executed and for proven loss with respect to materials, equipment, tools, and construction equipment and machinery, including reasonable overhead, profit and damages.

 

13.2                         Termination by Company: If Contractor persistently or repeatedly fails or neglects to carry out its obligations in accordance with this Agreement and

 

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fails within seven days after receipt of written notice to commence and continue correction of such default or neglect with diligence and promptness, Company may, after seven days following receipt by Contractor of an additional written notice and without prejudice to any other remedy Company may have, terminate the contract and finish Contractor’s obligations by whatever method Company may deem expedient.  If the unpaid balance of the contract sum exceeds the expense of finishing Contractor’s obligations, such excess shall be paid to Contractor, but if such expense exceeds such unpaid balance, Contractor shall pay the difference to Company.

 

13.3                         The foregoing paragraph shall in no way limit Company’s right to terminate Contractor in the event of Contractor’s breach of this Contract.

 

14.0         GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

 

The following regulations, where required by law, are incorporated in the agreement by reference as if fully set out:

 

(1)                                  The Equal Opportunity Clause prescribed in 41 CFR 60-1.4;

 

(2)                                  The Affirmative Action Clause prescribed in 41 CFR 60-250.4 regarding veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era;

 

(3)                                  The Affirmative Action Clause for handicapped workers prescribed in 41 CFR 60-741.4;

 

(4)                                  The Certification of Compliance with Environmental Laws prescribed in 40 CFR 15.20.

 

(5)                                  The Occupational Safety and Health Act regulations prescribed in 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926.

 

(6)                                  The Department of Transportation regulations prescribed in 49 CFR.

 

15.           INSOLVENCY OF CONTRACTOR

 

In the event Contractor shall be adjudged bankrupt, make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or if a receiver shall be appointed on account of Contractor’s insolvency, or in the event Contractor does not correct or, if immediate correction is not possible, commence and diligently continue action to correct, any default of Contractor to comply with any of the provisions or requirements of this Agreement and all Orders within ten (10) days after written notice by Company, Company may, by written notice to Contractor, without prejudice to any other rights or remedies which Company may have, refuse to allow further performance of services by Contractor.  Company may complete the performance of services by such means as Company selects and Contractor shall be responsible for any additional costs incurred by Company in so doing.  Any amounts due Contractor for

 

25



 

services performed by Contractor in full compliance with the terms of this Agreement and any Order prior to cessation of the performance of services shall be subject to setoff of Company’s additional costs of completing the performance of services and other damages incurred by Company as a result of Contractor’s default.  Waiver by Company of any default of Contractor shall not be considered to be a waiver by Company of any provision of this Agreement or of any subsequent default by Contractor.

 

16.                                CONTRACTOR’S EMPLOYEES UNDER LOUISIANA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACT

 

In all cases where Contractor’s employees (defined to include Contractor’s direct, borrowed, special, or statutory employees) are covered by the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act. La. R.S. 23:1021 et seq Company and Contractor agree that all work and operations performed by Contractor and its employees pursuant to the Agreement are an integral part of and are essential to the ability of Company to generate Company’s goods, products and services for purposes of La. R.S. 23:1061 (A)(1).  Furthermore, Company and Contractor agree that Company is the statutory employer of Contractor’s employees for purposes of La. R.S. 23:1061 (A)(3).  Irrespective of Company’s status as the statutory employer or special employer (as defined in La. R.S. 23:1031 (C)) of Contractor’s employees, Contractor shall remain primarily responsible for the payment of Louisiana Workers’ Compensation benefits to its employees, and shall not be entitled to seek contribution for any such payments from Company.

 

17.                                COMPLETE AGREEMENT

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including but not limited to Section 6.16 hereof, in the event of a conflict between the terms hereof and that certain letter agreement, dated November 8, 2011, by and between Performance Technologies, L.L.C. and FTSI Manufacturing, L.L.C.. as amended (the “Letter Agreement”), the terms of the Letter Agreement shall govern and control in relation to the subject matter thereof.  This Agreement and the Letter Agreement contain the entire agreement of the parties.  With the exception of the Letter Agreement, this Agreement supersedes any and all prior negotiations or understandings, whether written or oral with respect to the subject matter herein.  No subsequent variance from, amendment to or modification of this Agreement shall be binding upon Company unless it is in writing, expressly provides that it is intended as a variance, amendment or modification and is executed by an authorized officer of Company. The parties acknowledge and agree that there have been no material representations by any person or party that have induced them to enter into this

 

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Agreement other than what are expressly set forth and contained herein.  A scanned, executed Agreement may serve as an original document.

 

18.           TIME OF THE ESSENCE

 

Time is of the essence in this Agreement.  In the event of a cessation of the performance of services in compliance with any Order or in the event of Contractor’s failure of timely performance or delay in delivery of materials and equipment, Company may immediately cancel the Order without further obligation to Contractor.

 

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19.           EXHIBITS

 

The following Exhibits and Riders are attached hereto and made a part of this Agreement for all purposes:

 

Exhibit A - Required Limits of Insurance

 

Exhibit B - Contractor’s Certificates of Insurance

 

Exhibit C — Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Work

 

Exhibit D — Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy

 

Exhibit E — List of Potential Hazards

 

Exhibit F — Contractor Disclosures Required under 9.2(b) of this Agreement

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have executed this Agreement upon the date shown in several counterparts, each of which shall be considered as an original; however, the effective date shall be the date upon which services are first provided by Contractor, whether before or after the date first shown above.

 

COMPANY:

 

 

 

CHESAPEAKE OPERATING, INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Stacy Roberts

 

Name:

Stacy Roberts

 

Title:

Vice President – Risk Management

 

Date:

10-16-12

 

 

 

CONTRACTOR:

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Coy Randle

 

Name:

Coy Randle

(print)

Title:

President and COO

 

Date:

7/9/12

 

 

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Exhibit A

Required Limits of Insurance

 

The following outlines the required insurance coverage and limits as set forth in section 5.0 in the Master Service Agreement:

 

5.1

(a)

Workers’ Compensation *

Statutory

 

(b)

Employers Liability

$500,000.00

 

(d)

General Liability (on an “Occurrence” form)

 

 

 

Aggregate

$2,000,000.00

 

 

Products & Completed Operations Aggregate

$1,000,000.00

 

 

Personal & Advertising Injury

$1,000,000.00

 

 

Each Occurrence

$1,000,000.00

 

(e)

Automobile Liability

$1,000,000.00

 

(f)

Equipment Insurance

To Cover Value of Equipment

 

(g)

Cargo Insurance

$500,000.00

 

Required Endorsements

 

5.1

(c)

Borrowed Servant/Alternate Employer for the following:

 

 

Workers’ Compensation

5.2

 

Waiver of Subrogation for the following:

 

 

Workers’ Compensation

 

 

General Liability

 

 

Automobile

 

 

Equipment

 

 

Cargo

5.3

 

Additional Insured for the following:

 

 

General Liability

 

 

Automobile

 

 

Cargo

 

Note:                   As stated in 5.3, All such insurance shall not be cancelled, or materially altered or amended, without thirty (30) day prior written notice to Company.

 


*  If Contractor is a sole proprietor and does not purchase Workers’ Compensation coverage, the Contractor must execute an “Affidavit of Exempt Status Under the Workers’ Compensation Act” and must submit a certificate of non-coverage from the state, if applicable.

 

See Section 5.0 of the Master Service Agreement for the complete Insurance provision

 

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Exhibit C

Additional Requirements for Work Performed on

Dallas/Fort Worth International  Airport

 

If Contractor performs any work on the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport), the following additional provisions shall apply:

 

1.0                                Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Provisions

 

1.0(a)                 It is the policy of the DFW Airport  to remove barriers for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) to compete and create a level playing field for M/WBEs to participate in Airport contracts and related subcontracts.

 

1.0(b)                 The Company has specifically agreed to comply with all applicable provisions of the DFW Airport’s M/WBE Program and any amendments thereto. M/WBE and Non-M/WBE subcontractors also agree to comply with all applicable provisions of the DFW Airport’s M/WBE Program.

 

1.0(c)                  The Company shall maintain records, as specified in the Audit and Records Section No. 22 of the Special Provisions, in the Oil and Gas Lease, showing:

 

Subcontract/supplier awards, including awards to M/WBEs;

 

Specific efforts to identify and award such contracts to M/WBEs, such as  when requested, copies of executed contracts with M/WBEs to establish actual M/WBE project participation.

 

1.0(d)                 The Company or Contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the performance of this Agreement. The Company shall carry out applicable requirements of the M/WBE Program in the administration of this Agreement.  Failure by the Company to carry out these requirements may be a material breach of this contract, and could result in the termination of this contract, or such other remedy, as the DFW Airport deems appropriate.

 

1.0(d)                 The Company is required to insert the provisions of this Section, including this paragraph, in all subcontracts hereunder except altered as necessary for proper identification of the contracting parties and the Company under this Agreement.

 

2.0                                In addition to the insurance requirements in Section 5.0 and Exhibit A of this Agreement, Contractor shall also carry the following insurance coverage:

 

2.0(a)                 Umbrella Liability Insurance with the appropriate limit as follows:

 

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(i)            a limit of not less than $9,000,000 for Land Operations (outside air operations areas) or;

 

(ii)           a limit of not less than $14,000,000 for Air Operations Area (within air operations area).

 

Such insurance shall sit excess of all insurance coverages required in Section 5.0 and Exhibit A of this Agreement.  Such insurance shall provide a waiver of subrogation and name the following parties as additional insured:  Company and the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Board, the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, their elected officials, boards, officers, employees, agents and representatives

 

2.0(b)                 All insurance required in Exhibit A shall include a waiver of subrogation and all insurance required in Exhibit A (except workers compensation) shall name the following parties as an additional insured:  Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Board, the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, their elected officials, boards, officers, employees, agents and representatives.

 

2.0(c)                  If required by Company, Contractor shall maintain Professional (Errors & Omissions) Liability with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.

 

End of Exhibit “C”

 

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EXHIBIT “D”

 

Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy

(Contractors and Subcontractors)

 

The policy contained herein is established to insure a drug and alcohol free workplace on any property or facility owned, leased, or under the control of Chesapeake wherever located, including and without limitation field and well locations, buildings, structures, installations and vehicles (collectively “Chesapeake Property”).  Chesapeake will strive to balance respect for individual privacy with the need to keep a safe and productive work environment; however, Chesapeake is committed to, and will aggressively pursue the goal of this policy to maintain a substance abuse free workplace on Chesapeake Property.

 

All contractors and subcontractors of Chesapeake are responsible to ensure their own fitness for duty and that their performance is not impaired by the use of drugs, alcohol or controlled substances.  Chesapeake will not knowingly use any contractor or subcontractor who has tested positive for drugs or alcohol or who has refused to take a drug and alcohol test as required by their employer.  When on Chesapeake Property, all contractors, subcontractors and any other non-company personnel will be subject to on-site substance abuse testing by Chesapeake.

 

As used in this Policy, the term “contractor” and “subcontractor” includes all employees of a contractor or subcontractor while working on Chesapeake Property.

 

Prohibited Conduct

 

1.               Illegal Drugs.   The possession, use, being under the influence of, distribution, manufacture, sale, or transportation of illegal drugs while on Chesapeake Property is prohibited.  Violation of this policy will result in removal of the violator from Chesapeake Property.

 

For purposes of this policy, an “illegal drug” is any drug which is not legally obtainable, any drug which may be legally obtainable but has not been legally obtained by the contractor or subcontractor, or any drug which is being used in a manner or for a purpose other than as prescribed for the contractor or subcontractor.

 

2.               Alcohol.   The use of intoxicating beverages while on Chesapeake Property or working on Chesapeake Property while under the influence of alcohol will result in removal of the violator from Chesapeake Property.  Chesapeake also prohibits any person from bringing alcohol onto Chesapeake Property or using, consuming, transporting, selling or attempting to sell or transport alcohol while on Chesapeake Property.

 

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3.               Prescription and Over-the-Counter-Drugs.   Chesapeake prohibits any person from abusing prescription medications or over-the-counter (“OTC”) drugs while on Chesapeake Property at any time.  Violation of this policy will result in removal of the violator from Chesapeake Property.  For purposes of this policy, prescription or OTC drug abuse means taking medications that were prescribed for someone else; using prescription drugs or OTC drugs for a purpose other than for which they were prescribed or manufactured; or using such drugs other than in accordance with doctor’s instructions or recommended dosages.

 

Compliance with Applicable Law

 

This policy has been adopted by Chesapeake with the intent to comply with any and all federal and state regulations, to the extent applicable, including without limitation those promulgated by the Department of Transportation, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act (40 O.S. § 551 et seq.), and the statutes regarding drug testing in any state in which Chesapeake does business and the rules and regulations promulgated in regard thereto whether required to or not.  To the extent any portion of this policy is determined to be contrary to the requirements of any applicable federal or state statutes, rules or regulations, it is the intent of Chesapeake to conduct its program prohibiting alcohol and drug abuse on Chesapeake Property in accordance with such legal guidelines, and Chesapeake shall do so even if this policy has not been modified to address such inconsistencies.

 

Administrative Service

 

This Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy will be administered by the Chesapeake Human Resources Department Drug Policy Administrator, hereinafter referred to as the “Drug Policy Administrator”.  Drug tests and results and the drug testing program will be interpreted, evaluated and monitored by a Medical Review Officer that has been certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

Types of Drug Tests to be Performed

 

1.               Post-Accident.   In the event of an on-site or job related accident on Chesapeake Property, post-accident testing of contractors or subcontractors on-site at the time of the accident, whose performance either contributed to the accident or cannot be completely discounted as a contributing factor, may be conducted as soon as possible, but no later than 32 hours after the accident.   While waiting for drug test results, the contractor or subcontractor may be removed by Chesapeake from Chesapeake Property until the Medical Review Officer confirms that the contractor or subcontractor tested negative for drugs.

 

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2.               Random.   While on Chesapeake Property, contractors and subcontractors who are engaged in activities which directly affect the safety of others will be subject to random testing at any time with no advance notice.

 

3.               Reasonable Suspicion.   All contractors and subcontractors will be subject to drug testing while on Chesapeake Property when there is reasonable suspicion that the contractor or subcontractor has violated Chesapeake’s Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy.  “Reasonable Suspicion” means a belief that a contractor or subcontractor is using or has drug in violation of this written policy drawn from specific objective and articulable facts and reasonable inferences drawn from those facts in light of experience, and may be based upon, among other things:

 

a)                          Observable phenomena such as the physical symptoms or manifestation of being under the influence of a drug on Chesapeake Property, or the direct observation of drug use while on Chesapeake Property.

 

b)                          A report of drug use while on Chesapeake Property provided by a reliable and credible source and which has been independently corroborated.

 

c)                           A report of a recent drug or alcohol related arrest where the contractor or subcontractor may be working on Chesapeake Property while waiting for a court appearance.

 

d)                          Evidence that a contractor or subcontractor is involved in the use, possession, sale, solicitation or transfer of drugs while on Chesapeake Property.

 

While waiting for a contractor’s or subcontractor’s drug test results, that contractor or subcontractor may be removed by Chesapeake from Chesapeake Property until the Medical Review Officer confirms that the contractor or subcontract tested negative for drugs.

 

Refusal to Submit

 

Any contractor or subcontractor who refuses to submit to any drug test required under this program will be treated as if he/she had tested positive in any such test and will be removed by Chesapeake from Chesapeake Property.

 

Refusal to submit shall include:

 

·                   failure of contractor or subcontractor to report to collection site without a legitimate reason; or

·                   failure to provide an adequate specimen within a reasonable time (three hours) without a legitimate medical reason; or

 

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·                   evidence that an individual has tampered with a drug test; or

·                   contractor’s or subcontractor’s refusal to provide a specimen and/or cooperate with the collection process at the collection site; or

·                   contractor’s or subcontractor’s refusal of Chesapeake’s request for any required drug testing.

 

Prohibited Drugs

 

The laboratory will test each specimen for the following prohibited substances (including metabolites of these substances):

 

·                   Cannabinoids (marijuana)

·                   Opiates

·                   Amphetamines/methamphetamines

·                   Phencyclidine (PCP)

·                   Cocaine

·                   Amphetamines

·                   Barbiturates

·                   Methadone

·                   Propoxyphene

·                   Benzodiazepines

·                   Alcohol

 

Procedures for Drug Tests

 

At the collection site, the specimens shall be collected in compliance with the federal and state regulations referenced in this policy.  When submitting the specimen, the contractor or subcontractor shall be requested to sign the “Chain of Custody” form.  By signing this form, the contractor or subcontractor is confirming the specimen has been sealed and numbered for identification.  The collection site shall be responsible for sending all specimens to the laboratory.

 

The laboratory shall conduct the tests for the prohibited drugs referenced herein.    All specimens shall be kept by the laboratory in properly secured, long-term frozen storage for at least 365 days.  The samples will be discarded after such time unless the laboratory receives written request with a reasonable explanation to retain a specimen for period in excess of 365 days.  The laboratory shall follow approved chain of custody procedures whenever necessary.

 

All test results shall be sent to the Medical Review Officer who will review and interpret all drug test results.  After this review the Medical Review Officer shall report the test results as either POSITIVE or NEGATIVE to the Drug Policy Administrator.  When the

 

35



 

findings are NEGATIVE, the signed reports shall be sent to Chesapeake for filing.  POSITIVE findings shall be handled in the manner described below.

 

Positive Results

 

The Medical Review Officer will review and interpret each positive test result to determine if there is a legitimate explanation for the positive result.  All positive test results will be verified by a second confirming test of the same sample using gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, or an equivalent scientifically accepted method of equal or greater accuracy as approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Health, at the cutoff levels determined by said Board’s rules.  Subsequent to the confirming test, the Medical Review Officer will notify the individual tested to:

 

·                   conduct an interview with the individual tested; and/or

·                   review the individual’s medical history and relevant biomedical factors; and/or

·                   review all medical records made available by the individual to determine if the positive test resulted from legally prescribed medications.

 

When findings are confirmed from the review process, the Medical Review Officer will notify the Drug Policy Administrator of the confirmed results.  At this time, any contractor or subcontractor testing positive for a prohibited drug will be informed of the positive result followed by their removal by Chesapeake from Chesapeake Property.

 

Types of Alcohol Tests to be Performed

 

1.               Post Accident.   In the event of an on-site or job related accident on Chesapeake Property, post-accident testing of contractors or subcontractors on-site at the time of the accident, whose performance either contributed to the accident or cannot be completely discounted as a contributing factor, may be conducted as soon as possible, but no later than 2 hours after the accident.

 

2.               Reasonable Suspicion.   All contractors and subcontractors will be subject to alcohol testing while on Chesapeake Property when there is reasonable suspicion that the contractor or subcontractor has violated Chesapeake’s Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Policy.  “Reasonable Suspicion” means a belief that a contractor or subcontractor is using or has drug in violation of this written policy drawn from specific objective and articulable facts and reasonable inferences drawn from those facts in light of experience, and may be based upon, among other things:

 

a)                          Observable phenomena such as the physical symptoms or manifestation of being under the influence of alcohol on Chesapeake Property, or the direct observation of drug use while on Chesapeake Property.

 

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b)                          A report of alcohol use while on Chesapeake Property provided by reliable and credible sourced and which has been independently corroborated.

 

c)                           A report of a recent drug or alcohol related arrest where the contractor or subcontractor may be working on Chesapeake Property while waiting for a court appearance.

 

d)                          Evidence that a contractor or subcontractor is involved in the use of alcohol while on Chesapeake Property.

 

While waiting for a contractor’s or subcontractor’s alcohol test results, that contractor or subcontractor may be removed by Chesapeake from Chesapeake Property  until his/her position until the test results are revealed.

 

3.               Random.   While on Chesapeake Property, contractors and subcontractors who are engaged in activities which directly affect the safety of others will be subject to random testing at any time with no advance notice.

 

Procedures for a Breath Alcohol Test

 

A Breath Alcohol Test (“BAT”) shall be administered by a qualified Breath Alcohol Technician.  In the event a mobile testing unit is used, the contractor or subcontractor has the right to both visual and aural privacy for confidentiality from other individuals, if possible.  The contractor or subcontractor is required to provide proper identification.

 

1.               The Breath Alcohol Technician administering the BAT shall complete the first section of the approved Breath Alcohol Testing form on behalf of Chesapeake.

 

2.               The contractor or subcontractor shall sign his/her name is the second section of the BAT form.  The signature indicates the contractor or subcontractor agreed to submit to a BAT as required by governmental regulations and that the identifying information provided on the form is true and correct.

 

3.               After signing the BAT form, the contractor or subcontractor will be instructed to blow into the mouthpiece (individually sealed and opened in front of the contractor or subcontractor) of the Evidential Breath Tester (“EBT”) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  After the EBT indicates an adequate amount of breath has been obtained, the Breath Alcohol Technician will show the results displayed on the equipment.

 

4.               The results, test number, testing device, serial number of the testing device and the quantified results will be recorded in Section 3 of the BAT form and witnessed by the contractor or subcontractor.

 

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5.               The contractor or subcontractor shall sign Section 4 of the BAT form stating he/she has submitted to breath alcohol testing and the results are as recorded on the form.  Copies of the completed form are provided for the contractor’s or subcontractor’s records and for Chesapeake’s records and shall be confidential as herein provided.  The signed reports shall be sent to Chesapeake.

 

Refusal to Submit to Breath Alcohol Test

 

Any contractor or subcontractor who refuses to submit to a BAT and comply with the procedure set forth in this policy for the test will be treated as if he/she had tested positive in any such test and will be subject to removal by Chesapeake from Chesapeake Property.

 

Confirmation Tests

 

A confirmation BAT shall be conducted by the Breath Alcohol Technician after a waiting period of no less than fifteen minutes.  In the event the results of the initial test and the confirmation test are not identical, the confirmation test result shall be deemed to be the final result upon which any action might be based.    Any contractor or subcontractor with results of 0.02 or greater will be removed by Chesapeake from Chesapeake Property.

 

Retaining Drug and Alcohol Results

 

Chesapeake shall maintain all drug and alcohol test results and related information including, but not limited to, interviews, reports, statements and memoranda, as confidential reports separate from other records.  Further, these records, including the records of the testing facility, shall not be used in any criminal proceeding or any civil or administrative proceeding except in those actions taken by Chesapeake or in any action involving the contractor or subcontractor tested and Chesapeake, unless such records are ordered released pursuant to a valid court order.

 

The records described herein and maintained by Chesapeake shall be the property of Chesapeake and upon the request of the contractor or subcontractor  shall be made available for inspection and copying to the contractor or subcontractor.  To protect confidentiality, Chesapeake will require “specific written consent” signed by the contractor or subcontractor to release this information to a particular person, or organization, at a particular time.  No testing facility, or any agent, representative or designee of such facility, or any review officer, shall disclose to Chesapeake or any prior or subsequent person or entity, based on analysis if a sample collected from a contractor or subcontractor for the purpose of testing for the presence of drugs or alcohol, any information relating to:

 

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1.               The general health, pregnancy or physical or mental condition of the contractor or subcontractor; or

 

2.               The presence of any drug other than the drug or its metabolites that Chesapeake requested be identified and for which a medically acceptable explanation of the positive result, other than the use of drugs, has not been forthcoming form the contractor or subcontractor.

 

Provided, however, a testing facility shall release the results of the drug or alcohol test, and any analysis and information related thereto, to the individual tested upon his/her request.

 

End of Exhibit “D”

 

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EXHIBIT “E”

 

LIST OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

 

The following is a list of known and/or reasonably foreseeable potential hazards which apply to the activities and locations of Company, and its subsidiary, and/or affiliated companies.  Contractor is responsible for notifying its employees, agents, and subcontractors of the potential hazards itemized below.  Contractor is also responsible for ensuring that its employees, agents, and subcontractors comply with all requirements set forth herein (e.g., Hot Work Permits and Confined Space Entry Permits).

 

·                   Chesapeake requires that persons entering its field locations be, at a minimum, dressed in steel toe boots, a hard hat and eye protection, as well as work-specific PPE and appropriately fitting clothing.

 

·                   All Chesapeake field locations contain hazards such as cattle guards, metal stairs, etc. which may result in slips, trips, and/or falls.

 

·                   When a Chesapeake field location requires work to be performed at an elevation four (4) feet or higher above ground level, fall protection must be used.

 

·                   All Chesapeake field locations produce natural gas and/or petroleum hydrocarbons.  The substances produced and located at Chesapeake field locations are flammable and/or combustible.

 

·                   Chesapeake locations are marked with lease signs which contain the following warning: “CAUTION NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES”.  This warning also includes insignia of a smoking cigarette and an open flame incased in a red circle with a slash through it.  These warnings are to be followed.

 

·                   Chesapeake locations are labeled with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) labels to indicate hazards specific to the location.  All employees and contractors must be familiar with this warning system.

 

·                   Chesapeake field locations may contain chemicals which require additional safety methods be employed.  Prior to initiating your work, you should verify the location and type of any such chemical(s).  Note, that each chemical container identifies the substance contained and provides warnings pursuant to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200(h)).

 

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·                   Chesapeake field locations have storage tanks, treatment equipment, and/or piping which houses, stores, or transfers natural gas and/or liquid petroleum hydrocarbons.  Contents within such tanks, equipment, and pipeline may be under pressure.

 

·                   Prior to initiating any work, all hazardous energy sources are to be checked for proper lockout/tagout, isolation, pressure release, proper de-energizing, etc.

 

·                   All work involving a potential source of ignition, including but not limited to grinding, drilling, welding, torching, cutting, brazing, use of spark producing equipment, flames, etc. (Hot Work), which is to be conducted within thirty-five (35) feet of any storage and/or transfer equipment and/or piping, under normal operating conditions, must not proceed until your local Chesapeake field representative has been contacted and a Hot Work Permit issued.

 

·                   Chesapeake field locations may contain areas known as Confined Spaces (e.g., interior accessible process equipment, storage tanks, etc.).  Entry to perform work inside any Confined Space is absolutely prohibited until you have contacted your local Chesapeake field representative and obtained a Confined Space Reclassification or Confined Space Entry Permit.

 

·                   Some Chesapeake field locations utilize electricity for operations.  Prior to servicing electrical equipment on a Chesapeake location, you must consult your local Chesapeake field representative.

 

·                   As indicated above, this list is general in nature.  For location and job specific hazards, you must consult your local Chesapeake field representative.

 

End of Exhibit “E”

 

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EXHIBIT “F”

 

CONTRACTOR TO ATTACH ANY DISCLOSURES

 

REQUIRED BY PARAGRAPH 9.2(b) OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

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Exhibit 10.14

 

 

MASTER COMMERCIAL AGREEMENT

 

1. Contract Number : CW2232420

Parties: Blocks 2 & 3

 

 

2. Company (“Company”):

3. Supplier (“Supplier”):

Chesapeake Operating, L.L.C.

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

6100 North Western Avenue

777 Main Street, Suite 2900

Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Fort Worth, TX 76102

United States

 

 

 

4. Effective Date : December 19, 2016

 

 

 

INTENDING TO BE LEGALLY BOUND, Company and Supplier, by their duly authorized representatives, have executed this Contract to be effective as of the day and year noted within block 4 above.

 

5. FOR COMPANY:

6. FOR SUPPLIER:

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

 

 

/s/ Jason Pigott

 

/s/ Buddy Petersen

 

 

Name: Jason Pigott

Name: Buddy Petersen

Title: Executive Vice President — Operations and

Title COO

Technical Services

 

Date: 12/24/2016 | 9:23:58 AM CST

Date: 12/21/2016 | 2:38:02 PM CST

 

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CONTRACT (CW2232420)

 

1.               Legal Terms and Conditions

 

This Contract is subject to the terms and conditions of that certain MSA by and between Chesapeake Operating, Inc., now known as Chesapeake Operating, L.L.C., and Supplier dated July 9, 2012, and any amendments thereto, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the MSA, the Parties expressly intend and agree that in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of the MSA and this Contract, the terms of this Contract shall govern, except that the MSA provisions governing indemnification and insurance obligations of the Parties shall not be altered or otherwise amended by any provision in this Contract.

 

2.               Definitions

 

As used in this Contract the following items shall have the following meaning:

 

2.1                                “Authorized Company Representative” means Company personnel with the actual authority to authorize Work.

 

2.2                                “Chesapeake Price List” means Supplier’s contracted pricing agreed upon by the Parties and formatted according to Chesapeake’s standard template for certain Work provided by Supplier under this Contract.

 

2.3                                “Contract” means all provisions contained herein, all related Scopes of Work and Orders under this Contract and all incorporated attachments.

 

2.4                                “Company” means Chesapeake Operating, L.L.C.

 

2.5                                “Confidential Information” means any information, data or material (regardless of the form) that is: (a) provided, disclosed or delivered to the Receiving Party by the Disclosing Party, any officer, director, employee, agent, attorney, accountant, contractor or other person or entity employed by Disclosing Party in any capacity, any customer, borrower or business associate of the Disclosing Party or any public authority having jurisdiction over the Disclosing Party or any business activity conducted by the Disclosing Party; or (b) produced, developed, obtained or prepared by the Receiving Party (whether or not such information was developed in the performance of this Contract) with respect to the Disclosing Party or any of the Disclosing Party’s assets, oil and gas or other prospects, business activities, officers, directors, employees, borrowers or customers; or (c) produced, developed, obtained or prepared by the Disclosing Party in connection with any audit performed pursuant to this Contract. Confidential information does not include information that: (a) is independently developed by Receiving Party after the Effective Date of this Contract without the use, reliance or benefit of Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information; (b) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of Receiving Party; (c) is obtained by the Receiving Party from a third party, who is under no obligation of confidence to Disclosing Party; and/or (iv) for which disclosure is required by court order or other governmental requirement, but only after providing Disclosing Party with reasonable notice prior to disclosure to allow Disclosing Party a reasonable opportunity to seek a protective order or equivalent.

 

2.6                                “KPIs” means Key Performance Indicators as may be set forth in separate SOW or Order.

 

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2.7                                “Materials” means goods, supplies, products, materials, tools, equipment, machinery and similar items.

 

2.8                                “MSA” means Master Service Agreement referenced herein.

 

2.9                                “Oildex” means a cloud-based software that enables invoicing via electronic document exchange.

 

2.10                         “Order” means any written purchase order or other written request for Work by an Authorized Company Representative to Supplier, other than an SOW, during the Contract term.

 

2.11                         “Parties” means jointly the Company and the Supplier.

 

2.12                         “Project Areas” means the location(s) in which Work will be performed as listed in any related Scope of Work.

 

2.13                         “Scope of Work” means a written addendum to this Contract establishing the Work to be provided under this Contract.

 

2.14                         “Services” means performance of work for Company by or on behalf of Supplier.

 

2.15                         “SOW” means Scope of Work defined herein.

 

2.16                         “Supplier” means the contracting party executing this Contract and “Contractor” as defined in the MSA.

 

2.17                         “Supplier’s Price Book” means Supplier’s list of published rates for general industry use, regardless of format.

 

2.18                         “Work” means any Materials and Services within an applicable SOW or Order by an Authorized Company Representative.

 

3.               Company Commitment

 

Company is not obligated to offer any specific level or amount of Work under this Contract.  Failure to offer any contemplated level or amount of Work will not prejudice Company’s right to receive any pricing agreed to under this Contract.  Only an Authorized Company Representative may offer Work to Supplier.

 

4.               Supplier Acceptance

 

Supplier will make reasonable efforts to accept Company’s offer of Work under this Contract.

 

5.               Term of Contract

 

This Contract shall remain in full force and effect until terminated by either Party in accordance with the termination provisions contained herein.

 

6.               General Scope of Work

 

6.1                                Supplier will provide the Work for Company during the Contract term in conformance with this Contract, on an as needed basis as determined by Company and as may be further set forth in a related SOW or Order.

 

6.2                                Work under this Contract may only be performed in accordance with: 1) a related written SOW signed by a duly authorized officer of Company or their delegatee and

 

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an individual with authority to contractually bind Supplier; or 2) a related written Order issued by an Authorized Company Representative.

 

6.3                                Supplier will collaborate with Company to provide planning, logistics, technical support, quality assurance and cost-effective solutions that are Work-, industry- and geography-appropriate.

 

6.4                                Supplier will give immediate notice to the designated Company employee (name of designee to be provided after each Order is received) if a delay or interruption in performance is reasonably foreseen.

 

7.               Inspection and Acceptance

 

In addition to any inspection and acceptance criteria outlined in a related SOW or Order, at a minimum, all Work is subject to final inspection and acceptance by Company.  Company assumes no responsibility for Work until accepted by Company.  Acceptance of delivery alone will not constitute acceptance of the Work.

 

8.               Work and Materials Warranties

 

8.1                                Any conflict between the language stated within this Provision and within a related SOW or Order shall be resolved by giving control and precedence in the following order: 1) Order; 2) SOW; and 3) this Provision.  In addition to any warranties contained in the MSA, the Parties expressly agree to the following warranty provisions:

 

8.2                                Performance of Work

 

A.                                     Supplier shall perform all Work with due diligence, in a good, safe and workmanlike manner, using skilled, trained, competent and experienced workmen and supervisors, and in strict conformity with (1) the specifications and requirements contained herein and as set forth in an applicable SOW or Order; and (2) generally accepted industry standards and practices, and (3) all applicable worksite policies.

 

B.                                     Supplier shall furnish, at its sole risk and expense, all necessary trained, qualified, and/or certified (all as applicable) personnel, Materials, expertise and supervision reasonably necessary for the safe performance of Work by Supplier.  In any Work, Supplier shall only employ employees or utilize subcontractors whose employment is in compliance with all applicable labor, employment and other applicable laws.

 

8.3                                Warranty of Materials

 

A.                                     Supplier warrants full, clear, and unrestricted title to all Materials sold or otherwise transferred to Company by Supplier in connection with this Contract (excluding Materials leased or rented to Company), free and clear of any and all liens, security interests, encumbrances and claims of others.  Supplier warrants that it has the right to use all Materials leased or rented to Company.

 

B.                                     All Materials sold, leased, rented or otherwise furnished to Company by Supplier in connection with this Contract shall: (i) strictly conform to the applicable SOW’s and Order’s specifications; (ii) be new (unless otherwise specifically

 

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agreed to in an related SOW or  Order), of merchantable quality and suitable for the use for which they are ordinarily employed and for purpose(s) intended by Company and disclosed to Supplier in advance of purchase, lease or use; (iii) conform with all applicable laws, ordinances, codes and regulations; and (iv) be free from defects in design, materials, performance, operation and workmanship for a period of 12 months after being placed into service by Company, unless otherwise expressly stated in a related SOW or Order.

 

C.                                     All Materials leased or rented to Company by Supplier in connection with this Contract shall be in good working condition throughout the rental period specified in the applicable SOW or Order (misuse by Company excepted).  If any Materials leased or rented to Company by Supplier fail to operate per the specifications set forth in the applicable SOW or Order, or are otherwise inoperable through no fault of Company, Supplier shall promptly repair or replace such Materials at Supplier’s sole cost and expense, and shall waive all rental payments until such Materials are repaired or replaced.

 

D.                                     Unless otherwise set forth in a related SOW or Order, if any Material (or portions thereof) are found to be defective, nonconforming or unsuitable, whether before or after delivery and acceptance, Supplier shall on an expedited basis remove, replace, repair and/or correct, as applicable, the defective, nonconforming or unsuitable Material at Supplier’s sole risk and expense, including payment by Supplier to Company for all damages resulting therefrom notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Contract or the MSA, without additional cost or risk to Company.

 

E.                                      Any Material that is repaired or replaced pursuant to this Provision shall be subject to the same warranties and remedies as new Material.

 

F.                                       In addition to the warranties set forth herein, if Supplier is not the manufacturer of Materials sold or otherwise furnished to Company by Supplier under any Order (excluding Materials leased or rented to Company), Supplier will obtain assignable warranties for such Materials from its subcontractors, vendors and suppliers, which it will assign to Company, and Supplier will cooperate with Company in the enforcement of such warranties.  If such warranties are non-assignable, Company shall be deemed subrogated to Supplier’s rights thereunder.  With respect to Materials leased or rented to Company, Supplier will assign to Company its rights against any seller or manufacturer for the duration of the rental term.

 

8.4                                Warranty for Services

 

A.                                     Unless otherwise set forth in a related SOW or Order, if any Service is found to be defective, nonconforming or unsuitable whether or not the defective or nonconforming Service is discovered prior to the acceptance of the Service, Supplier shall, on an expedited basis, remediate or re-perform any defective, nonconforming or unsuitable Service at Supplier’s sole risk and expense, including payment by Supplier to Company for all damages resulting therefrom notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Contract, without additional cost or risk to Company.

 

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B.                                     Any Service that is remediated or re-performed pursuant to this Provision shall be subject to the same warranties and remedies as new Service.

 

8.5                                Additional Warranties.

 

A.                                     Should Supplier refuse or fail to commence preparation for or actual remediation, removal, replacement, repair, re-performance and/or correction any such defective, nonconforming or unsuitable Work within 24 hours of notice by Company to Supplier, Company shall have the right to perform the remediation, removal, replacement, repair, re-performance and/or correction itself or to have the remediation, removal, replacement, repair, re-performance and/or correction conducted by a third party on an expedited basis.  Supplier shall be responsible for all costs of such remediation, removal, replacement, repair, re-performance and/or correction, including but not limited to any amounts payable to third parties, third-party certifications and testing, and Company’s internal costs.  Company may collect such amount directly from Supplier or by set-off against performance security, if any, or by deduction from other amounts due Supplier.  Any Work that is remediated, removed, replaced, repaired, re-performed or corrected pursuant to this Provision shall be subject to the same warranties and remedies contained herein.

 

B.                                     Notwithstanding and in lieu of the remedies provided in this Provision 8, Company may elect to have Supplier reimburse Company for the reasonable cost of the remediation, removal, replacement, repair, re-performance and/or correction, but in no event shall such cost of the remediation, removal, replacement, repair, re-performance or correction exceed 130% of the price of the Work, or portions thereof if such Work has been performed by Supplier, excluding other damages which Company may be entitled.

 

8.6                                Inspection and Verification of Materials.

 

A.                                     Supplier shall inspect all Materials furnished by Company for use in Work and shall notify Company of any apparent defects therein before using such Materials.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Contract or the MSA, should Supplier use such Materials without notifying Company of any apparent defect(s), Supplier shall be deemed to have assumed all risk and liability for any mishap that may occur in operations conducted hereunder by reason of failure or defect(s) in such Materials; provided, however, that Supplier shall not be liable for any mishap due solely to unknown latent defects.

 

B.                                     Supplier shall verify and check the quantity, description and condition of all Materials furnished by vendors to Supplier, and all delivery tickets shall be properly certified as to receipt by Supplier’s representative.  Supplier must obtain prior written approval from an Authorized Company Representative prior to purchasing or renting any Materials for which Supplier is to be reimbursed by Company.

 

9.               Title and Risk of Loss

 

Notwithstanding any terms to the contrary contained in this Contract (as clarified in Provision 1) or the MSA, the Parties specifically intend and agree that the following

 

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provisions shall govern with respect to the subject matter contained therein with respect to all Work or portions thereof:

 

9.1                                Unless otherwise provided for in a related SOW or Order, with respect to all Work (excluding leased or rented Materials), title shall pass to Company upon Company’s acceptance, and if applicable, delivery of such Work.  Title shall include, but not be limited to, all tangible and intangible results, items and work product arising in the course of performing or constituting the results of the Work.  Any and all drawings or documents showing or describing the Work, including but not limited to “as-built” drawings, P&ID diagrams, equipment instructions and warranty documents, maps or any other materials which might facilitate utilization of the Work by Company or may be legally required to be created and/or maintained by Supplier or Company, shall be provided to Company as a precondition to compensation of Supplier.

 

9.2                                Unless otherwise provided for in a related SOW or Order, with respect to all Materials leased or rented to Company by Supplier, Supplier shall retain title to such Materials and no right, title or interest in such Materials (except Company’s right to possession, as appropriate) shall pass to Company.  While Materials leased or rented to Company by Supplier are under Company’s care, custody and control, Company assumes the risk of loss for damage to or destruction of such Materials where such damage or destruction results either from Company’s operations or from theft, fire, flood or other act of God.  However, Supplier shall bear the risk of loss for damage to or destruction of such Materials that results from or arises out of any other cause, including, without limitation, (1) Supplier’s operations; (2) normal wear and tear; (3) any defect in the design or manufacture of such Materials.

 

9.3                                Except for Materials leased or rented to Company by Supplier that are under Company’s care, custody and control, Supplier assumes the risk of loss for damages to or destruction of Supplier’s Materials, regardless of how such damage or destruction occurs, and Company shall be under no liability to reimburse Supplier for any such loss or damage thereto.

 

9.4                                Notwithstanding anything contained in the MSA, Supplier shall be liable and responsible for damage to or destruction of Company’s Materials where such damage or destruction results from or arises out of Supplier’s (1) operations or (2) use of Company’s Materials that contain an apparent defect if Supplier has failed to notify Company of such defect.

 

10.        Purchase of Materials

 

With respect to an Order for the purchase of Materials, (a) if such Order is construed as an offer, it expressly limits acceptance by Supplier to the terms of the Order and this Contract, and (b) if such Order is construed as an acceptance of an offer, it is expressly conditioned on Supplier’s agreement to any additional or different terms contained herein.  All sections of the Uniform Commercial Code which expressly or impliedly protect a buyer are hereby incorporated by reference.

 

11.        Subcontractors

 

Notwithstanding any terms to the contrary contained in the MSA or this Contract, the Parties specifically intend and agree that, unless otherwise set forth in an SOW or related Order,

 

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Supplier may subcontract portions of the Work (but not all of the Work) as it shall determine to be necessary to subcontractors; provided, however, that Company has the right to reject and/or remove any subcontractor from a Company location or require that a subcontractor not perform Work under this Contract in Company’s sole and absolute discretion.  Supplier acknowledges and agrees that:

 

11.1                         This Provision shall not operate to limit or relieve in any way any obligation of Supplier to Company under this Contract, including obligations with respect to the conduct, quality and completion of the Work, in strict accordance with the terms of this Contract;

 

11.2                         Subcontractors hired by Supplier shall be required by Supplier to comply in writing with the terms and conditions of this Contract, and Supplier shall be responsible for ensuring such compliance;

 

11.3                         Supplier is liable to Company for all acts, omissions and defaults of Supplier’s subcontractors (and those of the personnel, agents and invitees of such subcontractors) relating to the Work, to the same extent as if they were the acts, omissions and defaults of Supplier;

 

11.4                         Supplier agrees to provide a list of all subcontractors performing Work under this Contract.   After execution of the Contract, if any change to the subcontractor list is required, Supplier agrees to promptly update the subcontractor list and submit it in accordance with the notice provisions herein.  If reasonably possible, such updates must be provided at least seven days prior to the subcontractor performing any Work; and

 

11.5                         For any Work performed by a third-party on behalf of Supplier, Supplier, not the third party, shall invoice Company at the agreed upon, documented cost.

 

12.        Environmental Health and Safety

 

12.1                         Supplier shall ensure that all Work conforms to all applicable environmental, health and safety rules, regulations and applicable law.

 

12.2                         Supplier shall reasonably cooperate in any environmental, health and safety assessments or audits performed by Company.

 

12.3                         Upon request of Company, Supplier will participate in applicable safety meetings while on Company locations.

 

12.4                         If Supplier provides any Work on a Company location, or upon the request of Company, Supplier shall join and maintain membership to ISNetWorld at its own expense.

 

12.5                         All Supplier personnel providing Work under this Contract on a Company location must complete Safeland, Rig Pass or Safegulf orientation training and provide documentation of completion prior to commencement of Work.

 

12.6                         All Supplier personnel providing Work under this Contract on a Company location must attend Company’s contractor orientation prior to commencement of Work.

 

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12.7                         All Supplier personnel, agents, and invitees on Company locations will either wear a uniform or an identification badge that displays the name of the Supplier and the individual’s first and last name.

 

13.        Firm Fixed Price

 

Unless otherwise provided in a related SOW or Order, Supplier’s pricing terms and discounts set forth in this Contract shall, except as expressly provided herein, constitute firm fixed prices, and remain fixed for the term of the related SOW or Order.  Any pricing adjustments shall be mutually agreed to in writing by Company and Supplier prior to implementation by Supplier.

 

14.        Pricing

 

14.1                         All rates for the Work shall be billed by Supplier in accordance with a related SOW or Order.

 

14.2                         Supplier’s prices shall not include sales, value added taxes, use or similar taxes.  Such taxes, where applicable, shall be added to the total prices and invoiced accordingly. Invoices must delineate the type of tax being charged (i.e. sales, use, etc.,) and if the tax is one that is legally the liability of Supplier but is being passed through to Company, the invoice shall denote that such tax is being passed through.  If tax legislation is enacted or reinterpreted in a particular jurisdiction requiring Supplier to increase or adjust the taxes, duties or levies it collects on Work, the Parties agree to meet in good faith to adjust Supplier’s compensation until Supplier can adjust its invoices accordingly.

 

15.        Invoicing and Payment Terms

 

Unless otherwise stated in a related SOW or Order, all invoicing and payment terms shall be in accordance with the following provisions:

 

15.1                         Invoices

 

A.                                     No invoices will be paid prior to Work being delivered or completed and accepted.

 

B.                                     All invoices must be submitted within 12 months after completion of Work.  In any event, Company reserves the right to refuse payment in full on any invoices received after 12 months, and Supplier agrees that Company shall be forever discharged from any obligations related to such payments for such invoice or Work related thereto.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Provision, Company reserves the right to pay discharged invoices submitted after the required time frame with reduction of 10% of the total invoice amount per month after the expiration of the required timeframe stated above.  Any full or partial payment by Company of a discharged invoice does not constitute a waiver of the discharged status of the related invoice.

 

C.                                     Supplier shall submit an original invoice electronically via Oildex.  All invoices must include the following:

 

i.                                           Name and address of Supplier;

 

ii.                                        Invoice date and number;

 

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iii.                                     Work start and end date, or delivery date;

 

iv.                                    Contract number, Contract Line Item Number, and if applicable, Purchase Order Date and Number;

 

v.                                       AFE number;

 

vi.                                    Well number;

 

vii.                                 Detailed description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

 

viii.                              Shipping number and date of shipment, if applicable;

 

ix.                                    Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

 

x.                                       Payment address, if different; and

 

xi.                                    Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice or billing questions.

 

D.                                     Invoices that include an attached field ticket signed by a Company employee will constitute acceptance that the Supplier was on site and provided a minimum level of Work.  It will not validate quantity or price unless otherwise stated in a related SOW or Order.

 

15.2                         Payment

 

A.                                     Payment Method .  Payment shall be made via Automatic Clearing House (ACH) for Work accepted by Company.

 

B.                                     Overpayment .  If Supplier becomes aware of a duplicate invoice payment or that Company has otherwise overpaid on an invoice payment, Supplier shall—

 

i.                                           Remit the overpayment to Company along with a description of overpayment including the—

 

a.                                       Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g.  duplicate payment, erroneous payment, date(s) of overpayment);

 

b.                                       Affected contract number(s), invoice number(s), check number(s) and delivery order number(s), if applicable;

 

c.                                        Affected contract line item or subline item, if applicable; and

 

d.                                       Contract point of contact.

 

ii.                                        Additionally provide a copy of remittance and supporting documentation in accordance with the notice provisions contained herein.

 

C.                                     Delay of Payment .  Company may withhold any payment until Supplier provides Company with (a) proof that there are no unsatisfied claims for labor, Materials or for injuries to persons or property not covered by insurance, and (b) proof of compliance with the insurance requirements set forth in the MSA.  Further, in the event of any dispute concerning the amount of any payment, Company may withhold payment of the disputed amount until Company and Supplier settle such dispute.

 

D.                                     Set-Off .  Company may set-off against payments due Supplier any amount due and owing Company by Supplier for any reason.

 

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E.                                      Terms .  Unless otherwise provided in a related SOW or Order, payment for invoices are due 30 days from date of receipt by Company.  For purposes of this Provision, any time calculation shall begin on the date a correct invoice in full compliance with the invoicing requirements herein is received by Company and any resulting due date falling on a weekend or holiday shall move to next business day.

 

16.        Audit

 

The Parties specifically intend and agree that the Audit provision(s) of the MSA is stricken in its entirety and replaced with the following:

 

16.1                         Supplier shall maintain during the course of the Work, and retain not less than three years after completion thereof, complete and accurate records of all costs of Supplier, Supplier’s contractors or subcontractors (of any tier) and its and their respective parent, subsidiaries and affiliates (for purposed of this Provision 16 “Supplier Group”) which are chargeable to Company under this Contract; and Company shall have the right, during normal working hours, to inspect, reproduce, audit and inspect those records by authorized representatives of its own, or any third-party contract compliance auditing firm selected by Company.  The records to be thus maintained and retained by Supplier Group must provide sufficient detail for such charges and shall include (without limitation):

 

A.                                     All invoices billed to Company;

 

B .                                     Payroll records (hours, employee name, employee classification, multiplier breakdown, etc.) and timesheets that account for total time worked related to Work;

 

C .                                     Canceled payroll checks (or time/detail register from Kronos or other workforce managements system then used by Supplier, if applicable) or signed receipts for cash payroll;

 

D .                                     Third-party invoices (including all back-up details) for purchases, receiving and issuing documents, and all inventory records for Supplier’s stock or capital items rebilled to Company;

 

E .                                      Paid invoices and canceled checks (or electronic payment records, if applicable) for purchased Materials, subcontractor and third-party charges;

 

F .                                       Detailed asset ledgers to support any Supplier-owned Materials billed to Company;

 

G .                                     Records relating to air freight and ground transportation, including but not limited to handling, hauling and disposing of materials/equipment; and

 

H .                                    Accurate, auditable records of gifts, entertainment and gratuities with a value of $10.00 or more to individual Company personnel.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstances will Supplier be obligated to retain, nor may Company request to audit, any records with respect to any Work completed before November 1, 2014.

 

16.2                         In addition, Supplier shall assist Company with respect to ensuring that all members of Supplier Group, including in Supplier’s contracts with members of Supplier

 

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Group, adhere to and comply with the same requirements herein and shall cooperate fully to enforce Company’s right to audit and inspect records and accounts with respect to Work provided hereunder by any member of Supplier Group (including their successors and assigns).

 

16.3                         Both Parties understand that as a demonstration of the trust shared in the alliance relationship, Company will routinely pay invoices promptly without detailed scrutiny.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to preserve the integrity of the relationship and to provide a reasonable level of quality assurance with respect to contract compliance, it is necessary to periodically conduct a detailed audit in accordance with the defined parameters stated herein.

 

16.4                         Electronic Data File .  In conducting the audit, Company may require that Supplier provide electronic data files containing all required information for all Company invoice activity for the entire audit period.  The data files shall be in a file format compatible with industry accepted financial software applications (MS — Excel, Access), and contain data elements of all items invoiced by the Supplier.  A listing of the minimum data field requirements is included in the attached Exhibit “A” titled Auditing Procedures, Section 1.

 

16.5                         Statistical Sampling .  As it is not administratively feasible for either Party to conduct an audit of the entire population of invoices, both Parties agree that statistical sampling and extrapolation techniques premised upon proven scientific principles and analyses shall be used.  Accordingly, both Parties shall comply with the language as stated in the attached Exhibit “A” titled Auditing Procedures, section 2.

 

16.6                         As part of the audit process, both Parties understand and agree that should errors occur, payment shall be made in accordance with the following terms.  For all errors found in Company’s favor, such errors shall be offset by the errors in favor of Supplier, and if the total aggregate errors found demonstrate underpayments to the Supplier, Company shall reimburse Supplier for the corresponding underpayments.  Conversely, should the total aggregate errors found demonstrate overpayments to Supplier, then Supplier shall reimburse Company for the corresponding overpayments made.  Both Parties agree that any undercharges or overpayments, once identified and agreed upon, shall be paid within 30 days of notice to the other Party.

 

16.7                         Supplier shall make available a responsible party with the authority and ability to promptly respond to audit questions, assist in document interpretation, and authorize requests for information. Supplier may exclude any trade secrets, formulae, processes, or payroll records from such inspection and audit, except to the extent they relate directly to payments or reimbursements in accordance with an Order, in which case Company shall hold such information confidential. Both Parties also agree that each shall bear its own internal and external costs incurred in conducting and supporting this audit process. Further, it is agreed that all documents to be reviewed by Company will be copied by Supplier, at Supplier’s expense.

 

17.        Contract Administration

 

Supplier will support and manage the Contract by, at a minimum, providing in writing the name(s) and contact telephone number(s) of the individual(s) that will be the primary contact

 

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for this Contract via the Company provided Supplier’s Contract point of contact (POC) document.  Should any changes in personnel for this position occur, Supplier will promptly notify Company of such changes via an updated Supplier’s Contract POC document and in accordance with the notice provisions herein.

 

18.        Termination

 

Notwithstanding any terms to the contrary contained in the MSA, the Parties expressly intend and agree that unless otherwise provided in a related SOW or Order, the following termination provisions shall govern with respect to this Contract or any portion of the Work rendered pursuant to this Contract:

 

18.1                         Convenience .  Upon 15 days’ notice to Supplier, Company may terminate this Contract, any related SOW, Order or any portion of the Work being furnished by Supplier hereunder, for any reason or no reason and without penalty.

 

18.2                         Cause .  Upon notice to Supplier, Company may immediately terminate this Contract, any related SOW, Order or any portion of the Work being furnished by Supplier hereunder, for cause if, in the opinion of Company, Supplier:

 

i.                                           Breaches or fails to perform any of the material terms and conditions of this Contract and fails to cure the same within a reasonable timeframe specified by Company;

 

ii.                                        Fails to commence the performance of the Work;

 

iii.                                     Causes, by any act or omission, the material stoppage, delay or interference with Company’s business operations or that of any of Company’s other contractors or suppliers;

 

iv.                                    Becomes insolvent, files a petition for bankruptcy or commences or has commenced against it proceedings relating to bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization or assignment; or

 

v.                                       Establishes a pattern, in the reasonable opinion of Company, of noncompliance with obligations related to environmental, health and safety matters.

 

18.3                         Actions Required .  Upon receipt of notice of termination, unless the notice otherwise directs, Supplier shall immediately (1) discontinue the Work and placing of orders and subcontracts in connection with this Contract; (2) transfer to Company all materials, supplies, work in progress, tools and equipment acquired by Supplier for delivery to Company in connection with this Contract; (3) take such action as may be necessary or as Company may direct to protect and preserve the Work; and (4) deliver to Company all plans, drawings, specifications and other necessary information related to the Work that would have been delivered to Company in the absence of termination.

 

18.4                         Remedies .  Company’s sole and exclusive liability to Supplier under this Provision shall be: (1) payment to Supplier for performance of Work, or portions thereof, satisfactorily performed, delivered and accepted by Company through the date of termination in accordance with rates in this Contract; and, if terminated for convenience then (2) reasonable costs actually incurred by Supplier as a direct result

 

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of termination by Company for non-cancellable or non-terminable charges directly related to the performance of Work. Company’s liability pursuant to this Provision 18.4 shall not exceed the amount that would otherwise be payable to Supplier in the absence of termination. Company shall not be liable to Supplier for loss of profits incurred as a result of termination by Company. In the event of termination for cause, Company may purchase the Work elsewhere and charge Supplier for any loss or added cost incurred as a result up to, but not exceeding 20% of the amount that would be charged by Supplier for the same or similar work. Such termination and charges for additional costs shall be without prejudice to the other legal or equitable remedies which may be available to Company. Termination by Company shall not be an exclusive remedy, but shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law to Company.

 

19.        Laws, Rules and Regulations

 

19.1                         Company and Supplier will comply with all laws, rules, and regulations, whether federal, state or local, that are now or may become applicable to Work covered by this Contract, or arising out of the performance of such Work, and any SOW or related Order, including, without limitation, the laws, statutes, rules, and regulations referenced herein and any amendments thereto.  If either Party violates any of these laws, rules, and regulations, the violating Party agrees to immediately reimburse the other Party for any fines, penalties, costs, expenses, and attorney fees that the non-violating Party incurs or pays as a result of the violation.

 

19.2                         Supplier makes the representations and warranties, and agrees to comply with the requirements, set forth in Exhibit “B” attached hereto.

 

19.3                         Supplier represents that neither Supplier nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates has engaged in any activity in or with any of the following unless authorized under applicable law, including of the United States: (i) countries identified as a “State Sponsor of Terrorism” or (ii) persons or entities designated on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (“SDN List”).

 

19.4                         During the performance of this Contract, Supplier agrees as follows:

 

A.                                     Supplier will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.  The Supplier will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.  Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship.  The Supplier agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided by the contracting officer setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

 

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B.                                     Supplier will, in all solicitations or advancements for employees placed by or on behalf of the Supplier, state that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

 

C .                                     Supplier will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because such employee or applicant has inquired about, discussed or disclosed the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. This Provision shall not apply to instances in which an employee who has access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of such employee’s essential job functions discloses the compensation of such other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to such information, unless such disclosure is in response to a formal complaint or charge, in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or is consistent with Supplier’s legal duty to furnish information.

 

D.                                     Supplier will send to each labor union, or representative of workers with which it has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding, a notice, to be provided by the agency contracting officer, advising the labor union or workers’ representative of Supplier’s commitments under Section 202 of Executive Order No. 11246 of September 24, 1965, as in effect at any given time , and shall post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment.

 

E.                                      Supplier will comply with all provisions of Executive Order No. 11246 of Sept. 24, 1965, as in effect at any given time , and of the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

 

F .                                       Supplier will furnish all information and reports required by Executive Order No. 11246 of September 24, 1965, as in effect at any given time , and by the rules, regulations and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant thereto, and will permit access to Supplier’s books, records and accounts by Company and the Secretary of Labor for purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, regulations and orders.

 

G .                                     In the event of Supplier’s noncompliance with the nondiscrimination clauses of this Contract  or with any of such rules, regulations or orders, this Contract may be cancelled, terminated or suspended in whole or in part and Supplier may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in Executive Order No. 11246 of Sept. 24, 1965, as in effect at any given time and such other sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in Executive Order No. 11246 of September 24, 1965, as in effect at any given time or by rule, regulation or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as otherwise provided by law.

 

H .                                    Supplier will comply with all provisions Executive Order 13465 (Employment Eligibility Verification); 73 FR 67704, as in effect at any given time.

 

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I .                                         Supplier will comply with all provisions Executive Order 13496 (Employee Rights Under National Labor Relations Act): 29 CFR 471, Appendix A to Subpart A, as in effect at any given time .

 

J.                                         Supplier and its subcontractors will comply with all the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), as in effect at any given time , which prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ, and advance in employment, qualified protected veterans ;

 

K.                                     Supplier and its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a), as in effect at any given time .  This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with disabilities ;

 

L.                                      Supplier will comply with all provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act as described in 15 U.S.C. 78dd-1, et al, as in effect at any given time; and

 

M.                                  Any provision of any law, rule or regulations that is required to be a part of this Contract by virtue of any such law, regulation, rule or order is incorporated herein by reference.

 

20.        Confidentiality

 

The Parties expressly intend and agree that the Confidentiality provision(s) of the MSA is stricken in its entirety and replaced with the following:

 

20.1                         Each Party agrees not to disclose, or use for any purpose other than the performance of this Contract, any Confidential Information of the other Party. The Receiving Party may disclose Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party only to the Receiving Party’s employees or subcontractors who need to have access to such Confidential Information in order for Supplier to perform the Work or for either Party to otherwise comply with this Contract, provided that the Receiving Party shall inform such employees or subcontractors of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information and the Receiving Party shall require them to be bound in writing by the restrictions contained in this Provision concerning Confidential Information. The Receiving Party shall undertake reasonable measures to safeguard and protect all Confidential Information in its custody or control, and shall be responsible for any breach of this Provision by any person to whom the Receiving Party has directly or indirectly disclosed Confidential Information. The Receiving Party will promptly give notice to the Disclosing Party (if to Company at legal@chk.com, and if to Supplier at legalcontracts@ftsi.com) if it becomes aware of or suspects any unauthorized use, disclosure or breach of the Confidential Information. The Receiving Party agrees to reasonably assist the Disclosing Party in remedying any such unauthorized use, disclosure or breach of the Confidential Information. If the Receiving Party is required to disclose Confidential Information pursuant to any court order or other governmental requirement, the Receiving Party shall provide the Disclosing Party with prompt written notice of such requirement for disclosure in sufficient time to enable the Disclosing Party to seek appropriate protection of such Confidential

 

16



 

Information. The Receiving Party agrees that upon request by the Disclosing Party at any time, or upon termination of this Contract, the Receiving Party will deliver to the Disclosing Party all of the information, data and material containing Confidential Information or, at the Disclosing Party’s request, destroy such Confidential Information and provide a certification of such destruction to the Disclosing Party.

 

20.2                         Each Party’s obligations with respect to Confidential Information shall survive three years from the termination, cancelation or expiration of this Contract.

 

21.        Publicity

 

Supplier agrees that it may not use in external customer or sales lists, customer reference, advertising, press release, promotion or any form or manner of publicity whatsoever (including on the Internet) the name of Company or its parent, subsidiaries or affiliates, or any trademark, trade dress, service mark, trade name, symbol or any abbreviation or contraction thereof owned by or referring to Company or its parent, subsidiaries or affiliates except as required by any court, governmental agency, law, rule or regulation or without the prior express written consent of an authorized officer of Company, which consent may be given, withheld or withdrawn in Company’s sole and absolute discretion.

 

22.        Waiver

 

No failure by a Party to enforce any provisions hereof after any event of default by the other Party shall be deemed a waiver of a Party’s rights with regard to that event, or any subsequent event.  Waiver shall not be construed to be a modification of terms of this Contract.

 

23.        Amendment

 

This Contract may not be amended or modified except if (i) in writing and (ii) signed by a duly authorized officer or their delegatee of the Company and Supplier.   This Contract and the MSA constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to and supersede and replace all prior discussions, negotiation and agreements with regard to the Work expressly set forth and agreed in this Contract.  The terms of any Supplier’s bid, proposal, invoice, statement, quotation, purchase order, published rate or price schedule, or any other type of similar documentation, regardless of whether presented before or after the effective date of this Contract, is of no effect and does not govern any transaction between Company and Supplier with regard to the Work expressly set forth and agreed in this Contract.

 

24.        Assignment

 

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the MSA, the Parties specifically intend and agree that Supplier may NOT sell, transfer or assign this Contract or any portion thereof, without written consent of Company.

 

25.        Severability

 

If any provision of this Contract is inconsistent with, or contrary to, any applicable law, rule or regulation, or if any provision of this Contract is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be deemed to be modified to the extent required to comply with said law, rule or regulation, or to make it valid and enforceable, and this Contract, as so modified, shall remain in full force and effect.  If said provision cannot be so modified, it

 

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shall be deemed deleted and the remainder of the Contract shall continue and remain in full force and effect.

 

26.        Counterpart Execution

 

This Contract may be entered into in one or more counterparts, with each executed counterpart deemed to be an original against any Party whose signature appears thereon, and all counterparts, taken together, constitute one and the same instrument.  A copy of this Contract signed by a Party hereto and delivered electronically to the other Party shall have the same force and effect as the delivery of an original of this Contract containing the original signature of such Party.

 

27.        Survival

 

The following titled provisions will survive the termination, cancelation, or expiration of this Contract: Inspection and Acceptance, Title and Risk of Loss, Invoicing and Payment Terms, Audit, Actions Required, Remedies, General Warranties, Confidentiality, Publicity, any warranty provisions contained in an SOW or Order, and any other provision of this Contract that must survive termination, cancelation or expiration to fulfill its essential purpose.

 

28.        Governing Law

 

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the MSA, the Parties expressly intend and agree that this Contract and the MSA shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Oklahoma without regard to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Oklahoma.

 

29.        Venue; Forum

 

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the MSA, the Parties expressly intend and agree that that any dispute arising out of or relating to this Contract or the MSA shall only be commenced or filed in the District Court of Oklahoma County or the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.  The Parties agree to consent to the jurisdiction of these courts and that they are the sole and exclusive judicial forums for any litigation between the Parties.

 

30.        Notices

 

30.1                         All notices and other communications hereunder shall be deemed to have been given when made in writing and either (a) delivered in person, (b) delivered to any agent, such as an overnight or similar delivery service, (c) delivered via electronic facsimile, or (d) deposited in the US mail, postage prepaid, certified or registered.

 

30.2                         All notices to Company shall be addressed to the Company Contract Manager with a copy to the Legal Department at:  6100 N.  Western, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118.

 

30.3                         All notices to Supplier shall be addressed to the attention of the Office of the General Counsel — Transactions at 777 Main Street, Suite 2900, Fort Worth, Texas 76102; or legalcontracts@ftsi.com.

 

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31.        Force Majeure

 

In addition to the Force Majeure Provisions contained in the MSA, the Parties intend and further agree that, except for a Party’s indemnification obligation,  neither Company nor Supplier shall be obligated to compensate the other for delays resulting from influences or acts outside their control constituting force majeure, including, but not limited to, acts, orders, rules, decrees, instructions or other requirements of governmental authorities, insurrections, riots, acts of terrorism, vandalism, sabotage, quarantines, floods, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts or other adverse weather conditions, fires and explosions.

 

32.        Order of Precedence

 

Unless otherwise provided for within this Contract, any inconsistency or conflicts in this Contract will be resolved by giving governing precedence in the order below, unless otherwise stated herein:

 

1.  Contract Provisions listed above;

2.  Related Scope(s) of Work;

3.  Pricing related attachments to Scope(s) of Work;

4.  Related Orders; then

5.  Other incorporated documents, exhibits, and attachments.

 

End of Contract

 

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CONTRACT (CW2232420)

 

EXHIBIT “A”

 

AUDITING PROCEDURES

 

1. Electronic Data File Audits :

 

Electronic data file audits will entail review of all invoice data for the audit period in electronic file format.  At a minimum, the data files will contain the following field requirements:

 

 

 

 

 

Payroll Data (Services)

 

Invoice Data

 

 

 

 

Employee name

Invoice number (all)

Employee number

Invoice date (all)

Work week ending

Employee name (services)

Job classification

Employee number (services)

Wage code (ST, OT, DT, etc.)

Job classification (services)

Union code

Wage code (ST, OT, DT, etc.) (services)

Date worked

Union code (services)

Job number

Date worked (services)

Hours

Job number (all)

Hourly Rate

Contract/Purchase Order number (all)

Gross Wages

Supplier Sales Order number (materials)

SUTA Wages

Transaction Type (stock vs. buyout) (materials)

SUTA Taxes

Ship-to address (materials)

FUTA Wages

Ship date (materials)

FUTA Taxes

Client Product code/part number (materials)

FICA Wages

Supplier Product code/part number (materials)

FICA Taxes

Supplier Product description (materials)

 

Product (service) description (all)

Equipment Asset Ledger

Equipment number (rentals)

Equipment number

Equipment description (rentals)

Equipment description

Rental begin date (rentals)

Equipment size and

Rental end date (rentals)

characteristics

Quantity (all)

Year of acquisition

Unit-of-measure (all)

 

Unit cost billed (materials)

 

Unit price billed (all)

 

Total dollars invoiced (all)

 

Tax (all)

 

Freight (materials)

 

 

 

 

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2. Statistical Sampling Audits

 

Statistical sampling audits will be conducting using the following sample and extrapolation procedure:

 

A computer generated random sample of an appropriate number of invoices/transactions shall be selected from the population of invoices/transactions covering the audit period, (generally three years).  Two statistical tests shall be performed on the sample: the z-test to validate the sample mean and the chi-square test to validate sample variance.  These tests will allow the assumption, with a probability of error being less than one percent (p<.01), that the characteristics of the sample are representative of the characteristics of the population.  Therefore it shall be a valid statistical procedure to extrapolate the error rate found in the sample to the total population.  The resulting simple equation shall be:

 

error value of the sample

 

error value of the population

 

 

 

 

=

 

 

 

 

 

dollar value of the sample

 

dollar value of the population

 

The above statistical audit procedure is intended to represent a general conceptual approach, not an inflexible policy indiscriminately applied to all audit situations.   It is recognized that each audit is a unique situation that requires fair and responsible judgment in the application of statistical procedures to the quantification of errors.  There are some types of errors that are isolated or singular events, which do not have the probability of recurring throughout the population.  These types of errors will not be extrapolated.  Only errors that have the probability of being recurrent events throughout the population will be extrapolated.  At the close of the audit, Supplier will have the opportunity to review all findings presented.  Errors will be excluded from the extrapolation only after mutual consent of both the Supplier and Company.

 

End of Exhibit “A”

 

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CONTRACT (CW2232420)

 

EXHIBIT “B”

 

Requirements and Disclosures Concerning Immigration Laws

 

a.                                       Supplier shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning immigration and will ensure that all of Supplier’s personnel are lawfully allowed to work in the United States.  Supplier agrees to obtain and maintain all legally required documentation, including Form I-9’s.

 

b.                                       Supplier represents and warrants that it is aware of, understands, and is currently in compliance with all applicable immigration laws, and is not knowingly employing any workers performing Services under this Contract in violation of such immigration laws.

 

c.                                        Supplier represents and warrants that it has not been the subject of enforcement or other action by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) and agrees to immediately inform Company (within 24 hours) if it receives notice from ICE or any other government agency concerning or relating to any investigations, inspections, or audits regarding immigration issues.   Upon receipt of such notice, or if Supplier has failed to disclose any prior actions by ICE, Company reserves the right to terminate this Contract (including suspension or termination of any outstanding Work or Services, or any Order) immediately, in its sole discretion.

 

d.                                       From time to time as Company may request in its sole discretion, Supplier shall, at its expense, audit such Form I-9’s as Company may designate.  At Company’s option, such audit shall be performed either by Supplier, or by Supplier’s third party immigration attorney or consultant, which attorney or consultant must be experienced and trained in the field of immigration compliance.  Such audit shall be completed within five days after Company’s request, and Company may suspend any Work or Services under this Contract or any Order pending the completion of such audit.

 

End of Exhibit “B”

 

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Exhibit 10.15

 

Execution Version

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the liens and security interests granted to the Agent pursuant to this Agreement in any ABL Collateral and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Agent with respect to any ABL Collateral hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement”) among FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the other GRANTORS from time to time party thereto, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent and certain other persons party or that may become party thereto from time to time.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.

 

SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of April 16, 2014, among the Persons listed on the signature pages hereof as “Grantors” and those additional entities that hereafter become parties hereto by executing the form of Joinder attached hereto as Annex 1 (each, a “ Grantor ” and collectively, the “ Grantors ”), and U.S. BANK NATIONAL BANK (“US Bank”), in its capacity as Collateral Agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “ Agent ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS , pursuant to that certain Indenture of even date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”) by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Delaware corporation as issuer (the “ Issuer ”) the guarantors party thereto and US Bank as Trustee, the Issuer has issued on the date hereof $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “Initial Notes”); and

 

WHEREAS , each Grantor has agreed to grant to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the holders (the “ Noteholders ”), from time to time of the Notes (collectively, the “ Secured Parties ”), a continuing security interest in and to the Collateral in order to secure the prompt and complete payment, observance and performance of, among other things, the Secured Obligations; (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS , each Grantor (other than Issuer ) is a Subsidiary of the Issuer and, as such, will benefit by virtue of the issuance of the Notes.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , for and in consideration of the recitals made above and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.             Definitions; Construction .

 

(a)           All initially capitalized terms used herein (including in the preamble and recitals hereof) without definition shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture.  Any terms (whether

 



 

capitalized or lower case) used in this Agreement that are defined in the Code shall be construed and defined as set forth in the Code unless otherwise defined herein or in the Indenture; provided that to the extent that the Code is used to define any term used herein and if such term is defined differently in different Articles of the Code, the definition of such term contained in Article 9 of the Code shall govern.  In addition to those terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, as used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(i)         Account Collateral ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3(c).

 

(ii)        Activation Instruction ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7(k) .

 

(iii)       Agent ” has the meaning specified therefor in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

(iv)       Agreement ” has the meaning specified therefor in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

(v)        Authorized Collateral Agent ” has the meaning specified in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(vi)       Books ” means books and records (including each Grantor’s Records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing such Grantor’s assets (including the Collateral) or liabilities, each Grantor’s Records relating to such Grantor’s business operations or financial condition, and each Grantor’s goods or General Intangibles related to such information).

 

(vii)      Chattel Paper ” means chattel paper (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes tangible chattel paper and electronic chattel paper.

 

(viii)     Code ” means the New York Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time; provided , however , that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the attachment, perfection, priority, or remedies with respect to Agent’s Lien on any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “Code” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions thereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority, or remedies.

 

(ix)       Collateral ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3 .

 

(x)        Commercial Tort Claims ” means commercial tort claims (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes those commercial tort claims listed on Schedule 1 .

 

(xi)       Controlled Account ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7(k) .

 

(xii)      Controlled Account Agreements ” means those certain cash management agreements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, each of which is executed and delivered by a Grantor, Agent, and one of the Controlled Account Banks.

 

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(xiii)     Controlled Account Bank ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7(k) .

 

(xiv)    Discharge of ABL Obligations ” has the meaning given to such term in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(xv)     Excluded Assets ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3 hereof.

 

(xvi)    Foreclosed Grantor ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2(i)(iii) .

 

(xvii)   General Intangibles ” means general intangibles (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes payment intangibles, software, contract rights, rights to payment, rights under Swap Contracts (including the right to receive payment on account of the termination (voluntarily or involuntarily) of such Swap Contracts), rights arising under common law, statutes, or regulations, choses or things in action, goodwill, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property Licenses, purchase orders, customer lists, monies due or recoverable from pension funds, route lists, rights to payment and other rights under any royalty or licensing agreements, including Intellectual Property Licenses, infringement claims, pension plan refunds, pension plan refund claims, insurance premium rebates, interests in a partnership or limited liability company which do not constitute a security under Article 8 of the Code.

 

(xviii)  Grantor ” and “ Grantors ” have the respective meanings specified therefor in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

(xix)    Indenture” has the meaning specified therefor in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

(xx)     Indenture Document ” means the Indenture, the Notes (including any Additional Notes, any Exchange Notes and any guarantees of the foregoing), the Note Guarantees, the Contingent Registration Rights Agreement, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.

 

(xxi)    Intellectual Property ” means any and all Trademarks, trade secrets, know-how, inventions (whether or not patentable), algorithms, software programs (including source code and object code), processes, product designs, industrial designs, blueprints, drawings, data, customer lists, URLs and domain names, specifications, documentations, reports, catalogs, literature, and any other forms of technology or proprietary information of any kind, including all rights therein and all applications for registration or registrations thereof.

 

(xxii)   Intellectual Property Licenses ” means, with respect to any Person (the “ Specified Party ”), (A) any licenses or other similar rights provided to the Specified Party in or with respect to Intellectual Property owned or controlled by any other Person, and (B) any licenses or other similar rights provided to any other Person in or with respect to Intellectual Property owned or controlled by the Specified Party, in each case, including (x) any software license agreements (other than license agreements for commercially available off-the-shelf software that is generally available to the public which have been licensed to a Grantor pursuant to end-user licenses), (y) the license agreements listed on Schedule 3 , and

 

3



 

(z) the right to use any of the licenses or other similar rights described in this definition in connection with the enforcement of the Noteholders’ rights under the Indenture Documents.

 

(xxiii)  Inventory Collateral ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3(a).

 

(xxiv)  Issuer” has the respective meanings specified therefor in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

(xxv)   Joinder ” means each Joinder to this Agreement executed and delivered by Agent and each of the other parties listed on the signature pages thereto, in substantially the form of Annex 1 .

 

(xxvi)  Material Adverse Effect ” means (a) a material adverse effect on the business, assets, results of operations or financial condition of Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole or that would materially adversely affect the ability of the Issuer to perform its material obligations under the Indenture Documents, (b) a material impairment of the Agent or the Noteholders’ ability to enforce the Secured Obligations or realize upon the Collateral (other than as a result of an action taken or not taken that is solely in the control of Agent), or (c) a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of Agent’s Liens with respect to all or a material portion of the Collateral.

 

(xxvii) Negotiable Collateral ” means letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, instruments, promissory notes, drafts and documents (as each such term is defined in the Code).

 

(xxviii) “ Note Discharge ” means the completion of a discharge, legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of the Indenture in accordance with Article VIII of the Indenture.

 

(xxix)  “ Noteholders ” has the meaning specified therefor in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

(xxx)   Notes ” means the Initial Notes, the Exchange Notes and the Additional Notes.

 

(xxxi)  Pledged Collateral ” means all Pledged Interests, Pledged Operating Agreements, and Pledged Partnership Agreements.

 

(xxxii) Pledged Companies ” means each Person listed on Schedule 5 as a “Pledged Company”, together with each other Person, all or a portion of whose Equity Interests are acquired or otherwise owned by a Grantor after the Issue Date (in each case, to the extent not constituting Excluded Assets).

 

(xxxiii) Pledged Interests ” means each Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Equity Interests of the Pledged Companies as follows: 100% of the Equity Interests of all Domestic Subsidiaries of such Grantor other than Domestic Subsidiaries that are Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos, and 65% of the voting Equity Interests and 100% of the non-voting Equity Interests, if any, of all First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries and all Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos owned by such Grantor, in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, regardless of class or designation, and all substitutions therefor and replacements thereof, all proceeds thereof and all rights relating thereto, also including any certificates representing the

 

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Equity Interests, the right to receive any certificates representing any of the Equity Interests, all warrants, options, share appreciation rights and other rights, contractual or otherwise, in respect thereof and the right to receive all dividends, distributions of income, profits, surplus, or other compensation by way of income or liquidating distributions, in cash or in kind, and all cash, instruments, and other property from time to time received, receivable, or otherwise distributed in respect of or in addition to, in substitution of, on account of, or in exchange for any or all of the foregoing (in each case, to the extent not constituting Excluded Assets); provided, however, that, in no event will the Pledged Interests (including any Equity Interests of Domestic Subsidiaries) include or be deemed to include any rights in respect of (1) voting Equity Interests in excess of 65% of all outstanding voting Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary or of any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco, or (2) any assets of any Foreign Subsidiary.

 

(xxxiv) Pledged Interests Addendum ” means a Pledged Interests Addendum substantially in the form of Exhibit C .

 

(xxxv) Pledged Operating Agreements ” means all of each Grantor’s rights, powers, and remedies under the limited liability company operating agreements, or equivalent, of each of the Pledged Companies that are limited liability companies.

 

(xxxvi) Pledged Partnership Agreements ” means all of each Grantor’s rights, powers, and remedies under the partnership agreements of each of the Pledged Companies that are partnerships.

 

(xxxvii) Proceeds ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3(g) .

 

(xxxviii) PTO ” means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

(xxxix) Receivables Collateral ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3(b) .

 

(xl)       Record ” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or which is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

 

(xli)      Related Contract ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3(b) .

 

(xlii)     Rescission ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7(k) .

 

(xliii)    Secured Obligations ” means each and all of the following:  (A) all of the present and future obligations of each of the Grantors arising from, or owing under or pursuant to, this Agreement, the Notes, or any of the other Indenture Documents, (B) all other Notes Obligations (including, in the case of each of clauses (A) and (B), reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and any interest, fees, or expenses that accrue after the filing of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding).  For the avoidance of doubt, in each of clauses (A) and (B), Secured Obligations shall include all fees of, reimbursement of expenses

 

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incurred by, indemnifications, damages and any other liabilities payable to, each of the Trustee and Agent.

 

(xliv)   Security Interest ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3 .

 

(xlv)    Specified Request ” means, with respect to any Collateral, any request by the Agent given solely at the direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes or any similar request by any other Pari Passu Collateral Agent or by the ABL Collateral Agent in connection with the grant, creation, attachment, perfection or priority, or the exercise of any rights or remedies, with respect to the Agent’s Lien or the Lien in favor of any such Person on such Collateral.

 

(xlvi)   Supporting Obligations ” means supporting obligations (as such term is defined in the Code), and includes letters of credit and guaranties issued in support of Accounts, Chattel Paper, documents, General Intangibles, instruments or Investment Property.

 

(xlvii)  Trademarks ” means any and all trademarks, trade names, registered trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, registered service marks and service mark applications, including (A) the trade names, registered trademarks, trademark applications, registered service marks and service mark applications listed on Schedule 6 , (B) all renewals thereof, (C) all income, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including payments under all licenses entered into in connection therewith and damages and payments for past or future infringements or dilutions thereof, (D) the right to sue for past, present and future infringements and dilutions thereof, (E) the goodwill of each Grantor’s business symbolized by the foregoing or connected therewith, and (F) all of each Grantor’s rights corresponding thereto throughout the world.

 

(xlviii) Trademark Security Agreement ” means each Trademark Security Agreement executed and delivered by Grantors, or any of them, and Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit D .

 

(xlix)   Triggering Event ” means, as of any date of determination, that an Event of Default under the Indenture has occurred as of such date.

 

(l)         URL ” means “uniform resource locator,” an internet web address.

 

(b)           Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular, references to the singular include the plural, the terms “includes” and “including” are not limiting, and the term “or” has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.”  The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and similar terms in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.  Section, subsection, clause, schedule, and exhibit references herein are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.  Any reference in this Agreement to any agreement, instrument, or document shall include all alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements, thereto and thereof, as applicable (subject to any restrictions on such alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements set forth herein or in the Indenture).  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, any definition or reference to any law, rule or regulation shall include all statutory and

 

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regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such law, rule or regulation.  The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties.  Any reference herein to the satisfaction, repayment, or payment in full of the Secured Obligations shall mean (i) the payment or repayment in full in immediately available funds of (A) the principal amount of, and interest accrued with respect to, all outstanding Notes, together with the payment of any premium applicable to the repayment of the Notes, (B) all expenses that have accrued regardless of whether demand has been made therefor, (C) all fees or charges that have accrued hereunder or under any other Indenture Document, (ii) the receipt by Agent of cash collateral in order to secure any other contingent Secured Obligations for which a claim or demand for payment has been made at such time or in respect of matters or circumstances known to Agent or a Noteholder at the time that are reasonably expected to result in any loss, cost, damage or expense (including attorneys’ fees and legal expenses), such cash collateral to be in such amount as Agent reasonably determines is appropriate to secure such contingent Secured Obligations, and (iii) the payment or repayment in full in immediately available funds of all other Secured Obligations other than unasserted contingent indemnification obligations.  Any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns.  Any requirement of a writing contained herein shall be satisfied by the transmission of a Record.

 

(c)           All of the schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.

 

2.             [Omitted]

 

3.             Grant of Security .  Each Grantor hereby unconditionally grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of the Agent, the Trustee and each Noteholder, to secure the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest (hereinafter referred to as the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Grantor’s right, title, and interest in and to (but none of such Grantor’s obligation under) the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located (the “ Collateral ”):

 

(a)           all of such Grantor’s Inventory in all of its forms, including, without limitation, (a) all raw materials, work in process, finished goods and materials used or consumed in the manufacture, production, preparation or shipping thereof, (b) goods in which such Grantor has an interest in mass or a joint or other interest or right of any kind (including, without limitation, goods in which such Grantor has an interest or right as consignee) and (c) goods that are returned to or repossessed or stopped in transit by such Grantor), and all accessions thereto and products thereof and documents (as such term is defined in the Code), customs receipts, and shipping documents therefor, and all software that is embedded in and is part of the inventory (any and all such property being the “ Inventory Collateral ”)

 

(b)           all of such Grantor’s Accounts, Chattel Paper, Negotiable Collateral, General Intangibles and other obligations of any kind, in each case arising out of or in connection with the sale or lease of goods or the rendering of services and whether or not earned by performance, and all rights now or hereafter existing in and to all supporting obligations and in and to all security agreements, mortgages, Liens, leases, letters of credit and other contracts securing or otherwise relating to the foregoing property (any and all of such Accounts, Chattel Paper, Negotiable Collateral, General Intangibles and other obligations, being the “ Receivables Collateral ”, and any and all such supporting obligations, security agreements, mortgages, Liens, leases, letters of credit and other contracts being the “ Related Contracts ”);

 

(c)           all of the following (collectively, the “ Account Collateral ”):

 

(i)         all of such Grantor’s Deposit Accounts and all funds and financial assets from time to time credited thereto (including, without limitation, all Cash

 

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Equivalents), all interest, dividends, distributions, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such funds and financial assets, and all certificates and instruments, if any, from time to time representing or evidencing the Deposit Accounts;

 

(ii)        all of such Grantor’s certificates of deposit, Deposit Accounts, checks and other instruments from time to time delivered to or otherwise possessed by the Agent for or on behalf of such Grantor, including, without limitation, those delivered or possessed in substitution for or in addition to any or all of the then existing Account Collateral;

 

(iii)       all of such Grantor’s collection accounts, disbursement accounts, lock-boxes, commodity accounts and Securities Accounts, including all cash, marketable securities, securities entitlements, financial assets and other funds and assets held in, on deposit in, or credited to any of the foregoing; and

 

(iv)       all interest, dividends, distributions, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the then existing Account Collateral;

 

(d)           all of such Grantor’s Trademarks, Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses, in each case, pertaining to any of the Collateral;

 

(e)           all of such Grantor’s Books (including, without limitation, customer lists, credit files, printouts and other computer output materials and records) pertaining to any of Collateral;

 

(f)            to the extent not otherwise included in the foregoing, all substitutes, replacements and accessions to any of the foregoing;

 

(g)           all proceeds (as such term is defined in the Code) of, collateral for, income, royalties and other payments now or hereafter due and payable with respect to, and Supporting Obligations relating to, any and all of the Collateral (including, without limitation, proceeds, collateral and Supporting Obligations that constitute property of the types described in clauses (a) through (f) above and this clause (g)) (the “ Proceeds ”) and, to the extent not otherwise included, all (x) payments under insurance (whether or not the Agent is the loss payee thereof), or any indemnity, warranty or guaranty, payable by reason of loss or damage to or otherwise, in each case, with respect to any of the foregoing Collateral, (y) tort claims, including, without limitation, all Commercial Tort Claims, in each case with respect to the foregoing Collateral and (z) cash with respect to the foregoing Collateral; and

 

(h)           all of such Grantor’s Pledged Collateral.

 

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement or any other Indenture Document to the contrary, the term “Collateral” shall not (and none of the terms used therein will) include:

 

(i)                all of each Grantor’s right, title and interest in any real property, fixtures and equipment not constituting Inventory Collateral (including all vehicles and other rolling stock) of such Grantor (whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired following the Issue Date);

 

(ii)           any permit, lease, license, contract, property rights, agreement, trademark or other Intellectual Property, to which a Grantor is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder if and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in (a) the abandonment, invalidation, cancellation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of such Grantor therein or (b) a breach or

 

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termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any such permit, lease, license, contract, property rights, agreement, trademark or other Intellectual Property (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Code (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable requirement of law or principles of equity);

 

(iii)          any Trademark or other Intellectual Property application to the extent the grant of a security interest therein would invalidate such application;

 

(iv)          fixed or capital assets that are subject to a purchase money Lien or a capital lease in each case that constitutes a Permitted Lien, to the extent granting a security interest therein would be prohibited or require third party consent that cannot be obtained after use of commercially reasonable efforts;

 

(v)           motor vehicles (or any equipment stored on or in any such motor vehicle), other goods covered by certificates of title or ownership or other rolling stock (whether or not covered by certificates of title or ownership);

 

(vi)          cash collateral for letters of credit or Hedging Obligations permitted by the Indenture securing, in the case of letters of credit, an amount not to exceed 105% of the face amount of cash collateralized letters of credit for the benefit of the Grantors and, in the case of Hedging Obligations, not to exceed 105% of the amount of such Hedging Obligations;

 

(vii)         any Equity Interests of any joint venture, partnership or other entity to the extent granting a security interest therein would constitute a default or termination under the terms of the joint venture agreement, partnership agreement, other organizational documents or other agreement of (or covering or purporting to cover the assets of) such joint venture, partnership or entity or its parent (that is not a Grantor) or result in the abandonment or invalidation of the Grantor’s or any Subsidiary of the Grantor’s interest in such joint venture, partnership or other entity;

 

(viii)        Equity Interests in excess of 65% of all outstanding voting Equity Interests of any First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary or any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco;

 

(ix)          Equity Interests in (a) an Immaterial Subsidiary, (b) any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary, and (c) an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

(x)           assets owned by a Grantor that are located outside of the United States (other than foreign Equity Interests as otherwise provided herein) to the extent a Lien on such assets cannot be created under the United States federal law or the laws of any State of the United States or the District of Columbia;

 

(xi)          any Commercial Tort Claims or any letter of credit rights (other than Supporting Obligations constituting ABL Collateral);

 

(xii)         proceeds (as such term is defined in the Code) and products of the foregoing to the extent they are also Excluded Assets; and

 

(xiii)        (1) Deposit Accounts specifically and exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the employees of any Grantor established and used in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation deposit and securities accounts the balance of which consists exclusively of (x) withheld income taxes and federal, state or local employment taxes in such amounts as are required to be paid to the Internal Revenue Service or state or local government

 

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agencies within the following two months with respect to employees of any Grantor, and (y) amounts required to be paid over to an employee benefit plan pursuant to DOL Reg. Sec. 2510.3-102 on behalf of or for the benefit of employees of any Grantor, (2) all segregated Deposit Accounts constituting (and the balance of which consists solely of funds set aside in connection with) tax accounts and trust accounts, (3) any Deposit Accounts or concentration accounts, the deposits in which shall not aggregate more than $2,500,000 or exceed $1,000,000 with respect to any one account for a period of five (5) consecutive Business Days, (4) any insurance trust accounts maintained in the ordinary course of business and holding only funds necessary to fund the accrued insurance obligations of any Grantor in respect of self-insured health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, and (5) any escrow accounts required to be maintained in connection with any Permitted Investments or Permitted Dispositions;

 

(the items of property specified in clauses (i) through (xiii) above, collectively, “ Excluded Assets ”)  provided that, if any aforementioned asset or the proceeds thereof no longer constitute Excluded Assets, such asset shall immediately constitute Collateral, and a Lien on such asset shall immediately attach thereto.

 

4.             Security for Secured Obligations .  The Security Interest created hereby secures the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement secures the payment of all amounts which constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by Grantors, or any of them, to Agent, the Trustee, the Noteholders, or any of them, but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable (in whole or in part) as a claim in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding involving any Grantor due to the existence of such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

 

5.             Grantors Remain Liable .  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) each of the Grantors shall remain liable under the contracts and agreements included in the Collateral, including the Pledged Operating Agreements and the Pledged Partnership Agreements, to perform all of the duties and obligations thereunder to the same extent as if this Agreement had not been executed, (b) the exercise by Agent or any Noteholder of any of the rights hereunder shall not release any Grantor from any of its duties or obligations under such contracts and agreements included in the Collateral, and (c) none of the Agent or any Noteholder shall have any obligation or liability under such contracts and agreements included in the Collateral by reason of this Agreement, nor shall any Agent or Noteholder be obligated to perform any of the obligations or duties of any Grantors thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.  Until an Event of Default under the Indenture shall occur and be continuing, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Indenture, or any other Indenture Document, Grantors shall have the right to possession and enjoyment of the Collateral for the purpose of conducting their respective businesses, subject to and upon the terms hereof and of the Indenture and the other Indenture Documents.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is the intention of the parties hereto that record and beneficial ownership of the Pledged Interests, including all voting, consensual, dividend, and distribution rights, shall remain in the applicable Grantor until (i) the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture and (ii) Agent has notified the applicable Grantor of Agent’s election to exercise such rights with respect to the Pledged Interests pursuant to Section 16 .

 

6.             Representations and Warranties .  In order to induce Agent to enter into this Agreement for the benefit of the Agent, the Trustee and the Noteholders, each Grantor makes the following representations and warranties which shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as of the Issue Date, and shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as

 

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of the date of the issue of any Additional Notes made thereafter, as though made on and as of the date of such subsequent date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) as of such earlier date) and such representations and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement:

 

(a)                                  The name (within the meaning of Section 9-503 of the Code) and jurisdiction of organization of each Grantor is set forth on Schedule 7 (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under the Indenture Documents).

 

(b)                                  The chief executive office of each Grantor is located at the address indicated on Schedule 7 (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under the Indenture Documents).

 

(c)                                   Each Grantor’s tax identification numbers and organizational identification numbers, if any, are identified on Schedule 7 (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under the Indenture Documents).

 

(d)                                  As of the Issue Date, no Grantor holds any commercial tort claims that exceed $3,000,000 in amount, except as set forth on Schedule 1 .

 

(e)                                   Set forth on Schedule 9 (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time subject to Section 7(k)(iii)  with respect to Controlled Accounts and provided that Grantors comply with Section 7(c)  hereof) is a listing of all of Grantors’ Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts, including, with respect to each bank or securities intermediary (a) the name and address of such Person, and (b) the account numbers of the Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts maintained with such Person.

 

(f)                                    As of the Issue Date:  (i)  Schedule 3 provides a complete and correct list of all Intellectual Property Licenses entered into by any Grantor pursuant to which (A) any Grantor has provided any license or other rights in Intellectual Property owned or controlled by such Grantor to any other Person (other than non-exclusive software licenses granted in the ordinary course of business) or (B) any Person has granted to any Grantor any license or other rights in Intellectual Property owned or controlled by such Person that is necessary to the business of such Grantor, including any Intellectual Property that is incorporated in any Inventory, software, or other product marketed, sold, licensed, or distributed by such Grantor (other than commercial off-the-shelf software); and (ii)  Schedule 6 provides a complete and correct list of all registered Trademarks owned by any Grantor and all applications for registration of Trademarks owned by any Grantor.

 

(g)                                   (i) to each Grantor’s knowledge, such Grantor owns exclusively or holds licenses in all Intellectual Property that is necessary in the conduct of its business;

 

(ii)                         to each Grantor’s knowledge, no Person has infringed or misappropriated or is currently infringing or misappropriating any Intellectual Property rights owned by such Grantor, in each case, that either individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(i)                            to each Grantor’s knowledge, all registered Trademarks that are owned by such Grantor and necessary in the conduct of its business are valid, subsisting and enforceable and in compliance with all legal requirements, filings, and payments and other

 

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actions that are required to maintain such Intellectual Property in full force and effect, except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(h)                                  This Agreement creates a valid security interest in the Collateral of each Grantor, to the extent a security interest therein can be created under the Code, securing the payment of the Secured Obligations.  Except to the extent a security interest in the Collateral cannot be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Code, all filings and other actions necessary or desirable to perfect and protect such security interest have been duly taken or will have been taken upon the filing of financing statements listing each applicable Grantor, as a debtor, and Agent, as secured party, in the jurisdictions listed next to such Grantor’s name on Schedule 11 .  Upon the making of such filings, Agent shall have a first priority perfected security interest in the Notes Collateral (subject to Permitted Liens) and a second priority perfected security interest in the ABL Collateral (subject to Permitted Liens) of each Grantor to the extent such security interest can be perfected by the filing of a financing statement.  Upon filing of any Trademark Security Agreement with the PTO, and the filing of appropriate financing statements in the jurisdictions listed on Schedule 11 , all action necessary to protect and perfect the Security Interest in and on each Grantor’s Trademarks has been taken and such perfected Security Interest is enforceable as such as against any and all creditors of and purchasers from any Grantor.

 

(i)                                      (i) Except for the Security Interest created hereby, each Grantor is and will at all times be the sole holder of record and the legal and beneficial owner, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, of the Pledged Interests indicated on Schedule 5 as being owned by such Grantor and, when acquired by such Grantor, any Pledged Interests acquired after the Issue Date; (ii) all of the Pledged Interests are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and the Pledged Interests constitute or will constitute the percentage of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Pledged Companies of such Grantor identified on Schedule 5 as supplemented or modified by any Pledged Interests Addendum or any Joinder to this Agreement; (iii) such Grantor has the right and requisite authority to pledge, the Pledged Collateral pledged by such Grantor to Agent as provided herein; (iv) all actions necessary or desirable to perfect and establish the priority of (subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement), or otherwise protect, Agent’s Liens in the Pledged Collateral, and the proceeds thereof, have been duly taken, upon (A) the execution and delivery of this Agreement; (B) the taking of possession by the Agent, any other Pari Passu Collateral Agent or the ABL Collateral Agent (or its agent or designee), or, subject to the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, of any certificates representing the Pledged Interests, together with undated powers (or other documents of transfer acceptable to the ABL Collateral Agent, such other Pari Passu Collateral Agent or the Agent, as applicable) endorsed in blank by the applicable Grantor; (C) the filing of financing statements in the applicable jurisdiction set forth on Schedule 11 for such Grantor with respect to the Pledged Interests of such Grantor that are not represented by certificates, and (D) with respect to any Securities Accounts, the delivery of Control Agreements with respect thereto granting control (x) in the case of ABL Collateral, to the ABL Collateral Agent, or after the Discharge of ABL Obligations, to the Authorized Collateral Agent, or (y) otherwise, to the Authorized Collateral Agent; and (v) subject to the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, each Grantor has delivered to and deposited with the Authorized Collateral Agent or the ABL Collateral Agent, as bailee or agent for perfection for the benefit of the Agent as secured party, or the Agent all certificates representing the Pledged Interests owned by such Grantor to the extent such Pledged Interests are represented by certificates, and undated powers (or other documents of transfer acceptable to Agent) endorsed in blank with respect to such certificates.  None of the Pledged Interests owned or held by such Grantor has been issued or transferred in violation of any securities registration, securities disclosure, or similar laws of any jurisdiction to which such issuance or transfer may be subject.

 

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(j)                                     Except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no consent, approval, authorization, or other order or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required (i) for the grant of a Security Interest by such Grantor in and to the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement or for the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement by such Grantor, or (ii) for the exercise by Agent of the voting or other rights provided for in this Agreement with respect to the Investment Property or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement, except as may be required in connection with such disposition of Investment Property by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities generally and except for consents, approvals, authorizations, or other orders or actions that have been obtained or given (as applicable) and that are still in force.

 

(k)                                  Except if any Grantor notifies Agent to the contrary, as to all limited liability company or partnership interests, issued under any Pledged Operating Agreement or Pledged Partnership Agreement, each Grantor hereby represents and warrants that the Pledged Interests issued pursuant to such agreement (A) are not dealt in or traded on securities exchanges or in securities markets, (B) do not constitute investment company securities, and (C) are not held by such Grantor in a Securities Account.  In addition, none of the Pledged Operating Agreements, the Pledged Partnership Agreements, or any other agreements governing any of the Pledged Interests issued under any Pledged Operating Agreement or Pledged Partnership Agreement, provide that such Pledged Interests are securities governed by Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction.

 

7.                                       Covenants .  Each Grantor, jointly and severally, covenants and agrees with Agent that from and after the date of this Agreement and until the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 23 :

 

(a)                                  Possession of Collateral .  In the event that any Collateral, including Proceeds, is evidenced by or consists of Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper having an aggregate value or face amount of $3,000,000 or more for all such Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper, the Grantors shall promptly notify Agent thereof, and if and to the extent that perfection or priority of Agent’s Security Interest is dependent on or enhanced by possession, the applicable Grantor promptly after a Specified Request shall execute such other documents and instruments as shall be so requested or, if applicable, endorse and deliver physical possession of such Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper to Agent (or, subject to the terms of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, to the Authorized Collateral Agent or the ABL Collateral Agent), together with such undated powers (or other relevant document of transfer acceptable to Agent) endorsed in blank as shall be requested pursuant to a Specified Request, and shall do such other acts or things deemed necessary to protect Agent’s Security Interest therein;

 

(b)                                  Chattel Paper .

 

(i)                            Promptly after a Specified Request, each Grantor shall take all steps reasonably necessary to grant Agent control of all electronic Chattel Paper constituting Collateral in accordance with the Code and all “transferable records” as that term is defined in Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act and Section 201 of the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction, to the extent that the aggregate value or face amount of such electronic Chattel Paper equals or exceeds $3,000,000;

 

(ii)                         If any Grantor retains possession of any Chattel Paper or instruments constituting Collateral (which retention of possession shall be subject to the extent permitted hereby and by the Indenture), promptly after a Specified Request such Chattel Paper

 

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and instruments shall be marked with the following legend:  “This writing and the obligations evidenced or secured hereby are subject to the Security Interest of U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent for the benefit of the Trustee, the Agent and the Noteholders”;

 

(c)                                   Control Agreements .

 

(i)                            Except to the extent otherwise excused by Section 7(k)(iv) , each Grantor shall obtain an authenticated Control Agreement (which may include a Controlled Account Agreement), from each bank maintaining a Deposit Account or Securities Account for such Grantor;

 

(ii)                         Except to the extent otherwise excused by Section 7(k)(iv) , each Grantor shall obtain an authenticated Control Agreement, from each issuer of uncertificated securities, securities intermediary, or commodities intermediary issuing or holding any financial assets or commodities to or for any Grantor, or maintaining a Securities Account for such Grantor; and

 

(iii)                      The Grantors shall have used their commercially reasonable efforts to complete, on or prior to the Issue Date, all actions required in connection with the perfection of all Security Interests in the Account Collateral, including obtaining the authenticated Control Agreements specified in clauses (i) and (ii) above.  To the extent that any such actions (including the obtaining of authenticated Control Agreements) have not been completed on or prior to the Issue Date with respect to Account Collateral, the Grantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to complete such actions as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event shall complete such actions within 90 days after the Issue Date.

 

(d)                                  Letter-of-Credit Rights .  If the Grantors (or any of them) are or become the beneficiary of letters of credit in respect of any Collateral having a face amount or value of $3,000,000 or more in the aggregate, then the applicable Grantor or Grantors shall promptly, notify Agent thereof and shall promptly after a Specified Request, enter into a tri-party agreement with Agent and the issuer or confirming bank with respect to letter-of-credit rights assigning such letter-of-credit rights to Agent and directing all payments thereunder to Agent’s Account, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

 

(e)                                   Commercial Tort Claims .  If the Grantors (or any of them) obtain Commercial Tort Claims constituting Collateral having a value, or involving an asserted claim, in the amount of $3,000,000 or more in the aggregate for all Commercial Tort Claims, then the applicable Grantor or Grantors shall promptly notify Agent upon incurring or otherwise obtaining such Commercial Tort Claims and, shall promptly after a Specified Request amend Schedule 1 to describe such Commercial Tort Claims in a manner that reasonably identifies such Commercial Tort Claims, and which is otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Agent, and hereby authorizes the filing of additional financing statements or amendments to existing financing statements describing such Commercial Tort Claims, and agrees to do such other acts or things deemed necessary or desirable to give Agent a first priority, perfected security interest in any such Commercial Tort Claim;

 

(f)                                    Government Contracts .  Other than Accounts and Chattel Paper the aggregate value of which does not at any one time exceed $3,000,000, if any Account or Chattel Paper constituting Collateral arises out of a contract or contracts with the United States of America or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, Grantors shall promptly notify Agent thereof and shall promptly after a Specified Request execute any instruments or take any steps reasonably required in order that all moneys due or to become due under such contract or contracts shall be assigned to Agent, for the benefit of the

 

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Trustee, the Agent and the Noteholders, and shall provide written notice thereof under the Assignment of Claims Act or other applicable law to the Agent;

 

(g)                                   Intellectual Property .

 

(i)                            In order to facilitate filings with the PTO, each Grantor shall execute and deliver to Agent one or more Trademark Security Agreements to further evidence Agent’s Lien on such Grantor’s Trademarks constituting Collateral and the General Intangibles of such Grantor relating thereto or represented thereby;

 

(ii)                         Each Grantor shall take all commercially reasonable steps which it reasonably deems appropriate under the circumstances, with respect to Intellectual Property that is necessary to the conduct of such Grantor’s business, to protect and enforce and defend at such Grantor’s expense its Intellectual Property, including, in its reasonable business judgment (A) to enforce and defend, including promptly suing for infringement, misappropriation, or dilution and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation, or dilution, and filing for opposition, interference, and cancellation against conflicting Intellectual Property rights of any Person, (B) to prosecute any trademark application or service mark application that is part of the Trademarks pending as of the date hereof or hereafter until the termination of this Agreement, and (C) to take all reasonable and necessary action to preserve and maintain all of such Grantor’s Trademarks, Intellectual Property Licenses, and its rights therein, including paying all maintenance fees and filing of applications for renewal, affidavits of use, and affidavits of noncontestability.  Each Grantor hereby agrees to take all commercially reasonable steps which it reasonably deems appropriate under the circumstances, as described in this Section 7(g)(ii)  with respect to all new or acquired Intellectual Property to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is now or later becomes entitled that is necessary to the conduct of such Grantor’s business;

 

(iii)                      Grantors acknowledge and agree that the Agent, the Trustee or the Noteholders shall have no duties with respect to any Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses of any Grantor.  Without limiting the generality of this Section 7(g)(iii) , Grantors acknowledge and agree that neither the Agent, the Trustee nor any Noteholder shall be under any obligation to take any steps necessary to preserve rights in the Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses against any other Person, but the Agent or any Noteholder may (but is not obligated) to do so at its option from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture, and all reasonable documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection therewith (including reasonable and documented fees and expenses of attorneys and other professionals) shall be for the sole account of the Grantors;

 

(iv)                     [Reserved].

 

(v)                        On each date on which financial statements are delivered pursuant to the Indenture in respect of a fiscal quarter, each Grantor shall provide Agent with a written report of all new Trademarks, if any, that are registered or the subject of pending applications for registrations, and of all Intellectual Property Licenses that are necessary to the conduct of such Grantor’s business, in each case, which were acquired, registered, or for which applications for registration were filed by any Grantor during the prior period and any statement of use or amendment to allege use with respect to intent-to-use trademark applications.  In each of the foregoing cases, the applicable Grantor shall promptly cause to be prepared, executed, and delivered to Agent supplemental schedules to the applicable Indenture Documents to identify

 

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such Trademark registrations and applications therefor (with the exception of Trademark applications filed on an intent-to-use basis for which no statement of use or amendment to allege use has been filed) and Intellectual Property Licenses as being subject to the security interests created thereunder;

 

(h)                                  Pledged Collateral .

 

(i)                            If any Grantor shall acquire, obtain or receive any Pledged Interests after the Issue Date, it shall promptly deliver to Agent a duly executed Pledged Interests Addendum identifying such Pledged Interests;

 

(ii)                         Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture, all sums of money and property paid or distributed in respect of the Investment Property constituting Collateral that are received by any Grantor shall be held by the Grantors in trust for the benefit of Agent, the Trustee and the Noteholders segregated from such Grantor’s other property, and such Grantor shall, subject to the requirements of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, deliver it forthwith to Agent in the exact form received;

 

(iii)                      [ Reserved ].

 

(iv)                     No Grantor shall make or consent to any amendment or other modification or waiver with respect to any Pledged Interests, Pledged Operating Agreement, or Pledged Partnership Agreement, or enter into any agreement or permit to exist any restriction with respect to any Pledged Interests if the same is prohibited pursuant to the Indenture Documents;

 

(v)                        Each Grantor agrees that it will obtain all necessary approvals and make all necessary filings under federal, state, local, or foreign law to effect the perfection of the Security Interest in favor of the Agent on the Investment Property constituting Collateral and, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default under the Indenture, to effect any sale or transfer thereof; provided that no Grantor shall have any obligation to make any filings or registrations to allow for a public sale of any Investment Property.

 

(vi)                     As to all limited liability company or partnership interests, issued under any Pledged Operating Agreement or Pledged Partnership Agreement, each Grantor hereby covenants that the Pledged Interests issued pursuant to such agreement (A) are not and shall not be dealt in or traded on securities exchanges or in securities markets, (B) do not and will not constitute investment company securities, and (C) are not and will not be held by such Grantor in a securities account.  In addition, none of the Pledged Operating Agreements, the Pledged Partnership Agreements, or any other agreements governing any of the Pledged Interests issued under any Pledged Operating Agreement or Pledged Partnership Agreement, provide or shall provide that such Pledged Interests are securities governed by Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction.

 

(i)                                      [ Reserved ].

 

(j)                                     Transfers and Other Liens .  Grantors shall not (i) sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, any of the Collateral, except as expressly permitted by the Indenture, or (ii) create or permit to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any

 

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of the Collateral of any Grantor, except for Permitted Liens.  The inclusion of Proceeds in the Collateral shall not be deemed to constitute Agent’s consent to any sale or other disposition of any of the Collateral except as expressly permitted in this Agreement or the other Indenture Documents;

 

(k)                                  Controlled Accounts; Controlled Investments .

 

(i)                            Each Grantor shall (A) establish and maintain cash management services of a type and on terms reasonably satisfactory to Agent at one or more of the banks set forth on Schedule 10 (each a “ Controlled Account Bank ”), and shall take reasonable steps to ensure that all of its Account Debtors forward payment of the amounts owed by them directly to such Controlled Account Bank, and (B) deposit or cause to be deposited promptly, and in any event no later than the first Business Day after the date of receipt thereof, all of their collections (including those sent directly by their Account Debtors to a Grantor) into a bank account of such Grantor (each, a “ Controlled Account ”) at one of the Controlled Account Banks.

 

(ii)                         Each Grantor shall establish and maintain Controlled Account Agreements with Agent and the applicable Controlled Account Bank with respect to Controlled Accounts that constitute Collateral, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent.  Each such Controlled Account Agreement shall provide, among other things, that (A) the Controlled Account Bank will comply with any instructions originated by Agent directing the disposition of the funds in such Controlled Account without further consent by the applicable Grantor, (B) the Controlled Account Bank waives, subordinates, or agrees not to exercise any rights of setoff or recoupment or any other claim against the applicable Controlled Account other than for payment of its service fees and other charges directly related to the administration of such Controlled Account and for returned checks or other items of payment, and (C) upon the instruction of Agent (an “ Activation Instruction ”), the Controlled Account Bank will forward by daily sweep all amounts in the applicable Controlled Account to the Agent’s Account.  Agent agrees not to issue an Activation Instruction with respect to the Controlled Accounts unless a Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing at the time such Activation Instruction is issued.  Agent agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to rescind an Activation Instruction (the “ Rescission ”) if the Triggering Event upon which such Activation Instruction was issued has been waived in writing in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, and (2) no additional Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing on the date of the Rescission or is reasonably expected to occur on or immediately after the date of the Rescission.

 

(iii)                      So long as no Default or Event of Default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing, Issuer may amend Schedule 10 to add or replace a Controlled Account Bank or Controlled Account and shall upon such addition or replacement provide to Agent an amended Schedule 10 ; provided , however , that (A) such prospective Controlled Account Bank shall be the Agent, an Affiliate of the Agent, the ABL Collateral Agent or an Affiliate thereof, a Pari Passu Collateral Agent or an Affiliate thereof or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Agent, and (B) prior to the time of the opening of such Controlled Account (except with respect to any Controlled Account existing as of the Issue Date), the applicable Grantor and such prospective Controlled Account Bank shall have executed and delivered to Agent a Controlled Account Agreement.

 

(iv)                     From and after the date that is ninety (90) days after the Issue Date, no Grantor will open or maintain any Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts, other than Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts that are Excluded Assets, unless Grantor and the applicable bank or securities intermediary have entered into Control Agreements with Agent in order to perfect (and further establish) Agent’s Liens in such Deposit Account or Securities

 

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Account and, notwithstanding anything in the Indenture Documents to the contrary, there shall be no Default or Event of Default under the Indenture until after the expiration of such ninety (90) day period for failure to have any such Control Agreements in place.

 

(l)                                      Name, Etc .  No Grantor will change its name, organizational identification number, jurisdiction of organization or organizational identity; provided , that Grantor may change its name upon at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice to Agent of such change.

 

8.                                       Relation to Other Security Documents .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be read and construed with the other Indenture Documents referred to below in the manner so indicated.

 

(a)                                  Indenture.   In the event of any conflict between any provision in this Agreement and a provision in the Indenture, such provision of the Indenture shall control.

 

(b)                                  Trademark Security Agreements .  The provisions of the Trademark Security Agreements are supplemental to the provisions of this Agreement, and nothing contained in the Trademark Security Agreements shall limit any of the rights or remedies of Agent hereunder.  In the event of any conflict between any provision in this Agreement and a provision in a Trademark Security Agreement, such provision of this Agreement shall control.

 

(c)                                   Intercreditor Agreements .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Security Interest granted pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, the terms of any other Security Document or the Indenture, certain other rights and privileges, and the exercise of any right or remedy by Agent hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement (the “ Intercreditor Agreements ”).  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and this Agreement, the Indenture or any other Security Document, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements shall control; provided that the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement governs and controls in the event of any conflict with the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.  In addition, whether expressly stated herein or in any other Indenture Document, so long as the Discharge of ABL Obligations has not occurred, the delivery of any ABL Collateral or any certificates, Instruments, Chattel Paper or Documents evidencing or in connection with such ABL Collateral to the ABL Collateral Agent as bailee or agent for perfection for the benefit of Agent as secured party, the granting of “control” over ABL Collateral, the execution and delivery of Control Agreements and/or the assignment of any ABL Collateral to the ABL Collateral Agent as bailee or agent for perfection for the benefit of Agent as secured party, in each case shall constitute compliance by the applicable Grantor with the provisions of this Agreement or any other Indenture Document which require delivery, possession, control and/or assignment of certain types of Collateral to the Agent or delivery of control agreements to the Agent.

 

9.                                       Further Assurances .

 

(a)                                  Each Grantor agrees that from time to time, at its own expense, such Grantor will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action that may be reasonably required, pursuant to a Specified Request in order to perfect and protect the Security Interest granted hereby, to create, perfect or protect the Security Interest purported to be granted hereby or to enable Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder with respect to any of the Collateral.

 

(b)                                  Each Grantor authorizes the filing by Agent of financing or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, as are necessary to perfect or preserve Agent’s Security Interest in the Collateral and such Grantor will execute and deliver to Agent such other instruments or notices, as Agent

 

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may reasonably request, in order to perfect and preserve the Security Interest granted or purported to be granted hereby, it being understood that the Agent shall have no responsibility for any such filings.  For the avoidance of doubt, it is each Grantor’s primary responsibility to establish, maintain and preserve the perfection of the Liens granted under this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Each Grantor authorizes Agent at any time and from time to time to file, transmit, or communicate, as applicable, financing statements and amendments (i) describing the Collateral as set forth herein, (ii) describing the Collateral as being of equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, or (iii) that contain any information required by part 5 of Article 9 of the Code for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance, it being understood that the Agent shall have no responsibility for any such filings.  For the avoidance of doubt, it is each Grantor’s primary responsibility to establish, maintain and preserve the perfection of the Liens granted under this Agreement.  Each Grantor also hereby ratifies any and all financing statements or amendments previously filed by Agent in any jurisdiction.

 

(d)                                  Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it shall not file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement prior to the earlier of (x) the payment in full of the Secured Obligations or (y) the occurrence of a Note Discharge, except in compliance with this Agreement and the Indenture subject to such Grantor’s rights under Section 9-509(d)(2) of the Code.

 

(e)                                   Each of the parties hereto acknowledges and agrees that nothing in this Agreement (i) creates, either directly or by implication, any Security Interest in, Lien on, or rights to any assets or property constituting Excluded Assets or (ii) requires compliance with any applicable foreign law with respect to the grant, creation and perfection of Liens on and Security Interest in any Collateral.

 

10.                                Agent’s Right to Perform Contracts, Exercise Rights, etc .  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture, Agent (or its designee) (a) may proceed to perform any and all of the obligations of any Grantor contained in any contract, lease, or other agreement and exercise any and all rights of any Grantor therein contained as fully as such Grantor itself could, (b) shall have the right to use any Grantor’s rights under Intellectual Property Licenses (to the extent that such use (a) does not violate the express terms of any agreement between such Grantor and a third party governing such Grantor’s use of the Intellectual Property License and (b) is not prohibited by any rule of law, statute or regulation) in connection with the enforcement of Agent’s rights hereunder, including the right to prepare for sale and sell any and all Inventory now or hereafter owned by any Grantor and now or hereafter covered by such licenses, and (c) shall have the right to request that any Equity Interests that are pledged hereunder be registered in the name of Agent or any of its nominees.  Agent shall have no obligation under this Agreement to take any such action.

 

11.                                Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact .  Each Grantor hereby irrevocably appoints Agent as its attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Grantor and in the name of such Grantor or otherwise, at such time as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the Indenture, subject to the terms of then existing leases, contracts and other agreements, to take any action and to execute any instrument which Agent may reasonably deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, including:

 

(a)                                  to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compromise, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in connection with the Accounts or any other Collateral of such Grantor;

 

(b)                                  to receive and open all mail addressed to such Grantor and to notify postal authorities to change the address for the delivery of mail to such Grantor to that of Agent;

 

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(c)                                   to receive, indorse, and collect any drafts or other instruments, documents, Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper of any Grantor;

 

(d)                                  to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings which Agent may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the Collateral of such Grantor or otherwise to enforce the rights of Agent with respect to any of the Collateral;

 

(e)                                   to repair, alter, or supply goods, if any, necessary to fulfill in whole or in part the purchase order of any Person obligated to such Grantor in respect of any Account of such Grantor;

 

(f)                                    to use any Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses (to the extent that such use (i) does not violate the express terms of any agreement between such Grantor and a third party governing such Grantor’s use of the Intellectual Property License and (ii) is not prohibited by any rule of law, statute or regulation) of such Grantor, including but not limited to any labels, Trademarks, trade names, URLs, domain names, industrial designs, or advertising matter, in preparing for sale, advertising for sale, or selling Inventory or other Collateral and to collect any amounts due under Accounts, contracts or Negotiable Collateral of such Grantor; and

 

(g)                                   Agent, on behalf of the Trustee, the Agent and the Noteholders, shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to bring suit in its own name to enforce the Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses and, if Agent shall commence any such suit, the appropriate Grantor shall, at the request of Agent, do any and all lawful acts and execute any and all proper documents reasonably required by Agent in aid of such enforcement.

 

To the extent permitted by law, each Grantor hereby ratifies all that such attorney-in-fact shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  This power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable until this Agreement is terminated.

 

12.                                Agent May Perform .  If any Grantor fails to perform any agreement contained herein, Agent shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement, and the reasonable expenses of Agent incurred in connection therewith shall be payable, jointly and severally, by Grantors.

 

13.                                Agent’s Duties .  The powers conferred on Agent hereunder are solely to protect Agent’s interest in the Collateral, for the benefit of the Trustee, the Agent and the Noteholders, and shall not impose any duty upon Agent to exercise any such powers.  Except for the safe custody of any Collateral in its actual possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, Agent shall have no duty as to any Collateral or as to the taking of any necessary steps to preserve rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining to any Collateral and shall be under no obligation to act under this Agreement without instructions from Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes pursuant to the Indenture.  Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Collateral in its actual possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which Agent accords its own property.

 

14.                                Collection of Accounts, General Intangibles and Negotiable Collateral .  At any time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture, Agent or Agent’s designee may (a) notify Account Debtors of any Grantor that the Accounts, General Intangibles, Chattel Paper or Negotiable Collateral of such Grantor have been assigned to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, the Agent and the Noteholders, or that Agent has a security interest therein, and (b) collect the Accounts, General Intangibles and Negotiable Collateral of any Grantor directly, and any collection costs and expenses shall constitute part of such Grantor’s Secured Obligations under the Indenture Documents.

 

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15.                                Disposition of Pledged Interests by Agent .  None of the Pledged Interests existing as of the date of this Agreement are, and none of the Pledged Interests hereafter acquired on the date of acquisition thereof will be, registered or qualified under the various federal or state securities laws of the United States and disposition thereof after an Event of Default under the Indenture may be restricted to one or more private (instead of public) sales in view of the lack of such registration.  Each Grantor understands that in connection with such disposition, Agent may approach only a restricted number of potential purchasers and further understands that a sale under such circumstances may yield a lower price for the Pledged Interests than if such Pledged Interests were registered and qualified pursuant to federal and state securities laws and sold on the open market.  Each Grantor, therefore, agrees that:  (a) if Agent shall, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, sell or cause the Pledged Interests or any portion thereof to be sold at a private sale, Agent shall have the right to rely upon the advice and opinion of any nationally recognized brokerage or investment firm (but shall not be obligated to seek such advice and the failure to do so shall not be considered in determining the commercial reasonableness of such action) as to the best manner in which to offer the Pledged Interest or any portion thereof for sale and as to the best price reasonably obtainable at the private sale thereof; and (b) such reliance shall be conclusive evidence that Agent has handled the disposition in a commercially reasonable manner.

 

16.                                Voting and Other Rights in Respect of Pledged Interests .

 

(a)                                  Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default under the Indenture, (i) Agent may, at its option, and with five (5) Business Days’ prior notice to any Grantor, and in addition to all rights and remedies available to Agent under any other agreement, at law, in equity, or otherwise, exercise all voting rights, or any other ownership or consensual rights (including any dividend or distribution rights) in respect of the Pledged Interests owned by such Grantor, but under no circumstances is Agent obligated by the terms of this Agreement to exercise such rights, and (ii) if Agent duly exercises its right to vote any of such Pledged Interests, each Grantor hereby appoints Agent, such Grantor’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and IRREVOCABLE PROXY to vote such Pledged Interests in any manner Agent deems advisable for or against all matters submitted or which may be submitted to a vote of shareholders, partners or members, as the case may be.  The power-of-attorney and proxy granted hereby is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable until either (x) the Secured Obligations have been paid in full or (y) a Note Discharge has occurred.

 

(b)                                  For so long as any Grantor shall have the right to vote the Pledged Interests owned by it, such Grantor covenants and agrees that it will not vote or take any consensual action with respect to such Pledged Interests which would materially adversely affect the rights of Agent, the Trustee or the Noteholders without the prior written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, subject to the Intercreditor Agreements.

 

17.                                Remedies .  Subject to the Intercreditor Agreements, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture:

 

(a)                                  At the instruction of the Holders of the requisite percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Notes pursuant to the Indenture, Agent shall exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein, in the other Indenture Documents, or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the Code or any other applicable law.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor expressly agrees that, in any such event, Agent without demand of performance or other demand, advertisement or notice of any kind (except a notice specified below of time and place of public or private sale or as required by applicable law) to or upon any Grantor or any other Person (all and each of which demands, advertisements and notices are hereby expressly waived to the maximum extent permitted by the Code or any other applicable law), may take immediate possession of all or any portion of the Collateral and (i)

 

21



 

require Grantors to, and each Grantor hereby agrees that it will at its own expense and upon request of Agent forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by Agent and make it available to Agent at one or more locations where such Grantor regularly maintains Inventory, and (ii) without notice except as specified below, sell the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any of Agent’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit, and upon such other terms as Agent may deem commercially reasonable.  Each Grantor agrees that, to the extent notification of sale shall be required by law, at least ten (10) days notification by mail to the applicable Grantor of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification and specifically such notification shall constitute a reasonable “authenticated notification of disposition” within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the Code.  Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notification of sale having been given.  Agent may adjourn any public sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.  Each Grantor agrees that (A) the internet shall constitute a “place” for purposes of Section 9-610(b) of the Code and (B) to the extent notification of sale shall be required by law, notification by mail of the URL where a sale will occur and the time when a sale will commence at least ten (10) days prior to the sale shall constitute a reasonable notification for purposes of Section 9-611(b) of the Code.  Each Grantor agrees that any sale of Collateral to a licensor pursuant to the terms of a license agreement between such licensor and a Grantor is sufficient to constitute a commercially reasonable sale (including as to method, terms, manner, and time) within the meaning of Section 9-610 of the Code.

 

(b)                                  Subject to the terms of the existing applicable agreements and contracts, Agent is hereby granted a license or other right to use, without liability for royalties or any other charge, each Grantor’s Intellectual Property, including but not limited to, any labels, Trademarks, trade names, URLs, domain names, industrial designs, and advertising matter, whether owned by any Grantor or with respect to which any Grantor has rights under license, sublicense, or other agreements (including any Intellectual Property License), as it pertains to the Collateral, in preparing for sale, advertising for sale and selling any Collateral, and each Grantor’s rights under all licenses and all franchise agreements shall inure to the benefit of Agent.

 

(c)                                   Agent may, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein, in the other Indenture Documents, or otherwise available to it under applicable law and without the requirement of notice to or upon any Grantor or any other Person (which notice is hereby expressly waived to the maximum extent permitted by the Code or any other applicable law), (i) with respect to any Grantor’s Deposit Accounts in which Agent’s Liens are perfected by control under Section 9-104 of the Code, instruct the bank maintaining such Deposit Account for the applicable Grantor to pay the balance of such Deposit Account to or for the benefit of Agent, and (ii) with respect to any Grantor’s Securities Accounts in which Agent’s Liens are perfected by control under Section 9-106 of the Code, instruct the securities intermediary maintaining such Securities Account for the applicable Grantor to (A) transfer any cash in such Securities Account to or for the benefit of Agent, or (B) liquidate any financial assets in such Securities Account that are customarily sold on a recognized market and transfer the cash proceeds thereof to or for the benefit of Agent.

 

(d)                                  Any cash held by Agent as Collateral and all cash proceeds received by Agent in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral shall be applied against the Secured Obligations in the order set forth in the Indenture.  In the event the proceeds of Collateral are insufficient to satisfy all of the Secured Obligations in full, each Grantor shall remain jointly and severally liable for any such deficiency.

 

22



 

(e)                                   Each Grantor hereby acknowledges that the Secured Obligations arise out of a commercial transaction, and agrees that if an Event of Default under the Indenture shall occur and be continuing Agent shall have the right to an immediate writ of possession without notice of a hearing.  Agent shall have the right to the appointment of a receiver for the Collateral of each Grantor, and each Grantor hereby consents to such rights and such appointment and hereby irrevocably waives any objection such Grantor may have thereto or the right to have a bond or other security posted by Agent.

 

18.                                Remedies Cumulative .  Each right, power, and remedy of Agent, the Trustee or any Noteholders as provided for in this Agreement, the other Indenture Documents now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise shall be cumulative and concurrent and shall be in addition to every other right, power, or remedy provided for in this Agreement, the other Indenture Documents now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, and the exercise or beginning of the exercise by Agent, the Trustee or the Noteholders of any one or more of such rights, powers, or remedies shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by Agent, the Trustee or such other Noteholders of any or all such other rights, powers, or remedies.

 

19.                                Marshaling .  Agent shall not be required to marshal any present or future collateral security (including but not limited to the Collateral) for, or other assurances of payment of, the Secured Obligations or any of them or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and in respect of such collateral security and other assurances of payment shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights and remedies, however existing or arising.  To the extent that it lawfully may, each Grantor hereby agrees that it will not invoke any law relating to the marshaling of collateral which might cause delay in or impede the enforcement of Agent’s rights and remedies under this Agreement or under any other instrument creating or evidencing any of the Secured Obligations or under which any of the Secured Obligations is outstanding or by which any of the Secured Obligations is secured or payment thereof is otherwise assured, and, to the extent that it lawfully may, each Grantor hereby irrevocably waives the benefits of all such laws.

 

20.                                Indemnity and Expenses .

 

(a)                                  Each Grantor agrees to indemnify Agent, the Trustee and the other Noteholders from and against all claims, lawsuits and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) growing out of or resulting from this Agreement (including enforcement of this Agreement) or any other Indenture Document to which such Grantor is a party, except claims, losses or liabilities resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party seeking indemnification as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.  This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Indenture and the repayment of the Secured Obligations.

 

(b)                                  Grantors, jointly and severally, shall, upon demand, pay to Agent or the Trustee, as the case may be, all the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses which Agent or the Trustee, respectively, may incur in connection with (i) the administration of this Agreement, (ii) the custody, preservation, use or operation of, or, upon an Event of Default under the Indenture, the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, any of the Collateral in accordance with this Agreement and the other Indenture Documents, (iii) the exercise or enforcement of any of the rights of Agent hereunder or (iv) the failure by any Grantor to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof.

 

21.                                Merger, Amendments; Etc.   THIS AGREEMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER INDENTURE DOCUMENTS, REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.  No waiver of any provision of this Agreement, and no consent to any

 

23



 

departure by any Grantor herefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Agent at the written direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amounts of the Notes, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.  No amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Agent and each Grantor to which such amendment applies.

 

22.                                Addresses for Notices .  All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be given in the form and manner and delivered to Agent at its address specified in the Indenture, and to any of the Grantors at the addresses specified in the Indenture, for the Issuer, or, as to any party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other party.

 

23.                                Continuing Security Interest:  Assignments under Indenture.

 

(a)                                  This Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall (i) remain in full force and effect until either (x) the Secured Obligations have been paid in full in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture or (y) a Note Discharge has occurred, (ii) be binding upon each Grantor, and their respective successors and assigns, and (iii) inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Agent, and its successors, transferees and assigns.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (iii), any Noteholder may, in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, assign or otherwise transfer all or any portion of its Notes to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all the benefits in respect thereof granted to such Noteholder herein or otherwise.  Upon payment in full of the Secured Obligations in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture or upon the occurrence of a Note Discharge, the Security Interest granted hereby shall automatically terminate, without the requirement of further action by any party, and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to Grantors or any other Person entitled thereto.  At such time Issuer shall be entitled to file the appropriate termination statements to terminate such Security Interest by each Grantor or its designees and Agent shall take such other actions requested by any Grantor (at Grantors’ expense) to terminate or evidence the termination of such Security Interest.  Except as set forth above, no transfer or renewal, extension, assignment, or termination of this Agreement or of the Indenture, any other Indenture Document, or any other instrument or document executed and delivered by any Grantor to Agent, nor the taking of further security, nor the retaking or re-delivery of the Collateral to Grantors, or any of them, by Agent, nor any other act of the Trustee or the Noteholders, or any of them, shall release any Grantor from any obligation, except in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture.  Agent shall not by any act, delay, omission or otherwise, be deemed to have waived any of its rights or remedies hereunder, unless such waiver is in writing and signed by Agent at the direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and then only to the extent therein set forth.  A waiver by Agent of any right or remedy on any occasion shall not be construed as a bar to the exercise of any such right or remedy which Agent would otherwise have had on any other occasion.

 

(b)                                  Each Grantor agrees that, if any payment made by any Grantor or other Person and applied to the Secured Obligations is at any time annulled, avoided, set, aside, rescinded, invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential or otherwise required to be refunded or repaid, or the proceeds of any Collateral are required to be returned by Agent, the Trustee or any Noteholder to such Grantor, its estate, trustee, receiver or any other party, including any Grantor, under any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment or repayment, any Lien or other Collateral securing such liability shall be and remain in full force and effect, as fully as if such payment had never been made.  If, prior to any of the foregoing, any Lien or other Collateral securing such Grantor’s liability hereunder shall have been released or terminated by virtue of the foregoing clause (a), such Lien, other Collateral or provision shall be reinstated in full force and effect and such prior release, termination, cancellation or surrender shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or

 

24



 

otherwise affect the obligations of any such Grantor in respect of any Lien or other Collateral securing such obligation or the amount of such payment.

 

24.                                Survival .  All representations and warranties made by the Grantors in this Agreement and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that Agent, the Trustee or any Noteholder may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default under the Indenture or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any loan or any fee or any other amount payable under the Indenture is outstanding and unpaid.

 

25.                                CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER; JUDICIAL REFERENCE PROVISION .

 

(a)          THE VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE CONSTRUCTION, INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF, THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO ALL MATTERS ARISING HEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO, AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSIES OR DISPUTES ARISING HEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO SHALL BE DETERMINED UNDER, GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

(b)          THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE TRIED AND LITIGATED ONLY IN THE STATE COURTS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED , THAT ANY SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE BROUGHT, AT AGENT’S OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION WHERE AGENT ELECTS TO BRING SUCH ACTION OR WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND.  EACH GRANTOR AND AGENT WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT EACH MAY HAVE TO ASSERT THE DOCTRINE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR TO OBJECT TO VENUE TO THE EXTENT ANY PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 25(b) .

 

(c)           TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH GRANTOR AND AGENT AND NOTEHOLDER (BY ITS PURCHASE OF A NOTE) HEREBY WAIVE (OR DEEMED TO WAIVE) THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS, IF ANY, TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS (EACH A “ CLAIM ”).  EACH GRANTOR AND AGENT AND EACH NOTEHOLDER (BY ITS PURCHASE OF A NOTE) REPRESENT (OR SHALL BE DEEMED TO REPRESENT) THAT EACH HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.  IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

25



 

(d)          EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE COURTS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK AND FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.  NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT AGENT MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AGAINST ANY GRANTOR OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

(e)           NO CLAIM MAY BE MADE BY ANY GRANTOR AGAINST THE AGENT, THE TRUSTEE OR ANY NOTEHOLDER OR ANY AFFILIATE, DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, COUNSEL, REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT, OR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OF ANY OF THEM, AND NO CLAIM MAY BE MADE BY THE AGENT, THE TRUSTEE OR ANY NOTEHOLDER AGAINST ANY GRANTOR, OR ANY AFFILIATE, DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, COUNSEL, REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT, OR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OF ANY OF THEM, FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN RESPECT OF ANY CLAIM FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY ACT, OMISSION, OR EVENT OCCURRING IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, AND EACH GRANTOR, THE AGENT, THE TRUSTEE AND EACH NOTEHOLDER HEREBY WAIVES, RELEASES, AND AGREES NOT TO SUE UPON ANY CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER OR NOT ACCRUED AND WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TO EXIST IN ITS FAVOR.

 

26.                                New Subsidiaries .  Pursuant to Section 4.14 of the Indenture (and subject to the limitations therein), certain Subsidiaries (whether by acquisition or creation or as otherwise specified therein) of any Grantor are required to enter into this Agreement by executing and delivering in favor of Agent a Joinder to this Agreement in substantially the form of Annex 1 .  Upon the execution and delivery of Annex 1 by any such new Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Grantor herein.  The execution and delivery of any instrument adding an additional Grantor as a party to this Agreement shall not require the consent of any Grantor hereunder.  The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor hereunder.

 

27.                                Agent .  Each reference herein to any right granted to, benefit conferred upon or power exercisable by the “Agent” shall be a reference to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, the Agent and each Noteholder.

 

28.                                Miscellaneous .

 

(a)                                  This Agreement is a Indenture Document.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original

 

26



 

executed counterpart of this Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Agreement.  The foregoing shall apply to each other Indenture Document mutatis mutandis .

 

(b)                                  Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof in that jurisdiction or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.  Each provision of this Agreement shall be severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose of determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.

 

(c)                                   Headings and numbers have been set forth herein for convenience only.  Unless the contrary is compelled by the context, everything contained in each Section applies equally to this entire Agreement.

 

(d)                                  Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed against any Agents, the Trustee, Noteholders or any Grantor, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise.  This Agreement has been reviewed by all parties and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to accomplish fairly the purposes and intentions of all parties hereto.

 

(e)                                   The Trustee and the Holders from time to time of the Notes shall be express third party beneficiaries of this Agreement.

 

[signature pages follow]

 

27



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

GRANTORS:

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President — Finance and

 

 

Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President — Finance and

 

 

Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President — Finance and

 

 

Treasurer

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

AGENT:

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national

 

banking association, solely in its capacity as Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

 

Name: Muriel Shaw

 

 

Title: Assistant Vice President

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 


 

SCHEDULE 1

 

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

 

1.               Counterclaim in excess of $3,000,000 against Continental Industrial Group, Inc. for breach of contract and fraudulent inducement. Continental Industries Group, Inc. v. FTS International Services, LLC (f/k/a Frac Tech Services, LLC), Cause No. 12 Civ. 6066 (ALC)(HP) pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 3

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSES

 

None.

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 


 

SCHEDULE 5

 

PLEDGED COMPANIES

 

Name of
Grantor

 

Name of
Pledged
Company

 

Number of
Shares/Units

 

Class of
Interests

 

Percentage of
Class Owned

 

Percentage of
Class Pledged

 

Certificate
Nos.

FTS International, Inc.

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

N/A

 

Membership interests

 

100%

 

100%

 

Uncertificated

FTS International Services, LLC.

 

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

N/A

 

Membership interests

 

100%

 

100%

 

Uncertificated

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 6

 

TRADEMARKS

 

UNITED STATES TRADEMARKS

 

U.S. Registrations:

 

Owner

 

Registration

Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416031

 

Aquacor (design in blue)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416030

 

Aquacor

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4054905

 

CHL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3497579

 

CITRINE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3322250

 

CS-POLYBREAK 210

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4451132

 

DIAMOND design

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4189683

 

ECO GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4151986

 

ENERGY SOLUTIONS. WORLDWIDE.

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193471

 

“F” (shield design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193472

 

“F” (shield design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4185461

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4204838

 

“F” (stylized design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313998

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4318050

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313999

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4314000

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4011448

 

FRAC TECH

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3522979

 

FT Frac Tech (logo & design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313997

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4471425

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4329229

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL PROPPANTS

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332747

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4388204

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL WIRELINE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332750

 

FTSI

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4290177

 

FTSI PROPPANTS

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3437249

 

JADE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4214082

 

NPD

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4108769

 

NPD-2000

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4177022

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3428709

 

OPAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4210164

 

PFP

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393387

 

PLATINUM

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3383301

 

RUBY

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159362

 

SLICKWATER GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159141

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393386

 

TURQUOISE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4018863

 

VS (design)

 

U.S. Applications:

 

Owner

 

Application
Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86226256

 

DIAMOND

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86228572

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL Unconventional by Design (horizontal design plus words)

 

OTHER TRADEMARKS

 

International Registrations:

 

Owner

 

Registration
Number

 

Country

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1084396

 

WIPO

 

CHL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1266604

 

Mexico

 

CHL (International Class 035)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1238597

 

Mexico

 

CHL (International Class 037)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1238598

 

Mexico

 

CHL (International Class 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105982

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

“F” (shield design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332713

 

Mexico

 

“F” (shield design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1476283 (Australia No.) 1106398 (WIPO No.)

 

Australia (WIPO)

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106398

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332717

 

Mexico

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106172

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332715

 

Mexico

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105450

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332714

 

Mexico

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1072356

 

China (WIPO)

 

FRAC TECH

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1072356

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

FRAC TECH

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1066207

 

China (WIPO)

 

FT Frac Tech (logo and design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1066207

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

FT Frac Tech (logo and design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

2574724

 

Argentina

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL (International Class 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105453

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332716

 

Mexico

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1129118

 

China (WIPO)

 

FTSI

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1129118

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

FTSI

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1336222

 

Mexico

 

FTSI (International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1336223

 

Mexico

 

FTSI (International Class 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

2572756

 

Argentina

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1113274

 

Australia (WIPO)

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1113274

 

China (WIPO)

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1113274

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1292126

 

Mexico

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1113274

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

2572757

 

Argentina

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1123027

 

China (WIPO)

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1123027

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1292127

 

Mexico

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

2572758

 

Argentina

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1124015

 

Australia (WIPO)

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1124015

 

China (WIPO)

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1124015

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1292128

 

Mexico

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1087729

 

Australia (WIPO)

 

VS (design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1085369

 

China (WIPO)

 

VS (design)

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1085369

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

VS (design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1253770

 

Mexico

 

VS (design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3144472

 

Argentina

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL (International Class 001)

 

International Applications:

 

Owner

 

Application
Number

 

Country

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084714

 

Brazil

 

“F” (shield design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084692

 

Brazil

 

“F” (shield design (in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1558350

 

Canada

 

“F” (shield design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177903

 

Saudi Arabia

 

“F” (shield design in color) International Class 001

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177904

 

Saudi Arabia

 

“F” (shield design in color) International Class 040

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084587

 

Brazil

 

“F” (stylized design) International Class 001

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084595

 

Brazil

 

“F” (stylized design) International Class 040

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1558357

 

Canada

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106398

 

China (WIPO)

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106398

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177911

 

Saudi Arabia

 

“F” (stylized design) International Class 001

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177912

 

Saudi Arabia

 

“F” (stylized design) International Class 040

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084668

 

Brazil

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words) International Class 001

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084641

 

Brazil

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words) International Class 040

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1558355

 

Canada

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106172

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177907

 

Saudi Arabia

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words) International Class 001

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

Owner

 

Application
Number

 

Country

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177908

 

Saudi Arabia

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words) International Class 040

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084684

 

Brazil

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color) International Class 001

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084676

 

Brazil

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color) International Class 040

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105450

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177905

 

Saudi Arabia

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color) International Class 001

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177906

 

Saudi Arabia

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color) International Class 040

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1521084

 

Canada

 

FT Frac Tech (logo and design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840582870

 

Brazil

 

FTS BRASIL (logo design) International Class 001

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840582900

 

Brazil

 

FTS BRASIL (logo design) International Class 040

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084633

 

Brazil

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084617

 

Brazil

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1558356

 

Canada

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105453

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177909

 

Saudi Arabia

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL (International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177910

 

Saudi Arabia

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL (International Class 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3184055

 

Argentina

 

FTSI (International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3184056

 

Argentina

 

FTSI (International Class 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840230940

 

Brazil

 

FTSI (International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840230710

 

Brazil

 

FTSI (International Class 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1589654

 

Canada

 

FTSI

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1129118

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

FTSI

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

Owner

 

Application
Number

 

Country

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

185500

 

Saudi Arabia

 

FTSI (International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

185501

 

Saudi Arabia

 

FTSI (International Class 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840007566

 

Brazil

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177900

 

Saudi Arabia

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840007558

 

Brazil

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1123027

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1560495

 

Canada

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177901

 

Saudi Arabia

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840007540

 

Brazil

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1560498

 

Canada

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1124015

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177902

 

Saudi Arabia

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

831171898

 

Brazil

 

VS (design)

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 


 

SCHEDULE 7

 

NAME; CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE; TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS AND ORGANIZATIONAL NUMBERS

 

Grantor

 

Organizational
Number

 

Federal
Taxpayer
Identification
Number

 

Chief Executive
Office

 

Jurisdiction

FTS International, Inc.

 

4966919

 

45-1610731

 

777 Main Street Suite 3000 Fort Worth, TX 76102

 

Delaware

FTS International Services, LLC

 

0801211281

 

75-2897729

 

777 Main Street Suite 3000 Fort Worth, TX 76102

 

Texas

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

0800918108

 

75-2879132

 

777 Main Street Suite 3000 Fort Worth, TX 76102

 

Texas

 

Entity

 

Owner

 

Jurisdiction of
Entity

FTS International Services, LLC

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

Texas

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Texas

FTS International Ventures I, LLC

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Delaware

FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Delaware

FTS International Netherlands I C.V.

 

FTS International Ventures I, LLC

 

Netherlands

 

 

FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

 

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.

 

FTS International Netherlands I C.V.

 

Netherlands

 

 

FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

 

FTS International Netherlands, LLC

 

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.

 

Delaware

FTS International Netherlands Coöperatief U.A.

 

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.

 

Netherlands

 

FTS International Netherlands, LLC

 

 

FTS International Netherlands B.V.

 

FTS International Netherlands Coöperatief U.A.

 

Netherlands

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 9

 

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS AND SECURITIES ACCOUNTS

 

 

 

 

Address and Contact of

 

 

 

Account

 

Type of

Depository

 

Depository

 

Grantor

 

Number

 

Account

Bank of

 

700 Louisiana Street

 

FTS International

 

488038435379

 

Investment

America, NA

 

8th Floor

 

Services, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Houston, Texas 77002

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

488035054999

 

Funding

 

 

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

488035055008

 

Equity

 

 

Contact:

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

488035055011

 

Payments

 

 

Carol Browder

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

4427225147

 

Debt Reserve

 

 

713-247-6134 carol.browder@baml.com

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

91000143745765

 

Certificate of Deposit

US Bank(1)

 

412 Kokopelli Blvd

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

103680457860

 

Checking

 

 

Fruita, Colorado 81521

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

103659512786

 

Money

Market

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen M. Troester

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

970-244-7318 karen.troester@usbank.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wells Fargo

 

1000 Louisiana Street

 

FTS International

 

4124309303

 

Master

Bank NA

 

9th Floor

 

Manufacturing, LLC

 

 

 

Account

 

 

Houston, Texas 77002

 

FTS International

 

4124309311

 

Payroll

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing, LLC

 

 

 

Account

 

 

Contact: Cynthia Braizat

 

 

 

 

 

(ZBA)

 

 

713-319-1334 cynthia.m.braizat@wellsfarg o.com

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4122055304

 

Master - Logistics

 

 

 

 

FTS International

 

4121482244

 

Master

 

 

 

 

Services, LLC

 

 

 

Account

 

 

 

 

FTS International

 

4121482251

 

Payroll

 

 

 

 

Services, LLC

 

 

 

Account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ZBA)

 

 

 

 

FTS International

 

4122257108

 

Flexible

 

 

 

 

Services, LLC

 

 

 

Spend

 

 

 

 

FTS International

 

4121484752

 

Master

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing, LLC

 

 

 

Account

 

 

 

 

FTS International

 

4121484760

 

Payroll

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing, LLC

 

 

 

Account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ZBA)

 

 

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

4122456304

 

Deposit

 


(1)  US Bank accounts are holdover from Western Colorado Truck Center, LLC, which has been merged out of existence.

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 10

 

CONTROLLED ACCOUNT BANKS

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

1000 Louisiana Street

9th Floor

Houston, Texas 77002

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 11

 

LIST OF UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE FILING JURISDICTIONS

 

Grantor

 

Jurisdiction

FTS International, Inc.

 

Delaware Secretary of State

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Texas Secretary of State

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

Texas Secretary of State

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 


 

ANNEX 1 TO SECURITY AGREEMENT
FORM OF JOINDER

 

Joinder No.      (this “ Joinder ”), dated as of              20   , to the Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Security Agreement ”), by and among each of the parties listed on the signature pages thereto and those additional entities that thereafter become parties thereto (collectively, jointly and severally, “ Grantors ” and each, individually, a “ Grantor ”) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association (“ US Bank ”), in its capacity as collateral agent for the Noteholders (as defined below) (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “ Agent ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”) by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Delaware corporation (the “ Issuer ”), and the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, the Issuer issued $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.250%  Senior Secured Notes due 2022; and

 

WHEREAS, initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Security Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the Indenture, and this Joinder shall be subject to the rules of construction set forth in Section 1(b)  of the Security Agreement, which rules of construction are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis ; and

 

WHEREAS, Grantors have entered into the Security Agreement to provide security for the Notes for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the holders of the Notes (the “Noteholders”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4.14 of the Indenture and Section 26 of the Security Agreement, certain Subsidiaries of the Issuer must execute and deliver certain Indenture Documents, and the joinder to the Security Agreement by the undersigned new Grantor or Grantors (collectively, the “ New Grantors ”) may be accomplished by the execution of this Joinder in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and Noteholders;

 

WHEREAS, each New Grantor (a) is a Subsidiary of the Issuer  and, as such, will benefit or has benefited by virtue of the issuance of the Notes and (b) by becoming a Grantor will benefit from certain rights granted to the Grantors pursuant to the terms of the Indenture Documents;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each New Grantor hereby agrees as follows:

 

1.             In accordance with Section 26 of the Security Agreement, each New Grantor, by its signature below, becomes a “Grantor” under the Security Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a “Grantor”  and each New Grantor hereby (a) agrees to all of the terms and provisions of the Security Agreement applicable to it as a “Grantor” thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a “Grantor” thereunder are true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that are already qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date hereof.  In furtherance of the foregoing, each New Grantor hereby unconditionally grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the Noteholders, to secure the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest in and to all of such New Grantor’s right, title and interest in

 



 

and to the Collateral.  Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Security Agreement shall be deemed to include each New Grantor.  The Security Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

2.             Schedule 1 , “Commercial Tort Claims”, Schedule 3 , “Intellectual Property Licenses”, Schedule 5 , “Pledged Companies”, Schedule 6 , “Trademarks”, Schedule 7 , “Name; Chief Executive Office; Tax Identification Numbers and Organizational Numbers”, Schedule 9 , “Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts”, Schedule 10 , “Controlled Account Banks”, and Schedule 11 , “List of Uniform Commercial Code Filing Jurisdictions” attached hereto supplement Schedule 1, Schedule 3, Schedule 5, Schedule 6, Schedule 7, Schedule 9, Schedule 10, and Schedule 11, respectively, to the Security Agreement and shall be deemed a part thereof for all purposes of the Security Agreement.

 

3.             Each New Grantor shall file, transmit or communicate and, as applicable,  authorizes Agent at any time and from time to time to file, transmit, or communicate, as applicable, financing statements and amendments thereto (i) describing the Collateral as set forth in the Security Agreement, (ii) describing the Collateral as being of equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, or (iii) that contain any information required by part 5 of Article 9 of the Code for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance, in each case as is necessary to perfect or preserve Agent’s Security Interest in the Collateral of each New Grantor, it being understood that the Agent shall have no responsibility for any such filings.  For the avoidance of doubt, it is each New Grantor’s primary responsibility to establish, maintain and preserve the perfection of the Liens on the Collateral.  Each New Grantor also hereby ratifies any and all financing statements or amendments previously filed by Agent in any jurisdiction in connection with the Indenture Documents.

 

4.             Each New Grantor represents and warrants to Agent and the Noteholders that this Joinder has been duly executed and delivered by such New Grantor and constitutes its legal, valid, and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) and requirements of reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing.

 

5.             This Joinder is an Indenture Document.  This Joinder may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Joinder.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Joinder by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Joinder.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Joinder by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Joinder but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Joinder.

 

6.             The Security Agreement, as supplemented hereby, shall remain in full force and effect.

 

7.             THIS JOINDER SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE SET FORTH IN SECTION 25 OF THE SECURITY AGREEMENT, AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .

 

[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Joinder to the Security Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

NEW GRANTORS:

[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

AGENT:

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association, in its capacity solely as Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO JOINDER NO.    TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 


 

EXHIBIT A

 

[RESERVED]

 


 

EXHIBIT B

 

[RESERVED]

 


 

EXHIBIT C

 

PLEDGED INTERESTS ADDENDUM

 

This Pledged Interests Addendum, dated as of             , 20    (this “ Pledged Interests Addendum ”), is delivered pursuant to Section 7 of the Security Agreement referred to below.  The undersigned hereby agrees that this Pledged Interests Addendum may be attached to that certain Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014, (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Security Agreement ”), made by the undersigned, together with the other Grantors named therein, to U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association, as Agent.  Initially capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Security Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the Indenture, and this Pledged Interests Addendum shall be subject to the rules of construction set forth in Section 1(b)  of the Security Agreement, which rules of construction are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis .  The undersigned hereby agrees that the additional interests listed on Schedule I shall be and become part of the Pledged Interests pledged by the undersigned to Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement and any pledged company set forth on Schedule I shall be and become a “Pledged Company” under the Security Agreement, each with the same force and effect as if originally named therein.

 

This Pledged Interests Addendum is an Indenture Document.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Pledged Interests Addendum by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Pledged Interests Addendum.  If the undersigned delivers an executed counterpart of this Pledged Interests Addendum by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission, the undersigned shall also deliver an original executed counterpart of this Pledged Interests Addendum but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Pledged Interests Addendum.

 

The undersigned hereby certifies that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 6 of the Security Agreement of the undersigned are true and correct in all material respects as to the Pledged Interests listed herein on and as of the date hereof.

 

THIS PLEDGED INTERESTS ADDENDUM SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE SET FORTH IN SECTION 25 OF THE SECURITY AGREEMENT, AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Pledged Interests Addendum to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

[                     ]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO PLEDGED INTERESTS ADDENDUM]

 



 

SCHEDULE I

to

PLEDGED INTERESTS ADDENDUM

 

 

Pledged Interests

 

Name of 
Grantor

 

Name of
Pledged
Company

 

Number of
Shares/Units

 

Class of
Interests

 

Percentage of
Class Owned

 

Certificate Nos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

EXHIBIT D

 

TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Trademark Security Agreement ”) is made this     day of            , 20  , by and among Grantors listed on the signature pages hereof (collectively, jointly and severally, “ Grantors ” and each individually “ Grantor ”), and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association (“ US Bank ”), in its capacity as agent for the Noteholders (as defined below) (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “ Agent ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”) by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Delaware corporation as issuer (the “ Issuer ”) the guarantors party thereto and US Bank as trustee, the Issuer has issued on the date hereof $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022; and

 

WHEREAS, each Grantor has agreed, under that certain Security Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (the “Security Agreement”), to grant to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the holders of the Notes (the “Noteholders”), a continuing security interest in and to the Collateral in order to secure the prompt and complete payment, observance and performance of, among other things, the Secured Obligations; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Security Agreement, Grantors are required to execute and deliver to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the Noteholders, this Trademark Security Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Grantor hereby agrees as follows:

 

8.             DEFINED TERMS .  All initially capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Security Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the Indenture, and this Trademark Security Agreement shall be subject to the rules of construction set forth in Section 1(b)  of the Security Agreement, which rules of construction are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis .

 

9.             GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN TRADEMARK COLLATERAL .  Each Grantor hereby unconditionally grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the Noteholders, to secure the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest (referred to in this Trademark Security Agreement as the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising (collectively, the “ Trademark Collateral ”):

 

(a)           all of its Trademarks and Trademark Intellectual Property Licenses to which it is a party including those referred to on Schedule I;

 

(b)           all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each Trademark and each Trademark Intellectual Property License, and

 



 

(c)           all products and proceeds (as that term is defined in the Code) of the foregoing, including any claim by such Grantor against third parties for past, present or future (i) infringement or dilution of any Trademark or any Trademarks exclusively licensed under any Intellectual Property License, including right to receive any damages, (ii) injury to the goodwill associated with any Trademark, or (iii) right to receive license fees, royalties, and other compensation under any Trademark Intellectual Property License, in each case, to the extent that such property constitutes ABL Collateral.

 

10.          SECURITY FOR SECURED OBLIGATIONS .  This Trademark Security Agreement and the Security Interest created hereby secures the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Trademark Security Agreement secures the payment of all amounts which constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by Grantors, to any Noteholders, Agent or the Trustee or any of them, whether or not they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding involving any Grantor.

 

11.          SECURITY AGREEMENT .  The Security Interest granted pursuant to this Trademark Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interests granted to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the Noteholders, pursuant to the Security Agreement.  Each Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of Agent with respect to the Security Interest in the Trademark Collateral made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.  To the extent there is any inconsistency between this Trademark Security Agreement and the Security Agreement, the Security Agreement shall control.

 

12.          AUTHORIZATION TO SUPPLEMENT .  If any Grantor shall obtain rights to any new trademarks, the provisions of this Trademark Security Agreement shall automatically apply thereto.  Grantors shall give prompt notice in writing to Agent with respect to any such new trademarks or renewal or extension of any trademark registration and shall amend Schedule I to include any such new trademark rights.  Without limiting Grantors’ obligations under this Section, Grantors hereby authorize Agent unilaterally to modify this Trademark Security Agreement by amending Schedule I to include any such new trademark rights of each Grantor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no failure to so modify this Trademark Security Agreement or amend Schedule I shall in any way affect, invalidate or detract from Agent’s continuing security interest in all Collateral, whether or not listed on Schedule I .

 

13.          COUNTERPARTS .  This Trademark Security Agreement is a Indenture Document.  This Trademark Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Trademark Security Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Trademark Security Agreement.

 

14.          CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE PROVISION .  THIS TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE SET FORTH IN SECTION 25 OF THE SECURITY AGREEMENT,

 

2



 

AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

3



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Trademark Security Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

GRANTORS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

AGENT:

ACCEPTED AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY :

 

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a

 

national banking association, in its capacity

 

solely as Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE I
to

TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 


Trademark Registrations/Applications

 

Grantor

 

Country

 

Mark

 

Application/
Registration No.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade Names

 

Common Law Trademarks

 

Trademarks Not Currently In Use

 

Trademark Licenses

 




Exhibit 10.16

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

PARI PASSU INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

April 16, 2014

 

among

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Term Loan Collateral Agent,

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Notes Collateral Agent,

 

and

 

each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent from time to time party hereto

 

and

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., and

the other GRANTORS from time to time party hereto

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE I

 

 

 

DEFINITIONS

 

 

 

SECTION 1.01

Construction; Certain Defined Terms

1

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

 

 

 

PRIORITIES AND AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO COMMON COLLATERAL

 

 

 

SECTION 2.01

Priority of Claims

8

SECTION 2.02

Actions with Respect to Common Collateral; Prohibition on Contesting Liens

10

SECTION 2.03

No Interference; Payment Over

11

SECTION 2.04

Automatic Release of Liens; Amendments to Pari Passu Security Documents

12

SECTION 2.05

Certain Agreements with Respect to Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings

13

SECTION 2.06

Reinstatement

14

SECTION 2.07

Insurance

14

SECTION 2.08

Refinancings

14

SECTION 2.09

Possessory or Control Collateral Agent

14

 

 

 

ARTICLE III

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PARI PASSU LIEN OBLIGATIONS

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

 

 

EXISTENCE AND AMOUNTS OF LIENS AND OBLIGATIONS

 

 

 

ARTICLE V

 

 

 

THE AUTHORIZED COLLATERAL AGENT

 

 

 

SECTION 5.01

Authority

16

SECTION 5.02

Rights as a Pari Passu Secured Party

17

SECTION 5.03

Exculpatory Provisions

18

SECTION 5.04

Reliance by Authorized Collateral Agent

19

SECTION 5.05

Delegation of Duties

20

SECTION 5.06

Non-Reliance on Authorized Collateral Agent and Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties

20

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

 

SECTION 6.01

Notices

20

 

i



 

SECTION 6.02

Waivers; Amendment; Joinder Agreements

21

SECTION 6.03

Parties in Interest

22

SECTION 6.04

Survival of Agreement

22

SECTION 6.05

Counterparts

22

SECTION 6.06

Severability

22

SECTION 6.07

Governing Law

22

SECTION 6.08

Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers

22

SECTION 6.09

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

23

SECTION 6.10

Headings

23

SECTION 6.11

Conflicts

23

SECTION 6.12

Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights

23

SECTION 6.13

Integration

23

 

ii



 

PARI PASSU INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) dated as of April 16, 2014, among WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent for the Term Loan Secured Parties (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity, the “ Term Loan Collateral Agent ”), U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent for the Notes Secured Parties (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity, the “ Notes Collateral Agent ”), each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent (as defined below) from time to time party hereto for the Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties (as defined below) of the Series (as defined below) with respect to which it is acting in such capacity, each of the Grantors (as defined below) and each Additional Grantor (as defined below).

 

In consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Term Loan Collateral Agent, the Notes Collateral Agent (for itself and on behalf of the other Notes Secured Parties) and each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent (for itself and on behalf of the Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties of the applicable Series) agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

 

SECTION 1.01               Construction; Certain Defined Terms .(a)                   The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.  The words “include” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.”  The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.”  Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument, other document, statute or regulation herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument, other document, statute or regulation as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, but shall not be deemed to include the subsidiaries of such Person unless express reference is made to such subsidiaries, (iii) the words “herein”, “hereof and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (iv) unless otherwise expressly stated herein, all references herein to Articles, Sections and Annexes shall be construed to refer to Articles, Sections and Annexes of this Agreement, (v) unless otherwise expressly qualified herein, the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights and (vi) the term “or” is not exclusive.

 

(b)                                  It is the intention of the Pari Passu Secured Parties of each Series that the holders of Pari Passu Lien Obligations of such Series (and not the Pari Passu Secured Parties of any other Series) bear the risk of any determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that (x) any of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations of such Series are

 



 

unenforceable under applicable law or are subordinated to any other obligations (other than another Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations), (y) any of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations of such Series do not have an enforceable security interest in any of the Collateral securing any other Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations and/or (z) any intervening security interest exists securing any other obligations (other than another Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations and, without limiting the foregoing, after taking into account the effect of any applicable intercreditor agreements) on a basis ranking prior to the security interest of such Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations but junior to the security interest of any other Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations (any such condition with respect to any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, an “ Impairment ” of such Series).  In the event of any Impairment with respect to any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the results of such Impairment shall be borne solely by the holders of such Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, and the rights of the holders of such Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations (including, without limitation, the right to receive distributions in respect of such Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations pursuant to Section 2.01) set forth herein shall be modified to the extent necessary so that the effects of such Impairment are borne solely by the holders of the Series of such Pari Passu Lien Obligations subject to such Impairment.  Additionally, in the event the Pari Passu Lien Obligations of any Series are modified pursuant to applicable law (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code), any reference to such Pari Passu Lien Obligations or the Pari Passu Documents governing such Pari Passu Lien Obligations shall refer to such obligations or such documents as so modified.

 

(c)                                   Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Term Loan Credit Facility.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

ABL Collateral Agent ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in its capacity as collateral agent (and together with its successors in such capacity) under the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

ABL Credit Agreement ” means that certain asset-based credit agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, refinanced or replaced from time to time), by and among the Borrower, FTS International Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, as co-borrower, the Grantors from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto.

 

Additional Pari Passu Agreement ” means the indentures or other agreements under which Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations of any Series are issued or incurred and all other instruments, agreements and other documents evidencing or governing Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations of such Series or providing any guarantee, Lien or other right in respect thereof.

 

Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3(b).

 

2



 

Additional Grantor ” means any Grantor which becomes party to this Agreement pursuant to a Grantor Joinder Agreement.

 

Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations ” means all obligations of the Borrower and the other Grantors that shall have been designated as such pursuant to Article III.

 

Additional Pari Passu Secured Party ” means the holders of any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations and the corresponding Authorized Representative with respect thereto.

 

Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Authorized Collateral Agent ” means, with respect to any Common Collateral, (i) until the earlier of (x) the Trigger Date and (y) the Non-Controlling Authorized Representative Enforcement Date, the Term Loan Collateral Agent and (ii) from and after the earlier of (x) the Trigger Date and (y) the Non-Controlling Authorized Representative Enforcement Date, the Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative.

 

Authorized Representative ” means (i) in the case of any Term Loan Obligations or the Term Loan Secured Parties, the Term Loan Collateral Agent, (ii) in the case of the Notes Obligations or the Notes Secured Parties, the Notes Collateral Agent and (iii) in the case of any Series of Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations that becomes subject to this Agreement after the date hereof, the Authorized Representative named for such Series in the applicable Joinder Agreement.

 

Bankruptcy Case ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(b).

 

Bankruptcy Code ” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.

 

Bankruptcy Law ” means the Bankruptcy Code and any similar Federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

 

Borrower ” means FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

Business Day means for all purposes, any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday on which banks in Fort Worth, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia and New York, New York are open for the conduct of their commercial banking or corporate trust business.

 

Collateral ” means all assets and properties subject to Liens created pursuant to any Pari Passu Security Document to secure one or more Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

Collateral Agents ” means (a) the Term Loan Collateral Agent, (b) the Notes Collateral Agent, and (c) each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent.

 

Common Collateral ” means, at any time, Collateral in which the holders of two or more Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations (or their respective Authorized Representatives) hold a valid and perfected security interest or Lien at such time, provided that “Common Collateral” shall also include rights to payment pursuant to Section 5.1 or Section 5.2 of the

 

3



 

Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement to which the holders of two or more Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations (or their Authorized Representatives) would be entitled (and any reference in this Agreement to any valid and perfected Lien of any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations with respect to any such rights to payment under such Section shall mean that the holders such Series (or their Authorized Representatives) are entitled to such payment pursuant to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement).  If more than two Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations are outstanding at any time and the holders of less than all Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations hold a valid and perfected security interest or Lien in any Collateral at such time, then such Collateral shall constitute Common Collateral for those Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations that hold a valid security interest or Lien in such Collateral at such time and shall not constitute Common Collateral for any Series which does not have a valid and perfected security interest or Lien in such Collateral at such time.

 

Control Collateral ” means any Common Collateral in the control of the Authorized Collateral Agent (or its agents or bailees), to the extent that control thereof perfects a Lien thereon under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction or otherwise, including, without limitation, any such Common Collateral comprised of Deposit Accounts, Electronic Chattel Paper, Investment Property or Letter-of-Credit Rights.  All capitalized terms used in this definition and not defined elsewhere in this Agreement have the meanings assigned to them in the New York UCC.

 

Controlling Secured Parties ” means with respect to any Common Collateral, the Series of Pari Passu Secured Parties whose Authorized Representative is the Authorized Collateral Agent for such Common Collateral.

 

DIP Financing ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(b).

 

DIP Financing Liens ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(b).

 

DIP Lenders ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(b).

 

Discharge ” means, with respect to any Common Collateral and any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the date on which such Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations is no longer secured by such Common Collateral.  The term “ Discharged ” has a corresponding meaning.

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning set forth in the applicable Pari Passu Document.

 

Grantor Joinder Agreement ” means a supplement to this Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B , appropriately completed.

 

Grantors ” means the Borrower and each Subsidiary which has granted a security interest pursuant to any Pari Passu Security Document to secure any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

Impairment ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.01(b).

 

4



 

Indenture ” means that certain Indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 among the Borrower, the Subsidiaries identified therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent.

 

Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding ” means, with respect to any person, any (a) insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, readjustment, composition or other similar proceeding relating to such person or its property or creditors in such capacity, (b) proceeding for any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of such person, whether voluntary or involuntary, and whether or not involving insolvency or proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code, whether partial or complete and whether by operation of law or otherwise, (c) assignment for the benefit of creditors of such person or (d) other marshalling of the assets of such person.

 

Intervening Creditor ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01(a).

 

Joinder Agreement ” means a supplement to this Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A , appropriately completed.

 

Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement ” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated April 16, 2014 by and among the Borrower, FTS International Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, the other Grantors from time to time party thereto, the Term Loan Collateral Agent, the Notes Collateral Agent, the ABL Collateral Agent and each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent from time to time party thereto.

 

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, hypothecation, assignment, lien (statutory or other) or similar encumbrance (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or any lease in the nature thereof).

 

Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative ” means, with respect to any Common Collateral, the Authorized Representative of the Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations that constitutes the largest outstanding principal amount of any then outstanding Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations with respect to such Common Collateral where the Authorized Representative thereof is not then the Authorized Collateral Agent. The Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative shall initially be the Notes Collateral Agent. If, at any time, the Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative shall change to a different Authorized Representative, the Borrower shall promptly notify each Authorized Representative in writing of such change.

 

New York UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.

 

Non-Controlling Authorized Representative ” means, at any time with respect to any Common Collateral, any Authorized Representative that is not the Authorized Collateral Agent at such time with respect to such Common Collateral.

 

Non-Controlling Authorized Representative Enforcement Date ” means, with respect to any Non-Controlling Authorized Representative, the date that is 120 days (throughout

 

5



 

which 120 day period such Non-Controlling Authorized Representative was the Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative) after the occurrence of both (i) an Event of Default (under and as defined in the applicable Pari Passu Document under which such Non-Controlling Authorized Representative is the Authorized Representative) and (ii) the Collateral Agents’ and each other Authorized Representative’s receipt of written notice from such Non-Controlling Authorized Representative certifying that (x) such Non-Controlling Authorized Representative is the Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative and that an Event of Default (under and as defined in the applicable Pari Passu Document under which such Non-Controlling Authorized Representative is the Authorized Representative) has occurred and is continuing and (y) the Pari Passu Lien Obligations of the Series with respect to which such Non-Controlling Authorized Representative is the Authorized Representative  are currently due and payable in full (whether as a result of acceleration thereof or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of the applicable Pari Passu Document for that Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations; provided that the Non-Controlling Authorized Representative Enforcement Date shall be stayed and shall not occur and shall be deemed not to have occurred with respect to any Common Collateral (1) at any time the Authorized Collateral Agent has commenced and is diligently pursuing any enforcement action with respect to such Common Collateral and has provided notice thereof to the other Authorized Representatives or (2) at any time the Grantor that has granted a security interest in such Common Collateral is then a debtor under or with respect to (or otherwise subject to) any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

 

Non-Controlling Secured Parties ” means, with respect to any Common Collateral, the Pari Passu Secured Parties which are not Controlling Secured Parties with respect to such Common Collateral.

 

Notes ” means the 6.250% senior secured notes due 2022 issued by the Borrower pursuant to the Indenture, including any “Additional Notes” as defined in the Indenture.

 

Notes Collateral Agent ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

 

Notes Obligations ” means the “Secured Obligations” as defined in the Notes Security Agreement.

 

Notes Secured Parties ” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the Notes Security Agreement.

 

Notes Security Agreement ” means the security agreement dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Grantors party thereto and the Notes Collateral Agent from time to time party thereto, as the same may be further amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time.

 

Other Agents ” means the administrative agent under the Term Loan Credit Facility, the trustee and paying agent under the Indenture and any administrative agent, trustee or other similar agent for any Series of Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

Pari Passu Documents ” means the credit, guarantee and security documents governing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations (and any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations),

 

6



 

including, without limitation, the Term Loan Credit Facility, the Indenture, any Additional Pari Passu Agreement and the Pari Passu Security Documents.

 

Pari Passu Lien Obligations ” means, collectively, (i) the Term Loan Obligations, (ii) the Notes Obligations and (iii) each Series of Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

Pari Passu Secured Parties ” means (a) the Term Loan Secured Parties, (b) the Notes Secured Parties and (c) any Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties.

 

Pari Passu Security Documents ” means the Term Loan Security Agreement,  the Indenture, the Notes Security Agreement and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted to a Collateral Agent securing Pari Passu Lien Obligations, and any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, in each case to the extent relating to the Collateral securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

Possessory Collateral ” means any Common Collateral in the possession of the Collateral Agent (or its agents or bailees), to the extent that possession thereof perfects a Lien thereon under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction or otherwise.  Possessory Collateral includes, without limitation, Certificated Securities, Negotiable Documents, Goods, Money, Instruments, and Tangible Chattel Paper, in each case, delivered to or in the possession of the Authorized Collateral Agent under the terms of the Pari Passu Security Documents.  All capitalized terms used in this definition and not defined elsewhere in this Agreement have the meanings assigned to them in the New York UCC.

 

Proceeds ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01(a).

 

Refinance ” means, in respect of any indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, defease, amend, increase, modify, supplement, restructure, refund, replace or repay, or to issue other indebtedness or enter alternative financing arrangements, in exchange or replacement for such indebtedness (in whole or in part), including by adding or replacing lenders, creditors, agents, borrowers and/or guarantors, and including in each case, but not limited to, after the original instrument giving rise to such indebtedness has been terminated and including, in each case, through any credit agreement, indenture or other agreement. “ Refinanced ” and “ Refinancing ” have correlative meanings.

 

Series ” means (a) with respect to the Pari Passu Secured Parties, each of (i) the Term Loan Secured Parties (in their capacities as such), (ii) the Notes Secured Parties (in their capacity as such) and (iii) the Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties that become subject to this Agreement after the date hereof that are represented by a common Authorized Representative (in its capacity as such for such Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties) and (b) with respect to any Pari Passu Lien Obligations, each of (i) the Term Loan Obligations, (ii) the Notes Obligations and (iii) the Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations incurred pursuant to any Additional Pari Passu Agreement, which pursuant to any Joinder Agreement, are to be represented hereunder by a common Authorized Representative (in its capacity as such for such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations).

 

7


 

Term Loan Collateral Agent ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph hereof.

 

Term Loan Credit Facility ” means that certain term loan agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, refinanced or replaced from time to time), among Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, the Borrower, the Grantors from time to time party thereto and the lenders party thereto.

 

Term Loan Obligations ” means the “Secured Obligations” as defined in the Term Loan Security Agreement.

 

Term Loan Secured Parties ” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the Term Loan.

 

Term Loan Security Agreement ” means the Guaranty and Security Agreement dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Grantors party thereto and the Term Loan Collateral Agent, as the same may be further amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time.

 

Trigger Date ” means the date upon which the outstanding principal amount of loans outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Facility is (a) less than $150 million and (b) less than the outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness under one or more other Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations. Upon the occurrence of the Trigger Date, the Borrower shall notify each Authorized Representative of such occurrence and that the Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative is the Authorized Collateral Agent.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Priorities and Agreements with Respect to Common Collateral

 

SECTION 2.01               Priority of Claims .(a)                            Anything contained herein or in any of the Pari Passu Documents to the contrary notwithstanding (but subject to Section 1.01(b) of this Agreement and the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement), if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and the Authorized Collateral Agent is taking action to enforce rights in respect of any Common Collateral, or any distribution is made in respect of any Common Collateral in any Bankruptcy Case of any Grantor or any Pari Passu Secured Party receives any payment pursuant to any intercreditor agreement (other than this Agreement) with respect to any Common Collateral, the proceeds of any sale, collection or other liquidation of any such Common Collateral by any Pari Passu Secured Party or received by any Collateral Agent or any other Pari Passu Secured Party pursuant to any such intercreditor agreement with respect to such Common Collateral and proceeds of any such distribution (subject, in the case of any such distribution, to the sentence immediately following) to which the Pari Passu Lien Obligations are entitled under any intercreditor agreement (other than this Agreement) (all proceeds of any sale, collection or other liquidation of any Collateral and all proceeds of any such distribution being collectively referred to as “ Proceeds ”), shall be applied as follows:

 

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FIRST, to the payment of all then unpaid (a) fees and indemnities, and (b) all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by and (c) reasonable legal fees, costs and expenses or other liabilities of any kind incurred, in each case, by the Collateral Agents, any Authorized Representative or Other Agents in connection with any Pari Passu Security Document or any of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, including (i) all court costs, (ii) the reasonable fees and expenses of their agents and legal counsel, (iii) the repayment of all advances made by the Collateral Agents, any Authorized Representative or Other Agents, as applicable, hereunder or under any other Pari Passu Security Document on behalf of Grantors and (iv) any other reasonable costs or expenses incurred in connection with the administration of or the exercise of any right or remedy hereunder or under any other Pari Passu Security Document, in each case of the foregoing, to the extent the foregoing constitutes Pari Passu Lien Obligations under the Pari Passu Documents for the applicable Series;

 

SECOND, to the payment of all other Pari Passu Lien Obligations (the amounts so applied to be distributed pro rata among the Pari Passu Secured Parties in accordance with the amounts of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations owed to them on the date of any such distribution); and

 

THIRD, after payment in full of all Pari Passu Lien Obligations, to the Grantors or their successors or assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Common Collateral for which a third party (other than a Pari Passu Secured Party and, without limiting the foregoing, after taking into account the effect of any applicable intercreditor agreements) has a Lien or security interest that is junior in priority to the security interest of any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations but senior (as determined by appropriate legal proceedings in the case of any dispute) to the security interest of any other Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations (such third party an “ Intervening Creditor ”), the value of any Common Collateral or Proceeds which are allocated to such Intervening Creditor shall be deducted on a ratable basis solely from the Common Collateral or Proceeds to be distributed in respect of the Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations with respect to which such Impairment exists.

 

(b)                                  The Pari Passu Secured Parties hereby acknowledge that the Pari Passu Lien Obligations of any Series may, subject to the limitations set forth herein, in the then extant Pari Passu Documents and in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, be increased, extended, renewed, replaced, restated, supplemented, restructured, repaid, refunded, Refinanced or otherwise amended or modified from time to time, all without affecting the priorities set forth in Section 2.01(a) or the provisions of this Agreement defining the relative rights of the Pari Passu Secured Parties of any Series.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding the date, time, method, manner or order of grant, attachment or perfection of any Liens securing any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations granted on the Common Collateral and notwithstanding any provision of the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction, or any other applicable law or the Pari Passu

 

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Documents or any defect or deficiencies in the Liens securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations of any Series or any other circumstance whatsoever (but, in each case, subject to Section 1.01(b)), each Pari Passu Secured Party hereby agrees that the Liens securing each Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations on any Common Collateral shall be of equal priority.

 

SECTION 2.02               Actions with Respect to Common Collateral; Prohibition on Contesting Liens .(a)                                     With respect to any Common Collateral, subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (i) notwithstanding Section 2.01, the Authorized Collateral Agent shall have the sole right to act or refrain from acting with respect to the Common Collateral (including with respect to any intercreditor agreement with respect to any Common Collateral) and (ii) no other Collateral Agent with respect to Pari Passu Lien Obligations or Non-Controlling Authorized Representative or other Pari Passu Secured Party (other than the Authorized Collateral Agent) shall or shall instruct the Authorized Collateral Agent to, commence any judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure proceedings with respect to, seek to have a trustee, receiver, liquidator or similar official appointed for or over, attempt any action to take possession of, exercise any right, remedy or power with respect to, or otherwise take any action to enforce its security interest in or realize upon, or take any other action available to it in respect of, any Common Collateral (including with respect to any intercreditor agreement with respect to any Common Collateral), whether under any Pari Passu Security Document, applicable law or otherwise, it being agreed that only the Authorized Collateral Agent shall be entitled to take any such actions or exercise any such remedies with respect to Common Collateral (subject to the right of any such Authorized Representative or other Pari Passu Secured Party to take limited protective measures with respect to the Liens securing Pari Passu Lien Obligations and to take certain actions that would be permitted to be taken by unsecured creditors set forth in Section 2.02(c) below).  Notwithstanding the equal priority of the Liens securing each Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the Authorized Collateral Agent may deal with the Common Collateral as if such Authorized Collateral Agent had a senior Lien on such Common Collateral.  No Non-Controlling Authorized Representative or Non-Controlling Secured Party will contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or action brought by the Authorized Collateral Agent or any other exercise by the Authorized Collateral Agent of any rights and remedies relating to the Common Collateral, or to cause any Collateral Agent to do so.

 

(b)                                  Each of the Pari Passu Secured Parties and each of the Collateral Agents agrees that it will not (and hereby waives any right to) contest or support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the perfection, priority, validity or enforceability of a Lien held by or on behalf of any of the Pari Passu Secured Parties in all or any part of the Common Collateral, or the provisions of this Agreement; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair (i) the rights of any of the Collateral Agents or any Authorized Representative to enforce this Agreement or (ii) the rights of any Pari Passu Secured Party from contesting or supporting any other Person in contesting the enforceability of any Lien purporting to secure Pari Passu Lien Obligations constituting unmatured interest pursuant to Section 502(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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(c)                                   Notwithstanding the foregoing rights of the Authorized Collateral Agent, each Authorized Representative or other Pari Passu Secured Party shall be entitled to:

 

(i)                   file a claim or statement of interest with respect to its Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations; provided that an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor;

 

(ii)                take any action (not adverse to the Liens or the rights of any other Pari Passu Secured Party) in order to preserve or protect its Lien on the Collateral;

 

(iii)             be entitled to file any necessary responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims of such Pari Passu Secured Party, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(iv)            be entitled to file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors of the Grantors arising under either the Bankruptcy Law or applicable non-bankruptcy law, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(v)               be entitled to vote on any plan of reorganization and file any proof of claim in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise and other filings and make any arguments and motions that are, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 2.03               No Interference; Payment Over .(a)     Each Pari Passu Secured Party agrees that (i) it will not take or cause to be taken any action the purpose or intent of which is, or could be, to interfere, hinder or delay, in any manner, whether by judicial proceedings or otherwise, any sale, transfer or other disposition of the Common Collateral by the Authorized Collateral Agent, (ii) except as provided in Section 2.02, it shall have no right to (A) direct the Authorized Collateral Agent or any other Pari Passu Secured Party to exercise any right, remedy or power with respect to any Common Collateral (including pursuant to any intercreditor agreement) or (B) consent to the exercise by the Authorized Collateral Agent or any other Pari Passu Secured Party of any right, remedy or power with respect to any Common Collateral, (iii) it will not institute any suit or assert in any suit, bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding any claim against the Authorized Collateral Agent, Notes Collateral Agent, the Term Loan Collateral Agent or any other Pari Passu Secured Party seeking damages from or other relief by way of specific performance, instructions or otherwise with respect to any Common Collateral, and none of the Collateral Agents, any Authorized Collateral Agent or any other Pari Passu Secured Party shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Authorized Collateral Agent or other Pari Passu Secured Party with respect to any Common Collateral in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, (iv) it will not seek, and hereby waives any right, to have any Common Collateral or any part thereof marshaled upon any foreclosure or other disposition of such Common Collateral

 

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and (v) it will not attempt, directly or indirectly, whether by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to challenge the enforceability of any provision of this Agreement; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any of the Collateral Agents or any other Pari Passu Secured Party to enforce this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Each Pari Passu Secured Party hereby agrees that if it shall obtain possession of any Common Collateral or shall realize any proceeds or payment in respect of any such Common Collateral, pursuant to any Pari Passu Security Document or by the exercise of any rights available to it under applicable law or in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or through any other exercise of remedies (including pursuant to any intercreditor agreement), at any time prior to the Discharge of each Series of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, then it shall, subject to the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, hold such Common Collateral, proceeds or payment in trust for the other Pari Passu Secured Parties and promptly transfer such Common Collateral, proceeds or payment, as the case may be, to the Authorized Collateral Agent, to be distributed by the Authorized Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.01(a) hereof.

 

(c)                                   In furtherance of the foregoing, no Grantor shall, nor shall any Grantor permit any Subsidiary to, grant or permit or suffer to exist any Lien on any asset or property to secure any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations unless it has granted a Lien on such asset or property to secure each other Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

SECTION 2.04               Automatic Release of Liens; Amendments to Pari Passu Security Documents .(a) If, at any time any Common Collateral is transferred to a third party or otherwise disposed of, in each case, in connection with any enforcement by the Authorized Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, then (whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding is pending at the time) the Liens in favor of the applicable Collateral Agent for the benefit of each Series of Pari Passu Secured Parties upon such Common Collateral will automatically be released and discharged upon final conclusion of foreclosure proceeding; provided that any proceeds of any Common Collateral realized therefrom shall be applied pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof; and provided further, that the Authorized Collateral Agent shall provide prompt notice to the applicable Collateral Agent for the benefit of the related Pari Passu Secured Parties of the identity of the Common Collateral whose Lien has been so automatically released.

 

(b)                                  [omitted]

 

(c)                                   Each Pari Passu Secured Party agrees that any Collateral Agent may enter into any amendment (and, upon request by the Collateral Agent, each Authorized Representative shall sign a consent to such amendment) to any Pari Passu Security Document (including, without limitation, to release Liens securing any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations) so long as such amendment, subject to clause (e) below, is not prohibited by the terms of each then extant Pari Passu Document.  Additionally, each Pari Passu Secured Party agrees that any Collateral Agent may enter into any amendment (and, upon request by the applicable Collateral Agent, the applicable Authorized Representative shall sign a consent to such amendment) to any Pari Passu Security

 

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Document solely as such Pari Passu Security Document relates to a particular Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations (including, without limitation, to release Liens securing such Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations) so long as (x) such amendment is in accordance with the Pari Passu Document pursuant to which such Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations was incurred and (y) such amendment does not adversely affect the Pari Passu Secured Parties of any other Series.

 

(d)                                  Each Authorized Representative agrees to execute and deliver (at the sole cost and expense of the Grantors) all such authorizations and other instruments as shall reasonably be requested by the Collateral Agent to evidence and confirm any release of Common Collateral, whether in connection with a sale of such assets by the relevant owner pursuant to the preceding clauses or otherwise, or amendment to any Pari Passu Security Document provided for in this Section.

 

(e)                                   In determining whether an amendment to any Pari Passu Security Document is not prohibited by this Section 2.04, a Collateral Agent may conclusively rely on a certificate of an officer of the Borrower stating that such amendment is not prohibited by Section 2.04(b) above.

 

SECTION 2.05               Certain Agreements with Respect to Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings .(a) This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the commencement of any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law by or against the Borrower or any of its subsidiaries.

 

(b)                                  If any Grantor shall become subject to a case (a “ Bankruptcy Case ”) under the Bankruptcy Code and shall, as debtor(s)-in-possession, move for approval of financing (“ DIP Financing ”) to be provided by one or more lenders (the “ DIP Lenders ”) under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or the use of cash collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, each Pari Passu Secured Party (other than any Controlling Secured Party or any Authorized Representative of any Controlling Secured Party) agrees not to object to any such financing or to the Liens on the Common Collateral securing the same (“ DIP Financing Liens ”) or to any use of cash collateral that constitutes Common Collateral, unless any Controlling Secured Party, or an Authorized Representative of any Controlling Secured Party, shall then oppose or object to such DIP Financing or such DIP Financing Liens or use of cash collateral (and (i) to the extent that such DIP Financing Liens are senior to the Liens on any such Common Collateral for the benefit of the Controlling Secured Parties, each Non-Controlling Secured Party will subordinate its Liens with respect to such Common Collateral on the same terms as the Liens of the Controlling Secured Parties (other than any Liens of any Pari Passu Secured Parties constituting DIP Financing Liens) are subordinated thereto, and (ii) to the extent that such DIP Financing Liens rank pari passu with the Liens on any such Common Collateral granted to secure the Pari Passu Lien Obligations of the Controlling Secured Parties, each Non-Controlling Secured Party will confirm the priorities with respect to such Common Collateral as set forth herein), in each case so long as (A) the Pari Passu Secured Parties of each Series retain the benefit of their Liens on all such Common Collateral pledged to the DIP Lenders, including proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of such

 

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proceeding, with the same priority vis-à-vis all the other Pari Passu Secured Parties (other than any Liens of the Pari Passu Secured Parties constituting DIP Financing Liens) as existed prior to the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, (B) the Pari Passu Secured Parties of each Series are granted Liens on any additional collateral pledged to any Pari Passu Secured Parties as adequate protection or otherwise in connection with such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral, with the same priority vis- à -vis the Pari Passu Secured Parties as set forth in this Agreement, (C) if any amount of such DIP Financing or cash collateral is applied to repay any of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, such amount is applied pursuant to Section 2.01(a) of this Agreement, and (D) if any Pari Passu Secured Party is granted adequate protection, including in the form of periodic payments, in connection with such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral, the proceeds of such adequate protection are applied pursuant to Section 2.01(a) of this Agreement; provided that the Pari Passu Secured Parties of each Series shall have a right to object to the grant of a Lien to secure the DIP Financing over any Collateral subject to Liens in favor of the Pari Passu Secured Parties of such Series or its Authorized Representative that is not Common Collateral; and provided , further , that the Pari Passu Secured Parties receiving adequate protection shall not object to any other Pari Passu Secured Party receiving adequate protection comparable to any adequate protection granted to such Pari Passu Secured Parties in connection with a DIP Financing or use of cash collateral.

 

SECTION 2.06               Reinstatement .  In the event that any of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations shall be paid in full and such payment or any part thereof shall subsequently, for whatever reason (including an order or judgment for disgorgement of a preference under the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar law, or the settlement of any claim in respect thereof), be required to be returned or repaid, the terms and conditions of this Article II shall be fully applicable thereto until all such Pari Passu Lien Obligations’ shall again have been paid in full in cash.

 

SECTION 2.07               Insurance .  As between the Pari Passu Secured Parties, the Authorized Collateral Agent shall have the right to adjust or settle any insurance policy or claim covering or constituting Common Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding affecting the Common Collateral.

 

SECTION 2.08               Refinancings .  The Pari Passu Lien Obligations of any Series may be Refinanced, in whole or in part, in each case, without notice to, or the consent (except to the extent a consent is otherwise required to permit the refinancing transaction under any Pari Passu Document) of any Pari Passu Secured Party of any other Series, all without affecting the priorities provided for herein or the other provisions hereof; provided that the Authorized Representative of the holders of any such Refinancing indebtedness shall have executed a Joinder Agreement on behalf of the holders of such Refinancing indebtedness

 

SECTION 2.09               Possessory or Control Collateral Agent .(a)       Subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Authorized Collateral Agent agrees to hold any Common Collateral constituting Possessory Collateral or Control Collateral that is part of the Collateral in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees) as gratuitous bailee or sub-agent, as applicable, for the benefit of each other Pari Passu Secured Party and any assignee solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Possessory Collateral or Control Collateral, if any, pursuant to the applicable Pari Passu Security Documents, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 2.09.  Pending delivery to the Authorized Collateral Agent, each other Authorized Representative agrees to hold any Common Collateral constituting Possessory Collateral or Control Collateral, from time to time in its possession, as

 

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gratuitous bailee or sub-agent for the benefit of each other Pari Passu Secured Party and any assignee, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Possessory Collateral, if any, pursuant to the applicable Pari Passu Security Documents, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 2.09.  Subject to the rights of the Authorized Collateral Agent and the other terms hereof, any Collateral Agent or Authorized Representative that holds or controls Common Collateral as gratuitous bailee and sub-agent shall be entitled to deal with the applicable Possessory Collateral or Control Collateral as if the Liens thereon of the Collateral Agent or Pari Passu Secured Parties or Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations did not exist; provided that any proceeds arising from such Pledged Collateral or Control Collateral shall be subject to application in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(b)                                  The duties or responsibilities of the Authorized Collateral Agent and each other Authorized Representative under this Section 2.09 shall be limited solely to holding any Common Collateral constituting Possessory Collateral and Control Collateral as gratuitous bailee or sub-agent, as applicable, for the benefit of each other Pari Passu Secured Party for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by such Pari Passu Secured Parties therein.

 

(c)                                   The agreement of the Authorized Collateral Agent to act as gratuitous bailee and/or sub-agent pursuant to this Section 2.09 is intended, among other things, to satisfy the requirements of Sections 8-106(d)(3), 8-301(a)(2), 9-104(a)(2) and 9-313(c) of the UCC.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations

 

The Borrower may from time to time, subject to any limitations contained in any Pari Passu Documents in effect at such time, designate additional indebtedness and related obligations that are, or are to be, secured by Liens on any assets of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries that would, if such Liens were granted, constitute Common Collateral as Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations by delivering to each Collateral Agent party hereto at such time a certificate of an authorized officer of the Borrower:

 

(a)                                  describing the indebtedness and other obligations being designated as Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations, and including a statement of the maximum aggregate outstanding principal amount of such indebtedness as of the date of such certificate;

 

(b)                                  setting forth the Additional Pari Passu Agreements under which such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations are issued or incurred or the Guarantees of or Liens securing such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations are, or are to be, granted or created, and attaching copies of such Additional Pari Passu Agreements as each Grantor has executed and delivered to the Person that serves as the collateral agent, collateral trustee or a similar representative for the holders of such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations (such Person being referred to as the “ Additional Pari Passu Collateral

 

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Agent ”) with respect to such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations on the closing date of such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations, certified as being true and complete by an authorized officer of the Borrower;

 

(c)                                   identifying the Person that serves as the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent;

 

(d)                                  certifying that the incurrence of such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the creation of the Liens securing such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations and the designation of such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations as “ Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations ” hereunder do not violate or result in a default under any provision of any Pari Passu Document of any Class in effect at such time; and

 

(e)                                   attaching a fully completed Joinder Agreement executed and delivered by the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent.

 

Upon the delivery of such certificate and the related attachments as provided above, the obligations designated in such notice shall become Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Existence and Amounts of Liens and Obligations

 

Whenever the Authorized Collateral Agent or any Authorized Representative shall be required, in connection with the exercise of its rights or the performance of its obligations hereunder, to determine the existence or amount of any Pari Passu Lien Obligations of any Series, or the Common Collateral subject to any Lien securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations of any Series, it may request that such information be furnished to it in writing by each other Authorized Representative and shall be entitled to make such determination on the basis of the information so furnished; provided , however , that if an Authorized Representative shall fail or refuse reasonably promptly to provide the requested information, the Authorized Collateral Agent or Authorized Representative shall be entitled to make any such determination or not make any determination by such method as it may, in the exercise of its good faith judgment, determine, including by reliance upon a certificate of the Borrower.  The Authorized Collateral Agent and each Authorized Representative may rely conclusively, and shall be fully protected in so relying, on any determination made by it in accordance with the provisions of the preceding sentence (or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction) and shall have no liability to any Grantor, any Pari Passu Secured Party or any other person as a result of such determination.

 

ARTICLE V

 

The Authorized Collateral Agent

 

SECTION 5.01               Authority. (a)                          Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, nothing herein shall be construed to impose any fiduciary or other duty on the Authorized Collateral Agent to any Non-Controlling Secured Party or give any

 

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Non-Controlling Secured Party the right to direct the Authorized Collateral Agent, except that the Authorized Collateral Agent shall be obligated to distribute proceeds of any Common Collateral in accordance with Section 2.01 hereof.

 

(b)                                  In furtherance of the foregoing, each Non-Controlling Authorized Representative, on behalf of itself and its respective Non-Controlling Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that the Authorized Collateral Agent shall be entitled, for the benefit of the Pari Passu Secured Parties, to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or deal with any Common Collateral as provided herein and in the Pari Passu Security Documents, as applicable, for which the Authorized Collateral Agent is the collateral agent of such Common Collateral, without regard to any rights to which the Non-Controlling Secured Parties would otherwise be entitled.  Without limiting the foregoing, each Non-Controlling Secured Party agrees that none of the Authorized Collateral Agent or any other Pari Passu Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation first to marshal or realize upon any type of Common Collateral (or any other Collateral securing any of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of such Common Collateral (or any other Collateral securing any Pari Passu Lien Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the Non-Controlling Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the Non-Controlling Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.  Each of the Pari Passu Secured Parties waives any claim it may now or hereafter have against any Collateral Agent or the Authorized Collateral Agent of any other Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations or any other Pari Passu Secured Party of any other Series arising out of (i) any actions which any Collateral Agent, any Authorized Representative or any other Pari Passu Secured Party may take or omit to take (including, actions with respect to the creation, perfection or continuation of Liens on any Collateral, actions with respect to the foreclosure upon, sale, release or depreciation of or failure to realize upon, any of the Collateral and actions with respect to the collection of any claim for all or any part of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations from any account debtor, guarantor or any other party) in accordance with the Pari Passu Security Documents or any other agreement related thereto or to the collection of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations or the valuation, use, protection or release of any security for the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, (ii) any election by the Authorized Collateral Agent or any holders of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, in any proceeding instituted under the Bankruptcy Code, of the application of Section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or (iii) subject to Section 2.04, any borrowing by, or grant of a security interest or administrative expense priority under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code by, the Borrower or any of its subsidiaries, as debtor-in-possession.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no Collateral Agent (including the Authorized Collateral Agent) shall accept any Common Collateral in full or partial satisfaction of any Pari Passu Lien Obligations pursuant to Section 9-620 of the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction, without the consent of each of the Collateral Agents representing holders of Pari Passu Lien Obligations for each Series for which such Collateral constitutes Common Collateral.

 

SECTION 5.02               Rights as a Pari Passu Secured Party .  The Person serving as the Authorized Collateral Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its

 

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capacity as a Pari Passu Secured Party under any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations that it holds as any other Pari Passu Secured Party of such Series and may exercise the same as though it were not the Collateral Agent and the term “Pari Passu Secured Party” or “Pari Passu Secured Parties” or (as applicable) “Term Loan Secured Party”, “Term Loan Secured Parties”, “Additional Pari Passu Secured Party” or “Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Authorized Collateral Agent hereunder in its individual capacity.  Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Authorized Collateral Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to any other Pari Passu Secured Party.

 

SECTION 5.03               Exculpatory Provisions .(a)                                             The Authorized Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Pari Passu Security Documents.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Authorized Collateral Agent:

 

(i)                   shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties of any kind or nature to any Person, regardless of whether an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(ii)                shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Pari Passu Security Documents; provided that the Authorized Collateral Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Authorized Collateral Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Pari Passu Security Document or applicable law;

 

(iii)             shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Pari Passu Security Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Authorized Collateral Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity;

 

(iv)            shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (A) with the consent or at the request of the Major Non-Controlling Authorized Representative or any other Collateral Agent or (B) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct or (C) in reliance on a certificate of an authorized officer of the Borrower stating that such action is not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement.  The Authorized Collateral Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Event of Default under any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations unless and until notice describing such Event of Default is given to the Authorized Collateral Agent by the Authorized Representative of such Pari Passu Lien Obligations or the Borrower;

 

18


 

(v)               shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (A) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Pari Passu Security Document, (B) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (C) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (D) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Pari Passu Security Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or the creation, perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created by the Pari Passu Security Documents, (E) the value or the sufficiency of any Collateral for any Series of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, or (F) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in any Pari Passu Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Authorized Collateral Agent;

 

(vi)            shall not have any fiduciary duties or contractual obligations of any kind or nature under any other Pari Passu Agreement (other than under any other Pari Passu Agreement for which it is the Authorized Representative and only to the extent it is acting in such capacity and as set forth in such other Pari Passu Agreement), but shall be entitled to all protections provided to the Authorized Collateral Agent therein;

 

(vii)         with respect to the Term Loan, any Additional Pari Passu Agreement or any Pari Passu Security Document, may conclusively assume that the Grantors have complied with all of their obligations thereunder unless advised in writing by the Authorized Representative thereunder to the contrary specifically setting forth the alleged violation; and

 

(viii)      may conclusively rely on any certificate of an officer of the Borrower.

 

(b)                                  Each Secured Party acknowledges that, in addition to acting as the initial Authorized Collateral Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association also serves as Administrative Agent under the Term Loan and each Pari Passu Secured Party hereby waives any right to make any objection or claim against Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (or any successor Authorized Collateral Agent or any of their respective counsel) based on any alleged conflict of interest or breach of duties arising from the Authorized Collateral Agent also serving as the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 5.04               Reliance by Authorized Collateral Agent .  The Authorized Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person.  The Authorized Collateral Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon.  The Authorized Collateral Agent may consult with legal

 

19



 

counsel (who may include, but shall not be limited to counsel for the Borrower or counsel for the Administrative Agent), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

SECTION 5.05               Delegation of Duties .  The Authorized Collateral Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Pari Passu Security Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Authorized Collateral Agent.  The Authorized Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Affiliates.  The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Affiliates of the Authorized Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent.

 

SECTION 5.06               Non-Reliance on Authorized Collateral Agent and Other Pari Passu Secured Parties .  Each Pari Passu Secured Party acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Authorized Collateral Agent, any Authorized Representative or any other Pari Passu Secured Party or any of their Affiliates and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Pari Passu Documents.  Each Pari Passu Secured Party also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Authorized Collateral Agent, any Authorized Representative or any other Pari Passu Secured Party or any of their Affiliates and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Pari Passu Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 6.01               Notices .  All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile, as follows:

 

(a)                                  if to the Term Loan Collateral Agent, to it at:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

550 S. Tryon St. 6 th  Floor

Charlotte, NC 28202

Tel: (704) 590-2703

Attn: Syndication Agency Services

 

(b)                                  if to the Notes Collateral Agent, to it at:

 

U.S. Bank National Association
Global Corporate Trust Services
1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050
Atlanta, GA  30309
Tel: 404-898-8822

Fax: 404-898-8844

Attn: Muriel Shaw, Assistant Vice President

 

20



 

(c)                                   if to any Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent, to it at the address set forth in the applicable Joinder Agreement.

 

Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.  All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt (if a Business Day) and on the next Business Day thereafter (in all other cases) if delivered by hand or overnight courier service or sent by facsimile or on the date five Business Days after dispatch by certified or registered mail if mailed, in each case delivered, sent or mailed (properly addressed) to such party as provided in this Section 6.01 or in accordance with the latest unrevoked direction from such party given in accordance with this Section 6.01.  As agreed to in writing among the Authorized Collateral Agent and each other Authorized Representative from time to time, notices and other communications may also be delivered by e-mail to the e-mail address of a representative of the applicable person provided from time to time by such person.

 

SECTION 6.02               Waivers;  Amendment; Joinder Agreements .(a)                                No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power.  The rights and remedies of the parties hereto are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have.  No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall not be prohibited by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.  No notice or demand on any party hereto in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

 

(b)                                  Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be terminated, waived, amended or modified (other than pursuant to any Joinder Agreement) except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by each Authorized Representative and the Borrower.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.02(b) to the contrary, this Agreement may be amended from time to time at the request of the Borrower, at the Borrower’s expense, and without the consent of any Authorized Representative or any Pari Passu Secured Party to add other parties holding Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations (or any agent or trustee therefor) to the extent such obligations are not prohibited by any Pari Passu Document.  Each party to this Agreement agrees that (i) at the request (and sole expense) of the Borrower, without the consent of any Pari Passu Secured Party, each of the Authorized Representatives shall execute and deliver an acknowledgment and confirmation of such modifications and/or enter into an amendment, a restatement or a supplement of this Agreement to facilitate such modifications (it being understood that such actions shall not be required for the effectiveness of any such modifications) and (ii) the Borrower shall be a beneficiary of this Section 5.02(b).

 

21



 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Pari Passu Secured Party, any Authorized Representative may become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Joinder Agreement in the form of Exhibit A hereto and upon such execution and delivery, such Authorized Representative and the Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties and Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations of the Series for which such Authorized Representative is acting shall be subject to the terms hereof and the terms of the other Pari Passu Security Documents applicable thereto.

 

SECTION 6.03               Parties in Interest .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, as well as the other Pari Passu Secured Parties and Other Agents, all of whom are intended to be bound by, and to be third party beneficiaries of, this Agreement and each of whom agrees to be bound hereby by their acceptance of the agreements and instruments evidencing their applicable Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

SECTION 6.04               Survival of Agreement .  All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by any party in this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the removal or resignation of a Collateral Agent.

 

SECTION 6.05               Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.06               Severability .  Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.  The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

SECTION 6.07               Governing Law .  THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSES OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

SECTION 6.08               Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers .  The Term Loan Collateral Agent, the Notes Collateral Agent and each other Authorized Representative, on behalf of itself and the Pari Passu Secured Parties of the Series for whom it is acting, irrevocably and unconditionally:(a)          submits for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding relating to this Agreement and the Pari Passu Security Documents, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the exclusive general jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in New York County and appellate courts from any thereof and waives any objection to any action instituted hereunder in any such court based on forum non conveniens, and any objection to the venue of any action instituted hereunder in any such court;

 

(b)                                  consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court, and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

 

22



 

(c)                                   agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Person (or its Authorized Representative) at the address referred to in Section 6.01;

 

(d)                                  agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right of any other party hereto (or any Pari Passu Secured Party) to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law; and

 

(e)                                   waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it may have to claim or recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in this Section 6.08 any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.

 

SECTION 6.09               WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT.  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 6.09.

 

SECTION 6.10               Headings .  Article, Section and Annex headings used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.11               Conflicts .  In the event of any conflict or inconsistency (a) between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any of the other Pari Passu Documents or Pari Passu Security Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control or (b) between this Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.

 

SECTION 6.12               Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights .  The provisions of this Agreement are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Pari Passu Secured Parties in relation to one another.  None of the Borrower, any other Grantor or any other creditor thereof shall have any rights or obligations hereunder, except as expressly provided in this Agreement ( provided that nothing in this Agreement (other than Section 2.04. 2.05, 2.06, 2.08 or 2.09 or this Article VI) is intended to or will amend, waive or otherwise modify the provisions of the Term Loan, any other Pari Passu Documents, any Pari Passu Security Agreements or any Additional Pari Passu Agreements), and none of the Borrower or any other Grantor may rely on the terms hereof (other than Sections 2.04, 2.05, 2.08 and 2.09 and Article V).  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligations of any Grantor, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the Pari Passu Lien Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.

 

SECTION 6.13               Integration .  This Agreement together with the other Pari Passu Documents and the Pari Passu Security Documents represents the agreement of each of the Grantors and the Pari Passu Secured Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and there are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by any Grantor, the Authorized Collateral Agent, any Authorized Representative or any Additional Pari Passu Secured Party relative to the subject

 

23



 

matter hereof not expressly set forth or referred to herein or in the other Pari Passu Documents or the Pari Passu Security Documents.

 

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

24



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as Term Loan Collateral Agent

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Clawson

 

 

Name: Michael J. Clawson

 

 

Title: Managing Director

 

[Signature Page to Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement]

 



 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as Notes Collateral Agent

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

 

Name: Muriel Shaw

 

 

Title: Assistant Vice President

 

[Signature Page to Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement]

 



 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

Title:

Senior Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

Title:

Senior Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

Title:

Senior Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

 

[Signature Page to Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement]

 


 

EXHIBIT A

 

[FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [  ] dated as of [     ] 20[  ][ (the “ Joinder Agreement ”) to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (the “ Intercreditor Agreement ”), among Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as the Term Loan Collateral Agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as the Notes Collateral Agent, and each Additional Collateral Agent from time to time party thereto.

 

A.                                     Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

B.                                     The Borrower proposes to issue or incur Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations and the Person identified in the signature pages hereto as the “Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent” (the “ Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent ”) will serve as the collateral agent, collateral trustee or a similar representative for the Additional Secured Parties.  The Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations are being designated as such by the Borrower in accordance with Article III of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

C.                                     The Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent wishes to become a party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and to acquire and undertake, for itself and on behalf of the Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties, the rights and obligations of an “Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent” thereunder.  The Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent is entering into this Joinder Agreement in accordance with the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement in order to become an Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent thereunder.

 

Accordingly, the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent and the Borrower agree as follows, for the benefit of the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent, the Borrower and each other party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement:

 

SECTION 1.  Accession to the Intercreditor Agreement .  The Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent (a) hereby accedes and becomes a party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent for the Additional Secured Parties from time to time in respect of the Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations, (b) agrees, for itself and on behalf of the Additional Secured Parties from time to time in respect of the Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations, to all the terms and provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and (c) shall have all the rights and obligations of an Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent under the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

SECTION 2.  Representations, Warranties and Acknowledgement of the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent .  The Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent represents and warrants to the Collateral Agents and the Secured Parties that (a) it has full power and authority to enter into this Joinder Agreement, in its capacity as the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent, (b) this Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms of this Joinder Agreement and (c) the Additional Pari Passu Agreements relating to such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations provide that, upon the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent’s entry into this Joinder Agreement, the secured parties in respect of such Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations will be subject to and bound by the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement as Additional Secured Parties.

 

Exhibit A- 1



 

SECTION 3.  Counterparts .  This Joinder Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent.  Delivery of an executed signature page to this Joinder Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Joinder Agreement.

 

SECTION 4.  Benefit of Agreement The agreements set forth herein or undertaken pursuant hereto are for the benefit of, and may be enforced by, any party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.  Governing Law THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

SECTION 6.  Severability .  In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Joinder Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, none of the parties hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired.  The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

SECTION 7.  Notices .  All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 6.01 of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.  All communications and notices hereunder to the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent shall be given to it at the address set forth under its signature hereto, which information supplements Section 6.01 of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

SECTION 8.  The Borrower agrees to reimburse each Collateral Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each Collateral Agent.

 

Exhibit A- 2



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent has duly executed this Joinder Agreement to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

[NAME OF ADDITIONAL PARI PASSU COLLATERAL AGENT], as ADDITIONAL PARI PASSU COLLATERAL AGENT for the ADDITIONAL PARI PASSU SECURED PARTIES

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Address for notices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

attention of:

 

 

Telecopy:

 

 

Exhibit A- 3



 

Acknowledged by:

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Term Loan Collateral Agent

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Notes Collateral Agent

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

[EACH OTHER ADDITIONAL PARI PASSU

COLLATERAL AGENT], as Additional Pari Passu

Collateral Agent

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Exhibit A- 4



 

[FORM OF] GRANTOR JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [    ] dated as of [      ], 20[    ] (the “ Joinder Agreement ”) to the PARI PASSU INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of April 16, 2014 (the “ Pari Passu lntercreditor Agreement ”), among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the other GRANTORS party thereto, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Loan Collateral Agent, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent, each ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL AGENT from time to time party thereto and [                ], a [                  ], as an additional GRANTOR.

 

A.                                     Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Pari Passu lntercreditor Agreement.

 

B.                                     [                 ], a Subsidiary or the Borrower (the “ Additional Grantor ”), has  granted a Lien on all or a portion of its assets to secure Pari Passu Lien Obligations and such Additional Grantor is not a party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

C.                                     The Additional Grantor wishes to become a party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and to acquire and undertake the rights and obligations of a Grantor thereunder.  The Additional Grantor is entering into this Joinder Agreement in accordance with the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement in order to become a Grantor thereunder.

 

Accordingly, the Additional Grantor agrees as follows, for the benefit of the Collateral Agents, the Borrower and each other party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement:

 

SECTION 1.  Accession to the Intercreditor Agreement .  In accordance with Article III of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Additional Grantor (a) hereby accedes and becomes a party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement as a Grantor with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor, (b) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Pari Passu Interereditor Agreement and (c) shall have all the rights and obligations of a Grantor under the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

SECTION 2.  Representations, Warranties and Acknowledgment of the  Additional Grantor .  The Additional Grantor represents and warrants to each Collateral Agent and each Secured Party that this Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Additional Grantor and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

SECTION 3.  Counterparts .  This Joinder Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the Additional Grantor.  Delivery of an executed signature page to this Joinder

 

Exhibit B- 1



 

Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Joinder Agreement.

 

SECTION 4.  Benefit of Agreement The agreements set forth herein or undertaken pursuant hereto are for the benefit of, and may be enforced by, any party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.  Governing Law THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

SECTION 6.  Severability .  In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Joinder Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, none of the parties hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired.  The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

 

SECTION 7.  Notices .  All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 6.01 of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

SECTION 8.  The Additional Grantor agrees to reimburse each Collateral Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each Collateral Agent.

 

Exhibit B- 2



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Additional Grantor has duly executed this Joinder Agreement to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

[NAME OF SUBSIDIARY]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Exhibit B- 3



 

Acknowledged by:

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as

Term Loan Collateral Agent

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Notes Collateral Agent

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

[EACH OTHER ADDITIONAL

COLLATERAL AGENT], as Additional

Collateral Agent

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Exhibit B- 4




Exhibit 10.17

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

JUNIOR LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

 

dated as of April 16, 2014

 

among

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC,
FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
the other GRANTORS from time to time party hereto,

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as ABL Facility Agent
under the ABL Credit Agreement,

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Term Loan Collateral Agent
under the Term Loan Agreement,

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Notes Collateral Agent
under the Notes Security Documents,

 

and

 

each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent from time to time party hereto

 

 



 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

Section 1.

 

Definitions

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

Defined Terms

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

1.2

 

Terms Generally

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2.

 

Notes Collateral

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

2.1

 

Lien Priorities

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

Exercise of Remedies

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

2.3

 

Payments Over

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

Other Agreements

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

2.6

 

Reliance; Waivers; Etc.

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

2.7

 

Effectiveness of Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3.

 

ABL Collateral

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Lien Priorities

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Exercise of Remedies

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

3.3

 

Payments Over

 

36

 

 

 

 

 

3.4

 

Other Agreements

 

36

 

 

 

 

 

3.5

 

Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings

 

41

 

 

 

 

 

3.6

 

Reliance; Waivers; Etc.

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4.

 

Cooperation With Respect To ABL Collateral

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

4.1

 

[omitted]

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

4.2

 

Access to Information

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

4.3

 

[omitted]

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

4.4

 

Pari Passu Collateral Agents Assurances

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

4.5

 

Grantor Consent

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5.

 

Application of Proceeds

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

5.1

 

Application of Proceeds in Distributions by the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

5.2

 

Application of Proceeds in Distributions by the ABL Facility Agent

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

5.3

 

Set Off and Tracing of and Priorities in Proceeds

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

5.4

 

Allocation of Purchase Price

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

 

i



 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

Section 6.

 

Miscellaneous

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

6.1

 

Conflicts

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

6.2

 

Effectiveness; Continuing Nature of This Agreement; Severability

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

6.3

 

Amendments; Waivers

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

6.4

 

Information Concerning Financial Condition of Parent Borrower and Its Subsidiaries

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

6.5

 

Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

6.6

 

Notices

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

6.7

 

Further Assurances

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

6.8

 

APPLICABLE LAW

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

6.9

 

Binding on Successors and Assigns

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

6.10

 

Specific Performance

 

53

 

 

 

 

 

6.11

 

Headings

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

6.12

 

Counterparts

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

6.13

 

Authorization; No Conflict

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

6.14

 

No Third Party Beneficiaries

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

6.15

 

Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

6.16

 

Additional Grantors

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

6.17

 

Avoidance Issues

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

6.18

 

Intercreditor Agreement

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Form of Intercreditor Agreement Joinder

 

 

 

ii



 

This JUNIOR LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT is dated as of April 16, 2014 and is by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“OpCo Borrower”), FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Parent Borrower”), the other GRANTORS (as defined in Section 1.1) from time to time party hereto, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent (as defined below), WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent (as defined below), U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent (as defined below), and each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent (as defined below).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, certain of the Grantors have entered into a Credit Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified, refinanced or replaced, and in effect from time to time, the “ABL Credit Agreement”), among OpCo Borrower, the Parent Borrower, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ABL Lenders”), WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as administrative agent (in such capacity and together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “ABL Facility Agent”) and the other agents party thereto;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the various ABL Documents, Grantors have provided guarantees and security for the ABL Obligations;

 

WHEREAS, certain of the Grantors have entered into a Term Loan Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified, refinanced or replaced, and in effect from time to time, the “Term Loan Agreement” and, together with the ABL Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”), among the Parent Borrower, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Term Lenders” and, together with the ABL Lenders, the “Lenders”), WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as administrative agent (in such capacity and together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “Term Administrative Agent” and, together with the ABL Facility Agent and any administrative agent under any Additional Pari Passu Agreement (as defined below), the “Administrative Agents”), WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent (in such capacity and together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “Term Collateral Agent”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the various Term Documents, Grantors have provided guarantees and security for the Term Obligations;

 

WHEREAS, the Parent Borrower is party to an Indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, Refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Indenture”), among the Parent Borrower, the Grantors identified therein as guarantors and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as trustee (in such capacity and together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “Trustee”), and as collateral agent for the holders of Notes Obligations (in such capacity and together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “Notes Collateral Agent”);

 

1



 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the various Notes Documents, Grantors have provided guarantees and security for the Notes Obligations;

 

WHEREAS, the Parent Borrower and the other Grantors intend to secure the ABL Obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement and any other ABL Documents (including any Permitted Refinancing thereof) with a First Priority Lien on the ABL Collateral and a Second Priority Lien on the Notes Collateral;

 

WHEREAS, the Parent Borrower and the other Grantors intend to secure the Term Obligations under the Term Loan Agreement and any other Term Documents (including any Permitted Refinancing thereof) with a First Priority Lien on the Notes Collateral and a Second Priority Lien on the ABL Collateral;

 

WHEREAS, the Parent Borrower and the other Grantors intend to secure the Notes Obligations under the Indenture and any other Notes Documents (including any Permitted Refinancing thereof) with a First Priority Lien on the Notes Collateral and a Second Priority Lien on the ABL Collateral.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements, provisions and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Section 1.              Definitions.

 

1.1          Defined Terms.  The following terms when used in this Agreement, including its preamble and recitals, shall have the following meanings:

 

“ABL Collateral” means the following whether now owned or hereafter acquired, existing or arising and wherever located, other than any assets which constitute Excluded Assets or Notes Collateral:

 

(1)    all inventory in all of its forms, including, without limitation, (a) all raw materials, work in process, finished goods and materials used or consumed in the manufacture, production, preparation or shipping thereof, (b) goods in which any Grantor has an interest in mass or a joint or other interest or right of any kind (including, without limitation, goods in which any Grantor has an interest or right as consignee) and (c) goods that are returned to or repossessed or stopped in transit by any Grantor), and all accessions thereto and products thereof and documents, customs receipts, and shipping documents therefor, and all software that is embedded in and is part of the inventory (any and all such property being the “Inventory”);

 

(2)    all accounts, chattel paper (including, without limitation, tangible chattel paper and electronic chattel paper), instruments (including, without limitation, promissory notes), letter-of-credit rights, general intangibles (including, without limitation, payment intangibles) and other obligations of any kind, in each case arising out of or in connection with the sale or lease of goods or the rendering of services and whether or not earned by performance, and all rights now or hereafter existing in and to all supporting obligations and in and to all security agreements, mortgages, Liens, leases, letters of credit and other contracts securing or otherwise relating to the foregoing

 

2



 

property (any and all of such accounts, chattel paper, instruments, letter-of-credit rights, general intangibles and other obligations, being the “Receivables”, and any and all such supporting obligations, security agreements, mortgages, Liens, leases, letters of credit and other contracts being the “Related Contracts”);

 

(3)     the following (collectively, the “Account Collateral”):

 

(a)    Deposit Accounts and all funds and financial assets from time to time credited thereto (including, without limitation, all Cash Equivalents), all interest, dividends, distributions, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such funds and financial assets, and all certificates and instruments, if any, from time to time representing or evidencing the Deposit Accounts;

 

(b)    all certificates of deposit, deposit accounts, checks and other instruments from time to time delivered to or otherwise possessed by a Collateral Agent for or on behalf of a Grantor, including, without limitation, those delivered or possessed in substitution for or in addition to any or all of the then existing Account Collateral;

 

(c)    all collection accounts, disbursement accounts, lock-boxes, commodity accounts and securities accounts, including all cash, marketable securities, securities entitlements, financial assets and other funds and assets held in, on deposit in, or credited to any of the foregoing;

 

(d)    all interest, dividends, distributions, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the then existing Account Collateral;

 

(4)    all trademarks and other intellectual property pertaining to any of the ABL Collateral;

 

(5)    all books and records (including, without limitation, customer lists, credit files, printouts and other computer output materials and records) of any Grantor pertaining to any of the ABL Collateral; and

 

(6)    all proceeds of, collateral for, income, royalties and other payments now or hereafter due and payable with respect to, and supporting obligations relating to, any and all of the ABL Collateral (including, without limitation, proceeds, collateral and supporting obligations that constitute property of the types described in clauses (1) through (5) above and this clause (6)) and, to the extent not otherwise included, all (a) payments under insurance (whether or not the Collateral Agent is the loss payee thereof), or any indemnity, warranty or guaranty, payable by reason of loss or damage to or otherwise, in each case, with respect to any of the foregoing ABL Collateral and (b) tort claims, including, without limitation, all commercial tort claims, in each case with respect to the foregoing ABL Collateral.

 

“ABL Credit Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

3



 

“ABL Documents” means the ABL Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) and each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for or evidencing any ABL Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any ABL Obligations), and any other document or instrument executed or delivered at any time in connection with any ABL Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any ABL Obligations), together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing.

 

“ABL Facility Agent” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto and includes any New ABL Agent to the extent set forth in Section 3.4(g).

 

“ABL Facility Senior Lien” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a)(iv).

 

“ABL Lenders” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“ABL Obligations” means all obligations (including guaranty obligation) of every nature of each Grantor from time to time owed to the ABL Secured Parties or any of them, under any ABL Document (including any ABL Document in respect of a Permitted Refinancing of any ABL Obligations), whether for principal, premium, interest (including interest which, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to Parent Borrower, OpCo Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries, would have accrued on any ABL Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any ABL Obligations or Hedge Obligations or Bank Product Obligations permitted under the ABL Document), whether or not a claim is allowed against such Person for such interest in the related bankruptcy proceeding), reimbursement of amounts drawn under (and obligations to cash collateralize) letters of credit and bank guaranties, fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise.

 

“ABL Permitted Liens” means the “Permitted Liens” under, and as defined in, the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“ABL Secured Parties” means the lenders (including, in any event, each letter of credit issuer and each swingline lender) and agents under the ABL Credit Agreement, any Hedge Provider providing Hedge Obligations or Bank Product Provider providing Bank Product Obligations permitted under the ABL Documents and secured by the ABL Collateral and all new ABL Secured Parties to the extent set forth in Section 3.4(g).

 

“ABL Security Agreement” means the Guaranty and Security Agreement (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement).

 

“ABL Security Documents” means the ABL Security Agreement, the Control Agreements, the Copyright Security Agreement and the Trademark Security Agreement (each as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted securing any ABL Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any ABL Obligations) or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing.

 

“ABL Standstill Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a)(i).

 

4



 

“Additional Pari Passu Agreement” means any agreement covering any additional indebtedness constituting secured obligations under the Pari Passu Documents (pursuant to a joinder agreement to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement), to the extent such secured indebtedness is permitted to be incurred in accordance with the Indenture, the Term Loan Agreement and the ABL Credit Agreement and the terms of such joinder agreement subject the agent and the holders of such indebtedness to the terms of this Agreement.

 

“Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent” means any Additional Collateral Agent (as defined in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement).

 

“Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties” means each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent, any other agent or trustee for holders of Pari Passu Lien Obligations pursuant to Additional Pari Passu Agreements, any such holders and any and all new Pari Passu Secured Parties to the extent set forth in Section 2.4(f)(vii) hereof.

 

“Additional Pari Passu Security Documents” means any security agreement and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted securing any Pari Passu Lien Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Pari Passu Lien Obligation) under any Additional Pari Passu Agreement or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing.

 

“Administrative Agents” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Agreement” means this Intercreditor Agreement as the same may be amended, modified, restated and/or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.

 

“Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent” means the “Authorized Collateral Agent” as defined in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.  On the date of this Agreement, the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent is the Term Collateral Agent.  Upon a change of the Pari Passu Collateral Agent acting as “Authorized Collateral Agent” pursuant to the terms of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, such Pari Passu Collateral Agent shall provide notice to each Collateral Agent that such Pari Passu Collateral Agent is acting in such capacity in the manner set forth in Section 6.6 hereof.

 

“Bank Product Obligations” has the meaning given to it in the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“Bank Product Provider” has the meaning given to it in the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.

 

“Bankruptcy Law” means any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or relief of debtors or any amendment to, succession to or change in any such law, including, without limitation, the Bankruptcy Code.

 

5



 

“Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be in Fort Worth, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia or New York, New York, a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close.

 

Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares, interests (including general or limited partnership interests, limited liability company or membership interests or limited liability partnership interests), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock; provided, however, that equity-based compensation awards that by their terms may only be settled in cash shall not be deemed to be capital stock.

 

“Cash Equivalents” means:

 

(1)     United States dollars and such local currencies held by the any Grantor from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

 

(2)     securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof ( provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof), maturing, unless such securities are deposited to defease any Indebtedness, not more than 365 days from the date of acquisition;

 

(3)     deposits, certificates of deposit and time deposits, money market accounts, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding 365 days and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state, commonwealth or territory thereof or Canada or any province or territory thereof having capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and a rating at the time of acquisition thereof of P-1 or better from Moody’s or A-1 or better from S&P or a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better;

 

(4)     repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;

 

(5)     commercial paper having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from Moody’s or S&P and in each case maturing within nine months after the date of acquisition;

 

(6)     securities issued and fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, rated at least “A” by Moody’s or S&P and having maturities of not more than 365 days from the date of acquisition; and

 

(7)     money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (6) of this definition.

 

6



 

“Collateral” means all property (whether real, personal, movable or immovable) with respect to which any security interests have been granted (or purported to be granted) by any Grantor pursuant to any ABL Security Document or Pari Passu Security Document.

 

“Collateral Agents” means each Pari Passu Collateral Agent and the ABL Facility Agent.

 

“Credit Agreements” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Deposit Accounts” means any checking or other demand deposit account maintained by any Grantor.

 

“DIP Financing” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a)(i).

 

“Discharge of ABL Obligations” means, except to the extent otherwise provided in this Agreement with respect to the reinstatement or continuation of any ABL Obligations under certain circumstances, the payment in full in cash (except for contingent indemnities and cost and reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made) of all ABL Obligations then outstanding, if any, and, with respect to letters of credit or letter of credit guaranties outstanding under the ABL Credit Agreement, delivery of cash collateral or backstop letters of credit in respect thereof in a manner consistent with the ABL Credit Agreement, in each case after or concurrently with the termination of all commitments to extend credit thereunder, and the termination of all commitments of all ABL Secured Parties thereunder); provided that the Discharge of ABL Obligations shall not be deemed to have occurred if such payments are made in connection with the establishment of a replacement ABL Credit Facility (as such term is defined in the Indenture). In the event the ABL Obligations are modified and the ABL Obligations are paid over time or otherwise modified pursuant to Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, the ABL Obligations shall be deemed to be discharged when the final payment is made, in cash, in respect of such indebtedness and any obligations pursuant to such new indebtedness shall have been satisfied.

 

“Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations” means, except to the extent otherwise provided in this Agreement with respect to the reinstatement or continuation of any Pari Passu Lien Obligation under certain circumstances, payment in full in cash (except for contingent indemnities and cost and reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made) of all Pari Passu Lien Obligations and, with respect to any letters of credit or letter of credit guaranties outstanding under the Pari Passu Documents, delivery of cash collateral or backstop letters of credit in respect thereof in a manner consistent with such Pari Passu Document, in each case after or concurrently with the termination of all commitments to extend credit thereunder, and the termination of all commitments of the Pari Passu Secured Parties under the Pari Passu Documents; provided that the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations shall not be deemed to have occurred if such payments are made with the proceeds of other Pari Passu Lien Obligations that constitute a Permitted Refinancing of such Pari Passu Lien Obligations. In the event the Pari Passu Lien Obligations are modified and the Pari Passu Lien Obligations are paid over time or otherwise modified pursuant to Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Pari Passu Lien Obligations shall be deemed to be discharged when the final payment is made, in cash, in respect

 

7



 

of such indebtedness and any obligations pursuant to such modified indebtedness shall have been satisfied.

 

“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent Borrower organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States that is not a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

“Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

 

“Excluded Assets” means:

 

(1)    all of each Grantor’s right, title and interest in any real property, fixtures and equipment not constituting Inventory (including all vehicles and other rolling stock) of such Grantor (whether now owned or acquired following the date hereof);

 

(2)    any permit, lease, license, contract, property rights, agreement, trademark or other intellectual property, to which a Grantor is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder if and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in (a) the abandonment, invalidation, cancellation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of such Grantor therein or (b) a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any such permit, lease, license, contract, property rights, agreement, trademark or other intellectual property (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable requirement of law or principles of equity);

 

(3)    any trademark or other intellectual property application to the extent the grant of a security interest therein would invalidate such application;

 

(4)    fixed or capital assets that are subject to a purchase money Lien or a capital lease in each case that constitutes a “Permitted Lien” under the ABL Documents or Pari Passu Documents, to the extent granting a security interest therein would be prohibited or require third party consent that cannot be obtained after use of commercially reasonable efforts;

 

(5)    motor vehicles (or any equipment stored on or in any such motor vehicle), other goods covered by certificates of title or ownership or other rolling stock (whether or not covered by certificates of title or ownership);

 

(6)    cash collateral for letters of credit or hedging obligations permitted by the ABL Documents and the Pari Passu Documents securing, in the case of letters of credit, an amount not to exceed 105% of the face amount of cash collateralized letters of credit for the benefit of the Grantors and, in the case of hedging obligations, not to exceed 105% of the amount of such hedging obligations;

 

8


 

(7)    any Equity Interests of any joint venture, partnership or other entity to the extent granting a security interest therein would constitute a default or termination under the terms of the joint venture agreement, partnership agreement, other organizational documents or other agreement of (or covering or purporting to cover the assets of) such joint venture, partnership or entity or its parent (that is not a Grantor) or result in the abandonment or invalidation of the Parent Borrower’s or any Subsidiary of the Parent Borrower’s interest in such joint venture, partnership or other entity;

 

(8)    Equity Interests in excess of 65% of all outstanding voting Equity Interests of any First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary or any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco;

 

(9)    Equity Interests in (a) an Immaterial Subsidiary, (b) any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary, and (c) an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

(10)    assets owned by any Grantor that are located outside of the United States (other than foreign Equity Interests as otherwise provided herein) to the extent a Lien on such assets cannot be created under the United States federal law or the laws of any State of the United States or the District of Columbia;

 

(11)    any commercial tort claims or any letter of credit rights (other than supporting obligations constituting ABL Collateral);

 

(12)    proceeds and products of the foregoing to the extent they are also Excluded Assets; and

 

(13)    (a) deposit accounts specifically and exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the employees of any Grantor established and used in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation deposit and securities accounts the balance of which consists exclusively of (i) withheld income taxes and federal, state or local employment taxes in such amounts as are required to be paid to the Internal Revenue Service or state or local government agencies within the following two months with respect to employees of any Grantor, and (ii) amounts required to be paid over to an employee benefit plan pursuant to DOL Reg. Sec. 2510.3-102 on behalf of or for the benefit of employees of any Grantor, (b) all segregated deposit accounts constituting (and the balance of which consists solely of funds set aside in connection with) tax accounts and trust accounts, (c) any deposit or concentration accounts, the deposits in which shall not aggregate more than $2,500,000 or exceed $1,000,000 with respect to any one account for a period of five consecutive business days, (d) any insurance trust accounts maintained in the ordinary course of business and holding only funds necessary to fund the accrued insurance obligations of any Grantor in respect of self-insured health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, and (e) any escrow accounts required to be maintained in connection with any Permitted Investments or Asset Sales, in each case as defined under the Pari Passu Documents and the ABL Documents;

 

9



 

provided that, if any aforementioned asset or the proceeds thereof no longer constitute Excluded Assets, such asset shall immediately constitute ABL Collateral or Notes Collateral, as the case may be, and a Lien on such asset shall immediately attach thereto.

 

“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent Borrower other than a Domestic Subsidiary.

 

“Foreign Subsidiary Holdco” means a Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent Borrower all or substantially all of the assets of which consist of Capital Stock of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries and/or other Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this definition, FTS International Services, LLC shall not be considered to be a Foreign Subsidiary Holdco.

 

“First Priority” means, (i) with respect to any Lien purported to be created on any ABL Collateral pursuant to any ABL Security Document, that such Lien is prior in right to any other Lien thereon, other than any ABL Permitted Liens (excluding Liens securing any Pari Passu Lien Obligations) applicable to such ABL Collateral which as a matter of law have priority over the respective Liens on such ABL Collateral created pursuant to the relevant ABL Security Document (“ABL Prior Liens”) and (ii) with respect to any Lien purported to be created on any Notes Collateral pursuant to any Pari Passu Security Documents, that such Lien is prior in right to any other Lien thereon, other than (x) any Notes Permitted Liens applicable to such Notes Collateral which as a matter of law have priority over the respective Liens on such Notes Collateral created pursuant to the relevant Pari Passu Document (“Notes Prior Liens”) and (y) other Liens securing other Pari Passu Secured Obligations that are subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

“First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary” means any Foreign Subsidiary the Equity Interests of which are owned directly by a Grantor.

 

“Grantors” means OpCo Borrower, the Parent Borrower and each of their respective Subsidiaries that have executed and delivered, or may from time to time hereafter execute and deliver, an ABL Security Document, a Term Security Document, a Notes Security Document or an Additional Pari Passu Security Document.

 

“Hedge Obligations” has the meaning given to it in the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“Hedge Provider” has the meaning given to it in the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“Immaterial Subsidiary” means, as of any date, any Restricted Subsidiary whose total assets, as of that date, are less than $100,000 or whose total revenues for the most recent 12-month period do not exceed $100,000.

 

“Indebtedness” has the meaning given to it in the Indenture as in effect on the date hereof.

 

“Indenture” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

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“Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding” means, with respect to any person, any (a) insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, readjustment, composition or other similar proceeding relating to such person or its property or creditors in such capacity, (b) proceeding for any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of such person, whether voluntary or involuntary, and whether or not involving insolvency or proceedings under the Bankruptcy Code, whether partial or complete and whether by operation of law or otherwise, (c) assignment for the benefit of creditors of such person or (d) other marshalling of the assets of such person.

 

“Intercreditor Agreement Joinder” means an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A.

 

“Inventory” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “ABL Collateral” in Section 1.1.

 

“Lender” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof).

 

“New ABL Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(g).

 

“New Pari Passu Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(g).

 

“Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s (as defined in the Indenture) books.

 

“Notes” means the 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 issued pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, including any “Additional Notes” as defined in the Indenture.

 

“Notes Collateral” the following whether now owned or hereafter acquired, existing or arising and wherever located, other than any assets which constitute Excluded Assets or ABL Collateral:

 

(1)           100% of the Capital Stock of all Domestic Subsidiaries of any Grantor other than Domestic Subsidiaries that are Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos; and

 

(2)           65% of the voting Capital Stock and 100% of the non-voting Capital Stock, if any, of all First Tier Foreign Subsidiaries and all Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos owned by any Grantor;

 

provided, that in no event shall Notes Collateral included or be deemed to include any rights in respect of (1) voting Equity Interests in excess of 65% of all outstanding Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary or any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco, or (2) any assets of any Foreign Subsidiary.

 

“Notes Collateral Agent” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

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“Notes Collateral Senior Lien” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a)(iv).

 

“Notes Documents” means the Indenture, the Notes, the Notes Security Documents and each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for or evidencing any Permitted Refinancing of any Notes Obligations, and any other document or instrument executed or delivered at any time in connection therewith, together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing.

 

“Notes Obligations” means all obligations (including guaranty obligations) of every nature of each Grantor from time to time owed to the Notes Secured Parties or any of them, under any Notes Document (including any Notes Document in respect of a Permitted Refinancing of any Notes Obligations), whether for principal, premium, interest (including interest which, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to Parent Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, would have accrued on any Notes Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Notes Obligations), whether or not a claim is allowed against such Person for such interest in the related bankruptcy proceeding), fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise including, for the avoidance of doubt, Obligations in respect of exchange notes and guarantees thereof, Obligations with respect to Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness related thereto and Obligations in respect of all fees of, reimbursement of expenses incurred by, indemnifications, damages and any other liabilities payable to, each of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent.

 

“Notes Permitted Liens” means “Permitted Liens” under, and as defined in, any Pari Passu Document and any other Lien that is permitted to exist under any Pari Passu Document.

 

“Notes Prior Lien” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “First Priority” in Section 1.1.

 

“Notes Secured Parties” means the Notes Collateral Agent, the Trustee for the Noteholders pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and the Notes Documents (including any other agent for either the Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee) and the Noteholders.

 

“Notes Security Agreement” means the Security Agreement (as defined in the Indenture).

 

“Notes Security Documents” means the Notes Security Agreement and the other Security Documents (as defined in the Indenture) and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted securing any Notes Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Notes Obligations) or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing.

 

“Notes Standstill Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).

 

“Obligations” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including, without limitation, reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances), damages and other liabilities payable under the

 

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documentation governing any Indebtedness; provided that, except as otherwise provided in the definition of Note Obligations, to avoid double counting, Obligations with respect to the Notes shall not include fees or indemnifications in favor of the Trustee and other third parties other than the holders of the Notes.

 

“OpCo Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Parent Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Pari Passu Collateral Agents” means the Notes Collateral Agent, the Term Collateral Agent and each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent.

 

“Pari Passu Documents” means the credit, guarantee and security documents governing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations (and any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations), including, without limitation,the Term Documents, the Notes Documents, any Additional Pari Passu Agreement and any Additional Pari Passu Security Documents.

 

“Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement” means the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time by and among the Term Collateral Agent, the Notes Collateral Agent, Parent Borrower, the other Grantors party thereto and each Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent from time to time party thereto.

 

“Pari Passu Lien Obligation” means the Notes Obligations, the Term Obligations and any Obligations under an Additional Pari Passu Agreement.

 

“Pari Passu Secured Parties” means the Term Secured Parties, the Notes Secured Parties and any Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties.

 

“Pari Passu Security Documents” means the Term Security Documents, the Notes Security Documents and any Additional Pari Passu Security Documents.

 

“Permitted Refinancing” means, as to any Indebtedness, the Refinancing of such Indebtedness with other Indebtedness (“Refinancing Indebtedness”); provided that the following conditions are satisfied with respect to such Refinancing Indebtedness:

 

(i)            the principal amount or commitment amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be less than or equal to the principal amount or commitment amount then outstanding of the Indebtedness being Refinanced, except to the extent an increase in the principal amount or commitment amount thereof is not prohibited at such time pursuant to the ABL Documents and the Pari Passu Documents which shall remain in effect after giving effect to such Refinancing; and

 

(ii)           the terms applicable to such Refinancing Indebtedness and, if applicable, the related guarantees of such Refinancing Indebtedness, shall not violate the applicable requirements contained in any Pari Passu Documents or ABL Documents which remain outstanding after giving effect to the respective Permitted Refinancing (including any definition related thereto).

 

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“Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or other business entity or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

“Pledged ABL Collateral” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(f).

 

“Pledged Notes Collateral” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(f)(i).

 

“Preferred Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person that has preferential rights to any other Capital Stock of such Person with respect to dividends or redemptions upon liquidation.

 

“Proceeds” means all “proceeds” as such term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC as in effect in the State of New York on the date hereof and, in any event, shall also include, but not be limited to, (i) any and all proceeds of any insurance, indemnity, warranty or guaranty payable to any Collateral Agent or any Grantor from time to time with respect to any of the Collateral, (ii) any and all claims against third parties arising from the loss or destruction of, or damage to, any of the Collateral, (iii) any and all payments (in any form whatsoever) made or due and payable to any Grantor from time to time in connection with any requisition, confiscation, condemnation, seizure or forfeiture of all or any part of the Collateral by any governmental authority (or any person acting under color of governmental authority) and (iv) any and all other amounts from time to time paid or payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral.

 

“Recovery” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.17.

 

“Refinance” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, retire, defease, amend, modify, supplement, restructure, replace, refund or repay, or to issue other Indebtedness, in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness in whole or in part.  “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

 

“Restricted Subsidiary” has the meaning given to it in the Indenture.

 

“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency or commission.

 

“Second Priority” means, (i) with respect to any Lien purported to be created on any Notes Collateral pursuant to the ABL Security Documents, that such Lien is prior in right to any other Lien thereon, other than (x) the First Priority Liens of the Pari Passu Secured Parties created by the Pari Passu Security Documents, (y) ABL Prior Liens and (z) Notes Prior Liens, provided that in no event shall any such Notes Prior Lien be permitted (on a consensual basis) to be junior and subordinate to any First Priority Liens of the Pari Passu Secured Parties created by the Pari Passu Security Documents and senior in priority to the relevant Liens created pursuant to the ABL Security Documents, and (ii) with respect to any Lien purported to be created on any ABL Collateral pursuant to the Pari Passu Security Documents, that such Lien is prior in right to any other Lien thereon, other than (w) other Liens securing other Pari Passu Secured Obligations that are subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, (x) the First Priority Liens of the ABL Secured Parties created by the ABL Security Documents, (y) Notes Prior Liens and (z) ABL

 

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Prior Liens; provided that in no event shall any such ABL Prior Lien be permitted (on a consensual basis) to be junior and subordinate to the First Priority Liens created by the ABL Security Documents and senior in priority to the relevant Liens created pursuant to the Pari Passu Security Documents.

 

“Secured Parties” means the ABL Secured Parties, the Pari Passu Secured Parties and the Additional Pari Passu Secured Parties.

 

“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.

 

“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned by such Person.  Unless otherwise indicated, when used herein the term “Subsidiary” shall refer to a Subsidiary of the Parent Borrower.

 

“Term Administrative Agent” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Term Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Term Collateral Agent” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Term Documents” means (x) the Term Loan Agreement and the Loan Documents (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement), and (y) each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for or evidencing any Term Obligation (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Term Obligation), and any other document or instrument executed or delivered at any time in connection with any Term Obligation (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Term Obligation), together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing.

 

“Term Lenders” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Term Loan Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“Term Obligations” means all obligations (including guaranty obligations) of every nature of each Grantor, from time to time owed to the Term Secured Parties or any of them, under any Term Document (including any Term Document in respect of a Permitted Refinancing of any Term Obligations), whether for principal, premium, interest (including interest which, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to such Person, would have accrued on any Term Obligation (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Term Obligations), whether or not a claim is allowed against Parent Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for such interest in the related bankruptcy proceeding), fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise.

 

“Term Secured Parties” means the lenders and agents under the Term Loan Agreement and shall include all former lenders under the Term Loan Agreement to the extent

 

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that any Term Obligations owing to such Persons were incurred while such Persons were lenders under the Term Loan Agreement and such Term Obligations have not been paid or satisfied in full.

 

“Term Security Agreement” means the Guaranty and Security Agreement (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement).

 

“Term Security Documents” means the Guaranty and Security Agreement and the other Security Documents (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted securing any Term Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Term Obligation) or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing.

 

“Trustee” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

 

“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the relevant jurisdiction.

 

“Unrestricted Subsidiary” has the meaning given to it in the Indenture.

 

“U.S. GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.

 

1.2            Terms Generally.  The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.  The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.”  The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.”  Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, (d) all references herein to Exhibits or Sections shall be construed to refer to Exhibits or Sections of this Agreement, (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights, (f) terms defined in the UCC but not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings herein as are assigned thereto in the UCC, (g) reference to any law means such law as amended, modified, codified, replaced or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect on the date hereof, including rules, regulations, enforcement procedures and any interpretations promulgated thereunder, (h) references to Sections or clauses shall refer to those portions of this Agreement, and any references to a clause shall, unless otherwise identified, refer to the appropriate clause within the same Section in which such reference occurs and (i) references to any action on the part of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and/or the Pari Passu Secured Parties shall include a reference to

 

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the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent acting on their behalf, to the extent it is entitled to do so in accordance with the terms of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement .

 

Section 2.              Notes Collateral.

 

2.1          Lien Priorities.

 

(a)           Relative Priorities.  Notwithstanding (i) the time, manner, order or method of grant, creation, attachment or perfection of any Liens securing the ABL Obligations granted on the Notes Collateral or of any Liens securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations granted on the Notes Collateral, (ii) the validity or enforceability of the security interests and Liens granted in favor of any Collateral Agent or any Secured Party on the Notes Collateral, (iii) the date on which any ABL Obligation s or Pari Passu Lien Obligations are extended, (iv) any provision of the UCC or any other applicable law, including any rule for determining priority thereunder or under any other law or rule governing the relative priorities of secured creditors, including with respect to real property or fixtures, (v) any provision set forth in any ABL Document or any Pari Passu Document (other than this Agreement), (vi) the possession or control by any Collateral Agent, any Secured Party or any bailee of all or any part of any Notes Collateral as of the date hereof or otherwise, or (vii) any other circumstance whatsoever, the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agree that:

 

(i)            any Lien on the Notes Collateral securing any Pari Passu Lien Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Notes Collateral securing any of the ABL Obligations; and

 

(ii)           any Lien on the Notes Collateral now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the ABL Facility Agent, any ABL Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Notes Collateral securing any Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

All Liens on the Notes Collateral securing any Pari Passu Lien Obligations shall be and shall remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Notes Collateral securing any ABL Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing any Pari Passu Lien Obligations are subordinated to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Parent Borrower, any other Grantor or any other Person.

 

(b)           Prohibition on Contesting Liens.  Each of the ABL Facility Agent, for itself and on behalf of each ABL Secured Party , and each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) contest or support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), (i) the priority, validity or enforceability of a Lien held by or on behalf of any of the Pari Passu Secured Parties in the Notes Collateral or by or on behalf of any of the ABL Secured Parties in the Notes Collateral, as the case may be or (ii) the validity or enforceability of any ABL Security Document (or any ABL Obligations

 

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thereunder), or any Pari Passu Security Document (or any Pari Passu Lien Obligations thereunder); provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any of the Collateral Agents or any Secured Party to enforce this Agreement, including the priority of the Liens on the Notes Collateral securing the ABL Obligations and the Pari Passu Lien Obligations as provided in Sections 2.1(a), 2.2(a) and 2.2(b).

 

(c)           No New Liens.  So long as the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has not occurred, the parties hereto agree that the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor shall not grant or permit any additional Liens on any asset or property of any Grantor to secure any ABL Obligation s or Pari Passu Lien Obligations unless it has granted or contemporaneously grants (x) (i) a First Priority Lien on such asset or property to secure the Pari Passu Lien Obligations if such asset or property constitutes Notes Collateral or (ii) a Second Priority Lien on such asset or property to secure the Pari Passu Lien Obligations if such asset or property constitutes ABL Collateral and (y)(i) a Second Priority Lien on such asset or property to secure the ABL Obligations if such asset or property constitutes Notes Collateral or (ii) a Pari Passu Lien on such asset or property to secure the ABL Obligations if such asset or property constitutes ABL Collateral.  To the extent that the provisions of clause (x)(i) in the immediately preceding sentence are not complied with for any reason, without limiting any other rights and remedies available to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and/or the Pari Passu Secured Parties, the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of ABL Secured Parties, agrees that any amounts received by or distributed to any of them pursuant to or as a result of Liens on the ABL Collateral granted in contravention of such clause (x)(i) of this Section 2.1(c) shall be subject to Section 2.3.

 

(d)           Effectiveness of Lien Priorities.  Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that the Lien priorities provided for in this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired in any manner whatsoever, including, without limitation, on account of:  (i) the invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of all or any part of the ABL Documents or the Pari Passu Documents; (ii) any amendment, change or modification of any ABL Documents or Pari Passu Documents; or (iii) any impairment, modification, change, exchange, release or subordination of or limitation on, any liability of, or stay of actions or lien enforcement proceedings against, Parent Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries party to any of the ABL Documents or the Pari Passu Documents, its property, or its estate in bankruptcy resulting from any bankruptcy, arrangement, readjustment, composition, liquidation, rehabilitation, similar proceeding or otherwise involving or affecting any Secured Party.

 

2.2          Exercise of Remedies.

 

(a)           So long as the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has not occurred, prior to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding having been commenced by or against OpCo Borrower, the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor:

 

(i)            none of the ABL Facility Agent or the ABL Secured Parties will exercise or seek to exercise any rights or remedies (including setoff) with respect to any Notes Collateral (including, without limitation, the exercise of any right under any lockbox agreement, account control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement in respect of Notes Collateral to which the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party is a party, and including the enforcement of or execution on any judgment Lien on any Notes

 

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Collateral ) or institute or commence, or join with any Person (other than the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties) in commencing, any action or proceeding with respect to such rights or remedies (including any action of foreclosure, enforcement, collection or execution); provided, however, that the ABL Facility Agent may exercise any or all such rights after the passage of a period of 180 days from the date of delivery of a notice in writing to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents of the ABL Facility Agent’s intention to exercise its right to take such actions following an “Event of Default” as defined in the ABL Documents and, as a result of such “Event of Default”, the principal and interest under such ABL Documents has become due and payable (the “Notes Standstill Period”); provided, further, however, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, neither the ABL Facility Agent nor any ABL Secured Party will exercise any rights or remedies with respect to any Notes Collateral if, notwithstanding the expiration of the Notes Standstill Period, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or Pari Passu Secured Parties shall have commenced the exercise of any of their rights or remedies with respect to all or any portion of the Notes Collateral (prompt notice of such exercise to be given to the ABL Facility Agent) and are diligently pursuing (within such 180-consecutive day period) the exercise thereof; and provided, however, that nothing in this Section 2.2(a) shall be construed to authorize the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party to sell any Notes Collateral free of the Lien of any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party.

 

(ii)           the Pari Passu Collateral Agents shall have the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff and the right to credit bid their debt) and make determinations regarding the foreclosure upon, disposition of, or restrictions with respect to, the Notes Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party; provided that:

 

(1)           the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party may file a claim or statement of interest with respect to the ABL Obligations, as applicable; provided that an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor;

 

(2)           the ABL Facility Agent may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the Notes Collateral securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, or the rights of any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or the Pari Passu Secured Parties to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to preserve or protect its Lien on the Notes Collateral;

 

(3)           the ABL Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any necessary responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims of the ABL Secured Parties, including without limitation any claims secured by the Notes Collateral, if any, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(4)           the ABL Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors of the Grantors arising under either the Bankruptcy Law or

 

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applicable non-bankruptcy law, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(5)           the ABL Secured Parties shall be entitled to vote on any plan of reorganization and file any proof of claim in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise and other filings and make any arguments and motions that are, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, with respect to the Notes Collateral; and

 

(6)           the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party may exercise any of its rights or remedies with respect to the Notes Collateral after the termination of the Notes Standstill Period to the extent not prohibited by clause (i) above.

 

Subject to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, in exercising rights and remedies with respect to the Notes Collateral, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties may enforce the provisions of the Pari Passu Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as they may determine in the exercise of their sole discretion.  Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of an agent appointed by them to sell or otherwise dispose of Notes Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition, and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.

 

(b)           [omitted] .

 

(c)           The ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that it will not take or receive any Notes Collateral or any proceeds of Notes Collateral in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff) with respect to any Notes Collateral , including in respect of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, unless and until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has occurred, except as expressly provided in the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 2.2(a) or in Section 4.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (x) unless and until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has occurred, except as expressly provided in the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 2.2(a) or in Section 4, the sole right of the ABL Facility Agent, the ABL Secured Parties with respect to the Notes Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Notes Collateral pursuant to the ABL Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has occurred in accordance with the terms hereof, the Pari Passu Documents and applicable law.

 

(d)           Subject to the proviso s in clause (ii) of Section 2.2(a):

 

(i)            the ABL Facility Agent, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties will not take any action that would hinder any exercise of remedies under the Pari Passu Documents with respect to the Notes Collateral or is otherwise prohibited hereunder, including any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of the Notes Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise; notwithstanding

 

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this clause (i) the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party may file a claim or statement of interest with respect to the ABL Obligations; provided that an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor ; and

 

(ii)           the ABL Facility Agent, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, hereby waives any and all rights it or the ABL Secured Parties may have as a junior lien creditor with respect to the Notes Collateral or otherwise to object to the manner in which the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the Pari Passu Secured Parties seek to enforce or collect the Pari Passu Lien Obligations or the Liens granted in any of the Notes Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or Pari Passu Secured Parties is adverse to the interest of the ABL Secured Parties, provided, that, the foregoing should not be construed to waive or limit the rights of the ABL Facility Agent under Section 4 hereof.

 

(e)           The ABL Facility Agent hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any ABL Document (other than this Agreement) shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the Pari Passu Secured Parties with respect to the Notes Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the Pari Passu Documents.

 

2.3          Payments Over.

 

(a)           So long as the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has not occurred, any Notes Collateral, cash proceeds thereof or non-cash proceeds thereof not constituting ABL Collateral received by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Parties in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff) relating to the Notes Collateral, including in respect of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, shall be segregated and held in trust and forthwith paid over to the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Pari Passu Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, for application in accordance with Section 5.1 of this Agreement.  The Pari Passu Collateral Agents are hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for the ABL Facility Agent or any such ABL Secured Parties.  This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.

 

2.4          Other Agreements.

 

(a)           Releases by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents.

 

(i)             If, in connection with:

 

(A)          the exercise of any Pari Passu Collateral Agent’s remedies in respect of the Notes Collateral provided for in Section 2.2(a), including any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any such Notes Collateral (and such remedies include for purposes of this Agreement, any sale , lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of the Notes Collateral by or on behalf of any Grantor at any time after an Event of Default under the Pari Passu Documents has occurred and is continuing, that is approved or consented to by any Pari Passu Collateral Agent); or

 

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(B)                                any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any Notes Collateral not prohibited under, and any accompanying release of Liens required by, the terms of the Pari Passu Documents and the ABL Documents,

 

each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, releases any of its Liens on any part of the Notes Collateral, then the Liens, if any, of the ABL Facility Agent, for itself or for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties, on such Notes Collateral (but not the Proceeds thereof, which shall be subject to the priorities set forth in this Agreement) shall be automatically, unconditionally and simultaneously released and the ABL Facility Agent, for itself or on behalf of any such ABL Secured Parties, promptly shall execute and deliver to the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent or such Grantor such termination statements, releases and other documents as the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent or such Grantor, in either case at the expense of such Grantor, may reasonably request to effectively confirm such release; provided that in the case of clause (a)(i) above, any proceeds of such disposition, shall be applied in accordance with this Agreement.

 

(ii)                                   Until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations occurs, the ABL Facility Agent, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and any officer or agent of any Pari Passu Collateral Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney in fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the ABL Facility Agent or such holder or in any Pari Passu Collateral Agent’s name, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Section 2.4(a) with respect to Notes Collateral, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Section 2.4(a) with respect to Notes Collateral, including any endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.

 

(iii)                                Until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations occurs, to the extent that the Pari Passu Secured Parties (a) have released any Lien on Notes Collateral and any such Lien is later reinstated or (b) obtain any new Pari Passu Liens on assets constituting Notes Collateral from Grantors, then the relevant Grantor shall grant a Second Priority Lien on any such Notes Collateral.

 

(iv)                               If, prior to the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, a subordination of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents’ Liens on any Notes Collateral is not prohibited under the Pari Passu Documents and the ABL Credit Agreement to another Lien not prohibited under the Pari Passu Documents and the ABL Credit Agreement (a “Notes Collateral Senior Lien”), then the Pari Passu Collateral Agents are authorized to execute and deliver a subordination agreement with respect thereto in form and substance satisfactory to them, and the ABL Facility Agent, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, shall promptly execute and deliver to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents an identical subordination agreement subordinating the Liens of the ABL Facility Agents for the benefit of (and on behalf of) the ABL Secured Parties to such  Senior Lien.

 

(b)                                  [omitted].

 

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(c)                                   Insurance.  Unless and until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has occurred, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Grantors under the Pari Passu Documents, to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Notes Collateral  in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding (or any deed in lieu of condemnation) in respect of the Notes Collateral.  Following the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, unless and until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Grantors under the ABL Documents, to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Notes Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding (or any deed in lieu of condemnation) in respect of the Notes Collateral.

 

(d)                                  Amendments to ABL Security Documents.  Without the prior written consent of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, no ABL Security Document may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or entered into to the extent such amendment, supplement or modification, or the terms of any new ABL Document, would contravene the provisions of this Agreement.  Grantors agree that each ABL Security Document shall include the following language (with any necessary modifications to give effect to applicable definitions) (or language to similar effect):

 

“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the liens and security interests granted to the ABL Facility Agent pursuant to this Agreement in any Notes Collateral and the exercise of any right or remedy by the ABL Facility Agent with respect to any Notes Collateral hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Intercreditor Agreement”), among FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the other GRANTORS from time to time party thereto, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent, and certain other persons party or that may become party thereto from time to time.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.”

 

(e)                                   Rights As Unsecured Creditors.  Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor that has guaranteed the ABL Obligations in accordance with the terms of the ABL Documents and applicable law.  Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Parties of payments of interest, principal and other amounts in respect of the ABL Obligations, as applicable, so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of the exercise by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Parties of rights or remedies as a secured creditor (including setoff) in respect of the Notes Collateral or enforcement of any Lien held by any of them in each case prior to the Discharge of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

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(f)                                    Bailee for Perfection.

 

(i)                                      Each Pari Passu Collateral Agent agrees to hold that part of the Notes Collateral that is in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees) to the extent that possession or control thereof is taken to perfect a Lien thereon under the UCC (such Notes Collateral being the “Pledged Notes Collateral”) first as collateral agent for the Pari Passu Secured Parties and second as bailee for and, with respect to any collateral that cannot be perfected in such manner, as agent for, the ABL Facility Agent (on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties) and any assignee thereof and act as such agent under all control agreements relating to the Pledged Notes Collateral, in each case solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted under the Pari Passu Documents and the ABL Documents, as applicable, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 2.4(f). Following the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the ABL Facility Agent agrees to hold the Pledged Notes Collateral  as collateral agent for the ABL Secured Parties, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 2.4(f). As security for the payment and performance in full of all the ABL Obligations each Grantor hereby grants to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties a Lien on and security interest in all of the right, title and interest of such Grantor, in and to and under the Pledged Notes Collateral wherever located and whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired from time to time.

 

(ii)                                   Subject to the terms of this Agreement, until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has occurred, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged Notes Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Pari Passu Documents as if the Liens of the ABL Facility Agent under the ABL Security Documents did not exist.

 

(iii)                                The Pari Passu Collateral Agents shall have no obligation whatsoever to any Pari Passu Secured Party, the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party to ensure that the Pledged Notes Collateral is genuine or owned by any of the Grantors or to preserve rights or benefits of any Person except as expressly set forth in this Section 2.4(f).  The duties or responsibilities of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents under this Section 2.4(f) shall be limited solely to holding the Pledged Notes Collateral as bailee or agent in accordance with this Section 2.4(f) and the Pari Passu Security Documents until delivery of such Pledged Notes Collateral to the ABL Facility Agent in accordance with Section 2.4(f)(v).  The ABL Facility Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any ABL Secured Party to ensure that the Pledged Notes Collateral is genuine or owned by any of the Grantors or to preserve rights or benefits of any Person except as expressly set forth in this Section 2.4(f).  The duties or responsibilities of the ABL Facility Agent under this Section 2.4(f) shall be limited solely to holding the Pledged Notes Collateral as bailee or agent in accordance with this Section 2.4(f).

 

(iv)                               The Pari Passu Collateral Agents acting pursuant to this Section 2.4(f) shall not have by reason of the Pari Passu Security Documents, the ABL Security Documents, this Agreement or any other document a fiduciary relationship in respect of the related Pari Passu Secured Party, the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party.  The ABL Facility Agent acting pursuant to this Section 2.4(f) shall not have by reason of the ABL Security Documents, the Pari Passu Security Documents, this Agreement or any other document a fiduciary relationship in respect of any ABL Secured Party, the Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party.

 

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(v)                                  Upon the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents shall deliver or cause to be delivered the remaining Pledged Notes Collateral (if any) in its possession or in the possession of its agents or bailees, together with any necessary endorsements, to the extent permitted under applicable law and upon request of the ABL Facility Agent (without recourse or warranty), any ABL Secured Party or any Grantor, first, to the ABL Facility Agent to the extent ABL Obligations remain outstanding, and second, to the applicable Grantor to the extent no Pari Passu Lien Obligations or ABL Obligations remain outstanding (in each case, so as to allow such Person to obtain control of such Pledged Notes Collateral) and will cooperate with the ABL Facility Agent, in assigning (without recourse to or warranty by any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party or agent or bailee thereof) control over any other Pledged Notes Collateral under its control.  The Pari Passu Collateral Agents further agree to take all other action reasonably requested by such Person in connection with such Person obtaining a first priority interest in the Pledged Notes Collateral or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.  Following the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations and upon the Discharge of ABL Obligations under the ABL Documents to which the ABL Facility Agent is a party, the ABL Facility Agent shall deliver or cause to be delivered the remaining Pledged Notes Collateral (if any) in its possession or in the possession of its agents or bailees, together with any necessary endorsements, to the extent permitted under applicable law to the applicable Grantor, so as to allow such Person to obtain control of such Pledged Notes Collateral. In determining whether all ABL Obligations or Pari Passu Lien Obligations have been discharged for purposes of this Section 2.4(f)(v), the Pari Passu Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely on a certification of an authorized officer of the Parent Borrower.

 

(vi)                               Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if, for any reason, any ABL Obligations remain outstanding upon the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, all rights of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents hereunder and under the Pari Passu Security Documents or the ABL Security Documents (1) with respect to the delivery and control of any part of the Notes Collateral, and (2) to direct, instruct, vote upon or otherwise influence the maintenance or disposition of such Notes Collateral, shall immediately, and (to the extent permitted by law) without further action on the part of either of the ABL Facility Agent or the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, pass to the ABL Facility Agent, who shall thereafter hold such rights for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties.  Each of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Grantors agrees that it will, if any ABL Obligations remain outstanding upon the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, take any other action required by any law or reasonably requested by the ABL Facility Agent, in connection with the ABL Facility Agent’s establishment and perfection of a First Priority security interest in the Notes Collateral.

 

(g)                                   When Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred.  If the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor enters into any Permitted Refinancing of any Pari Passu Lien Obligations, then the obligations under the Permitted Refinancing shall automatically be treated as Pari Passu Lien Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Collateral set forth herein, the term “Term Loan Agreement” or “Indenture”, as applicable, shall be deemed appropriately modified to refer to such Permitted Refinancing and the Pari Passu Collateral Agents under such Pari Passu Documents shall be a Pari Passu Collateral Agent for all purposes hereof and the new secured parties under such Pari Passu Documents shall automatically be treated as Pari Passu Secured Parties for all purposes of this Agreement.  Upon receipt of a notice stating that the

 

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Parent Borrower or any other Grantor has entered into an Additional Pari Passu Agreement , including in respect of a Permitted Refinancing of Pari Passu Lien Obligations (which notice shall include the identity of the new collateral agent, such agent, the “New Pari Passu Agent”), and delivery by the New Pari Passu Agent of an Intercreditor Agreement Joinder and (i) the ABL Facility Agent and each other Pari Passu Collateral Agent shall promptly enter into such documents and agreements (including amendments or supplements to this Agreement) as the Parent Borrower or such New Pari Passu Agent shall reasonably request in order to provide to the New Pari Passu Agent the rights contemplated hereby, in each case consistent with the terms of this Agreement and (ii) if the New Pari Passu Agent is the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent, the ABL Facility Agent and each other Pari Passu Collateral Agent shall promptly deliver to the New Pari Passu Agent any Pledged Notes Collateral held by them together with any necessary endorsements (or otherwise allow the New Pari Passu Agent to obtain control of such Pledged Notes Collateral).  The New Pari Passu Agent shall agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

 

2.5                                Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings.

 

(a)                                  Finance and Sale Issues.

 

(i)                                      Until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has occurred, if the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding and any Pari Passu Collateral Agent shall desire to permit the use of cash collateral constituting Notes Collateral on which such Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any other creditor has a Lien or to permit the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor to obtain financing secured by Notes Collateral, whether from the Pari Passu Secured Parties or any other entity under Section 363 or Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law (each, a “DIP Financing”), then the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties agree that they will raise no objection to such use of cash collateral constituting Notes Collateral or to such DIP Financing and will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith (except, as expressly, agreed by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or to the extent not prohibited by Section 2.5(c)) and, to the extent the Liens on the Notes Collateral securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations are subordinated or pari passu with the Liens on the Notes Collateral securing such DIP Financing, the ABL Facility Agent will subordinate their Liens in the Notes Collateral to the Liens securing such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto).  The ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that it will not raise any objection or oppose a sale or other disposition of any Notes Collateral free and clear of its Liens (subject to attachment of proceeds with respect to the Second Priority Lien on the Notes Collateral in favor of the ABL Facility Agent in the same order and manner as otherwise set forth herein) or other claims under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code if the Pari Passu Secured Parties have consented to such sale or disposition of such assets and the Proceeds are applied consistently with Section 5.1.  In no event shall any DIP Financing offered or entered into by any of the Pari Passu Secured Parties or with any support from any of the Pari Passu Secured Parties seek or obtain a Lien on any ABL Collateral  (and including for this purpose any assets of the type or category constituting ABL Collateral  arising after the commencement of the Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) that is pari passu with or senior in priority to the Lien of the ABL Facility Agent on such assets unless the ABL Facility Agent shall have consented thereto.

 

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(ii)                                   Until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has occurred, the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that no such Person shall provide to any Grantor any DIP Financing (or support any other Person in seeking to provide to any Grantor any such DIP Financing) to the extent that the providers of such DIP Financing would be granted a Lien on any Notes Collateral that is pari passu with or senior in priority to the Lien of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents on such assets unless the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent has consented thereto.

 

(b)                                  Relief from the Automatic Stay.  Until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has occurred, the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Notes Collateral without the prior written consent of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents.

 

(c)                                   Adequate Protection.

 

(i)                                      The ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that none of them shall contest (or support any other person contesting) (i) any request by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the Pari Passu Secured Parties for adequate protection with respect to any Notes Collateral or (ii) any objection by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the Pari Passu Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the Pari Passu Secured Parties claiming a lack of adequate protection with respect to the Notes Collateral.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions in this Section 2.5(c), in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (A) if the Pari Passu Secured Parties (or any subset thereof) are granted adequate protection in the form of additional collateral in the nature of assets constituting Notes Collateral in connection with any DIP Financing, then the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself or any of the ABL Secured Parties, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of a Lien on such additional collateral, which Lien of the ABL Facility Agent will be subordinated to the Liens securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the other Liens on Notes Collateral securing the ABL Obligations are so subordinated to the Pari Passu Lien Obligations under this Agreement, and (B) in the event the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection in respect of Notes Collateral securing ABL Obligations and such adequate protection is granted in the form of additional collateral in the nature of assets constituting Notes Collateral, then the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself or any of the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that the Pari Passu Collateral Agents shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional collateral as security for the Pari Passu Lien Obligations and for any such DIP Financing provided by the Pari Passu Secured Parties and that any Lien on such additional collateral securing the ABL Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations and any such DIP Financing provided by the Pari Passu Secured Parties (and all obligations relating thereto) and to any other Liens granted to the Pari Passu Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens on Notes Collateral securing the ABL Obligations are so subordinated to such Pari Passu Lien Obligations under this Agreement.

 

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(d)                                  No Waiver.  Subject to the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 2.2(a) and clause (i) of Section 2.5(c), nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by the ABL Facility Agent or any of the ABL Secured Parties in respect of the Notes Collateral, including the seeking by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Parties of adequate protection in respect thereof or the asserting by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Parties of any of its rights and remedies under the ABL Documents, or otherwise in respect thereof.

 

(e)                                   Reorganization Securities.  If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, on account of Pari Passu Lien Obligations and on account of ABL Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations and on account of the ABL are secured by Liens upon the same property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations; provided that this Section 2.5(e) shall not apply and shall be of no further force and effect in the event that the Pari Passu Secured Parties either (1) vote in their sole discretion to accept such a plan of reorganization or other dispositive restructuring plan (in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Bankruptcy Code § 1126(c)) or (ii) are presumed to have accepted such plan of reorganization or other dispositive restructuring plan pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 1126(f).

 

(f)                                    Post-Petition Interest.

 

(i)                                      Neither the ABL Facility Agent nor any ABL Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Pari Passu Lien Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees or expenses to the extent of the value of the Pari Passu Secured Parties’ Liens on the Notes Collateral, without regard to the existence of the Lien of the ABL Facility Agent on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties on the Notes Collateral.

 

(ii)                                   No Pari Passu Collateral Agent nor any other Pari Passu Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of ABL Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees or expenses to the extent of the value of the Lien of the ABL Facility Agent on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties on the Notes Collateral (after taking into account the Lien of the Pari Passu Secured Parties on the Notes Collateral).

 

(g)                                   Waiver.  The ABL Facility Agent, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, waives any claim it may hereafter have against any Pari Passu Secured Party arising out of the election of any Pari Passu Secured Party of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, and/or out of any cash collateral or financing arrangement or out of any grant of a security interest in connection with the Notes Collateral in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

 

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2.6                                Reliance; Waivers; Etc.

 

(a)                                  Reliance.  Other than any reliance on the terms of this Agreement, the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, acknowledges that it and such ABL Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Parties, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into such ABL Documents and be bound by the terms of this Agreement and they will continue to make their own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action under the ABL Credit Agreement or this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  No Warranties or Liability.  The ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties have made no express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the Pari Passu Documents, the ownership of any Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon.  The Pari Passu Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under their respective Pari Passu Documents in accordance with law, in accordance with the terms of the related Pari Passu Document and as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate.  The Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties shall have no duty to the ABL Facility Agent, or any of the ABL Secured Parties, to act or refrain from acting in a manner which allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreements with the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor (including the Pari Passu Documents and the ABL Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof which they may have or be charged with.

 

(c)                                   No Waiver of Lien Priorities.

 

(i)                                      No right of the Pari Passu Secured Parties, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any of them to enforce any provision of this Agreement or any Pari Passu Document shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor or by any act or failure to act by any Pari Passu Secured Party or the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, or by any noncompliance by any Person with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Agreement, any of the Pari Passu Documents, or any of the ABL Documents, regardless of any knowledge thereof which the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the Pari Passu Secured Parties, or any of them, may have or be otherwise charged with.

 

(ii)                                   Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph (but subject to the rights of the Parent Borrower and the other Grantors under the Pari Passu Documents and subject to the provisions of Section 2.4(c)), the Pari Passu Secured Parties, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and any of them may, at any time and from time to time in accordance with the Pari Passu Documents and/or applicable law, without the consent of, or notice to, the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party, without incurring any liabilities to the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party and without impairing or releasing the Lien priorities and other benefits provided in this Agreement (even if any right of subrogation or other

 

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right or remedy of the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party is affected, impaired or extinguished thereby) do any one or more of the following:

 

(1)                                  sell, exchange, realize upon, enforce or otherwise deal with in any manner (subject to the terms hereof) and in any order any part of the Notes Collateral or any liability of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor to the Pari Passu Secured Parties or the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof;

 

(2)                                  settle or compromise any Pari Passu Lien Obligation or any other liability of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor or any security therefor or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof; and

 

(3)                                  exercise or delay in or refrain from exercising any right or remedy against the Parent Borrower or any security or any other Grantor or any other Person, elect any remedy and otherwise deal freely with the Parent Borrower, any other Grantor or any Notes Collateral and any security and any guarantor or any liability of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor to the Pari Passu Secured Parties or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof.

 

(iii)                                The ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, also agrees that the Pari Passu Secured Parties and the Pari Passu Collateral Agents shall have no liability to the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party, and the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties hereby waive any claim against any Pari Passu Secured Party or the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, arising out of any and all actions which the Pari Passu Secured Parties or the Pari Passu Collateral Agents may take or permit or omit to take with respect to:

 

(1)                                  the Pari Passu Documents (other than this Agreement);

 

(2)                                  the collection of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations; or

 

(3)                                  the foreclosure upon, or sale, liquidation or other disposition of, any Notes Collateral.

 

The ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees that the Pari Passu Secured Parties and the Pari Passu Collateral Agents have no duty to the ABL Facility Agent or the ABL Secured Parties in respect of the maintenance or preservation of the Notes Collateral, the Pari Passu Lien Obligations or otherwise.

 

(iv)                               The ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, agrees not to assert and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshaling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to the Notes Collateral or any other similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law.

 

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(d)                                  Obligations Unconditional.  All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties and the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties, respectively, hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

 

(i)                                      any lack of validity or enforceability of any Pari Passu Document or any ABL Document;

 

(ii)                                   except as otherwise set forth in the Agreement, any change not prohibited hereunder in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations or the ABL Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification not prohibited hereunder, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of any Pari Passu Document or any ABL Document;

 

(iii)                                any exchange of any security interest in any Notes Collateral or any amendment, waiver or other modification not prohibited hereunder, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations or the ABL Obligations;

 

(iv)                               the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor; or

 

(v)                                  any other circumstances which otherwise might constitute a defense available to or a discharge of, the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor in respect of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, or of the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party or any Notes Secured Party in respect of this Agreement.

 

2.7                                Effectiveness of Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Pari Passu Collateral Agent and Pari Passu Secured Party agrees that any rights of such parties (solely as among themselves and subject in all cases to any express provision in this Agreement to the contrary) with respect to Notes Collateral shall in all cases be controlled by, and subject to the terms and limitations set forth in, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Section 3.                                            ABL Collateral.

 

3.1                                Lien Priorities.

 

(a)                                  Relative Priorities.  Notwithstanding (i) the time, manner, order or method of grant, creation, attachment or perfection of any Liens securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations granted on the ABL Collateral or of any Liens securing the ABL Obligations granted on the ABL Collateral, (ii) the validity or enforceability of the security interests and Liens granted in favor of any Collateral Agent or any Secured Party on the ABL Collateral, (iii) the date on which any ABL Obligations or Pari Passu Lien Obligations are extended, (iv) any provision of the UCC or any other applicable law, including any rule for determining priority thereunder or under any other law or rule governing the relative priorities of secured creditors, including with respect to real property or fixtures, (v) any provision set forth in any ABL Document or any Pari Passu Document (other than this Agreement), (vi) the possession or control by any Collateral Agent, any Secured Party or any bailee of all or any part of any ABL Collateral as of the date hereof or

 

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otherwise, or (vii) any other circumstance whatsoever, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, on behalf of themselves and the Pari Passu Secured Parties, hereby agree that:

 

(i)                                      any Lien on the ABL Collateral securing any ABL Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the ABL Collateral securing any of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations; and

 

(ii)                                   any Lien on the ABL Collateral now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, any Pari Passu Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the ABL Collateral securing any ABL Obligations.

 

All Liens on the ABL Collateral securing any ABL Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the ABL Collateral securing any Pari Passu Lien Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing any ABL Obligations are subordinated to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Parent Borrower, any other Grantor or any other Person.

 

(b)                                  Prohibition on Contesting Liens.  Each of the ABL Facility Agent, for itself and on behalf of each ABL Secured Party, the Term Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of each Term Secured Party, the Notes Collateral Agent for itself and on behalf of each Notes Secured Party, or each applicable Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent for itself and on behalf of each applicable Additional Pari Passu Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) contest or support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), (i) the priority, validity or enforceability of a Lien held by or on behalf of any of the ABL Secured Parties in the ABL Collateral, by or on behalf of any of the Pari Passu Secured Parties in the ABL Collateral, as the case may be, or (ii) the validity or enforceability of any Pari Passu Security Document (or any Pari Passu Lien Obligations thereunder), or any ABL Security Document (or any ABL Obligations thereunder); provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any of the Collateral Agents or any Secured Party to enforce this Agreement, including the priority of the Liens on the ABL Collateral securing the ABL Obligations and the Pari Passu Lien Obligations as provided in Sections 3.1(a), 3.2(a) and 3.2(b).

 

(c)                                   No New Liens.  So long as the Discharge of ABL Obligations has not occurred, the parties hereto agree that the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor shall not grant or permit any additional Liens on any asset or property of any Grantor to secure any Pari Passu Lien Obligation or ABL Obligation unless it has granted or contemporaneously grants (x)(i) a First Priority Lien on such asset or property to secure the ABL Obligations if such asset or property constitutes ABL Collateral or (ii) a Second Priority Lien on such asset or property to secure the ABL Obligations if such asset or property constitutes Notes Collateral, and (y)(i) a Second Priority Lien on such asset or property to secure the Pari Passu Lien Obligations if such asset or property constitutes ABL Collateral or (ii) a First Priority Lien on such asset or property to secure the Pari Passu Lien Obligations if such asset or property constitutes Notes Collateral.

 

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To the extent that the provisions of clause (x)(i) in the immediately preceding sentence are not complied with for any reason, without limiting any other rights and remedies available to the ABL Facility Agent and/or the ABL Secured Parties, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, on behalf of Pari Passu Secured Parties, agree that any amounts received by or distributed to any of them pursuant to or as a result of Liens on the ABL Collateral granted in contravention of such clause (x)(i) of this Section 3.1(c) shall be subject to Section 3.3.

 

(d)                                  Effectiveness of Lien Priorities.  Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that the Lien priorities provided for in this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired in any manner whatsoever, including, without limitation, on account of:  (i) the invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of all or any part of the ABL Documents or the Pari Passu Documents; (ii) any amendment, change or modification of any ABL Documents or Pari Passu Documents; or (iii) any impairment, modification, change, exchange, release or subordination of or limitation on, any liability of, or stay of actions or lien enforcement proceedings against, Parent Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries party to any of the ABL Documents or the Pari Passu Documents, its property, or its estate in bankruptcy resulting from any bankruptcy, arrangement, readjustment, composition, liquidation, rehabilitation, similar proceeding or otherwise involving or affecting any Secured Party.

 

3.2                                Exercise of Remedies.

 

(a)                                  So long as the Discharge of ABL Obligations has not occurred, prior to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding having been commenced by or against OpCo Borrower, the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor:

 

(i)                                      none of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the Pari Passu Secured Parties (x) will exercise or seek to exercise any rights or remedies (including setoff) with respect to any ABL Collateral (including, without limitation, the exercise of any right under any lockbox agreement, account control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement in respect of ABL Collateral to which the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party is a party, and including the enforcement of or execution on any judgment Lien on any ABL Collateral) or institute or commence, or join with any Person (other than the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties) in commencing, any action or proceeding with respect to such rights or remedies (including any action of foreclosure, enforcement, collection or execution); provided, however, that the Pari Passu Collateral Agents may exercise any or all such rights after the passage of a period of 180 days from the date of delivery of a notice in writing to the ABL Facility Agent of any Pari Passu Collateral Agent’s intention to exercise its right to take such actions following an “Event of Default” as defined in the applicable Pari Passu Documents and, as a result of such “Event of Default”, the principal and interest under such Pari Passu Document has become due and payable (the “ABL Standstill Period”); provided, further, however, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, none of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party will exercise any rights or remedies with respect to any ABL Collateral if, notwithstanding the expiration of the ABL Standstill Period, the ABL Facility Agent or ABL Secured Parties shall have commenced the exercise of any of their rights or remedies with respect to all or any portion of the ABL Collateral (prompt notice of such exercise to be given to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents) and are diligently pursuing (within such 180-consecutive day period) the exercise thereof, provided,

 

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however, that nothing in this Section 3.2(a) shall be construed to authorize the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party, to sell any ABL Collateral free of the Lien of the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party; and

 

(ii)                                   the ABL Facility Agent shall have the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff and the right to credit bid their debt) and make determinations regarding the foreclosure upon, disposition of, or restrictions with respect to, the ABL Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party; provided, that:

 

(1)                                  any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party may file a claim or statement of interest with respect to the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, as applicable; provided that an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor;

 

(2)                                  the Pari Passu Collateral Agents may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the ABL Collateral securing the ABL Obligations, or the rights of any ABL Facility Agent or the ABL Secured Parties to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to preserve or protect its Lien on the ABL Collateral;

 

(3)                                  the Pari Passu Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any necessary responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims of the Pari Passu Secured Parties, including without limitation any claims secured by the ABL Collateral, if any, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(4)                                  the Pari Passu Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors of the Grantors arising under either the Bankruptcy Law or applicable non-bankruptcy law, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(5)                                  the Pari Passu Secured Parties shall be entitled to vote on any plan of reorganization and file any proof of claim in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise and other filings and make any arguments and motions that are, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, with respect to the ABL Collateral; and

 

(6)                                  the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party may exercise any of its rights or remedies with respect to the ABL Collateral after the termination of the ABL Standstill Period to the extent not prohibited by clause (i)(x) above.

 

In exercising rights and remedies with respect to the ABL Collateral, the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties may enforce the provisions of the ABL Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as they may determine in the exercise of their sole discretion.  Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of an

 

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agent appointed by them to sell or otherwise dispose of ABL Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition, and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.

 

(b)                                  [omitted].

 

(c)                                   The Pari Passu Collateral Agents, on behalf of itself and the Pari Passu Secured Parties, agrees that it will not take or receive any ABL Collateral or any proceeds of ABL Collateral in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff) with respect to any ABL Collateral, including in respect of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, unless and until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, except as expressly provided in the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.2(a).  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and (x) unless and until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, except as expressly provided in the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.2(a) or in Section 4, the sole right of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties with respect to the ABL Collateral is to hold a Lien on the ABL Collateral pursuant to the Pari Passu Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred in accordance with the terms hereof, the Pari Passu Documents and applicable law.

 

(d)                                  Subject to the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.2(a):

 

(i)                                      each of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, for itself and on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, agrees that such Pari Passu Collateral Agent and such Pari Passu Secured Parties will not take any action that would hinder any exercise of remedies under the ABL Documents with respect to the ABL Collateral or is otherwise prohibited hereunder, including any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of the ABL Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise; notwithstanding this clause (i), any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party may file a claim or statement of interest with respect to the Pari Passu Lien Obligations; provided that an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor; and

 

(ii)                                   each of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, for itself and on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, hereby waives any and all rights it or the Pari Passu Secured Parties may have as a junior lien creditor with respect to the ABL Collateral or otherwise to object to the manner in which the ABL Facility Agent or the ABL Secured Parties seek to enforce or collect the ABL Obligations or the Liens granted in any of the ABL Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the ABL Facility Agent or ABL Secured Parties is adverse to the interest of the Pari Passu Secured Parties.

 

(e)                                   The Pari Passu Collateral Agents hereby acknowledge and agree that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Pari Passu Document (other than this Agreement) shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the ABL Facility Agent or the ABL Secured Parties with respect to the ABL Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the ABL Documents.

 

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3.3                                Payments Over.

 

So long as the Discharge of ABL Obligations has not occurred, any ABL Collateral, cash proceeds thereof or non-cash proceeds thereof not constituting Notes Collateral received by any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Parties in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff) relating to the ABL Collateral, including in respect of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, shall be segregated and held in trust and forthwith paid over to the ABL Facility Agent for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, for application in accordance with Section 5.2 of this Agreement.  The ABL Facility Agent is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any such Pari Passu Secured Parties.  This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.

 

3.4                                Other Agreements.

 

(a)                                  Releases by ABL Facility Agent.

 

(i)                                      If, in connection with:

 

(A)                                the exercise of any ABL Facility Agent’s remedies in respect of the ABL Collateral provided for in Section 3.2(a), including any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any such ABL Collateral (and such remedies include for purposes of this Agreement, any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of the ABL Collateral by or on behalf of any Grantor at any time after an Event of Default under the ABL Documents has occurred and is continuing, that is approved or consented to by the ABL Facility Agent); or

 

(B)                                any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any ABL Collateral not prohibited under, and any accompanying release of Liens required by, the terms of the Pari Passu Documents and the ABL Documents,

 

the ABL Facility Agent, for itself or on behalf of any of the ABL Secured Parties, releases any of its Liens on any part of the ABL Collateral, then the Liens, if any, of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, for themselves or for the benefit of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, on such ABL Collateral (but not the Proceeds thereof, which shall be subject to the priorities set forth in this Agreement) shall be automatically, unconditionally and simultaneously released and the applicable Pari Passu Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of any such Pari Passu Secured Parties, promptly shall execute and deliver to the ABL Facility Agent or such Grantor such termination statements, releases and other documents as the ABL Facility Agent or such Grantor, in either case at the expense of such Grantor, may reasonably request and furnish to effectively confirm such release; provided that in the case of clause (a)(i) above, any proceeds of such disposition, shall be applied in accordance with this Agreement.

 

(ii)                                   Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations occurs, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, for themselves and on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the ABL Facility Agent and any officer or agent of the ABL Facility Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney in fact with full

 

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irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the applicable Pari Passu Collateral Agent or such holder or in the ABL Facility Agent’s own name, from time to time in the ABL Facility Agent’s discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Section 3.4(a) with respect to ABL Collateral, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Section 3.4(a) with respect to ABL Collateral, including any endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.

 

(iii)                                Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations occurs, to the extent that the ABL Secured Parties (a) have released any Lien on ABL Collateral and any such Lien is later reinstated or (b) obtain any new First Priority Liens on assets constituting ABL Collateral from Grantors, then the relevant Grantor shall grant a Second Priority Lien on any such ABL Collateral for the benefit of the Pari Passu Secured Parties.

 

(iv)                               If, prior to the Discharge of ABL Obligations, a subordination of the ABL Facility Agent’s Lien on any ABL Collateral is not prohibited under the ABL Credit Agreement and the Pari Passu Documents to another Lien not prohibited under the ABL Credit Agreement and the Pari Passu Documents, (an “ABL Facility Senior Lien”), then the ABL Facility Agent is authorized to execute and deliver a subordination agreement with respect thereto in form and substance satisfactory to it, and, at the direction of the ABL Facility Agent, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, for themselves and on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, shall promptly execute and deliver to the ABL Facility Agent an identical subordination agreement subordinating the Liens of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents for the benefit of (and on behalf of) the Pari Passu Secured Parties to such ABL Facility Senior Lien.

 

(b)                                  [omitted].

 

(c)                                   Insurance.  Unless and until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Grantors under the ABL Documents, to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the ABL Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding (or any deed in lieu of condemnation) in respect of the ABL Collateral.  Following the Discharge of ABL Obligations, unless and until the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations has occurred, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties shall have the sole and exclusive right (but not the obligation), subject to the rights of the Grantors under the Pari Passu Documents, to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the ABL Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding (or any deed in lieu of condemnation) in respect of the ABL Collateral.

 

(d)                                  Amendments to Pari Passu Security Documents.  Without the prior written consent of the ABL Facility Agent, no Pari Passu Security Document may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or entered into to the extent such amendment, supplement or modification, or the terms of any new Pari Passu Security Document, would contravene the provisions of this Agreement.  Grantors agree that each Pari Passu Security Document shall include the following language (with any necessary modifications to give effect to applicable definitions) (or language to similar effect approved by the ABL Facility Agent):

 

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“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the liens and security interests granted to [the applicable Pari Passu Collateral Agent] pursuant to this Agreement in any ABL Collateral and the exercise of any right or remedy by [the applicable Pari Passu Collateral Agent] with respect to any ABL Collateral hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Intercreditor Agreement”), among FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the other GRANTORS from time to time party thereto, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent, and certain other persons party or that may become party thereto from time to time.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.”

 

(e)                                   Rights As Unsecured Creditors.  Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor that has guaranteed the Pari Passu Lien Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Pari Passu Documents and applicable law.  Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Parties of the required payments of interest, principal and other amounts in respect of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of the exercise by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Parties of rights or remedies as a secured creditor (including setoff) in respect of the ABL Collateral or enforcement of any Lien held by any of them in each case prior to the Discharge of the ABL Obligations.

 

(f)                                    Bailee for Perfection.

 

(i)                                      The ABL Facility Agent agrees to hold that part of the ABL Collateral that is in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees) to the extent that possession or control thereof is taken to perfect a Lien thereon under the UCC (such ABL Collateral being the “Pledged ABL Collateral”) as collateral agent for the ABL Secured Parties and as bailee for and, with respect to any collateral that cannot be perfected in such manner, as agent for, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents (on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties) and any assignee thereof and act as such agent under all control agreements relating to the Pledged ABL Collateral, in each case solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted under the ABL Documents and the Pari Passu Documents, as applicable, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 3.4(f).  For the avoidance of doubt, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents hereby appoint the ABL Facility Agent as their agent solely for perfection of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents’ Liens in such deposit accounts, and the Pari Passu Collateral Agent accepts such appointment.  As security for the payment and performance in full of all the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, each Grantor hereby grants to the ABL Facility Agent for the benefit of the Pari Passu Secured Parties a lien on and security interest in all of the right, title and interest

 

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of such Grantor, in and to and under the Pledged ABL Collateral wherever located and whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired from time to time.

 

(ii)                                   Subject to the terms of this Agreement, until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, the ABL Facility Agent shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged ABL Collateral in accordance with the terms of the ABL Documents as if the Liens of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents under the Pari Passu Security Documents did not exist.

 

(iii)                                The ABL Facility Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any ABL Secured Party, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party to ensure that the Pledged ABL Collateral is genuine or owned by any of the Grantors or to preserve rights or benefits of any Person except as expressly set forth in this Section 3.4(f).  The duties or responsibilities of the ABL Facility Agent under this Section 3.4(f) shall be limited solely to holding the Pledged ABL Collateral as bailee or agent in accordance with this Section 3.4(f).  The Pari Passu Collateral Agents shall have no obligation whatsoever to any Pari Passu Secured Party to ensure that the Pledged ABL Collateral is genuine or owned by any of the Grantors or to preserve rights or benefits of any Person except as expressly set forth in this Section 3.4(f).  The duties or responsibilities of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents under this Section 3.4(f) shall be limited solely to holding the Pledged ABL Collateral as bailee or agent in accordance with this Section 3.4(f).

 

(iv)                               The ABL Facility Agent acting pursuant to this Section 3.4(f) shall not have by reason of the ABL Security Documents, the Pari Passu Security Documents, this Agreement or any other document a fiduciary relationship in respect of any ABL Secured Party, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party.  The Pari Passu Collateral Agents acting pursuant to this Section 3.4(f) shall not have by reason of the Pari Passu Security Documents, this Agreement or any other document a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Pari Passu Secured Party, the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party.

 

(v)                                  Upon the Discharge of ABL Obligations, the ABL Facility Agent shall deliver or cause to be delivered the remaining Pledged ABL Collateral (if any) in its possession or in the possession of its agents or bailees, together with any necessary endorsements, to the extent permitted under applicable law (without recourse or warranty), first, to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents to the extent Pari Passu Lien Obligations remain outstanding, and second, to the applicable Grantor to the extent no ABL Obligations or Pari Passu Lien Obligations remain outstanding (in each case, so as to allow such Person to obtain control of such Pledged ABL Collateral) and will cooperate with the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, in assigning (without recourse to or warranty by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party or agent or bailee thereof) control over any other Pledged ABL Collateral under its control.  The ABL Facility Agent further agrees to take all other action reasonably requested by such Person in connection with such Person obtaining a first priority interest in the Pledged ABL Collateral or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.  Following the Discharge of ABL Obligations and upon the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations under the Pari Passu Documents to which the Pari Passu Collateral Agents are a party, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents shall deliver or cause to be delivered the remaining Pledged ABL Collateral (if any) in its possession or in the possession of its agents or bailees, together with any necessary endorsements, to the extent

 

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permitted under applicable law, to the applicable Grantor, so as to allow such Person to obtain control of such Pledged ABL Collateral.

 

(vi)                               Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if, for any reason, any Pari Passu Lien Obligations remain outstanding upon the Discharge of ABL Obligations, all rights of the ABL Facility Agent hereunder and under the Pari Passu Security Documents or the ABL Security Documents (1) with respect to the delivery and control of any part of the ABL Collateral, and (2) to direct, instruct, vote upon or otherwise influence the maintenance or disposition of such ABL Collateral, shall immediately, and (to the extent permitted by law) without further action on the part of either of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the ABL Facility Agent, pass to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, who shall thereafter hold such rights for the benefit of the Pari Passu Secured Parties.  Each of the ABL Facility Agent and the Grantors agrees that it will, if any Pari Passu Lien Obligations remain outstanding upon the Discharge of ABL Obligations, take any other action required by any law or reasonably requested by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, in connection with the Pari Passu Collateral Agents’ establishment and perfection of a First Priority security interest in the ABL Collateral.

 

(vii)                            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if for any reason, prior to the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the ABL Facility Agent acquires possession of any Pledged Notes Collateral or the ABL Facility Agent shall hold same as bailee and/or agent to the same extent as is provided in preceding clause (i) with respect to Pledged ABL Collateral, provided that as soon as is practicable the ABL Facility Agent shall deliver or cause to be delivered such Pledged Notes Collateral to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents in a manner otherwise consistent with the requirements of preceding clause (v).

 

(g)                                   When Discharge of ABL Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred.  If the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor enters into any Permitted Refinancing of any ABL Obligations, then the obligations under the Permitted Refinancing shall automatically be treated as ABL Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Collateral set forth herein, the term “ABL Credit Agreement” shall be deemed appropriately modified to refer to such Permitted Refinancing and the ABL Facility Agent under such ABL Documents shall be an ABL Facility Agent for all purposes hereof and the new secured parties under such ABL Documents (together with Hedge Providers and Bank Product Providers, if any) shall automatically be treated as ABL Secured Parties for all purposes of this Agreement.  Upon receipt of a notice stating that the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor has entered into a new ABL Document in respect of a Permitted Refinancing of ABL Obligations (which notice shall include the identity of the new collateral agent, such agent, the “New ABL Agent”), and delivery by the New ABL Agent of an Intercreditor Agreement Joinder, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (including amendments or supplements to this Agreement) as the Parent Borrower or such New ABL Agent shall reasonably request and furnish in order to provide to the New ABL Agent the rights contemplated hereby, in each case consistent with the terms of this Agreement and (ii) deliver to the New ABL Agent any Pledged ABL Collateral held by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents together with any necessary endorsements (or otherwise allow the New ABL Agent to obtain control of such Pledged ABL Collateral).  The New ABL Agent shall agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

 

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3.5                                Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings.

 

(a)                                  Finance and Sale Issues.

 

(i)                                      Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, if the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding and the ABL Facility Agent shall desire to permit the use of cash collateral constituting ABL Collateral on which the ABL Facility Agent or any other creditor has a Lien or to permit the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor to obtain any other DIP Financing secured by the ABL Collateral, then the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, on behalf of themselves and the Pari Passu Secured Parties, agree that they will raise no objection to such use of cash collateral constituting ABL Collateral or to such DIP Financing and will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith (except, as expressly agreed by the ABL Facility Agent or to the extent not prohibited by Section 3.5(c)) and, to the extent the Liens on the ABL Collateral securing the ABL Obligations are subordinated or pari passu with the Liens on the ABL Collateral securing such DIP Financing, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents will subordinate their Liens in the ABL Collateral to the Liens securing such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto).  The Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, agrees that it will not raise any objection or oppose a sale or other disposition of any ABL Collateral free and clear of its Liens (subject to attachment of proceeds with respect to the Second Priority Lien on the ABL Collateral in favor of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents in the same order and manner as otherwise set forth herein) or other claims under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code if the ABL Secured Parties have consented to such sale or disposition of such assets and the Proceeds are applied consistently with Section 5.2.  In no event shall any DIP Financing offered or entered into by any of the ABL Secured Parties or with any support from any of the ABL Secured Parties seek or obtain a Lien on any Notes Collateral (and including for this purpose any assets of the type or category constituting Notes Collateral arising after the commencement of the Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) that is pari passu with or senior in priority to the Lien of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents on such assets unless the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent shall have consented thereto.

 

(ii)                                   Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Pari Passu Secured Parties, agrees that no such Person shall provide to any Grantor any DIP Financing (or support any other Person in seeking to provide to any Grantor any such DIP Financing) to the extent that the providers of such DIP Financing would be granted a Lien on any ABL Collateral that is pari passu with or senior in priority to the Lien of the ABL Facility Agent on such assets unless the ABL Facility Agent shall have consented thereto.

 

(b)                                  Relief from the Automatic Stay.  Until the Discharge of ABL Obligations has occurred, the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, on behalf of themselves and the Pari Passu Secured Parties, agree that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the ABL Collateral, without the prior written consent of the ABL Facility Agent.

 

(c)                                   Adequate Protection.

 

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(i)                                      Each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, agrees that none of them shall contest (or support any other person contesting) (i) any request by the ABL Facility Agent or the ABL Secured Parties for adequate protection with respect to any ABL Collateral or (ii) any objection by the ABL Facility Agent or the ABL Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the ABL Facility Agent or the ABL Secured Parties claiming a lack of adequate protection with respect to the ABL Collateral.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions in this Section 3.5(c), in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (A) if the ABL Secured Parties (or any subset thereof) are granted adequate protection in the form of additional collateral in the nature of assets constituting ABL Collateral in connection with any DIP Financing, then each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself or any of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of a Lien on such additional collateral, which Lien of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents will be subordinated to the Liens securing the ABL Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the other Liens on ABL Collateral securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations are so subordinated to the ABL Obligations under this Agreement, and (B) in the event any Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and any Pari Passu Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection in respect of ABL Collateral securing Pari Passu Lien Obligations and such adequate protection is granted in the form of additional collateral in the nature of assets constituting ABL Collateral, then the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, on behalf of themselves or any of the Pari Passu Secured Parties, agree that the ABL Facility Agent shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional collateral as security for the ABL Obligations and for any such DIP Financing provided by the ABL Secured Parties and that any Lien on such additional collateral securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing the ABL Obligations and any such DIP Financing provided by the ABL Secured Parties (and all obligations relating thereto) and to any other Liens granted to the ABL Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens on ABL Collateral securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations are so subordinated to such ABL Obligations under this Agreement.

 

(d)                                  No Waiver.  Subject to the provisos in clause (ii) of Section 3.2(a) and clause (i) of Section 3.5(c), nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any of the Pari Passu Secured Parties in respect of the ABL Collateral, including the seeking by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Parties of adequate protection in respect thereof or the asserting by any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Pari Passu Documents or otherwise in respect thereof.

 

(e)                                   Reorganization Securities.  If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, on account of ABL Obligations and on account of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the ABL Obligations and on account of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations are secured by Liens upon the same property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations, provided that this Section 3.5(e) shall not apply and shall be of no further force and

 

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effect in the event that the ABL Secured Parties either (i) vote in their sole discretion to accept such a plan of reorganization or other dispositive restructuring plan (in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Bankruptcy Code § 1126(c)) or (ii) are presumed to have accepted such plan of reorganization or other dispositive restructuring plan pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 1126(f).

 

(f)                                    Post-Petition Interest.

 

(i)                                      Neither of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents nor any Pari Passu Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of ABL Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees or expenses to the extent of the value of the ABL Secured Party’s Lien on the ABL Collateral, without regard to the existence of the Lien of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties on the ABL Collateral.

 

(ii)                                   Neither the ABL Facility Agent nor any other ABL Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Pari Passu Lien Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, fees or expenses to the extent of the value of the Lien of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties on the ABL Collateral (after taking into account the Lien of the ABL Secured Parties on the ABL Collateral).

 

(g)                                   Waiver.  Each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, waives any claim they may hereafter have against any ABL Secured Party arising out of the election of any ABL Secured Party of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, and/or out of any cash collateral or financing arrangement or out of any grant of a security interest in connection with the ABL Collateral in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

 

3.6                                Reliance; Waivers; Etc.

 

(a)                                  Reliance.  Other than any reliance on the terms of this Agreement and under the applicable Pari Passu Documents, each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, acknowledge that such Pari Passu Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Parties, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Pari Passu Documents and be bound by the terms of this Agreement and they will continue to make their own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action under the applicable Pari Passu Documents or this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  No Warranties or Liability.  Each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties have made no express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the ABL Documents, the ownership of any Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon.  The ABL Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and

 

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supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under their respective ABL Documents in accordance with law and as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate.  The ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties shall have no duty to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any of the Pari Passu Secured Parties, to act or refrain from acting in a manner which allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreements with the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor (including the ABL Documents and the Pari Passu Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof which they may have or be charged with.

 

(c)                                   No Waiver of Lien Priorities.

 

(i)                                      No right of the ABL Secured Parties, the ABL Facility Agent or any of them to enforce any provision of this Agreement or any ABL Document shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor or by any act or failure to act by any ABL Secured Party or the ABL Facility Agent, or by any noncompliance by any Person with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Agreement, any of the ABL Documents or any of the Pari Passu Documents, regardless of any knowledge thereof which the ABL Facility Agent or the ABL Secured Parties, or any of them, may have or be otherwise charged with.

 

(ii)                                   Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph (but subject to the rights of the Parent Borrower and the other Grantors under the ABL Documents and subject to the provisions of Section 3.4(c)), the ABL Secured Parties, the ABL Facility Agent and any of them may, at any time and from time to time in accordance with the ABL Documents and/or applicable law, without the consent of, or notice to, any Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party, without incurring any liabilities to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Parties, and without impairing or releasing the Lien priorities and other benefits provided in this Agreement (even if any right of subrogation or other right or remedy of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party, is affected, impaired or extinguished thereby) do any one or more of the following:

 

(1)                                  sell, exchange, realize upon, enforce or otherwise deal with in any manner (subject to the terms hereof) and in any order any part of the ABL Collateral or any liability of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor to the ABL Secured Parties or the ABL Facility Agent, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof;

 

(2)                                  settle or compromise any ABL Obligations or any other liability of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor or any security therefor or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof; and

 

(3)                                  exercise or delay in or refrain from exercising any right or remedy against the Parent Borrower or any security or any other Grantor or any other Person, elect any remedy and otherwise deal freely with the Parent Borrower, any other Grantor or any ABL Collateral and any security and any guarantor or any liability of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor to the ABL Secured Parties or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof.

 

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(iii)                                Each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, also agrees that the ABL Secured Parties and the ABL Facility Agent shall have no liability to the Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party, and each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, hereby waives any claim against any ABL Secured Party or the ABL Facility Agent, arising out of any and all actions which the ABL Secured Parties or the ABL Facility Agent may take or permit or omit to take with respect to:

 

(1)                                  the ABL Documents (other than this Agreement);

 

(2)                                  the collection of the ABL Obligations; or

 

(3)                                  the foreclosure upon, or sale, liquidation or other disposition of, any ABL Collateral.

 

Each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, agrees that the ABL Secured Parties and the ABL Facility Agent have no duty to the Pari Passu Collateral Agent or the Pari Passu Secured Parties,  in respect of the maintenance or preservation of the ABL Collateral, the ABL Obligations or otherwise.

 

(iv)                               Each Pari Passu Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the respective Pari Passu Secured Parties, agrees not to assert and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshaling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to the ABL Collateral or any other similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law.

 

(d)                                  Obligations Unconditional.  All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties and the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the Pari Passu Secured Parties, respectively, hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

 

(i)                                      any lack of validity or enforceability of any ABL Document or any Pari Passu Document;

 

(ii)                                   except as otherwise set forth in the Agreement, any change not prohibited hereunder in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the ABL Obligations or Pari Passu Lien Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification not prohibited hereunder, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of any ABL Document or any Pari Passu Document ;

 

(iii)                                any exchange of any security interest in any ABL Collateral or any amendment, waiver or other modification not prohibited hereunder, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the ABL Obligations or Pari Passu Lien Obligations;

 

(iv)                               the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor; or

 

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(v)                                  any other circumstances which otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor in respect of the ABL Obligations or of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or any Pari Passu Secured Party.

 

Section 4.                                            Cooperation With Respect To ABL Collateral.

 

4.1                                [omitted].

 

4.2                                Access to Information.  Prior to the Discharge of the ABL Obligations, if any Pari Passu Collateral Agent take actual possession of any documentation of a Grantor (whether such documentation is in the form of a writing or is stored in any data equipment or data record in the physical possession of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, but excluding any documentation that constitutes ABL Collateral (which shall be promptly delivered to the ABL Facility Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement)), then upon request of the ABL Facility Agent and reasonable advance notice, such Pari Passu Collateral Agent will permit the ABL Facility Agent or its representative to inspect and copy such documentation if and to the extent the ABL Facility Agent certifies to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, as applicable, that:

 

(a)                                  such documentation contains or may contain information necessary or appropriate, in the good faith opinion of the ABL Facility Agent, to the enforcement of the ABL Facility Agent’s Liens upon any ABL Collateral; and

 

(b)                                  the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties are entitled to receive and use such information under applicable law and, in doing so, will comply with all obligations imposed by law or contract in respect of the disclosure or use of such information.

 

4.3                                [omitted].

 

4.4                                Pari Passu Collateral Agents’ Assurances.  Each Pari Passu Collateral Agent may condition its performance of any obligation set forth in this Article 4 upon its prior receipt (without cost to it) of:

 

(a)                                  such assurances as it may reasonably request to confirm that the performance of such obligation and all activities of the ABL Facility Agent or its officers, employees and agents in connection therewith or incidental thereto:

 

(i)                                      will be permitted, lawful and enforceable under applicable law; and

 

(ii)                                   will not impose upon the Pari Passu Collateral Agents (or any Pari Passu Secured Party) any legal duty, legal liability, expense or risk of uninsured loss; and

 

(b)                                  such indemnity, security and insurance as the Pari Passu Collateral Agent may reasonably request in connection therewith.

 

4.5                                Grantor Consent.  The Parent Borrower and the other Grantors consent to the performance by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents of the obligations set forth in this Article 4 and acknowledge and agree that neither the Pari Passu Collateral Agents (nor any holder of Pari

 

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Passu Lien Obligations) shall ever be accountable or liable for any action taken or omitted by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party or its or any of their officers, employees, agents successors or assigns in connection therewith or incidental thereto or in consequence thereof, including any improper use or disclosure of any proprietary information or other intellectual property by the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party or its or any of their officers, employees, agents, successors or assigns or any other damage to or misuse or loss of any property of the Grantors as a result of any action taken or omitted by the ABL Facility Agent or its officers, employees, agents, successors or assigns.

 

Section 5.                                            Application of Proceeds.

 

5.1                                Application of Proceeds in Distributions by the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent.

 

(a)                                  The Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent will apply the proceeds of any collection, sale, foreclosure or other realization upon any Notes Collateral and, after the Discharge of ABL Obligations, the proceeds of any collection, sale, foreclosure or other realization of any ABL Collateral by the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent as expressly permitted hereunder, in the following order of application:

 

First , to the Pari Passu Collateral Agents for application to Pari Passu Lien Obligations as provided in Section 2.01 of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or, if the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement is no longer outstanding, as provided in the relevant Pari Passu Documents;

 

Second , to the ABL Facility Agent for application to ABL Obligations as provided in the ABL Documents; and

 

Third , any surplus remaining after the payment in full in cash of the amounts described in the preceding clauses will be paid to the Parent Borrower or the other applicable Grantor, as the case may be, its successors or assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

 

(b)                                  In connection with the application of proceeds pursuant to Section 5.1(a), the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent may sell any non-cash proceeds for cash prior to the application of the proceeds thereof.

 

(c)                                   If the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent or any Pari Passu Secured Party collects or receives any proceeds of such foreclosure, collection or other enforcement that should have been applied to the payment of the ABL Obligations in accordance with Section 5.2(a) below, whether after the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, such Pari Passu Secured Party will forthwith deliver the same to the ABL Facility Agent, for the account of the holders of the ABL Obligations,  to be applied in accordance with Section 5.2(a).  Until so delivered, such proceeds will be held by that Pari Passu Secured Party for the benefit of the holders of the ABL Obligations.

 

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5.2                                Application of Proceeds in Distributions by the ABL Facility Agent.

 

(a)                                  The ABL Facility Agent will apply the proceeds of any collection, sale, foreclosure or other realization upon any ABL Collateral and, after the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations, the proceeds of any collection, sale, foreclosure or other realization of any Notes Collateral by the ABL Facility Agent as expressly permitted hereunder, in the following order of application:

 

First , to the ABL Facility Agent for application to ABL Obligations as provided in the ABL Documents;

 

Second , to the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent for application to Pari Passu Lien Obligations as provided in Section 2.01(a) of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or, if the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement is no longer outstanding, as provided in the relevant Pari Passu Documents; and

 

Third , any surplus remaining after the payment in full in cash of the amounts described in the preceding clauses will be paid to the Parent Borrower or the other applicable Grantor, as the case may be, its successors or assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

 

(b)                                  In connection with the application of proceeds pursuant to Section 5.2(a), the ABL Facility Agent may sell any non-cash proceeds for cash prior to the application of the proceeds thereof.

 

(c)                                   If the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Party collects or receives any proceeds of such foreclosure, collection or other enforcement, that should have been applied to the payment of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations in accordance with Section 5.1(a) above, whether after the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, such ABL Secured Party will forthwith deliver the same to the Authorized Pari Passu Collateral Agent, for the account of the holders of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations, to be applied in accordance with Section 5.1(a).  Until so delivered, such proceeds will be held by that ABL Secured Party for the benefit of the holders of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations.

 

5.3                                Set Off and Tracing of and Priorities in Proceeds.  Each Collateral Agent on behalf of the applicable Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent such Collateral Agent or any Secured Party for which it is acting as Collateral Agent exercises its rights of set-off against any Notes Collateral, the amount of such set off shall be held and distributed pursuant to Section 5.1 or against any ABL Collateral, the amount of such set-off shall be held and distributed pursuant to Section 5.2.  Each Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the applicable Secured Parties, further agrees that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, prior to any Collateral Agent giving notice to the other Collateral Agents that such Collateral Agent is taking any enforcement action (or the giving of notice to the other Collateral Agents of such Collateral Agents intent to do so (in each case, such notice referred to in this Section 5.3 only as an “Enforcement Notice”) or the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, any Proceeds of Collateral, whether or not deposited under account control agreements, which are used by any Grantor to acquire other property which is Collateral

 

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shall not (solely as between the Collateral Agents and the Secured Parties) be treated as Proceeds of Collateral for purposes of determining the relative priorities in the Collateral which was so acquired.  In furtherance of the foregoing any Proceeds of Notes Collateral received after the earlier of the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by any Pari Passu Collateral Agent with respect to the Notes Collateral or the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, whether or not deposited in any deposit accounts or securities accounts that constitute ABL Collateral shall be treated as Notes Collateral.  In addition, unless and until the Discharge of ABL Obligations occurs, each Collateral Agent with respect to Obligations having a Second Priority Lien on ABL Collateral hereby consents to the application, prior to the earlier of receipt by the ABL Facility Agent of an Enforcement Notice with respect to ABL Collateral issued by any Collateral Agent with respect to Obligations having a Second Priority Lien on ABL Collateral or the, commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, of cash or other Proceeds of Collateral, deposited under account control agreements to the repayment of ABL Obligations pursuant to the ABL Documents.  For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing does not constitute a consent by the ABL Secured Parties to deposit of cash proceeds of Notes Collateral in restricted accounts constituting ABL Collateral in contravention of the restrictions in the ABL Documents.

 

5.4                                Allocation of Purchase Price.  In the event that the ABL Collateral and the Notes Collateral are sold or otherwise disposed of in a single transaction or a series of related transactions in which the aggregate sales price is not allocated between the ABL Collateral on the one hand and the Notes Collateral on the other hand, including in connection with or as a result of the sale by an issuer of Capital Stock or a Subsidiary thereof that owns assets constituting ABL Collateral or Notes Collateral, then, for purposes of this Agreement, the portion of the aggregate sales price deemed to be Proceeds of the ABL Collateral on the one hand and the Notes Collateral on the other hand shall be allocated to the ABL Collateral on the one hand and the Notes Collateral on the other hand in accordance with its book value.

 

Section 6.                                            Miscellaneous.

 

6.1                                Conflicts.  In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Pari Passu Documents or the ABL Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control.  Each Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that the terms and provisions of this Agreement do not violate any term or provisions of its respective Pari Passu Document or ABL Document.

 

6.2                                Effectiveness; Continuing Nature of This Agreement; Severability.

 

(a)                                  This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto.  The terms of this Agreement shall survive, and shall continue in full force and effect, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.  Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.  All references to the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor shall include the Parent Borrower or such Grantor as debtor and debtor in possession and any receiver or trustee for the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor (as the case may be) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

 

49


 

(b)                                  This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect:

 

(i)                                      with respect to the ABL Facility Agent, the ABL Secured Parties and the ABL Obligations, upon the Discharge of ABL Obligations, subject to the rights of the ABL Secured Parties under Section 6.17;

 

(ii)                                   with respect to the Term Collateral Agent, the Term Secured Parties and the Term Obligations, upon the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations solely with respect to the Term Obligations, subject to the rights of the Term Secured Parties under Section 6.17;

 

(iii)                                with respect to the Notes Collateral Agent, the Notes Secured Parties and the Notes Obligations, upon the Discharge of Pari Passu Lien Obligations solely with respect to the Notes Obligations, subject to the rights of the Notes Secured Parties under Section 6.17; and

 

(iv)                               with respect to any Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent, any Additional Pari Passu Secured Party and the Pari Passu Lien Obligations incurred pursuant to the applicable Additional Pari Passu Document, upon a satisfaction and discharge, legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of such Additional Pari Passu Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

6.3                                Amendments; Waivers.  No amendment, modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the ABL Facility Agent shall be deemed to be made unless the same shall be in writing signed on behalf of each party hereto or its authorized agent and the Parent Borrower and each waiver, if any, shall be a waiver only with respect to the specific instance involved and shall in no way impair the rights of the parties making such waiver or the obligations of the other parties to such party in any other respect or at any other time.

 

6.4                                Information Concerning Financial Condition of Parent Borrower and Its Subsidiaries.  The Pari Passu Secured Parties, the ABL Facility Agent and the ABL Secured Parties, shall each be responsible for keeping themselves informed of (a) the financial condition of Parent Borrower and its Subsidiaries and all endorsers and/or guarantors of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations or the ABL Obligations and (b) all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the ABL Obligations or the Pari Passu Lien Obligations.  The Pari Passu Collateral Agents and Pari Passu Secured Parties shall have no duty to advise the ABL Facility Agent or any ABL Secured Parties of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise.  The ABL Facility Agent and ABL Secured Parties shall have no duty to advise any Pari Passu Collateral Agent, any Pari Passu Secured Party of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise.  In the event that any of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, any of the Pari Passu Secured Parties, the ABL Facility Agent or any of the ABL Secured Parties, in its or their sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any other party hereto, it or they shall be under no obligation (w) to make, and such informing party shall not make, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided, (x) to provide any additional information or to provide any such information on any subsequent occasion, (y) to undertake any investigation or (z) to disclose any information which, pursuant to

 

50



 

accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.

 

6.5                                Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers.

 

(a)                                  ALL JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT AGAINST ANY PARTY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING HERETO MUST BE BROUGHT IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE STATE, COUNTY AND CITY OF NEW YORK.  BY EXECUTING AND DELIVERING THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY, FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES, IRREVOCABLY (a) ACCEPTS GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF SUCH COURTS; (b) WAIVES ANY DEFENSE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS; (c) AGREES THAT SERVICE OF ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, TO THE APPLICABLE PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 6.6; AND (d) AGREES THAT SERVICE AS PROVIDED IN CLAUSE (c) ABOVE IS SUFFICIENT TO CONFER PERSONAL JURISDICTION OVER THE APPLICABLE PARTY IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT, AND OTHERWISE CONSTITUTES EFFECTIVE AND BINDING SERVICE IN EVERY RESPECT.

 

(b)                                  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY AGREES TO WAIVE ITS RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING HEREUNDER.  THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS.  EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO ENTER INTO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP, THAT EACH HAS ALREADY RELIED ON THIS WAIVER IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, AND THAT EACH WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON THIS WAIVER IN ITS RELATED FUTURE DEALINGS.  EACH PARTY HERETO FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.  THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING (OTHER THAN BY A MUTUAL WRITTEN WAIVER SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO THIS SECTION 6.5(b) AND EXECUTED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO), AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS HERETO.  IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

6.6                                Notices.  All notices to the ABL Secured Parties, the Pari Passu Secured Parties permitted or required under this Agreement shall also be sent to the ABL Facility Agent and the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, respectively.  Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice hereunder shall be in writing and may be personally served, telexed or sent by

 

51



 

facsimile or United States mail or courier service and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service and signed for against receipt thereof, upon receipt of facsimile or telex, or three Business Days after depositing it in the United States mail with postage prepaid and properly addressed.  For the purposes hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto shall be as set forth below , or in the case of any additional party signing an Intercreditor Agreement Joinder, as set forth on such Intercreditor Agreement Joinder, or, as to each party, at such other address as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other parties.

 

If to any Grantor, to it at:

 

c/o FTS In ternational, Inc.

7 77 Main Street

Suite 300

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Attn:  Michael J. Doss

Fax:  (817) 339-3641

 

Copy to:

 

Larry D. Cannon

7 77 Main Street

Suite 300

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Fax:  (817) 339-3641

 

if to the Term Loan Collateral Agent, to it at:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

550 S. Tryon St. 6th Flo or

Charlotte, NC 28202

Tel: (704) 590-2703

A ttn: Syndication Agency Services

 

if to the Notes Collateral Agent, to it at:

 

U.S. Bank National Association

Global Corporate Trust Services

1349 W. Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1050

Atlanta, GA  30309

Tel: 404-898-8822

Fax: 404-898-8844

Attn: Muriel Shaw, Assistant Vice President

 

52



 

If  to the ABL Collateral Agent, to it at:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Assoication

1110 Abernathy Road, Suite 1600

Atlanta, GA 30328

Attn:  Business Finance Manager

Fax:  855-260-021 2

 

6.7                                Further Assurances.  The Pari Passu Collateral Agents, on behalf of themselves and the Pari Passu Secured Parties, the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties and each Grantor, agrees that each of them shall take such further action and shall execute (without recourse or warranty) and deliver such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the ABL Facility Agent may reasonably request to effectuate the terms of and the lien priorities contemplated by this Agreement.  The parties hereto agree, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement:

 

(a)                                  upon request by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents, the ABL Facility Agent, to cooperate in good faith (and to direct their counsel to cooperate in good faith) from time to time in order to determine the specific items included in the Notes Collateral and the ABL Collateral and the steps taken to perfect their respective Liens thereon and the identity of the respective parties obligated under the Pari Passu Documents and the ABL Documents; and

 

(b)                                  that the Pari Passu Security Documents and the ABL Security Documents creating Liens on the Notes Collateral and the ABL Collateral shall be in all material respects the same forms of documents other than with respect to the First Priority and the Second Priority nature of the Liens created thereunder in such Collateral.

 

6.8                                APPLICABLE LAW.  THIS AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSES OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

6.9                                Binding on Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, the Pari Passu Secured Parties and the ABL Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

 

6.10                         Specific Performance.  Each of the Pari Passu Collateral Agents and the ABL Facility Agent may demand specific performance of this Agreement.  The Pari Passu Collateral Agents, on behalf of themselves and the Pari Passu Secured Parties, the ABL Facility Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense which might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by the Pari Passu Collateral Agents or the ABL Facility Agent, as the case may be.

 

53



 

6.11                         Headings.  Section headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

 

6.12                         Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement or any document or instrument delivered in connection herewith by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement or such other document or instrument, as applicable.

 

6.13                         Authorization; No Conflict.  Each of the parties represents and warrants to all other parties hereto that the execution, delivery and performance by or on behalf of such party to this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action, corporate or otherwise, does not violate any provision of law, governmental regulation, or any agreement or instrument by which such party is bound, and requires no governmental or other consent that has not been obtained and is not in full force and effect.

 

6.14                         No Third Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement and the rights and benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of the Trustee and the Pari Passu Secured Parties and the ABL Secured Parties and each of their respective successors and assigns, all of whom are intended to be bound by, and to be third party beneficiaries of, this Agreement and each of whom agrees to be bound hereby by their acceptance of the agreements and instruments evidencing their applicable Pari Passu Lien Obligations or ABL Obligations, as the case may be.  Except as expressly set forth herein, no other Person shall have or be entitled to assert rights or benefits hereunder.

 

6.15                         Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights.

 

(a)                                  The provisions of this Agreement are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Pari Passu Secured Parties and the ABL Secured Parties.  None of the Parent Borrower, any other Grantor or any other creditor thereof shall have any rights hereunder, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the Pari Passu Lien Obligations and the ABL Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.

 

(b)                                  Nothing in this Agreement shall relieve the Parent Borrower or any Grantor from the performance of any term, covenant, condition or agreement on the Parent Borrower’s or such Grantor’s part to be performed or observed under or in respect of any of the Collateral pledged by it or from any liability to any Person under or in respect of any of such Collateral or impose any obligation on any Collateral Agent to perform or observe any such term, covenant, condition or agreement on the Parent Borrower’s or such Grantor’s part to be so performed or observed or impose any liability on any Collateral Agent for any act or omission on the part of the Parent Borrower’s or such any Grantor relative thereto or for any breach of any

 

54



 

representation or warranty on the part of the Parent Borrower or such Grantor contained in this Agreement or any ABL Document or any Pari Passu Document, or in respect of the Collateral pledged by it.  The obligations of the Parent Borrower and each Grantor contained in this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the discharge of the Parent Borrower’s or such Grantor’s other obligations hereunder.

 

(c)                                   Each of the Collateral Agents and the Administrative Agents acknowledge and agree that neither has made any representation or warranty with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any other ABL Document or any Pari Passu Document.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each of the Collateral Agents and the Administrative Agents will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective extensions of credit to Parent Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in accordance with law and their usual practices, modified from time to time as they deem appropriate.

 

6.16                         Additional Grantors.  The Parent Borrower will cause each Person that becomes a Grantor or is required by any Pari Passu Document or ABL Document to become a party to this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, by causing such Person to execute and deliver to the parties hereto an Intercreditor Agreement Joinder, whereupon such Person will be bound by the terms hereof to the same extent as if it had executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date hereof.  The Parent Borrower shall promptly provide each Collateral Agent with a copy of each Intercreditor Agreement Joinder executed and delivered pursuant to this Section 6.16.

 

6.17                         Avoidance Issues.  If any ABL Secured Party or Pari Passu Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to turn over or otherwise pay to the estate of the Parent Borrower or any other Grantor any amount (a “Recovery”), then such ABL Secured Party or Pari Passu Secured Party shall be entitled to a reinstatement of ABL Obligations or Pari Passu Lien Obligations, as applicable, with respect to all such recovered amounts.  If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto from such date of reinstatement.

 

6.18                         Intercreditor Agreement.  This Agreement is the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to in the ABL Credit Agreement, the Pari Passu Documents and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to subordinate the right of any ABL Secured Party to receive payment to the right of any Pari Passu Secured Party to receive payment or of any Pari Passu Secured Party to receive payment to the right of any ABL Secured Party to receive payment to the right of any Pari Passu Secured Party or ABL Secured Party to receive payment (whether before or after the occurrence of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), it being the intent of the parties that this Agreement shall effectuate a subordination of Liens but not a subordination of Indebtedness.

 

*           *           *

 

55



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Intercreditor Agreement to be executed by their respective officers or representatives as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Clawson

 

 

Name: Michael J. Clawson

 

 

Title: Managing Director

 

[Signature Page to Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement]

 



 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

Name:

Muriel Shaw

 

Title:

Assistant Vice President

 

[Signature Page to Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement]

 



 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Gary Forlenza

 

 

Name: Gary Forenza

 

 

Title: VP

 

[Signature Page to Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement]

 



 

Exhibit A

 

FORM OF
INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT JOINDER

 

The undersigned,                          , a                 , hereby agrees to become party as [a Grantor] [a ABL Facility Agent] [a Term Collateral Agent] [a Notes Collateral Agent] [an Additional Pari Passu Collateral Agent] under the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) among FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the other GRANTORS from time to time party hereto, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral  Agent, and certain other persons party or that may become party thereto from time to time, as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, for all purposes thereof on the terms set forth therein, and to be bound by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement as fully as if the undersigned had executed and delivered the Intercreditor Agreement as of the date thereof.

 

The provisions of Article 6 of the Intercreditor Agreement will apply with like effect to this Intercreditor Agreement Joinder.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Intercreditor Agreement Joinder to be executed by their respective officers or representatives as of                        , 20      .

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 




Exhibit 10.18

 

Execution Version

 

JUNIOR LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT JOINDER

 

The undersigned, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, hereby agrees to become party as the ABL Facility Agent in replacement of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as ABL Facility Agent under the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (the “ Intercreditor Agreement ”) among FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation, the other GRANTORS from time to time party thereto, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent, and certain other persons party or that may become party thereto from time to time, as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, for all purposes thereof on the terms set forth therein, and to be bound by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement as fully as if the undersigned had executed and delivered the Intercreditor Agreement as of the date thereof.

 

The provisions of Article 6 of the Intercreditor Agreement will apply with like effect to this Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder and the acknowledgment attached hereto.

 

[Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder and the acknowledgment attached hereto to be executed by their respective officers or representatives as of June 1, 2015.

 

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

Name:

Muriel Shaw

 

Title:

Assistant Vice President

 

[Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder]

 



 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

 

The undersigned, FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the “ Company ”), FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (“ FTSI ”), FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“ FTS Manufacturing ” and, collectively with FTSI, the “ Guarantors ”), each hereby confirm the refinancing and payment in full of the ABL Credit Agreement with the proceeds from the issuance of $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes Due 2020 (the “ Notes ”), issued under the Indenture, dated as of the date hereof (the “ Indenture ”), by and among the Company, the Guarantors and U .S. Bank National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “ Trustee ”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”) is a Permitted Refinancing of the ABL Obligations under the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

On the basis of the foregoing, the Company, the Guarantors, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent, each hereby confirm:

 

1)                                      pursuant to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder to which this acknowledgment is attached and Section 3.4(g) of such Intercreditor Agreement and in accordance with any instruction letter and/or officer’s certificates issued by the Company,  (i) the Notes and the Indenture are deemed to be and treated as “ABL Documents” thereunder, (ii) the Indenture is  deemed to be and treated as the “ABL Credit Facility” thereunder, (iii) U.S. Bank National Association in its capacity as Collateral Agent for the Notes is deemed to be and treated as the “ABL Facility Agent” thereunder, (iv) the secured parties under the Notes and the Indenture are deemed to be and treated as the “ABL Secured Parties thereunder and (v) the obligations under the Notes and the Indenture are deemed to be and treated as “ABL Obligations” thereunder; and

 

2)                                      Wells Fargo Bank, National Association shall have no further obligations under the Intercreditor Agreement in its capacity as ABL Facility Agent.

 

Each of the Term Collateral Agent and the Notes Collateral Agent further confirm that (1) it (or such Agent’s bailee or agent) does not possess any existing physical or certificated Pledged ABL Collateral (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) perfected by possession; (2) there is existing Pledged ABL Collateral perfected by the control set forth in the three existing Deposit Account Control Agreements (“DACAs”) pertaining to each of the Company, FTSI and FTS Manufacturing; (3) such DACAs are being amended as part of the Permitted Refinancing to establish control in U.S. Bank National Association as the successor ABL Facility Agent; and (4) other than as described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of this paragraph, there is no other Pledged ABL Collateral required to be delivered pursuant to Section 3.4(g) of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

[Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder Acknowledgment]

 



 

Acknowledged and confirmed

as of the date first written above:

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent

 

By:

/s/ Christina Faith

 

Name:

Christina Faith

 

Title:

Director

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

Name:

Muriel Shaw

 

Title:

Assistant Vice President

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING, LLC

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

Name:

Michael J. Doss

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

[Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder Acknowledgment]

 



 

Acknowledged and agreed:

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent

 

By:

/s/ Zachary S. Buchanan

 

Name:

Zachary S. Buchanan

 

Title:

AVP

 

 

[Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement Joinder Acknowledgment]

 




Exhibit 10.19

 

Execution Version

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the liens and security interests granted to the Agent pursuant to this Agreement in any ABL Collateral and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Agent with respect to any ABL Collateral hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement ”), among FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, FTS International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the other GRANTORS from time to time party thereto, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Facility Agent, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Term Collateral Agent, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Notes Collateral Agent and certain other persons party or that may become party thereto from time to time.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control

 

GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of April 16, 2014, among the Persons listed on the signature pages hereof as “Grantors” and those additional entities that hereafter become parties hereto by executing the form of Joinder attached hereto as Annex 1 (each, a “ Grantor ” and collectively, the “ Grantors ”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association (“ Wells Fargo ”), in its capacity as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined below) (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “ Agent ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS , pursuant to that certain Term Loan Agreement of even date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”) by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”) the lenders party thereto as “Lenders” (each of such Lenders, together with its successors and assigns, is referred to hereinafter as a “ Lender ”) and Agent, the Lenders have agreed to make certain financial accommodations available to the Borrower from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof; and

 

WHEREAS , Agent has agreed to act as agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties  in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Term Loan Agreement and this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS , in order to induce the Lenders to enter into the Term Loan Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and to make financial accommodations to the Borrower as provided for in the Term Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (a) each Grantor (other than the Borrower) has agreed to guaranty the Guarantied Obligations, and (b) each Grantor has agreed to grant to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a continuing security interest in and to the Collateral in order to secure the prompt and complete payment, observance and performance of, among other things, the Secured Obligations (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS , each Grantor (other than the Borrower) is a Subsidiary of the Borrower and, as such, will benefit by virtue of the financial accommodations extended to the Borrower by the Lenders.

 



 

NOW, THEREFORE , for and in consideration of the recitals made above and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Definitions; Construction .

 

(a)                                  All initially capitalized terms used herein (including in the preamble and recitals hereof) without definition shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Term Loan Agreement.  Any terms (whether capitalized or lower case) used in this Agreement that are defined in the Code shall be construed and defined as set forth in the Code unless otherwise defined herein or in the Term Loan Agreement; provided that to the extent that the Code is used to define any term used herein and if such term is defined differently in different Articles of the Code, the definition of such term contained in Article 9 of the Code shall govern.  In addition to those terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, as used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(i)                                      Account Collateral ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3(c) .

 

(ii)                                   Activation Instruction ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7(k) .

 

(iii)                                Agent ” has the meaning specified therefor in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

(iv)                               Agent’s Lien ” means the Liens granted by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to Agent under the Loan Documents and securing the Obligations.

 

(v)                                  Agreement ” has the meaning specified therefor in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

(vi)                               Authorized Collateral Agent ” has the meaning specified therefor in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(vii)                            Books ” means books and records (including each Grantor’s Records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing such Grantor’s assets (including the Collateral) or liabilities, each Grantor’s Records relating to such Grantor’s business operations or financial condition, and each Grantor’s goods or General Intangibles related to such information).

 

(viii)                         Borrower ” has the meaning specified therefor in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

(ix)                               Chattel Paper ” means chattel paper (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes tangible chattel paper and electronic chattel paper.

 

(x)                                  Code ” means the New York Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time; provided , however , that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the attachment, perfection, priority, or remedies with respect to Agent’s Lien on any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “Code” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions thereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority, or remedies.

 

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(xi)                               Collateral ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3 .

 

(xii)                            Commercial Tort Claims ” means commercial tort claims (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes those commercial tort claims listed on Schedule 1 .

 

(xiii)                         Controlled Account ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7(k) .

 

(xiv)                        Controlled Account Agreements ” means those certain cash management agreements, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, each of which is executed and delivered by a Grantor, Agent, and one of the Controlled Account Banks.

 

(xv)                           Controlled Account Bank ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7(k) .

 

(xvi)                        Discharge of ABL Obligations ” has the meaning given to such term in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(xvii)                     Excluded Assets ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3 hereof.

 

(xviii)                  Foreclosed Grantor ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2(i)(iii) .

 

(xix)                        General Intangibles ” means general intangibles (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes payment intangibles, software, contract rights, rights to payment, rights under Hedging Agreements (including the right to receive payment on account of the termination (voluntarily or involuntarily) of such Hedging Agreements), rights arising under common law, statutes, or regulations, choses or things in action, goodwill, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property Licenses, purchase orders, customer lists, monies due or recoverable from pension funds, route lists, rights to payment and other rights under any royalty or licensing agreements, including Intellectual Property Licenses, infringement claims, pension plan refunds, pension plan refund claims, insurance premium rebates, interests in a partnership or limited liability company which do not constitute a security under Article 8 of the Code.

 

(xx)                           Grantor ” and “ Grantors ” have the respective meanings specified therefor in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

(xxi)                        Guarantied Obligations ” means all of the Obligations now or hereafter existing, whether for principal, interest (including any interest that accrues after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any such Insolvency Proceeding), fees (including the fees provided for in the Fee Letter), expenses (including any fees or expenses that accrue after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any such Insolvency Proceeding).  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Guarantied Obligations shall include all amounts that constitute part of the Guarantied Obligations and would be owed by the Borrower to Agent or any other Secured Party, but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable, including due to the existence of a bankruptcy, reorganization, other Insolvency Proceeding or similar proceeding involving a Borrower or any Guarantor.

 

(xxii)                     Guarantor ” means each Grantor other than a Borrower.

 

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(xxiii)                  Guaranty ” means the guaranty set forth in Section 2 hereof.

 

(xxiv)                 Insolvency Proceeding ” means any proceeding commenced by or against any Person under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or under any other state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency law, assignments for the benefit of creditors, formal or informal moratoria, compositions, extensions generally with creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other similar relief.

 

(xxv)                    Intellectual Property ” means any and all Trademarks, trade secrets, know-how, inventions (whether or not patentable), algorithms, software programs (including source code and object code), processes, product designs, industrial designs, blueprints, drawings, data, customer lists, URLs and domain names, specifications, documentations, reports, catalogs, literature, and any other forms of technology or proprietary information of any kind, including all rights therein and all applications for registration or registrations thereof.

 

(xxvi)                 Intellectual Property Licenses ” means, with respect to any Person (the “ Specified Party ”), (A) any licenses or other similar rights provided to the Specified Party in or with respect to Intellectual Property owned or controlled by any other Person, and (B) any licenses or other similar rights provided to any other Person in or with respect to Intellectual Property owned or controlled by the Specified Party, in each case, including (x) any software license agreements (other than license agreements for commercially available off-the-shelf software that is generally available to the public which have been licensed to a Grantor pursuant to end-user licenses), (y) the license agreements listed on Schedule 3 , and (z) the right to use any of the licenses or other similar rights described in this definition in connection with the enforcement of the Secured Parties’ rights under the Loan Documents.

 

(xxvii)              Intercreditor Agreements ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 8.

 

(xxviii)           Inventory ” means inventory (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

(xxix)                 Inventory Collateral ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3(a).

 

(xxx)                    Joinder ” means each Joinder to this Agreement executed and delivered by Agent and each of the other parties listed on the signature pages thereto, in substantially the form of Annex 1 .

 

(xxxi)

 

(xxxii)              “Lender” and Lenders ” have the respective meanings specified therefor in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

(xxxiii)           Negotiable Collateral ” means letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, instruments, promissory notes, drafts and documents (as each such term is defined in the Code).

 

(xxxiv)          Notes Collateral ” has the meaning specified therefor in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(xxxv)             Notes Collateral Agent ” means U.S. Bank, National Association, as collateral agent under the Notes Security Agreement.

 

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(xxxvi)          Notes Security Agreement ” has the meaning specified therefor in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(xxxvii)       Pledged Collateral ” means all Pledged Interests, Pledged Operating Agreements, and Pledged Partnership Agreements.

 

(xxxviii)    Pledged Companies ” means each Person listed on Schedule 5 as a “Pledged Company”, together with each other Person, all or a portion of whose Equity Interests are acquired or otherwise owned by a Grantor after the Closing Date (in each case, to the extent not constituting Excluded Assets).

 

(xxxix)          Pledged Interests ” means each Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Equity Interests of the Pledged Companies as follows: 100% of the Equity Interests of all Domestic Subsidiaries of such Grantor other than Domestic Subsidiaries that are Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos, and 65% of the voting Equity Interests and 100% of the non-voting Equity Interests, if any, of all First-Tier Foreign Subsidiaries and all Foreign Subsidiary Holdcos owned by such Grantor, in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, regardless of class or designation, and all substitutions therefor and replacements thereof, all proceeds thereof and all rights relating thereto, also including any certificates representing the Equity Interests, the right to receive any certificates representing any of the Equity Interests, all warrants, options, share appreciation rights and other rights, contractual or otherwise, in respect thereof and the right to receive all dividends, distributions of income, profits, surplus, or other compensation by way of income or liquidating distributions, in cash or in kind, and all cash, instruments, and other property from time to time received, receivable, or otherwise distributed in respect of or in addition to, in substitution of, on account of, or in exchange for any or all of the foregoing (in each case, to the extent not constituting Excluded Assets) ; provided, however, that, in no event will the Pledged Interests (including any Equity Interests of Domestic Subsidiaries) include or be deemed to include any rights in respect of (1) voting Equity Interests in excess of 65% of all outstanding voting Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary or of any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco, or (2) any assets of any Foreign Subsidiary.

 

(xl)                               Pledged Interests Addendum ” means a Pledged Interests Addendum substantially in the form of Exhibit C .

 

(xli)                            Pledged Operating Agreements ” means all of each Grantor’s rights, powers, and remedies under the limited liability company operating agreements, or equivalent, of each of the Pledged Companies that are limited liability companies.

 

(xlii)                         Pledged Partnership Agreements ” means all of each Grantor’s rights, powers, and remedies under the partnership agreements, or equivalent, of each of the Pledged Companies that are partnerships.

 

(xliii)                      Proceeds ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3(g) .

 

(xliv)                     PTO ” means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

(xlv)                        Record ” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or which is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

 

(xlvi)                     Rescission ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7(k) .

 

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(xlvii)                  Secured Obligations ” means each and all of the following:  (A) all of the present and future obligations of each of the Grantors arising from, or owing under or pursuant to, this Agreement (including the Guaranty), the Term Loan Agreement, or any of the other Loan Documents, and (B) all other Obligations of the Borrower and all other Guarantied Obligations of each Guarantor (including, in the case of each of clauses (A) and (B), reasonable attorneys fees and expenses and any interest, fees, or expenses that accrue after the filing of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any Insolvency Proceeding).

 

(xlviii)               Secured Parties ” means, collectively, the Agent, the Lenders, each co agent or sub agent appointed by the Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 11.5 of the Term Loan Agreement, any other holder from time to time of any of any Secured Obligations and, in each case, their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

(xlix)                     Securities Account ” means a securities account (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

(l)                                      Security Interest ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3 .

 

(li)                                   Supporting Obligations ” means supporting obligations (as such term is defined in the Code), and includes letters of credit and guaranties issued in support of Accounts, Chattel Paper, documents, General Intangibles, instruments or Investment Property.

 

(lii)                                Term Loan Agreement ” has the meaning specified therefor in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

(liii)                             Trademarks ” means any and all trademarks, trade names, registered trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, registered service marks and service mark applications, including (A) the trade names, registered trademarks, trademark applications, registered service marks and service mark applications listed on Schedule 6 , (B) all renewals thereof, (C) all income, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including payments under all licenses entered into in connection therewith and damages and payments for past or future infringements or dilutions thereof, (D) the right to sue for past, present and future infringements and dilutions thereof, (E) the goodwill of each Grantor’s business symbolized by the foregoing or connected therewith, and (F) all of each Grantor’s rights corresponding thereto throughout the world.

 

(liv)                            Trademark Security Agreement ” means each Trademark Security Agreement executed and delivered by Grantors, or any of them, and Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit D .

 

(lv)                               Triggering Event ” means, as of any date of determination, that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of such date.

 

(lvi)                            URL ” means “uniform resource locator,” an internet web address.

 

(b)                                  Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular, references to the singular include the plural, the terms “includes” and  “including” are not limiting, and the term “or” has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.”  The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and

 

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similar terms in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.  Section, subsection, clause, schedule, and exhibit references herein are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.  Any reference in this Agreement to any agreement, instrument, or document shall include all alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements, thereto and thereof, as applicable (subject to any restrictions on such alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements set forth herein or in the Term Loan Agreement). Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, any definition or reference to any law, rule or regulation shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such law, rule or regulation.   The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties.  Any reference herein to the satisfaction, repayment, or payment in full of the Secured Obligations or the Guarantied Obligations shall mean (i) the payment or repayment in full in immediately available funds of (A) the principal amount of, and interest accrued with respect to, all outstanding Loans, together with the payment of any premium applicable to the repayment of the Loans, (B) all expenses that have accrued regardless of whether demand has been made therefor, (C) all fees or charges that have accrued hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (ii) the receipt by Agent of cash collateral in order to secure any other contingent Secured Obligations or Guarantied Obligations for which a claim or demand for payment has been made at such time or in respect of matters or circumstances known to Agent or a Lender at the time that are reasonably expected to result in any loss, cost, damage or expense (including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and legal expenses), such cash collateral to be in such amount as Agent reasonably determines is appropriate to secure such contingent Secured Obligations or Guarantied Obligations, (iii) the payment or repayment in full in immediately available funds of all other Secured Obligations or Guarantied Obligations (as the case may be) other than unasserted contingent indemnification obligations, and (iv) the termination of all of the Term Loan Commitments of the Lenders.  Any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns.  Any requirement of a writing contained herein shall be satisfied by the transmission of a Record .

 

(c)                                   All of the schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.

 

2.                                       Guaranty .

 

(a)                                  In recognition of the direct and indirect benefits to be received by Guarantors from the proceeds of the Term Loans by virtue of the financial accommodations to be made to the Borrower, each of the Guarantors, jointly and severally, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety the full and prompt payment when due, whether upon maturity, acceleration, or otherwise, of all of the Guarantied Obligations.  If any or all of the Obligations constituting Guarantied Obligations becomes due and payable, each of the Guarantors, unconditionally and irrevocably, and without the need for demand, protest, or any other notice or formality, promises to pay such indebtedness to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, together with any and all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket expenses that may be incurred by Agent or any other Secured Party in demanding, enforcing, or collecting any of the Guarantied Obligations (including the enforcement of any collateral for such Guarantied Obligations or any collateral for the obligations of the Guarantors under this Guaranty).  If claim is ever made upon Agent or any other Secured Party for repayment or recovery of any amount or amounts received in payment of or on account of any or all of the Guarantied Obligations and any of Agent or any other Secured Party repays all or part of said amount by reason of (i) any judgment, decree, or order of any court or administrative body having jurisdiction over such payee or any of its property, or (ii) any reasonable settlement or compromise of any such claim effected by such payee with any such claimant (including any Borrower or any Guarantor), then and in each such event, each of the Guarantors agrees that any such judgment, decree, order, settlement, or

 

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compromise shall be binding upon the Guarantors, notwithstanding any revocation (or purported revocation) of this Guaranty or other instrument evidencing any liability of any Grantor, and the Guarantors shall be and remain liable to the aforesaid payees hereunder for the amount so repaid or recovered to the same extent as if such amount had never originally been received by any such payee.

 

(b)                                  [ Reserved ].

 

(c)                                   The liability of each of the Guarantors hereunder is primary, absolute, and unconditional, and is independent of any security for or other guaranty of the Guarantied Obligations, whether executed by any other Guarantor or by any other Person, and the liability of each of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be affected or impaired by (i) any payment on, or in reduction of, any such other guaranty or undertaking, (ii) any dissolution, termination, or increase, decrease, or change in personnel by any Grantor, (iii) any payment made to Agent or any other Secured Party on account of the  Guarantied Obligations which Agent or such other Secured Party repays to any Grantor pursuant to court order in any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium or other debtor relief proceeding (or any settlement or compromise of any claim made in such a proceeding relating to such payment), and each of the Guarantors waives any right to the deferral or modification of its obligations hereunder by reason of any such proceeding, or (iv) any action or inaction by Agent or any other Secured Party, or (v) any invalidity, irregularity, avoidability, or unenforceability of all or any part of the Guarantied Obligations or of any security therefor.

 

(d)                                  This Guaranty includes all present and future Guarantied Obligations including any transactions continuing, compromising, extending, increasing, modifying, releasing, or renewing the Guarantied Obligations, changing the interest rate, payment terms, or other terms and conditions thereof, or creating new or additional Guarantied Obligations after prior Guarantied Obligations have been satisfied in whole or in part.  To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Guarantor hereby waives any right to revoke this Guaranty as to future Guarantied Obligations.  If such a revocation is effective notwithstanding the foregoing waiver, each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that (i) no such revocation shall be effective until written notice thereof has been received by Agent, (ii) no such revocation shall apply to any Guarantied Obligations in existence on the date of receipt by Agent of such written notice (including any subsequent continuation, extension, or renewal thereof, or change in the interest rate, payment terms, or other terms and conditions thereof), (iii) no such revocation shall apply to any Guarantied Obligations made or created after such date to the extent made or created pursuant to a legally binding commitment of any Secured Party in existence on the date of such revocation, (iv) no payment by any Guarantor, any Borrower, or from any other source, prior to the date of Agent’s receipt of written notice of such revocation shall reduce the maximum obligation of such Guarantor hereunder, and (v) any payment by a Borrower or from any source other than such Guarantor subsequent to the date of such revocation shall first be applied to that portion of the Guarantied Obligations as to which the revocation is effective and which are not, therefore, guarantied hereunder, and to the extent so applied shall not reduce the maximum obligation of such Guarantor hereunder.  This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor, its successors and assigns and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) and its successors, transferees, or assigns.

 

(e)                                   The guaranty by each of the Guarantors hereunder is a guaranty of payment and not of collection.  The obligations of each of the Guarantors hereunder are independent of the obligations of any other Guarantor or Grantor or any other Person and a separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against one or more of the Guarantors whether or not action is brought against any other Guarantor or Grantor or any other Person and whether or not any other Guarantor or Grantor or any other Person be joined in any such action or actions.  Each of the Guarantors waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting its liability hereunder or the enforcement hereof.  Any payment by any Grantor or other circumstance which operates to toll any

 

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statute of limitations as to any Grantor shall operate to toll the  statute of limitations as to each of the Guarantors.

 

(f)                                    Each of the Guarantors authorizes Agent and the other Secured Parties, without notice or demand, and without affecting or impairing its liability hereunder, from time to time to:

 

(i)                                      change the manner, place, or terms of payment of, or change or extend the time of payment of, renew, increase, accelerate, or alter:  (A) any of the Guarantied Obligations (including any increase or decrease in the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest or fees thereon); or (B) any security therefor or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof, and this Guaranty shall apply to the Guarantied Obligations as so changed, extended, renewed, or altered;

 

(ii)                                   take and hold security for the payment of the Guarantied Obligations and sell, exchange, release, impair, surrender, realize upon, collect, settle, or otherwise deal with in any manner and in any order any property at any time pledged or mortgaged to secure the Obligations or any of the Guarantied Obligations (including any of the obligations of all or any of the Guarantors under this Guaranty) incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof or hereof, or any offset on account thereof;

 

(iii)                                exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against any Grantor;

 

(iv)                               release or substitute any one or more endorsers, guarantors, any Grantor, or other obligors;

 

(v)                                  settle or compromise any of the Guarantied Obligations, any security therefor, or any liability (including any of those of any of the Guarantors under this Guaranty) incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof or hereof, and may subordinate the payment of all or any part thereof to the payment of any liability (whether due or not) of any Grantor to its creditors;

 

(vi)                               apply any sums by whomever paid or however realized to any liability or liabilities of any Grantor to Agent or any other Secured Party regardless of what liability or liabilities of such Grantor remain unpaid;

 

(vii)                            consent to or waive any breach of, or any act, omission, or default under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any of the instruments or agreements referred to herein or therein, or otherwise amend, modify, or supplement this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any of such other instruments or agreements; or

 

(viii)                         take any other action that could, under otherwise applicable principles of law, give rise to a legal or equitable discharge of one or more of the Guarantors from all or part of its liabilities under this Guaranty.

 

(g)                                   It is not necessary for Agent or any other Secured Party to inquire into the capacity or powers of any of the Guarantors or the officers, directors, partners or agents acting or purporting to act on their behalf, and any Guarantied Obligations made or created in reliance upon the professed exercise of such powers shall be Guaranteed hereunder.

 

(h)                                  Each Guarantor jointly and severally guarantees that the Guarantied Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents, regardless of any law, regulation, or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights

 

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of any Secured Party with respect thereto.  The obligations of each Guarantor under this Guaranty are independent of the Guarantied Obligations, and a separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against each Guarantor to enforce such obligations, irrespective of whether any action is brought against any other Guarantor or whether any other Guarantor is joined in any such action or actions.  The liability of each Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of, and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defense it may now or hereafter have in any way relating to, any or all of the following:

 

(i)                                      any lack of validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument relating thereto;

 

(ii)                                   any change in the time, manner, or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Guarantied Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from any Loan Document, including any increase in the Guarantied Obligations resulting from the extension of additional credit;

 

(iii)                                any taking, exchange, release, or non-perfection of any Lien in and to any Collateral, or any taking, release, amendment, waiver of, or consent to departure from any other guaranty, for all or any of the Guarantied Obligations;

 

(iv)                               the existence of any claim, set-off, defense, or other right that any Guarantor may have at any time against any Person, including Agent or any other Secured Party;

 

(v)                                  any defense, set-off, counterclaim, or claim, of any kind or nature, arising directly or indirectly from the present or future lack of perfection, sufficiency, validity, or enforceability of the Guarantied Obligations or any security therefor (other than to the extent arising from payment of the Guarantied Obligations, to the extent of such payment);

 

(vi)                               any right or defense arising by reason of any claim or defense based upon an election of remedies by any Secured Party including any defense based upon an impairment or elimination of such Guarantor’s rights of subrogation, reimbursement, contribution, or indemnity of such Guarantor against any other Grantor or any guarantors or sureties;

 

(vii)                            any change, restructuring, or termination of the corporate, limited liability company, or partnership structure or existence of any Grantor; or

 

(viii)                         any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor or any other guarantor or surety (other than payment of the Guarantied Obligations, to the extent of such payment).

 

(i)                                      Waivers

 

(i)                                      Each of the Guarantors waives any right (except as shall be required by applicable statute and cannot be waived) to require Agent or any other Secured Party to (i) proceed against any other Grantor or any other Person, (ii) proceed against or exhaust any security held from any other Grantor or any other Person, or (iii) protect, secure, perfect, or insure any security interest or Lien on any property subject thereto or exhaust any right to take any action against any other Grantor, any other Person, or any collateral, or (iv) pursue any other remedy in any Secured Party’s power whatsoever.  Each of the Guarantors waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any Grantor or any other Person, other than payment of the Guarantied Obligations to the extent of such payment, based on or arising out of the disability of any Grantor or any other Person, or the validity,

 

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legality, or unenforceability of the Guarantied Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any Grantor other than payment of the Guarantied Obligations to the extent of such payment.  After the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Agent may, at the election of the Required Lenders, foreclose upon any Collateral held by Agent by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales or other dispositions or may exercise any other right or remedy Agent or any other Secured Party may have against any Grantor or any other Person, or any security, in each case in accordance with applicable law, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any of the Guarantors hereunder except to the extent the Guarantied Obligations have been paid.

 

(ii)           Each of the Guarantors waives all presentments, demands for performance, protests and notices, including notices of nonperformance, notices of protest, notices of dishonor, notices of acceptance of this Guaranty, and notices of the existence, creation, or incurring of new or additional Guarantied Obligations or other financial accommodations.  Each of the Guarantors waives notice of any Default or Event of Default under any of the Loan Documents.  Each of the Guarantors assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of each Grantor’s financial condition and assets and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guarantied Obligations and the nature, scope, and extent of the risks which each of the Guarantors assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that neither Agent nor any of the other Secured Parties shall have any duty to advise any of the Guarantors of information known to them regarding such circumstances or risks.

 

(iii)          To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor hereby waives:  (A) any right to assert against any Secured Party, any defense (legal or equitable), set-off, counterclaim, or claim which each Guarantor may now or at any time hereafter have against any Borrower or any other party liable to any Secured Party; (B) any defense, set-off, counterclaim, or claim, of any kind or nature, arising directly or indirectly from the present or future lack of perfection, sufficiency, validity, or enforceability of the Guarantied Obligations or any security therefor; (C) any right or defense arising by reason of any claim or defense based upon an election of remedies by Agent or any Secured Party including any defense based upon an impairment or elimination of such Guarantor’s rights of subrogation, reimbursement, contribution, or indemnity of such Guarantor against any Borrower or other guarantors or sureties; and (D) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting such Guarantor’s liability hereunder or the enforcement thereof, and any act which shall defer or delay the operation of any statute of limitations applicable to the Guarantied Obligations shall similarly operate to defer or delay the operation of such statute of limitations applicable to such Guarantor’s liability hereunder.

 

(iv)          No Guarantor will exercise any rights that it may now or hereafter acquire against any Grantor or any other guarantor that arise from the existence, payment, performance or enforcement of such Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty, including any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or indemnification and any right to participate in any claim or remedy of Agent or any other Secured Party against any Grantor or any other guarantor or any Collateral, whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, including the right to take or receive from any Grantor or any other guarantor, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security solely on account of such claim, remedy or right, unless and until all of the Guarantied Obligations and all other amounts payable under this Guaranty shall have been paid in full in cash and all of the Term Loan Commitments have been terminated.  If any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor in violation of the immediately preceding sentence, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and shall forthwith be paid to Agent to be credited and applied to the Guarantied Obligations and all other amounts payable under this Guaranty, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Agreement, or to be held as Collateral for any Guarantied Obligations or other amounts payable under this Guaranty thereafter arising.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Guaranty, no Guarantor may exercise any rights of subrogation,

 

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contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or other similar rights against, and may not proceed or seek recourse against or with respect to any property or asset of, any other Grantor (the “ Foreclosed Grantor ”), including after payment in full of the Guarantied Obligations, if all or any portion of the Guarantied Obligations have been satisfied in connection with an exercise of remedies in respect of the Equity Interests of such Foreclosed Grantor whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise.

 

(v)           [Reserved].

 

(vi)          Each of the Guarantors represents, warrants, and agrees that each of the waivers set forth above is made with full knowledge of its significance and consequences and that if any of such waivers are determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such waivers shall be effective to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

3.             Grant of Security .  Each Grantor hereby unconditionally grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of each Secured Party, to secure the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest (hereinafter referred to as the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Grantor’s right, title, and interest in and to the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located (the “ Collateral ”):

 

(a)           all of such Grantor’s Inventory in all of its forms, including, without limitation, (a) all raw materials, work in process, finished goods and materials used or consumed in the manufacture, production, preparation or shipping thereof, (b) goods in which such Grantor has an interest in mass or a joint or other interest or right of any kind (including, without limitation, goods in which such Grantor has an interest or right as consignee) and (c) goods that are returned to or repossessed or stopped in transit by such Grantor), and all accessions thereto and products thereof and documents (as such term is defined in the Code), customs receipts, and shipping documents therefor, and all software that is embedded in and is part of the inventory (any and all such property being the “ Inventory Collateral ”)

 

(b)           all of such Grantor’s Accounts, Chattel Paper, Negotiable Collateral, General Intangibles and other obligations of any kind, in each case arising out of or in connection with the sale or lease of goods or the rendering of services and whether or not earned by performance, and all rights now or hereafter existing in and to all supporting obligations and in and to all security agreements, mortgages, Liens, leases, letters of credit and other contracts securing or otherwise relating to the foregoing property;

 

(c)           all of the following (collectively, the “ Account Collateral ”):

 

(i)            all of such Grantor’s Deposit Accounts and all funds and financial assets from time to time credited thereto (including, without limitation, all Cash Equivalents), all interest, dividends, distributions, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such funds and financial assets, and all certificates and instruments, if any, from time to time representing or evidencing the Deposit Accounts;

 

(ii)           all of such Grantor’s certificates of deposit, Deposit Accounts, checks and other instruments from time to time delivered to or otherwise possessed by the Agent for or on behalf of such Grantor, including, without limitation, those delivered or possessed in substitution for or in addition to any or all of the then existing Account Collateral;

 

(iii)          all of such Grantor’s collection accounts, disbursement accounts, lock-boxes, commodity accounts and Securities Accounts, including all cash, marketable securities,

 

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securities entitlements, financial assets and other funds and assets held in, on deposit in, or credited to any of the foregoing; and

 

(iv)          all interest, dividends, distributions, cash, instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the then existing Account Collateral;

 

(d)           all of such Grantor’s Trademarks, Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses, in each case, pertaining to any of the Collateral;

 

(e)           all of such Grantor’s Books (including, without limitation, customer lists, credit files, printouts and other computer output materials and records) pertaining to any of Collateral;

 

(f)            to the extent not otherwise included in the foregoing, all substitutes, replacements and accessions to any of the foregoing;

 

(g)           all proceeds (as such term is defined in the Code) of, collateral for, income, royalties and other payments now or hereafter due and payable with respect to, and Supporting Obligations relating to, any and all of the Collateral (including, without limitation, proceeds, collateral and Supporting Obligations that constitute property of the types described in clauses (a) through (f) above and this clause (g)) (the “ Proceeds ”) and, to the extent not otherwise included, all (x) payments under insurance (whether or not the Agent is the loss payee thereof), or any indemnity, warranty or guaranty, payable by reason of loss or damage to or otherwise, in each case, with respect to any of the foregoing Collateral, (y) tort claims, including, without limitation, all Commercial Tort Claims, in each case with respect to the foregoing Collateral and (z) cash with respect to the foregoing Collateral; and

 

(h)           all of such Grantor’s Pledged Collateral.

 

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the term “Collateral” shall not (and none of the terms used therein will) include:

 

(i) all of each Grantor’s right, title and interest in any real property, fixtures and equipment not constituting Inventory Collateral (including all vehicles and other rolling stock) of such Grantor (whether owned on the Closing Date or acquired following the Closing Date);

 

(ii) any permit, lease, license, contract, property rights, agreement, trademark or other Intellectual Property, to which a Grantor is a party or any of its rights or interests thereunder if and for so long as the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in (a) the abandonment, invalidation, cancellation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of such Grantor therein or (b) a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any such permit, lease, license, contract, property rights, agreement, trademark or other Intellectual Property (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Code (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable requirement of law or principles of equity);

 

(iii) any Trademark or other Intellectual Property application to the extent the grant of a security interest therein would invalidate such application;

 

(iv) fixed or capital assets that are subject to a purchase money Lien or a capital lease in each case that constitutes a Permitted Lien, to the extent granting a security interest therein would be prohibited or require third party consent that cannot be obtained after use of commercially reasonable efforts;

 

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(v) motor vehicles (or any equipment stored on or in any such motor vehicle), other goods covered by certificates of title or ownership or other rolling stock (whether or not covered by certificates of title or ownership);

 

(vi) cash collateral for letters of credit or Hedging Obligations permitted by the Term Loan Agreement securing, in the case of letters of credit, an amount not to exceed 105% of the face amount of cash collateralized letters of credit for the benefit of the Grantors and, in the case of Hedging Obligations, not to exceed 105% of the amount of such Hedging Obligations;

 

(vii) any Equity Interests of any joint venture, partnership or other entity to the extent granting a security interest therein would constitute a default or termination under the terms of the joint venture agreement, partnership agreement, other organizational documents or other agreement of (or covering or purporting to cover the assets of) such joint venture, partnership or entity or its parent (that is not a Grantor) or result in the abandonment or invalidation of the Grantor’s or any Subsidiary of the Grantor’s interest in such joint venture, partnership or other entity;

 

(viii) Equity Interests in excess of 65% of all outstanding voting Equity Interests of any First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary or any Foreign Subsidiary Holdco;

 

(ix) Equity Interests in (a) an Immaterial Subsidiary, (b) any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary, and (c) an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

(x) assets owned by a Grantor that are located outside of the United States (other than foreign Equity Interests as otherwise provided herein) to the extent a Lien on such assets cannot be created under the United States federal law or the laws of any State of the United States or the District of Columbia;

 

(xi) any Commercial Tort Claims or any letter of credit rights (other than Supporting Obligations constituting ABL Collateral);

 

(xii) proceeds (as such term is defined in the Code) and products of the foregoing to the extent they are also Excluded Assets; and

 

(xiii) (1) Deposit Accounts specifically and exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the employees of any Grantor established and used in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation deposit and securities accounts the balance of which consists exclusively of (x) withheld income taxes and federal, state or local employment taxes in such amounts as are required to be paid to the Internal Revenue Service or state or local government agencies within the following two months with respect to employees of any Grantor, and (y) amounts required to be paid over to an employee benefit plan pursuant to DOL Reg. Sec. 2510.3-102 on behalf of or for the benefit of employees of any Grantor, (2) all segregated Deposit Accounts constituting (and the balance of which consists solely of funds set aside in connection with) tax accounts and trust accounts, (3) any Deposit Accounts or concentration accounts, the deposits in which shall not aggregate more than $2,500,000 or exceed $1,000,000 with respect to any one account for a period of five (5) consecutive Business Days, (4) any insurance trust accounts maintained in the ordinary course of business and holding only funds necessary to fund the accrued insurance obligations of any Grantor in respect of self-insured health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, and (5) any escrow accounts required to be maintained in connection with any Permitted Investments or Permitted Dispositions.

 

(the items of property specified in clauses (i) through (xiii) above, collectively, “ Excluded Assets ”)  provided that, if any aforementioned asset or the proceeds thereof no longer constitute Excluded Assets,

 

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such asset shall immediately constitute Collateral, and a Lien on such asset shall immediately attach thereto.

 

4.             Security for Secured Obligations .  The Security Interest created hereby secures the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement secures the payment of all amounts which constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by Grantors, or any of them, to Agent, the Secured Parties, or any of them, but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable (in whole or in part) as a claim in an Insolvency Proceeding involving any Grantor due to the existence of such Insolvency Proceeding.

 

5.             Grantors Remain Liable .  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) each of the Grantors shall remain liable under the contracts and agreements included in the Collateral, including the Pledged Operating Agreements and the Pledged Partnership Agreements, to perform all of the duties and obligations thereunder to the same extent as if this Agreement had not been executed, (b) the exercise by Agent or any other Secured Party of any of the rights hereunder shall not release any Grantor from any of its duties or obligations under such contracts and agreements included in the Collateral, and (c) no Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability under such contracts and agreements included in the Collateral by reason of this Agreement, nor shall any Secured Party be obligated to perform any of the obligations or duties of any Grantors thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.  Until an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Term Loan Agreement, or any other Loan Document, Grantors shall have the right to possession and enjoyment of the Collateral for the purpose of conducting their respective businesses, subject to and upon the terms hereof and of the Term Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is the intention of the parties hereto that record and beneficial ownership of the Pledged Interests, including all voting, consensual, dividend, and distribution rights, shall remain in the applicable Grantor until (i) the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default and (ii) Agent has notified the applicable Grantor of Agent’s election to exercise such rights with respect to the Pledged Interests pursuant to Section 16 .

 

6.             Representations and Warranties .  In order to induce Agent to enter into this Agreement for the benefit of the Secured Parties, each Grantor makes the following representations and warranties to the Secured Parties which shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as of the Closing Date, and shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as of the date of the making of each Term Loan (or other extension of credit) made thereafter (subject to the limitations on representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.13(a)(C) of the Term Loan Agreement, as applicable), as though made on and as of the date of such Term Loan (or other extension of credit) (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) as of such earlier date) and such representations and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement:

 

(a)           The name (within the meaning of Section 9-503 of the Code) and jurisdiction of organization of each Grantor is set forth on Schedule 7 (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under the Loan Documents).

 

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(b)           The chief executive office of each Grantor is located at the address indicated on Schedule 7 (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under the Loan Documents).

 

(c)           Each Grantor’s tax identification numbers and organizational identification numbers, if any, are identified on Schedule 7 (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under the Loan Documents).

 

(d)           As of the Closing Date, no Grantor holds any commercial tort claims that exceed $3,000,000 in amount, except as set forth on Schedule 1 .

 

(e)           Set forth on Schedule 9 (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time subject to Section 7(k)(iii) with respect to Controlled Accounts and provided that Grantors comply with Section 7(c)  hereof) is a listing of all of Grantors’ Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts, including, with respect to each bank or securities intermediary (a) the name and address of such Person, and (b) the account numbers of the Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts maintained with such Person.

 

(f)            As of the Closing Date: (i)  Schedule 3 provides a complete and correct list of all Intellectual Property Licenses entered into by any Grantor pursuant to which (A) any Grantor has provided any license or other rights in Intellectual Property owned or controlled by such Grantor to any other Person (other than non-exclusive software licenses granted in the ordinary course of business) or (B) any Person has granted to any Grantor any license or other rights in Intellectual Property owned or controlled by such Person that is necessary to the business of such Grantor, including any Intellectual Property that is incorporated in any Inventory, software, or other product marketed, sold, licensed, or distributed by such Grantor (other than commercial off-the-shelf software); and (ii)  Schedule 6 provides a complete and correct list of all registered Trademarks owned by any Grantor and all applications for registration of Trademarks owned by any Grantor.

 

(g)           (i)            to each Grantor’s knowledge such Grantor owns exclusively or holds licenses in all Intellectual Property that is necessary in the conduct of its business;

 

(ii)           to each Grantor’s knowledge, no Person has infringed or misappropriated or is currently infringing or misappropriating any Intellectual Property rights owned by such Grantor, in each case, that either individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(iii)          to each Grantor’s knowledge, all registered Trademarks that are owned by such Grantor and necessary in the conduct of its business are valid, subsisting and enforceable and in compliance with all legal requirements, filings, and payments and other actions that are required to maintain such Intellectual Property in full force and effect except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(h)           This Agreement creates a valid security interest in the Collateral of each Grantor, to the extent a security interest therein can be created under the Code, securing the payment of the Secured Obligations.  Except to the extent a security interest in the Collateral cannot be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Code, all filings and other actions necessary or desirable to perfect and protect such security interest have been duly taken or will have been taken upon the filing of financing statements listing each applicable Grantor, as a debtor, and Agent, as secured party, in the jurisdictions listed next to such Grantor’s name on Schedule 11 .  Upon the making of such filings, Agent shall have a first priority perfected security interest in the Notes Collateral (subject to Permitted Liens) and a second priority perfected security interest in the ABL Collateral (subject to Permitted Liens) of each

 

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Grantor to the extent such security interest can be perfected by the filing of a financing statement.  Upon filing of any Trademark Security Agreement with the PTO, and the filing of appropriate financing statements in the jurisdictions listed on Schedule 11 , all action necessary to protect and perfect the Security Interest in and on each Grantor’s Trademarks has been taken and such perfected Security Interest is enforceable as such as against any and all creditors of and purchasers from any Grantor.

 

(i)            (i) Except for the Security Interest created hereby, each Grantor is and will at all times be the sole holder of record and the legal and beneficial owner, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, of the Pledged Interests indicated on Schedule 5 as being owned by such Grantor and, when acquired by such Grantor, any Pledged Interests acquired after the Closing Date; (ii) all of the Pledged Interests are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and the Pledged Interests constitute or will constitute the percentage of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Pledged Companies of such Grantor identified on Schedule 5 as supplemented or modified by any Pledged Interests Addendum or any Joinder to this Agreement; (iii) such Grantor has the right and requisite authority to pledge, the Pledged Collateral pledged by such Grantor to Agent as provided herein; (iv) all actions necessary or desirable to perfect and establish the priority of (subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement), or otherwise protect, Agent’s Liens in the Pledged Collateral, and the proceeds thereof, have been duly taken, upon (A) the execution and delivery of this Agreement; (B) the taking of possession by the Agent, any other Pari Passu Collateral Agent or the ABL Collateral Agent (or its agent or designee), or, subject to the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, of any certificates representing the Pledged Interests, together with undated powers (or other documents of transfer acceptable to the ABL Collateral Agent, such other Pari Passu Collateral Agent or the Agent, as applicable) endorsed in blank by the applicable Grantor; (C) the filing of financing statements in the applicable jurisdiction set forth on Schedule 11 for such Grantor with respect to the Pledged Interests of such Grantor that are not represented by certificates, and (D) with respect to any Securities Accounts, the delivery of Control Agreements with respect thereto granting control (x) in the case of ABL Collateral, to the ABL Collateral Agent, or after the Discharge of ABL Obligations, to the Authorized Collateral Agent, or (y) otherwise, to the Authorized Collateral Agent; and (v) subject to the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, each Grantor has delivered to and deposited with the Authorized Collateral Agent or the ABL Collateral Agent as bailee or agent for perfection for the benefit of the Agent as secured party, all certificates representing the Pledged Interests owned by such Grantor to the extent such Pledged Interests are represented by certificates, and undated powers (or other documents of transfer acceptable to Agent) endorsed in blank with respect to such certificates.  None of the Pledged Interests owned or held by such Grantor has been issued or transferred in violation of any securities registration, securities disclosure, or similar laws of any jurisdiction to which such issuance or transfer may be subject.

 

(j)            Except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no consent, approval, authorization, or other order or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required (i) for the grant of a Security Interest by such Grantor in and to the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement or for the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement by such Grantor, or (ii) for the exercise by Agent of the voting or other rights provided for in this Agreement with respect to the Investment Property or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement, except as may be required in connection with such disposition of Investment Property by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities generally and except for consents, approvals, authorizations, or other orders or actions that have been obtained or given (as applicable) and that are still in force.

 

(k)           Except if any Grantor notifies Agent to the contrary,  as to all limited liability company or partnership interests, issued under any Pledged Operating Agreement or Pledged Partnership

 

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Agreement, each Grantor hereby represents and warrants that the Pledged Interests issued pursuant to such agreement (A) are not dealt in or traded on securities exchanges or in securities markets, (B) do not constitute investment company securities, and (C) are not held by such Grantor in a Securities Account.  In addition, none of the Pledged Operating Agreements, the Pledged Partnership Agreements, or any other agreements governing any of the Pledged Interests issued under any Pledged Operating Agreement or Pledged Partnership Agreement, provided that such Pledged Interests are securities governed by Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction.

 

7.             Covenants .  Each Grantor, jointly and severally, covenants and agrees with Agent that from and after the date of this Agreement and until the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 23 :

 

(a)           Possession of Collateral .  In the event that any Collateral, including Proceeds, is evidenced by or consists of Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper having an aggregate value or face amount of $3,000,000 or more for all such Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper, the Grantors shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days after acquisition thereof or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion), notify Agent thereof, and if and to the extent that perfection or priority of Agent’s Security Interest is dependent on or enhanced by possession, the applicable Grantor, promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion) after request by Agent, shall execute such other documents and instruments as shall be requested by Agent or, if applicable, endorse and deliver physical possession of such Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper to Agent (or, subject to the terms of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or the Junior Lien Intercreditor  Agreement, as applicable, to the Authorized Collateral Agent or the ABL Collateral Agent), together with such undated powers (or other relevant document of transfer acceptable to Agent) endorsed in blank as shall be requested by Agent, and shall do such other acts or things deemed necessary by Agent to protect Agent’s Security Interest therein;

 

(b)           Chattel Paper .

 

(i)            Promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion) after request by Agent, each Grantor shall take all steps reasonably necessary to grant Agent control of all electronic Chattel Paper constituting Collateral in accordance with the Code and all “transferable records” as that term is defined in Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act and Section 201 of the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction, to the extent that the aggregate value or face amount of such electronic Chattel Paper equals or exceeds $3,000,000;

 

(ii)           If any Grantor retains possession of any Chattel Paper or instruments constituting Collateral (which retention of possession shall be subject to the extent permitted hereby and by the Term Loan Agreement), promptly upon the reasonable request of Agent, such Chattel Paper and instruments shall be marked with the following legend: “This writing and the obligations evidenced or secured hereby are subject to the Security Interest of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties”;

 

(c)           Control Agreements .

 

(i)            Except to the extent otherwise excused by Section 7(k)(iv) , each Grantor shall obtain an authenticated Control Agreement (which may include a Controlled Account Agreement), from each bank maintaining a Deposit Account or Securities Account for such Grantor;

 

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(ii)           Except to the extent otherwise excused by Section 7(k)(iv) , each Grantor shall obtain an authenticated Control Agreement, from each issuer of uncertificated securities, securities intermediary, or commodities intermediary issuing or holding any financial assets or commodities to or for any Grantor, or maintaining a Securities Account for such Grantor; and

 

(iii)          The Grantors shall have used their commercially reasonable efforts to complete, on or prior to the Closing Date, all actions required in connection with the perfection of all Security Interests in the Account Collateral, including obtaining the authenticated Control Agreements specified in clauses (i) and (ii) above.  To the extent that any such actions (including the obtaining of authenticated Control Agreements) have not been completed on or prior to the Closing Date with respect to Account Collateral, the Grantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to complete such actions as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event shall complete such actions within 90 days after the Closing Date.

 

(d)           Letter-of-Credit Rights .  If the Grantors (or any of them) are or become the beneficiary of letters of credit in respect of any Collateral having a face amount or value of $3,000,000 or more in the aggregate, then the applicable Grantor or Grantors shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days after becoming a beneficiary or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion), notify Agent thereof and, promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion) after request by Agent, enter into a tri-party agreement with Agent and the issuer or confirming bank with respect to letter-of-credit rights assigning such letter-of-credit rights to Agent and directing all payments thereunder to Agent’s Account, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

 

(e)           Commercial Tort Claims .  If the Grantors (or any of them) obtain Commercial Tort Claims constituting Collateral having a value, or involving an asserted claim, in the amount of $3,000,000 or more in the aggregate for all Commercial Tort Claims, then the  applicable Grantor or Grantors shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days of obtaining such Commercial Tort Claim or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion), notify Agent upon incurring or otherwise obtaining such Commercial Tort Claims and, promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion) after request by Agent, amend Schedule 1 to describe such Commercial Tort Claims in a manner that reasonably identifies such Commercial Tort Claims and which is otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Agent, and hereby authorizes the filing of additional financing statements or amendments to existing financing statements describing such Commercial Tort Claims, and agrees to do such other acts or things deemed necessary or desirable by Agent to give Agent a first priority, perfected security interest in any such Commercial Tort Claim;

 

(f)            Government Contracts .  Other than Accounts and Chattel Paper the aggregate value of which does not at any one time exceed $3,000,000, if any Account or Chattel Paper constituting Collateral arises out of a contract or contracts with the United States of America or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, Grantors shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days of the creation thereof or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion) notify Agent thereof and, promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion) after request by Agent, execute any instruments or take any steps reasonably required by Agent in order that all moneys due or to become due under such contract or contracts shall be assigned to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and shall provide written notice thereof under the Assignment of Claims Act or other applicable law;

 

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(g)                                   Intellectual Property .

 

(i)                                      Upon the request of Agent, in order to facilitate filings with the PTO, each Grantor shall execute and deliver to Agent one or more Trademark Security Agreements to further evidence Agent’s Lien on such Grantor’s Trademarks constituting Collateral and the General Intangibles of such Grantor relating thereto or represented thereby;

 

(ii)                                   Each Grantor shall take all commercially reasonable steps which it reasonably deems appropriate under the circumstances, with respect to Intellectual Property that is necessary to the conduct of such Grantor’s business, to protect and enforce and defend at such Grantor’s expense its Intellectual Property, including, in its reasonable business judgment (A) to enforce and defend, including promptly suing for infringement, misappropriation, or dilution and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation, or dilution, and filing for opposition, interference, and cancellation against conflicting Intellectual Property rights of any Person, (B) to prosecute any trademark application or service mark application that is part of the Trademarks pending as of the date hereof or hereafter until the termination of this Agreement, and (C) to take all reasonable and necessary action to preserve and maintain all of such Grantor’s Trademarks, Intellectual Property Licenses, and its rights therein, including paying all maintenance fees and filing of applications for renewal, affidavits of use, and affidavits of noncontestability.  Each Grantor hereby agrees to take  all commercially reasonable steps which it reasonably deems appropriate under the circumstances, as described in this Section 7(g)(ii) , with respect to all new or acquired Intellectual Property to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is now or later becomes entitled that is necessary to the conduct of such Grantor’s business;

 

(iii)                                Grantors acknowledge and agree that the Secured Parties shall have no duties with respect to any Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses of any Grantor.  Without limiting the generality of this Section 7(g)(iii) , Grantors acknowledge and agree that no Secured Party shall be under any obligation to take any steps necessary to preserve rights in the Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses against any other Person, but any Secured Party may do so at its option from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, and all reasonable, documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection therewith (including reasonable and documented fees and expenses of attorneys and other professionals) shall be for the sole account of the Borrower; and

 

(iv)                               [Reserved].

 

(v)                                  On each date on which an Officer’s Compliance Certificate is to be delivered pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Term Loan Agreement in respect of a fiscal quarter, each Grantor shall provide Agent with a written report of all new Trademarks, if any, that are registered or the subject of pending applications for registrations, and of all Intellectual Property Licenses that are necessary to the conduct of such Grantor’s business, in each case, which were acquired, registered, or for which applications for registration were filed by any Grantor during the prior period and any statement of use or amendment to allege use with respect to intent-to-use trademark applications..  In each of the foregoing cases, the applicable Grantor shall promptly cause to be prepared, executed, and delivered to Agent supplemental schedules to the applicable Loan Documents to identify such Trademark registrations and applications therefor (with the exception of Trademark applications filed on an intent-to-use basis for which no statement of use or amendment to allege use has been filed) and Intellectual Property Licenses as being subject to the security interests created thereunder.

 

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(h)                                  Pledged Collateral .

 

(i)                                      If any Grantor shall acquire, obtain or receive any Pledged Interests after the Closing Date, it shall promptly (and in any event within twenty (20) Business Days of acquiring or obtaining such Pledged Interests or such longer period as the Agent may agree to in its sole discretion) deliver to Agent a duly executed Pledged Interests Addendum identifying such Pledged Interests;

 

(ii)                                   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, following the request of Agent, all sums of money and property paid or distributed in respect of the Investment Property constituting Collateral that are received by any Grantor shall be held by the Grantors in trust for the benefit of Agent segregated from such Grantor’s other property, and such Grantor shall, subject to the requirements of the Intercreditor Agreements, deliver it forthwith to Agent in the exact form received;

 

(iii)                                [ Reserved ];

 

(iv)                               No Grantor shall make or consent to any amendment or other modification or waiver with respect to any Pledged Interests, Pledged Operating Agreement, or Pledged Partnership Agreement, or enter into any agreement or permit to exist any restriction with respect to any Pledged Interests if the same is prohibited pursuant to the Loan Documents;

 

(v)                                  Each Grantor agrees that it will cooperate with Agent in obtaining all necessary approvals and making all necessary filings under federal, state, local, or foreign law to effect the perfection of the Security Interest in favor of the Agent on the Investment Property constituting Collateral and, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to effect any sale or transfer thereof; provided that no Grantor shall have any obligation to make any filings or registrations to allow for a public sale of any Investment Property;

 

(vi)                               As to all limited liability company or partnership interests, issued under any Pledged Operating Agreement or Pledged Partnership Agreement, each Grantor hereby covenants that the Pledged Interests issued pursuant to such agreement (A) are not and shall not be dealt in or traded on securities exchanges or in securities markets, (B) do not and will not constitute investment company securities, and (C) are not and will not be held by such Grantor in a securities account, in each case, except as a Grantor may otherwise provide upon not less than 10 days’ prior written notice to Agent.  In addition, none of the Pledged Operating Agreements, the Pledged Partnership Agreements, or any other agreements governing any of the Pledged Interests issued under any Pledged Operating Agreement or Pledged Partnership Agreement, provide or shall provide that such Pledged Interests are securities governed by Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction.

 

(i)                                      [ Reserved ].

 

(j)                                     Transfers and Other Liens .  Grantors shall not (i) sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, any of the Collateral, except as expressly permitted by the Term Loan Agreement, or (ii) create or permit to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any of the Collateral of any Grantor, except for Permitted Liens.  The inclusion of Proceeds in the Collateral shall not be deemed to constitute Agent’s consent to any sale or other disposition of any of the Collateral except as expressly permitted in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

 

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(k)                                  Controlled Accounts; Controlled Investments .

 

(i)                                      Each Grantor shall (A) establish and maintain cash management services of a type and on terms reasonably satisfactory to Agent at one or more of the banks set forth on Schedule 10 (each a “ Controlled Account Bank ”), and shall take reasonable steps to ensure that all of its Account Debtors forward payment of the amounts owed by them directly to such Controlled Account Bank, and (B) deposit or cause to be deposited promptly, and in any event no later than the first Business Day after the date of receipt thereof, all of their collections (including those sent directly by their Account Debtors to a Grantor) into a bank account of such Grantor (each, a “ Controlled Account ”) at one of the Controlled Account Banks.

 

(ii)                                   Each Grantor shall establish and maintain Controlled Account Agreements with Agent and the applicable Controlled Account Bank with respect to Controlled Accounts that constitute Collateral, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent.  Each such Controlled Account Agreement shall provide, among other things, that (A) the Controlled Account Bank will comply with any instructions originated by Agent directing the disposition of the funds in such Controlled Account without further consent by the applicable Grantor, (B) the Controlled Account Bank waives, subordinates, or agrees not to exercise any rights of setoff or recoupment or any other claim against the applicable Controlled Account other than for payment of its service fees and other charges directly related to the administration of such Controlled Account and for returned checks or other items of payment, and (C) upon the instruction of Agent (an “ Activation Instruction ”), the Controlled Account Bank will forward by daily sweep all amounts in the applicable Controlled Account to the Agent’s Account.  Agent agrees not to issue an Activation Instruction with respect to the Controlled Accounts unless a Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing at the time such Activation Instruction is issued.  Agent agrees to send a notice of rescission to the Controlled Account Bank and otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to rescind an Activation Instruction (the “ Rescission ”) if: (1) the Triggering Event upon which such Activation Instruction was issued has been waived in writing in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Agreement, and (2) no additional Triggering Event has occurred and is continuing on the date of the Rescission or is reasonably expected to occur on or immediately after the date of the Rescission.

 

(iii)                                So long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower may amend Schedule 10 to add or replace a Controlled Account Bank or Controlled Account and shall upon such addition or replacement provide to Agent an amended Schedule 10 ; provided , however , that (A) such prospective Controlled Account Bank shall be the Agent, the ABL Collateral Agent or an Affiliate thereof, a Pari Passu Collateral Agent or an Affiliate thereof, a Lender, an Affiliate thereof or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to Agent,  and (B) prior to the time of the opening of such Controlled Account (except with respect to any Controlled Account existing as of the Closing Date), the applicable Grantor and such prospective Controlled Account Bank shall have executed and delivered to Agent a Controlled Account Agreement.

 

(iv)                               From and after the date that is ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, no Grantor will open or maintain any Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts other than Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts that are Excluded Assets unless Grantor and the applicable bank or securities intermediary have entered into Control Agreements with Agent in order to perfect (and further establish) Agent’s Liens in such Deposit Account or Securities Account and, notwithstanding anything in the Loan Documents to the contrary, there shall be no Default or Event of Default until after the expiration of such ninety (90) day period for failure to have any such Control Agreements in place.

 

(l)                                      Name, Etc .  No Grantor will change its name, organizational identification number, jurisdiction of organization or organizational identity; provided , that Grantor may change its name upon at least ten (10) days prior written notice to Agent of such change.

 

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8.                                       Relation to Other Security Documents .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be read and construed with the other Loan Documents referred to below in the manner so indicated.

 

(a)                                  Term Loan Agreement .  In the event of any conflict between any provision in this Agreement and a provision in the Term Loan Agreement, such provision of the Term Loan Agreement shall control.

 

(b)                                  Trademark Security Agreements .  The provisions of the Trademark Security Agreements are supplemental to the provisions of this Agreement, and nothing contained in the Trademark Security Agreements shall limit any of the rights or remedies of Agent hereunder.  In the event of any conflict between any provision in this Agreement and a provision in a Trademark Security Agreement, such provision of this Agreement shall control.

 

(c)                                   Intercreditor Agreements .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Security Interest granted pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, the terms of any other Security Document, certain other rights and privileges, and the exercise of any right or remedy by Agent hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement (together, the “ Intercreditor Agreements ”).  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and this Agreement or any other Security Document, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements shall control; provided that the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement govern and control in the event of any conflict between the Junior Lien Intercreditor and  the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.  In addition, whether expressly stated herein or in any other Loan Document, so long as the Discharge of ABL Obligations has not occurred, the delivery of any ABL Collateral or any certificates, Instruments, Chattel Paper or Documents evidencing or in connection with such ABL Collateral to the ABL Collateral Agent as bailee or agent for perfection for the benefit of Agent as secured party, the granting of “control” over ABL Collateral, the execution and delivery of Control Agreements and/or the assignment of any ABL Collateral to the ABL Collateral Agent as bailee or agent for perfection for the benefit of Agent as secured party, in each case shall constitute compliance by the applicable Grantor with the provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document which require delivery, possession, control and/or assignment of certain types of Collateral to the Agent or delivery of control agreements to the Agent.

 

9.                                       Further Assurances .

 

(a)                                  Each Grantor agrees that from time to time, at its own expense, such Grantor will promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action, that Agent may reasonably request, in order to perfect and protect the Security Interest granted hereby, to create, perfect or protect the Security Interest purported to be granted hereby or to enable Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder with respect to any of the Collateral.

 

(b)                                  Each Grantor authorizes the filing by Agent of financing or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, as are necessary to perfect or preserve Agent’s Security Interest in the Collateral and such Grantor will execute and deliver to Agent such other instruments or notices, as Agent may reasonably request, in order to perfect and preserve the Security Interest granted or purported to be granted hereby.

 

(c)                                   Each Grantor authorizes Agent at any time and from time to time to file, transmit, or communicate, as applicable, financing statements and amendments (i) describing the Collateral as set forth herein, (ii) describing the Collateral as being of equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, or (iii) that contain any information required by part 5 of Article 9 of the Code for the sufficiency or filing office

 

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acceptance.  Each Grantor also hereby ratifies any and all financing statements or amendments previously filed by Agent in any jurisdiction.

 

(d)                                  Each Grantor acknowledges that it is not authorized  to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement without the prior written consent of Agent, subject to such Grantor’s rights under Section 9-509(d)(2) of the Code.

 

(e)                                   Each of the parties hereto acknowledges and agrees that nothing in this Agreement (i) creates, either directly or by implication, any Security Interest in, Lien on, or rights to any assets or property constituting Excluded Assets or (ii) requires compliance with any applicable foreign law with respect to the grant, creation and perfection of Liens on and Security Interests in any Collateral.

 

10.                                Agent’s Right to Perform Contracts, Exercise Rights, etc .  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Agent (or its designee) (a) may proceed to perform any and all of the obligations of any Grantor contained in any contract, lease, or other agreement and exercise any and all rights of any Grantor therein contained as fully as such Grantor itself could, (b) shall have the right to use any Grantor’s rights under Intellectual Property Licenses (to the extent that such use (a) does not violate the express terms of any agreement between such Grantor and a third party governing such Grantor’s use of the Intellectual Property License and (b) is not prohibited by any rule of law, statute or regulation) in connection with the enforcement of Agent’s rights hereunder, including the right to prepare for sale and sell any and all Inventory now or hereafter owned by any Grantor and now or hereafter covered by such licenses, and (c) shall have the right to request that any Equity Interests that are pledged hereunder be registered in the name of Agent or any of its nominees.

 

11.                                Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact .  Each Grantor hereby irrevocably appoints Agent as its attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Grantor and in the name of such Grantor or otherwise, at such time as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the Term Loan Agreement, subject to the terms of then existing leases, contracts and other agreements, to take any action and to execute any instrument which Agent may reasonably deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, including:

 

(a)                                  to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compromise, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in connection with the Accounts or any other Collateral of such Grantor;

 

(b)                                  to receive and open all mail addressed to such Grantor and to notify postal authorities to change the address for the delivery of mail to such Grantor to that of Agent;

 

(c)                                   to receive, indorse, and collect any drafts or other instruments, documents, Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper of any Grantor;

 

(d)                                  to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings which Agent may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the Collateral of such Grantor or otherwise to enforce the rights of Agent with respect to any of the Collateral;

 

(e)                                   to repair, alter, or supply goods, if any, necessary to fulfill in whole or in part the purchase order of any Person obligated to such Grantor in respect of any Account of such Grantor;

 

(f)                                    to use any Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses (to the extent that such use (i) does not violate the express terms of any agreement between such Grantor and a third

 

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party governing such Grantor’s use of the Intellectual Property License and (ii) is not prohibited by any rule of law, statute or regulation) of such Grantor, including but not limited to any labels, Trademarks, trade names, URLs, domain names, industrial designs, or advertising matter, in preparing for sale, advertising for sale, or selling Inventory or other Collateral and to collect any amounts due under Accounts, contracts or Negotiable Collateral of such Grantor; and

 

(g)                                   Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to bring suit in its own name to enforce the Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses and, if Agent shall commence any such suit, the appropriate Grantor shall, at the request of Agent, do any and all lawful acts and execute any and all proper documents reasonably required by Agent in aid of such enforcement.

 

To the extent permitted by law, each Grantor hereby ratifies all that such attorney-in-fact shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  This power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable until this Agreement is terminated.

 

12.                                Agent May Perform .  If any Grantor fails to perform any agreement contained herein, Agent may itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement, and the reasonable expenses of Agent incurred in connection therewith shall be payable, jointly and severally, by Grantors.

 

13.                                Agent’s Duties .  The powers conferred on Agent hereunder are solely to protect Agent’s interest in the Collateral, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and shall not impose any duty upon Agent to exercise any such powers.  Except for the safe custody of any Collateral in its actual possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, Agent shall have no duty as to any Collateral or as to the taking of any necessary steps to preserve rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining to any Collateral.  Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Collateral in its actual possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which Agent accords its own property.

 

14.                                Collection of Accounts, General Intangibles and Negotiable Collateral .  At any time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Agent or Agent’s designee may (a) notify Account Debtors of any Grantor that the Accounts, General Intangibles, Chattel Paper or Negotiable Collateral of such Grantor have been assigned to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, or that Agent has a security interest therein, and (b) collect the Accounts, General Intangibles and Negotiable Collateral of any Grantor directly, and any collection costs and expenses shall constitute part of such Grantor’s Secured Obligations under the Loan Documents.

 

15.                                Disposition of Pledged Interests by Agent .  None of the Pledged Interests existing as of the date of this Agreement are, and none of the Pledged Interests hereafter acquired on the date of acquisition thereof will be, registered or qualified under the various federal or state securities laws of the United States and disposition thereof after an Event of Default may be restricted to one or more private (instead of public) sales in view of the lack of such registration.  Each Grantor understands that in connection with such disposition, Agent may approach only a restricted number of potential purchasers and further understands that a sale under such circumstances may yield a lower price for the Pledged Interests than if such Pledged Interests were registered and qualified pursuant to federal and state securities laws and sold on the open market.  Each Grantor, therefore, agrees that:  (a) if Agent shall, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, sell or cause the Pledged Interests or any portion thereof to be sold at a private sale, Agent shall have the right to rely upon the advice and opinion of any nationally recognized brokerage or investment firm (but shall not be obligated to seek such advice and the failure to do so shall not be considered in determining the commercial reasonableness of such action) as to the best manner in which to offer the Pledged Interest or any portion thereof for sale and as to the best price

 

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reasonably obtainable at the private sale thereof; and (b) such reliance shall be conclusive evidence that Agent has handled the disposition in a commercially reasonable manner.

 

16.                                Voting and Other Rights in Respect of Pledged Interests .

 

(a)                                  Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, (i) Agent may, at its option, and with five (5) Business Days’ prior notice to any Grantor, and in addition to all rights and remedies available to Agent under any other agreement, at law, in equity, or otherwise, exercise all voting rights, or any other ownership or consensual rights (including any dividend or distribution rights) in respect of the Pledged Interests owned by such Grantor, but under no circumstances is Agent obligated by the terms of this Agreement to exercise such rights, and (ii) if Agent duly exercises its right to vote any of such Pledged Interests, each Grantor hereby appoints Agent, such Grantor’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and IRREVOCABLE PROXY to vote such Pledged Interests in any manner Agent deems advisable for or against all matters submitted or which may be submitted to a vote of shareholders, partners or members, as the case may be.  The power-of-attorney and proxy granted hereby is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable until the Secured Obligations have been paid in full.

 

(b)                                  For so long as any Grantor shall have the right to vote the Pledged Interests owned by it, such Grantor covenants and agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of Agent, vote or take any consensual action with respect to such Pledged Interests which would materially adversely affect the rights of Agent, the other Secured Parties.

 

17.                                Remedies .  Subject to the Intercreditor Agreements, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default:

 

(a)                                  Agent may, with the consent of the Required Lenders and, at the instruction of the Required Lenders, shall exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein, in the other Loan Documents, or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the Code or any other applicable law.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor expressly agrees that, in any such event, Agent without demand of performance or other demand, advertisement or notice of any kind (except a notice specified below of time and place of public or private sale or as required by applicable law) to or upon any Grantor or any other Person (all and each of which demands, advertisements and notices are hereby expressly waived to the maximum extent permitted by the Code or any other applicable law), may take immediate possession of all or any portion of the Collateral and (i) require Grantors to, and each Grantor hereby agrees that it will at its own expense and upon request of Agent forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by Agent and make it available to Agent at one or more locations where such Grantor regularly maintains Inventory, and (ii) without notice except as specified below, sell the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any of Agent’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit, and upon such other terms as Agent may deem commercially reasonable.  Each Grantor agrees that, to the extent notification of sale shall be required by law, at least ten (10) days notification by mail to the applicable Grantor of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification and specifically such notification shall constitute a reasonable “authenticated notification of disposition” within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the Code.  Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notification of sale having been given.  Agent may adjourn any public sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.  Each Grantor agrees that (A) the internet shall constitute a “place” for purposes of Section 9-610(b) of the Code and (B) to the extent notification of sale shall be required by law, notification by mail of the URL where a sale will occur and the time when a sale will commence at least ten (10) days prior to the sale shall constitute a reasonable notification for purposes of Section 9-611(b) of the Code.  Each

 

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Grantor agrees that any sale of Collateral to a licensor pursuant to the terms of a license agreement between such licensor and a Grantor is sufficient to constitute a commercially reasonable sale (including as to method, terms, manner, and time) within the meaning of Section 9-610 of the Code.

 

(b)                                  Subject to the terms of the existing applicable agreements and contracts, Agent is hereby granted a license or other right to use, without liability for royalties or any other charge, each Grantor’s Intellectual Property, including but not limited to, any labels, Trademarks, trade names, URLs, domain names, industrial designs, and advertising matter, whether owned by any Grantor or with respect to which any Grantor has rights under license, sublicense, or other agreements (including any Intellectual Property License), as it pertains to the Collateral, in preparing for sale, advertising for sale and selling any Collateral, and each Grantor’s rights under all licenses and all franchise agreements shall inure to the benefit of Agent.

 

(c)                             Agent may, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein, in the other Loan Documents, or otherwise available to it under applicable law and without the requirement of notice to or upon any Grantor or any other Person (which notice is hereby expressly waived to the maximum extent permitted by the Code or any other applicable law), (i) with respect to any Grantor’s Deposit Accounts in which Agent’s Liens are perfected by control under Section 9-104 of the Code, instruct the bank maintaining such Deposit Account for the applicable Grantor to pay the balance of such Deposit Account to or for the benefit of Agent, and (ii) with respect to any Grantor’s Securities Accounts in which Agent’s Liens are perfected by control under Section 9-106 of the Code, instruct the securities intermediary maintaining such Securities Account for the applicable Grantor to (A) transfer any cash in such Securities Account to or for the benefit of Agent, or (B)  liquidate any financial assets in such Securities Account that are customarily sold on a recognized market and transfer the cash proceeds thereof to or for the benefit of Agent.

 

(d)                                  Any cash held by Agent as Collateral and all cash proceeds received by Agent in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral shall be applied against the Secured Obligations in the order set forth in the Term Loan Agreement.  In the event the proceeds of Collateral are insufficient to satisfy all of the Secured Obligations in full, each Grantor shall remain jointly and severally liable for any such deficiency.

 

(e)                                   Each Grantor hereby acknowledges that the Secured Obligations arise out of a commercial transaction, and agrees that if an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing Agent shall have the right to an immediate writ of possession without notice of a hearing.  Agent shall have the right to the appointment of a receiver for the Collateral of each Grantor, and each Grantor hereby consents to such rights and such appointment and hereby waives any objection such Grantor may have thereto or the right to have a bond or other security posted by Agent.

 

18.                                Remedies Cumulative .  Each right, power, and remedy of Agent, any other Secured Party as provided for in this Agreement, the other Loan Documents now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise shall be cumulative and concurrent and shall be in addition to every other right, power, or remedy provided for in this Agreement, the other Loan Documents now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise, and the exercise or beginning of the exercise by Agent or any other Secured Party of any one or more of such rights, powers, or remedies shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by Agent, such other Secured Party of any or all such other rights, powers, or remedies.

 

19.                                Marshaling .  Agent  shall not be required to marshal any present or future collateral security (including but not limited to the Collateral) for, or other assurances of payment of, the Secured Obligations or any of them or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any

 

27



 

particular order, and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and in respect of such collateral security and other assurances of payment shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights and remedies, however existing or arising.  To the extent that it lawfully may, each Grantor hereby agrees that it will not invoke any law relating to the marshaling of collateral which might cause delay in or impede the enforcement of Agent’s rights and remedies under this Agreement or under any other instrument creating or evidencing any of the Secured Obligations or under which any of the Secured Obligations is outstanding or by which any of the Secured Obligations is secured or payment thereof is otherwise assured, and, to the extent that it lawfully may, each Grantor hereby irrevocably waives the benefits of all such laws.

 

20.                                Indemnity and Expenses .

 

(a)                                  Each Grantor agrees to indemnify Agent and the other Secured Parties in accordance with and to the extent set forth in Section 12.3(b) of the Term Loan Agreement.  This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement and the repayment of the Secured Obligations.

 

(b)                                  Grantors, jointly and severally, shall, upon demand, pay to Agent all the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses which Agent may incur in connection with (i) the administration of this Agreement, (ii) the custody, preservation, use or operation of, or, upon an Event of Default, the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, any of the Collateral in accordance with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (iii) the exercise or enforcement of any of the rights of Agent hereunder or (iv) the failure by any Grantor to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof.

 

21.                                Merger, Amendments; Etc.   THIS AGREEMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.  No waiver of any provision of this Agreement, and no consent to any departure by any Grantor herefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Agent, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.  No amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Agent and each Grantor to which such amendment applies.

 

22.                                Addresses for Notices .  All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be given in the form and manner and delivered to Agent at its address specified in the Term Loan Agreement, and to any of the Grantors at the addresses specified in the Term Loan Agreement for the Borrower, or, as to any party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other party.

 

23.                                Continuing Security Interest: Assignments under Term Loan Agreement.

 

(a)                                  This Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall (i) remain in full force and effect until the Obligations have been paid in full in accordance with the provisions of the Term Loan Agreement and the Term Loan Commitments have expired or have been terminated, (ii) be binding upon each Grantor, and their respective successors and assigns, and (iii) inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Agent, and its successors, transferees and assigns.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (iii), any Lender may, in accordance with the provisions of the Term Loan Agreement, assign or otherwise transfer all or any portion of its rights and obligations under the Term Loan Agreement to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all the benefits in respect thereof granted to such Lender herein or otherwise.  Upon payment in full of the Secured Obligations in accordance with the provisions of the Term Loan Agreement and the

 

28



 

expiration or termination of the Term Loan Commitments, the Guaranty made and the Security Interest granted hereby shall automatically terminate without the requirement of further action by any party and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to Grantors or any other Person entitled thereto.  At such time, Agent will authorize the filing of appropriate termination statements to terminate such Security Interest by each Grantor or its designees and Agent shall take such other actions requested by any Grantor (at Grantors’ expense) to terminate or evidence the termination of such Guaranty and Security Interest.  Except as set forth above, no transfer or renewal, extension, assignment, or termination of this Agreement or of the Term Loan Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any other instrument or document executed and delivered by any Grantor to Agent nor any additional loans made by any Lender to the Borrower, nor the taking of further security, nor the retaking or re-delivery of the Collateral to Grantors, or any of them, by Agent, nor any other act of the Secured Parties, or any of them, shall release any Grantor from any obligation, except a release or discharge executed in writing by Agent in accordance with the provisions of the Term Loan Agreement.  Agent shall not by any act, delay, omission or otherwise, be deemed to have waived any of its rights or remedies hereunder, unless such waiver is in writing and signed by Agent and then only to the extent therein set forth.  A waiver by Agent of any right or remedy on any occasion shall not be construed as a bar to the exercise of any such right or remedy which Agent would otherwise have had on any other occasion.

 

(b)                                  Each Grantor agrees that, if any payment made by any Grantor or other Person and applied to the Secured Obligations is at any time annulled, avoided, set, aside, rescinded, invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential or otherwise required to be refunded or repaid, or the proceeds of any Collateral are required to be returned by Agent or any other Secured Party to such Grantor, its estate, trustee, receiver or any other party, including any Grantor, under any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment or repayment, any Lien or other Collateral securing such liability shall be and remain in full force and effect, as fully as if such payment had never been made. If, prior to any of the foregoing, (i) any Lien or other Collateral securing such Grantor’s liability hereunder shall have been released or terminated by virtue of the foregoing clause (a), or (ii) any provision of the Guaranty hereunder shall have been terminated, cancelled or surrendered, such Lien, other Collateral or provision shall be reinstated in full force and effect and such prior release, termination, cancellation or surrender shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of any such Grantor in respect of any Lien or other Collateral securing such obligation or the amount of such payment.

 

24.                                Survival .  All representations and warranties made by the Grantors in this Agreement and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any loan or any fee or any other amount payable under the Term Loan Agreement is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Term Loan Commitments have not expired or terminated.

 

25.                                CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER; JUDICIAL REFERENCE PROVISION .

 

(a)          THE VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE CONSTRUCTION, INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF, THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO ALL MATTERS ARISING HEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO, AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSIES OR DISPUTES ARISING HEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO

 

29


 

SHALL BE DETERMINED UNDER, GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

(b)          THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE TRIED AND LITIGATED ONLY IN THE STATE COURTS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED , THAT ANY SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE BROUGHT, AT AGENT’S OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION WHERE AGENT ELECTS TO BRING SUCH ACTION OR WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND.  EACH GRANTOR AND AGENT WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT EACH MAY HAVE TO ASSERT THE DOCTRINE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR TO OBJECT TO VENUE TO THE EXTENT ANY PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 25(b) .

 

(c)           TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH GRANTOR AND AGENT HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS, IF ANY, TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS (EACH A “ CLAIM ”).  EACH GRANTOR AND AGENT REPRESENT THAT EACH HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.  IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

(d)          EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE COURTS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK AND FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.  NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT AGENT MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AGAINST ANY GRANTOR OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

(e)           NO CLAIM MAY BE MADE BY ANY GRANTOR AGAINST ANY SECURED PARTY, OR ANY AFFILIATE, DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, COUNSEL, REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT, OR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OF ANY OF THEM, AND NO CLAIM MAY BE MADE BY ANY SECURED PARTY AGAINST ANY GRANTOR, OR ANY AFFILIATE, DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, COUNSEL, REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT, OR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OF ANY OF THEM, FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN RESPECT OF ANY CLAIM FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY ACT, OMISSION, OR EVENT OCCURRING IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, AND EACH GRANTOR  AND EACH SECURED PARTY HEREBY

 

30



 

WAIVES, RELEASES, AND AGREES NOT TO SUE UPON ANY CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER OR NOT ACCRUED AND WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TO EXIST IN ITS FAVOR.

 

(f)            [RESERVED].

 

26.                                New Subsidiaries .  Pursuant to Section 8.14 of the Term Loan Agreement (and subject to the limitations therein), certain Subsidiaries (whether by acquisition or creation or as otherwise specified therein) of any Grantor are required to enter into this Agreement by executing and delivering in favor of Agent a Joinder to this Agreement in substantially the form of Annex 1 .  Upon the execution and delivery of Annex 1 by any such new Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor and Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Guarantor and Grantor herein.  The execution and delivery of any instrument adding an additional Guarantor or Grantor as a party to this Agreement shall not require the consent of any Guarantor or Grantor hereunder.  The rights and obligations of each Guarantor and Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Guarantor or Grantor hereunder.

 

27.                                Agent .  Each reference herein to any right granted to, benefit conferred upon or power exercisable by the “Agent” shall be a reference to Agent, for the benefit of each Secured Party.

 

28.                                Miscellaneous .

 

(a)                                  This Agreement is a Loan Document.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Agreement.  The foregoing shall apply to each other Loan Document mutatis mutandis .

 

(b)                                  Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof in that jurisdiction or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.  Each provision of this Agreement shall be severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose of determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.

 

(c)                                   Headings and numbers have been set forth herein for convenience only.  Unless the contrary is compelled by the context, everything contained in each Section applies equally to this entire Agreement.

 

(d)                                  Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed against any Secured Party or any Grantor, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise.  This Agreement has been reviewed by all parties and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to accomplish fairly the purposes and intentions of all parties hereto.

 

[signature pages follow]

 

31



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

GRANTORS:

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC   

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.  

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

AGENT:

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Clawson

 

 

Name: Michael J. Clawson

 

 

Title: Managing Director

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 1

 

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

 

1.               Counterclaim in excess of $3,000,000 against Continental Industrial Group, Inc. for breach of contract and fraudulent inducement. Continental Industries Group, Inc. v. FTS International Services, LLC (f/k/a Frac Tech Services, LLC) , Cause No. 12 Civ. 6066 (ALC)(HP) pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 3

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSES

 

None.

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 5

 

PLEDGED COMPANIES

 

Name of
Grantor

 

Name of Pledged
Company

 

Number of
Shares/Units

 

Class of 
Interests

 

Percentage
of
Class Owned

 

Percentage
of
Class Pledged

 

Certificate
Nos.

FTS International, Inc.

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

N/A

 

Membership interests

 

100%

 

100%

 

Uncertificated

FTS International Services, LLC

 

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

N/A

 

Membership interests

 

100%

 

100%

 

Uncertificated

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 


 

SCHEDULE 6

 

TRADEMARKS

 

UNITED STATES TRADEMARKS

 

U.S. Registrations:

 

Owner

 

Registration Number

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416031

 

Aquacor (design in blue)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416030

 

Aquacor

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4054905

 

CHL

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3497579

 

CITRINE

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3322250

 

CS-POLYBREAK 210

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4451132

 

DIAMOND design

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4189683

 

ECO GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4151986

 

ENERGY SOLUTIONS. WORLDWIDE.

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193471

 

“F” (shield design)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193472

 

“F” (shield design in color)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4185461

 

“F” (stylized design)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4204838

 

“F” (stylized design in color)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313998

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4318050

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words in color)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313999

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4314000

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4011448

 

FRAC TECH

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3522979

 

FT Frac Tech (logo & design)

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313997

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4471425

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4329229

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL PROPPANTS

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332747

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4388204

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL WIRELINE

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332750

 

FTSI

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4290177

 

FTSI PROPPANTS

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3437249

 

JADE

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4214082

 

NPD

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4108769

 

NPD-2000

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4177022

 

NPD-3000

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3428709

 

OPAL

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4210164

 

PFP

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393387

 

PLATINUM

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3383301

 

RUBY

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159362

 

SLICKWATER GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159141

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393386

 

TURQUOISE

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4018863

 

VS (design)

 

U.S. Applications:

 

Owner

 

Application Number

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86226256

 

DIAMOND

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86228572

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL Unconventional by Design (horizontal design plus words)

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

OTHER TRADEMARKS

 

International Registrations:

 

Owner

 

Registration
Number

 

Country

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1084396

 

WIPO

 

CHL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1266604

 

Mexico

 

CHL
(International Class 035)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1238597

 

Mexico

 

CHL
(International Class 037)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1238598

 

Mexico

 

CHL
(International Class 040)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105982

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

“F” (shield design in color)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332713

 

Mexico

 

“F” (shield design in color)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1476283 (Australia No.)

1106398 (WIPO No.)

 

Australia (WIPO)

 

“F” (stylized design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106398

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

“F” (stylized design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332717

 

Mexico

 

“F” (stylized design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106172

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332715

 

Mexico

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105450

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332714

 

Mexico

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1072356

 

China (WIPO)

 

FRAC TECH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1072356

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

FRAC TECH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1066207

 

China (WIPO)

 

FT Frac Tech (logo and design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1066207

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

FT Frac Tech (logo and design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

2574724

 

Argentina

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL (International Class 040)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105453

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1332716

 

Mexico

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1129118

 

China (WIPO)

 

FTSI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1129118

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

FTSI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1336222

 

Mexico

 

FTSI (International Class 001)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1336223

 

Mexico

 

FTSI (International Class 040)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

2572756

 

Argentina

 

NPD-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1113274

 

Australia (WIPO)

 

NPD-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1113274

 

China (WIPO)

 

NPD-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1113274

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

NPD-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1292126

 

Mexico

 

NPD-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1113274

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

NPD-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

2572757

 

Argentina

 

NPD-3000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1123027

 

China (WIPO)

 

NPD-3000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1123027

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

NPD-3000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1292127

 

Mexico

 

NPD-3000

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

2572758

 

Argentina

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1124015

 

Australia (WIPO)

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1124015

 

China (WIPO)

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1124015

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1292128

 

Mexico

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1087729

 

Australia (WIPO)

 

VS (design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1085369

 

China (WIPO)

 

VS (design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1085369

 

European Union (WIPO)

 

VS (design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1253770

 

Mexico

 

VS (design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3144472

 

Argentina

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL (International Class 001)

 

International Applications:

 

Owner

 

Application
Number

 

Country

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084714

 

Brazil

 

“F” (shield design in color)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084692

 

Brazil

 

“F” (shield design (in color)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1558350

 

Canada

 

“F” (shield design in color)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177903

 

Saudi Arabia

 

“F” (shield design in color) International Class 001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177904

 

Saudi Arabia

 

“F” (shield design in color) International Class 040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084587

 

Brazil

 

“F” (stylized design) International Class 001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084595

 

Brazil

 

“F” (stylized design) International Class 040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1558357

 

Canada

 

“F” (stylized design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106398

 

China (WIPO)

 

“F” (stylized design)

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

Owner

 

Application
Number

 

Country

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106398

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

“F” (stylized design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177911

 

Saudi Arabia

 

“F” (stylized design) International Class 001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177912

 

Saudi Arabia

 

“F” (stylized design) International Class 040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084668

 

Brazil

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words) International Class 001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084641

 

Brazil

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words) International Class 040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1558355

 

Canada

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1106172

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177907

 

Saudi Arabia

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words) International Class 001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177908

 

Saudi Arabia

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words) International Class 040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084684

 

Brazil

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color) International Class 001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084676

 

Brazil

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color) International Class 040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105450

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177905

 

Saudi Arabia

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color) International Class 001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177906

 

Saudi Arabia

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color) International Class 040

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

Owner

 

Application
Number

 

Country

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1521084

 

Canada

 

FT Frac Tech (logo and design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840582870

 

Brazil

 

FTS BRASIL (logo design) International Class 001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840582900

 

Brazil

 

FTS BRASIL (logo design) International Class 040

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084633

 

Brazil

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840084617

 

Brazil

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1558356

 

Canada

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1105453

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177909

 

Saudi Arabia

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL (International Class 001)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177910

 

Saudi Arabia

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL (International Class 040)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3184055

 

Argentina

 

FTSI (International Class 001)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3184056

 

Argentina

 

FTSI (International Class 040)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840230940

 

Brazil

 

FTSI (International Class 001)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840230710

 

Brazil

 

FTSI (International Class 040)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1589654

 

Canada

 

FTSI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1129118

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

FTSI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

185500

 

Saudi Arabia

 

FTSI (International Class 001)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

185501

 

Saudi Arabia

 

FTSI (International Class 040)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840007566

 

Brazil

 

NPD-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177900

 

Saudi Arabia

 

NPD-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840007558

 

Brazil

 

NPD-3000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1123027

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

NPD-3000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1560495

 

Canada

 

NPD-3000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177901

 

Saudi Arabia

 

NPD-3000

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

Owner

 

Application
Number

 

Country

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

840007540

 

Brazil

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1560498

 

Canada

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

1124015

 

Oman (WIPO)

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

177902

 

Saudi Arabia

 

SW-GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

831171898

 

Brazil

 

VS (design)

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 


 

SCHEDULE 7

 

NAME; CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE; TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS AND ORGANIZATIONAL NUMBERS

 

Grantor

 

Organizational
Number

 

Federal Taxpayer
Identification
Number

 

Chief Executive
Office

 

Jurisdiction

FTS International, Inc.

 

4966919

 

45-1610731

 

777 Main Street

Suite 3000

Fort Worth, TX

76102

 

Delaware

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

0801211281

 

75-2897729

 

777 Main Street

Suite 3000

Fort Worth, TX

76102

 

Texas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

0800918108

 

75-2879132

 

777 Main Street

Suite 3000

Fort Worth, TX

76102

 

Texas

 

Entity

 

Owner

 

Jurisdiction of
Entity

FTS International Services, LLC

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

Texas

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Texas

FTS International Ventures I, LLC

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Delaware

FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Delaware

FTS International Netherlands I C.V.

 

FTS International Ventures I, LLC
FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

Netherlands

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.

 

FTS International Netherlands I C.V.
FTS International Ventures II, LLC

 

Netherlands

FTS International Netherlands, LLC

 

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.

 

Delaware

FTS International Netherlands Coöperatief U.A

 

FTS International Netherlands II C.V.
FTS International Netherlands, LLC

 

Netherlands

FTS International Netherlands B.V.

 

FTS International Netherlands Coöperatief U.A

 

Netherlands

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 9

 

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS AND SECURITIES ACCOUNTS

 

Depository

 

Address and Contact of
Depository

 

Grantor

 

Account
Number

 

Type of
Account

Bank of America, NA

 

700 Louisiana Street

8th Floor

Houston, Texas 77002

Contact:

Carol Browder

713-247-6134

carol.browder@baml.com

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

488038435379

 

Investment

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

488035054999

 

Funding

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

488035055008

 

Equity

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

488035055011

 

Payments

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

4427225147

 

Debt Reserve

 

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

91000143745765

 

Certificate of Deposit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

US Bank(1)

 

412 Kokopelli Blvd
Fruita, Colorado 81521
Contact :
Karen M. Troester
970-244-7318
karen.troester@usbank.com

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

103680457860

 

Checking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

103659512786

 

Money Market

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wells Fargo

Bank NA

 

1000 Louisiana Street
9th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Contact :
Cynthia Braizat
713-319-1334
cynthia.m.braizat@wellsfargo.com

 

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

4124309303

 

Master Account

 

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

4124309311

 

Payroll Account (ZBA)

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4122055304

 

Master - Logistics

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4121482244

 

Master Account

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4121482251

 

Payroll Account (ZBA)

 

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4122257108

 

Flexible Spend

 

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

4121484752

 

Master Account

 

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

4121484760

 

Payroll Account (ZBA)

 

FTS International, Inc.

 

4122456304

 

Deposit

 


(1)  US Bank accounts are holdover from Western Colorado Truck Center, LLC, which has been merged out of existence.

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 10

 

CONTROLLED ACCOUNT BANKS

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

1000 Louisiana Street

9th Floor

Houston, Texas 77002

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE 11

 

LIST OF UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE FILING JURISDICTIONS

 

Grantor

 

Jurisdiction

FTS International, Inc.

 

Delaware Secretary of State

FTS International Services, LLC

 

Texas Secretary of State

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC

 

Texas Secretary of State

 

[SCHEDULES TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

ANNEX 1 TO GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
FORM OF JOINDER

 

Joinder No.      (this “ Joinder ”), dated as of              20   , to the Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”), by and among each of the parties listed on the signature pages thereto and those additional entities that thereafter become parties thereto (collectively, jointly and severally, “ Grantors ” and each, individually, a “ Grantor ”) and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association (“ Wells Fargo ”), in its capacity as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement) (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “ Agent ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”) by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Delaware corporation ( the “ Borrower ”), the lenders party thereto as “Lenders”, and Agent, the Lenders have agreed to make certain financial accommodations available to the Borrower from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof; and

 

WHEREAS, initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Guaranty and Security Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the Term Loan Agreement, and this Joinder shall be subject to the rules of construction set forth in Section 1(b)  of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, which rules of construction are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis ; and

 

WHEREAS Grantors have entered into the Guaranty and Security Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make certain financial accommodations to the Borrower as provided for in the Term Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.14 of the Term Loan Agreement and Section 26 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, certain Subsidiaries of the Credit Parties, must execute and deliver certain Loan Documents, including the Guaranty and Security Agreement, and the joinder to the Guaranty and Security Agreement by the undersigned new Grantor or Grantors (collectively, the “ New Grantors ”) may be accomplished by the execution of this Joinder in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties; and

 

WHEREAS, each New Grantor (a) is a Subsidiary of the Borrower and, as such, will benefit by virtue of the financial accommodations extended to the Borrower by the Lenders and (b) by becoming a Grantor will benefit from certain rights granted to the Grantors pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each New Grantor hereby agrees as follows:

 

1.                                       In accordance with Section 26 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, each New Grantor, by its signature below, becomes a “Grantor” and “Guarantor” under the Guaranty and Security Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a “Grantor” and “Guarantor” and each New Grantor hereby (a) agrees to all of the terms and provisions of the Guaranty and Security

 



 

Agreement applicable to it as a “Grantor” or “Guarantor” thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a “Grantor” or “Guarantor” thereunder are true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that are already qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date hereof.  In furtherance of the foregoing, each New Grantor hereby (a) jointly and severally unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety the full and prompt payment when due, whether upon maturity, acceleration, or otherwise, of all of the Guarantied Obligations, and (b) unconditionally grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest in and to all of such New Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the Collateral.  Each reference to a “Grantor” or “Guarantor” in the Guaranty and Security Agreement shall be deemed to include each New Grantor.  The Guaranty and Security Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

2.                                       Schedule 1 , “Commercial Tort Claims”, Schedule 3 , “Intellectual Property Licenses”, Schedule 5 , “Pledged Companies”, Schedule   6 , “Trademarks”, Schedule 7 , “Name; Chief Executive Office; Tax Identification Numbers and Organizational Numbers”, Schedule 9 , “Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts”, Schedule 10 , “Controlled Account Banks”, and Schedule 11 , “List of Uniform Commercial Code Filing Jurisdictions” attached hereto supplement Schedule 1, Schedule 3, Schedule 5, Schedule 6, Schedule 7, Schedule 9, Schedule 10, and Schedule 11, respectively, to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and shall be deemed a part thereof for all purposes of the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

 

3.                                       Each New Grantor authorizes Agent at any time and from time to time to file, transmit, or communicate, as applicable, financing statements and amendments thereto (i) describing the Collateral as set forth in the Guaranty and Security Agreement, (ii) describing the Collateral as being of equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, or (iii) that contain any information required by part 5 of Article 9 of the Code for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance, in each case, as is necessary to perfect or preserve Agent’s Security Interest in the Collateral of each New Grantor.  Each New Grantor also hereby ratifies any and all financing statements or amendments previously filed by Agent in any jurisdiction in connection with the Loan Documents.

 

4.                                       Each New Grantor represents and warrants to Agent and the Secured Parties that this Joinder has been duly executed and delivered by such New Grantor and constitutes its legal, valid, and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) and requirements of reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing.

 

5.                                       This Joinder is a Loan Document.  This Joinder may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Joinder.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Joinder by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Joinder.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Joinder by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Joinder but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Joinder.

 

6.                                       The Guaranty and Security Agreement, as supplemented hereby, shall remain in full force and effect.

 



 

7.                                       THIS JOINDER SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE SET FORTH IN SECTION 25 OF THE GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .

 

[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Joinder to the Guaranty and Security Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

NEW GRANTORS:

[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

AGENT:

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO JOINDER NO.    TO GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 


 

EXHIBIT A

 

[RESERVED]

 



 

EXHIBIT B

 

[RESERVED]

 



 

EXHIBIT C

 

PLEDGED INTERESTS ADDENDUM

 

This Pledged Interests Addendum, dated as of             , 20    (this “ Pledged Interests Addendum ”), is delivered pursuant to Section 7 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement referred to below.  The undersigned hereby agrees that this Pledged Interests Addendum may be attached to that certain Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014, (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”), made by the undersigned, together with the other Grantors named therein, to WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association, as Agent.  Initially capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Guaranty and Security Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the Term Loan Agreement, and this Pledged Interests Addendum shall be subject to the rules of construction set forth in Section 1(b)  of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, which rules of construction are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis .  The undersigned hereby agrees that the additional interests listed on Schedule I shall be and become part of the Pledged Interests pledged by the undersigned to Agent pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement and any pledged company set forth on Schedule I shall be and become a “Pledged Company” under the Guaranty and Security Agreement, each with the same force and effect as if originally named therein.

 

This Pledged Interests Addendum is a Loan Document.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Pledged Interests Addendum by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Pledged Interests Addendum.  If the undersigned delivers an executed counterpart of this Pledged Interests Addendum by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission, the undersigned shall also deliver an original executed counterpart of this Pledged Interests Addendum but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Pledged Interests Addendum.

 

The undersigned hereby certifies that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 6 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement of the undersigned are true and correct in all material respects as to the Pledged Interests listed herein on and as of the date hereof.

 

THIS PLEDGED INTERESTS ADDENDUM SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE SET FORTH IN SECTION 25 OF THE GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Pledged Interests Addendum to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

[                     ]

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO PLEDGED INTERESTS ADDENDUM]

 



 

SCHEDULE I

TO
PLEDGED INTERESTS ADDENDUM

 

Pledged Interests

 

Name of 
Grantor

 

Name of 
Pledged 
Company

 

Number of 
Shares/Units

 

Class of 
Interests

 

Percentage of 
Class Owned

 

Percentage of 
Class Pledged

 

Certificate 
Nos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2



 

EXHIBIT D

 

TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Trademark Security Agreement ”) is made this     day of            , 20  , by and among Grantors listed on the signature pages hereof (collectively, jointly and severally, “ Grantors ” and each individually “ Grantor ”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association (“ Wells Fargo ”), in its capacity as agent for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Guaranty and Security Agreement referred to below) (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “ Agent ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Term Loan Agreement  dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”) by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”) the lenders party thereto as “Lenders”, Agent, the Lenders have agreed to make certain financial accommodations available to the Borrower from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof; and

 

WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing to make the financial accommodations to Borrower as provided for in the Term Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents, but only upon the condition, among others, that Grantors shall have executed and delivered to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, that certain Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (including all annexes, exhibits or schedules thereto, as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement, Grantors are required to execute and deliver to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, this Trademark Security Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Grantor hereby agrees as follows:

 

1.                                       DEFINED TERMS .  All initially capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Guaranty and Security Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the Term Loan Agreement, and this Trademark Security Agreement shall be subject to the rules of construction set forth in Section 1(b)  of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, which rules of construction are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis .

 

2.                                       GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN TRADEMARK COLLATERAL .  Each Grantor hereby unconditionally grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest (referred to in this Trademark Security Agreement as the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising (collectively, the “ Trademark Collateral ”):

 

(a)                                  all of its Trademarks and Trademark Intellectual Property Licenses to which it is a party including those referred to on Schedule I;

 

(b)                                  all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each Trademark and each Trademark Intellectual Property License, and

 



 

(c)                                   all products and proceeds (as that term is defined in the Code) of the foregoing, including any claim by such Grantor against third parties for past, present or future (i) infringement or dilution of any Trademark or any Trademarks exclusively licensed under any Intellectual Property License, including right to receive any damages, (ii) injury to the goodwill associated with any Trademark, or (iii) right to receive license fees, royalties, and other compensation under any Trademark Intellectual Property License,

 

in each case, to the extent that such property constitutes ABL Collateral.

 

3.                                       SECURITY FOR SECURED OBLIGATIONS .  This Trademark Security Agreement and the Security Interest created hereby secures the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Trademark Security Agreement secures the payment of all amounts which constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by Grantors, or any of them, to Agent, the other Secured Parties, or any of them, whether or not they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of an Insolvency Proceeding involving any Grantor.

 

4.                                       SECURITY AGREEMENT .  The Security Interest granted pursuant to this Trademark Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interests granted to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement.  Each Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of Agent with respect to the Security Interest in the Trademark Collateral made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Guaranty and Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.  To the extent there is any inconsistency between this Trademark Security Agreement and the Guaranty and Security Agreement, the Guaranty and Security Agreement shall control.

 

5.                                       AUTHORIZATION TO SUPPLEMENT .  If any Grantor shall obtain rights to any new trademarks, the provisions of this Trademark Security Agreement shall automatically apply thereto.  Grantors shall give prompt notice in writing to Agent with respect to any such new trademarks or renewal or extension of any trademark registration.  Without limiting Grantors’ obligations under this Section, Grantors hereby authorize Agent unilaterally to modify this Trademark Security Agreement by amending Schedule I to include any such new trademark rights of each Grantor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no failure to so modify this Trademark Security Agreement or amend Schedule I shall in any way affect, invalidate or detract from Agent’s continuing security interest in all Collateral, whether or not listed on Schedule I .

 

6.                                       COUNTERPARTS .  This Trademark Security Agreement is a Loan Document.  This Trademark Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Trademark Security Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Trademark Security Agreement.

 

7.                                       CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE PROVISION .  THIS TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER,

 

2



 

AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE SET FORTH IN SECTION 25 OF THE GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

3



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Trademark Security Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

GRANTORS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

AGENT:

ACCEPTED AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY :

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE I
to

TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 


Trademark Registrations/Applications

 

Grantor

 

Country

 

Mark

 

Application/ 
Registration No.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade Names

 

Common Law Trademarks

 

Trademarks Not Currently In Use

 

Trademark Licenses

 




Exhibit 10.20

 

Execution Version

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Trademark Security Agreement ”) is entered into as of June 22, 2015 (the “ Execution Date ”), but is effective as of June 1, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and among FTS International Services, LLC, as Grantor, (the “ Grantor ”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association (“ Wells Fargo ”), in its capacity as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “ Agent ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Term Loan Agreement ”) by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. (“ Borrower ”), the lenders party thereto as “Lenders” (such Lenders, together with their respective successors and assigns in such capacity, each, individually, a “ Lender ” and, collectively, the “ Lenders ”),  and Agent, the Lenders have agreed to make certain financial accommodations available to Borrower from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof;

 

WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing to make the financial accommodations to Borrower as provided for in the Term Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents,  but only upon the condition, among others, that Grantor shall have executed and delivered to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, that certain Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 (including all annexes, exhibits or schedules thereto, as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ Guaranty and Security Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement, Grantor executed and delivered to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, (a) a Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 and (b) a Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2015 (together, the “ Existing Trademark Security Agreements ”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement, Grantor is executing and delivering to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, this Amended and Restated Trademark Security Agreement to amend and restate the terms of the Existing Trademark Security Agreements;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Grantor hereby agrees as follows:

 

1.                                       DEFINED TERMS .  All initially capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Guaranty and Security Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the Term Loan Agreement, and this Trademark Security Agreement shall be subject to the rules of construction set forth in Section 1(b)  of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, which rules of construction are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis .

 

2.                                       GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN TRADEMARK COLLATERAL .  Grantor hereby unconditionally grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest (referred to in this Trademark Security Agreement as the “ Security Interest ”) in all of Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising (collectively, the “ Trademark Collateral ”):

 



 

(a)                                  all of its Trademarks, Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses to which it is a party including those referred to on Schedule I;

 

(b)                                  all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each Trademark and each Intellectual Property License, and

 

(c)                                   all products and proceeds (as that term is defined in the Code) of the foregoing, including any claim by Grantor against third parties for past, present or future (i) infringement or dilution of any Trademark or any Trademarks exclusively licensed under any Intellectual Property License, including right to receive any damages, (ii) injury to the goodwill associated with any Trademark, or (iii) right to receive license fees, royalties, and other compensation under any Intellectual Property License,

 

in each case, to the extent that such property constitutes ABL Collateral.

 

3.                                       SECURITY FOR SECURED OBLIGATIONS .  This Trademark Security Agreement and the Security Interest created hereby secures the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Trademark Security Agreement secures the payment of all amounts which constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by Grantor to Agent, the other Secured Parties or any of them, whether or not they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of an Insolvency Proceeding involving Grantor.

 

4.                                       SECURITY AGREEMENT .  The Security Interest granted pursuant to this Trademark Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interests granted to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to the Guaranty and Security Agreement.  Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of Agent with respect to the Security Interest in the Trademark Collateral made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Guaranty and Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.  To the extent there is any inconsistency between this Trademark Security Agreement and the Guaranty and Security Agreement, the Guaranty and Security Agreement shall control.

 

5.                                       AUTHORIZATION TO SUPPLEMENT .  If Grantor shall obtain rights to any new trademarks, the provisions of this Trademark Security Agreement shall automatically apply thereto.  Grantor shall give prompt notice in writing to Agent with respect to any such new trademarks or renewal or extension of any trademark registration.  Without limiting Grantor’s obligations under this Section, Grantor hereby authorizes Agent unilaterally to modify this Trademark Security Agreement by amending Schedule I to include any such new trademark rights of Grantor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no failure to so modify this Trademark Security Agreement or amend Schedule I shall in any way affect, invalidate or detract from Agent’s continuing security interest in all Collateral, whether or not listed on Schedule I .

 

6.                                       COUNTERPARTS .  This Trademark Security Agreement is a Loan Document.  This Trademark Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Trademark Security Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement but the failure to deliver

 

2



 

an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Trademark Security Agreement.

 

7.                                       CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE PROVISION .  THIS TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE SET FORTH IN SECTION 25 OF THE GUARANTY AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .

 

8.                                       AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT . This Trademark Security Agreement is an amendment and restatement of the Existing Trademark Security Agreements.  All terms and provisions of this Trademark Security Agreement supersede, and amend and restate, in their entirety the Existing Trademark Security Agreements, except for (a) the Secured Obligations (as defined in the Existing Trademark Security Agreements) which shall survive and be renewed, extended, amended and restated by the terms of this Trademark Security Agreement and (b) the liens and security interests in the Trademark Collateral (as defined in the Existing Trademark Security Agreements) and any other assets or property of Grantor that were created, granted and/or perfected by the Existing Trademark Security Agreements or any other Indenture Documents, all of which liens and security interests shall continue and remain valid, binding and enforceable liens and security interests in the Trademark Collateral and such other assets and property.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

3



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Trademark Security Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the Execution Date, but effective as of the Effective Date.

 

GRANTOR:

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

AGENT:

ACCEPTED AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY:

 

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christina Faith

 

 

Name: Christina Faith

 

 

Title: Director

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE I

 

to

 

TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

UNITED STATES TRADEMARKS

 

U.S. Registrations:

 

Owner

 

Registration Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416031

 

Aquacor (design in blue) (International Classes 009 & 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416030

 

Aquacor (International Classes 009 & 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4054905

 

CHL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3497579

 

CITRINE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3322250

 

CS-POLYBREAK 210

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4636429

 

DIAMOND

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4451132

 

DIAMOND design

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4189683

 

ECO GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4675488

 

ENERGIZE YOUR CAREER

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4151986

 

ENERGY SOLUTIONS. WORLDWIDE.

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193471

 

“F” (shield design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193472

 

“F” (shield design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4185461

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4204838

 

“F” (stylized design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313998

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4318050

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313999

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4314000

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4636479

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL Unconventional by Design (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4011448

 

FRAC TECH

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3522979

 

FT Frac Tech (logo & design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313997

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4471425

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4329229

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL PROPPANTS

 



 

Owner

 

Registration Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332747

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4388204

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL WIRELINE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332750

 

FTSI

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4290177

 

FTSI PROPPANTS

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3437249

 

JADE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4214082

 

NPD

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4108769

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4177022

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3428709

 

OPAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4210164

 

PFP

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393387

 

PLATINUM

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3383301

 

RUBY

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159362

 

SLICKWATER GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159141

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393386

 

TURQUOISE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4018863

 

VS (design)

 

U.S. Applications:

 

Owner

 

Application 
Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/536,238

 

Aquacor (design)
(International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/536,206

 

Aquacor
(International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/314,435

 

JobPilot

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/422,348

 

JobPilot (design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/436,112

 

NuFlo

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/469,748

 

Unconventional by Design (word)

 

2




Exhibit 10.21

 

Execution Version

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Trademark Security Agreement ”) is entered into as of June 22, 2015 (the “ Execution Date ”) , but is effective as of June 1, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and among FTS International Services, LLC, as Grantor, (the “ Grantor ”), and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association (“ US Bank ”), in its capacity as agent for the Noteholders (as defined below) (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “ Agent ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Indenture dated as of April 16, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”) by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Delaware corporation as issuer (the “ Issuer ”) the guarantors party thereto and US Bank as trustee, the Issuer has issued $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “ Notes ”);

 

WHEREAS, Grantor has agreed, under that certain Security Agreement dated as of April 16, 2014 (the “ Security Agreement ”), to grant to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the holders of the Notes (the “ Noteholders ”), a continuing security interest in and to the Collateral in order to secure the prompt and complete payment, observance and performance of, among other things, the Secured Obligations;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Security Agreement, Grantor executed and delivered to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the Noteholders, (a) a Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2014 and (b) a Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2015 (together, the “ Existing Trademark Security Agreements ”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Security Agreement, Grantor is executing and delivering to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the Noteholders, this Amended and Restated Trademark Security Agreement to amend and restate the terms of the Existing Trademark Security Agreements;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Grantor hereby agrees as follows:

 

1.             DEFINED TERMS .  All initially capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Security Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the Indenture, and this Trademark Security Agreement shall be subject to the rules of construction set forth in Section 1(b)  of the Security Agreement, which rules of construction are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis .

 

2.             GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN TRADEMARK COLLATERAL .  Grantor hereby unconditionally grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of the

 



 

Trustee, Agent and the Noteholders, to secure the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest (referred to in this Trademark Security Agreement as the “ Security Interest ”) in all of Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising (collectively, the “ Trademark Collateral ”):

 

(a)           all of its Trademarks, Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses to which it is a party including those referred to on Schedule I;

 

(b)           all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each Trademark and each Intellectual Property License, and

 

(c)           all products and proceeds (as that term is defined in the Code) of the foregoing, including any claim by Grantor against third parties for past, present or future (i) infringement or dilution of any Trademark or any Trademarks exclusively licensed under any Intellectual Property License, including right to receive any damages, (ii) injury to the goodwill associated with any Trademark, or (iii) right to receive license fees, royalties, and other compensation under any Intellectual Property License,

 

in each case, to the extent that such property constitutes ABL Collateral.

 

3.             SECURITY FOR SECURED OBLIGATIONS .  This Trademark Security Agreement and the Security Interest created hereby secures the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Trademark Security Agreement secures the payment of all amounts which constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by Grantor to Agent or the Trustee, or to any Noteholder, or any of them, whether or not they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of an insolvency or liquidation proceeding involving Grantor.

 

4.             SECURITY AGREEMENT .  The Security Interest granted pursuant to this Trademark Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interests granted to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, Agent and the Noteholders, pursuant to the Security Agreement.  Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of Agent with respect to the Security Interest in the Trademark Collateral made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.  To the extent there is any inconsistency between this Trademark Security Agreement and the Security Agreement, the Security Agreement shall control.

 

5.             AUTHORIZATION TO SUPPLEMENT .  If Grantor shall obtain rights to any new trademarks, the provisions of this Trademark Security Agreement shall automatically apply thereto.  Grantor shall give prompt notice in writing to Agent with respect to any such new trademarks or renewal or extension of any trademark registration.  Without limiting Grantor’s obligations under this Section, Grantor hereby authorizes Agent unilaterally to modify this Trademark Security Agreement by amending Schedule I to include any such new trademark rights of Grantor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no failure to so modify this Trademark Security Agreement or amend Schedule I shall in any way affect, invalidate or detract from Agent’s continuing security interest in all Collateral, whether or not listed on Schedule I .

 

2



 

6.             COUNTERPARTS .  This Trademark Security Agreement is an Indenture Document.  This Trademark Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Trademark Security Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Trademark Security Agreement.

 

7.             CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE PROVISION .  THIS TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE SET FORTH IN SECTION 25 OF THE SECURITY AGREEMENT, AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .

 

8.             AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT . This Trademark Security Agreement is an amendment and restatement of the Existing Trademark Security Agreements.  All terms and provisions of this Trademark Security Agreement supersede, and amend and restate, in their entirety the Existing Trademark Security Agreements, except for (a) the Secured Obligations (as defined in the Existing Trademark Security Agreements) which shall survive and be renewed, extended, amended and restated by the terms of this Trademark Security Agreement and (b) the liens and security interests in the Trademark Collateral (as defined in the Existing Trademark Security Agreements) and any other assets or property of Grantor that were created, granted and/or perfected by the Existing Trademark Security Agreements or any other Indenture Documents, all of which liens and security interests shall continue and remain valid, binding and enforceable liens and security interests in the Trademark Collateral and such other assets and property.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

3



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Trademark Security Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the Execution Date, but effective as of the Effective Date.

 

 

GRANTOR:

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

AGENT:

ACCEPTED AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY:

 

 

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

 

Name: Muriel Shaw

 

 

Title: Assistant Vice President

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE I

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Trademark Registrations/Applications

 

UNITED STATES TRADEMARKS

 

U.S. Registrations:

 

Owner

 

Registration Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416031

 

Aquacor (design in blue) (International Classes 009 & 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416030

 

Aquacor (International Classes 009 & 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4054905

 

CHL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3497579

 

CITRINE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3322250

 

CS-POLYBREAK 210

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4636429

 

DIAMOND

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4451132

 

DIAMOND design

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4189683

 

ECO GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4675488

 

ENERGIZE YOUR CAREER

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4151986

 

ENERGY SOLUTIONS. WORLDWIDE.

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193471

 

“F” (shield design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193472

 

“F” (shield design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4185461

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4204838

 

“F” (stylized design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313998

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4318050

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313999

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4314000

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4636479

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL Unconventional by Design (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4011448

 

FRAC TECH

 



 

Owner

 

Registration Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3522979

 

FT Frac Tech (logo & design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313997

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4471425

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4329229

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL PROPPANTS

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332747

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4388204

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL WIRELINE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332750

 

FTSI

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4290177

 

FTSI PROPPANTS

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3437249

 

JADE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4214082

 

NPD

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4108769

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4177022

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3428709

 

OPAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4210164

 

PFP

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393387

 

PLATINUM

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3383301

 

RUBY

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159362

 

SLICKWATER GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159141

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393386

 

TURQUOISE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4018863

 

VS (design)

 

U.S. Applications:

 

Owner

 

Application 
Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/536,238

 

Aquacor (design)
(International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/536,206

 

Aquacor
(International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/314,435

 

JobPilot

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/422,348

 

JobPilot (design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/436,112

 

NuFlo

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/469,748

 

Unconventional by Design (word)

 

2


 



Exhibit 10.22

 

Execution Version

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Trademark Security Agreement ”) is entered into as of June 22, 2015 (the “ Execution Date ”) , but is effective as of June 1, 2015 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and among Grantors listed on the signature pages hereof (collectively, jointly and severally, “ Grantors ” and each individually “ Grantor ”), and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association, in its capacity as Agent (as defined in the Security Agreement (defined below)).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Indenture dated as of June 1, 2015 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”) by and among FTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. , a Delaware corporation (“ Issuer ,”), the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, the Issuer issued $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes due 2020;

 

WHEREAS, each Grantor has agreed, under that certain Security Agreement dated as of June 1, 2015 (the “ Security Agreement ”), to grant to Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee, the Agent and the holders (“ Holders ”) from time to time of the Notes and each Bank Product Provider (collectively, the “ Secured Parties ”), a continuing security interest in and to the Collateral in order to secure the prompt and complete payment, observance and performance of, among other things, the Secured Obligations);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Security Agreement, Grantor executed and delivered to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the Trademark Security Agreement, dated June 1, 2015 (the “ Existing Trademark Security Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Security Agreement, Grantor is executing and delivering to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, this Amended and Restated Trademark Security Agreement to amend and restate the terms of the Existing Trademark Security Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Grantor hereby agrees as follows:

 

1.             DEFINED TERMS .  All initially capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Security Agreement or, if not defined therein, in the Indenture, and this Trademark Security Agreement shall be subject to the rules of construction set forth in Section 1(b)  of the Security Agreement, which rules of construction are incorporated herein by this reference, mutatis mutandis .

 

2.             GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN TRADEMARK COLLATERAL .  Each Grantor hereby unconditionally grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to secure the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest (referred to in this Trademark Security Agreement as the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Grantor’s right, title and interest in and to the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising (collectively, the “ Trademark Collateral ”):

 

(a)           all of its Trademarks, Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses to which it is a party including those referred to on Schedule I;

 



 

(b)           all goodwill of the business connected with the use of, and symbolized by, each Trademark and each Intellectual Property License, and

 

(c)           all products and proceeds (as that term is defined in the Code) of the foregoing, including any claim by such Grantor against third parties for past, present or future (i) infringement or dilution of any Trademark or any Trademarks exclusively licensed under any Intellectual Property License, including right to receive any damages, (ii) injury to the goodwill associated with any Trademark, or (iii) right to receive license fees, royalties, and other compensation under any Intellectual Property License, in each case, to the extent that such property constitutes Collateral.

 

3.             SECURITY FOR SECURED OBLIGATIONS .  This Trademark Security Agreement and the Security Interest created hereby secures the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Trademark Security Agreement secures the payment of all amounts which constitute part of the Secured Obligations and would be owed by Grantors, or any of them, to the Secured Parties, or any of them, whether or not they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law involving any Grantor.

 

4.             SECURITY AGREEMENT .  The Security Interest granted pursuant to this Trademark Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interests granted to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to the Security Agreement.  Each Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of Agent with respect to the Security Interest in the Trademark Collateral made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.  To the extent there is any inconsistency between this Trademark Security Agreement and the Security Agreement, the Security Agreement shall control.

 

5.             AUTHORIZATION TO SUPPLEMENT .  If any Grantor shall obtain rights to any new trademarks, the provisions of this Trademark Security Agreement shall automatically apply thereto.  Grantors shall give prompt notice in writing to Agent with respect to any such new trademarks or renewal or extension of any trademark registration.  Without limiting Grantors’ obligations under this Section, Grantors hereby authorize Agent unilaterally to modify this Trademark Security Agreement by amending Schedule I to include any such new trademark rights of each Grantor concerning which Agent shall have received the notice referenced in the preceding sentence.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no failure to so modify this Trademark Security Agreement or amend Schedule I shall in any way affect, invalidate or detract from Agent’s continuing security interest in all Collateral, whether or not listed on Schedule I .

 

6.             COUNTERPARTS .  This Trademark Security Agreement is a Indenture Document.  This Trademark Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Trademark Security Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Trademark Security Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Trademark Security Agreement.

 

7.             CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE PROVISION .  THIS TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE SUBJECT

 

2



 

TO THE PROVISIONS REGARDING CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE, JURY TRIAL WAIVER, AND JUDICIAL REFERENCE SET FORTH IN SECTION 25 OF THE SECURITY AGREEMENT, AND SUCH PROVISIONS ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE, MUTATIS MUTANDIS .

 

8.             AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT . This Trademark Security Agreement is an amendment and restatement of the Existing Trademark Security Agreement.  All terms and provisions of this Trademark Security Agreement supersede, and amend and restate, in their entirety the Existing Trademark Security Agreement, except for (a) the Secured Obligations (as defined in the Existing Trademark Security Agreement) which shall survive and be renewed, extended, amended and restated by the terms of this Trademark Security Agreement and (b) the liens and security interests in the Trademark Collateral (as defined in the Existing Trademark Security Agreement) and any other assets or property of Grantor that were created, granted and/or perfected by the Existing Trademark Security Agreement or any other Indenture Documents, all of which liens and security interests shall continue and remain valid, binding and enforceable liens and security interests in the Trademark Collateral and such other assets and property.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

3



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Trademark Security Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the Execution Date, but effective as of the Effective Date.

 

GRANTORS:

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, LLC ,

 

  a Texas limited liability company,
  as Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Doss

 

 

Name: Michael J. Doss

 

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

 

ACCEPTED AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY :

 

 

 

AGENT:

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , a national banking association, in its capacity as Agent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Muriel Shaw

 

 

Name: Muriel Shaw

 

 

Title: Assistant Vice President

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT]

 



 

SCHEDULE I
to

TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

UNITED STATES TRADEMARKS

 

U.S. Registrations:

 

Owner

 

Registration Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416031

 

Aquacor (design in blue) (International Classes 009 & 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4416030

 

Aquacor (International Classes 009 & 040)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4054905

 

CHL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3497579

 

CITRINE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3322250

 

CS-POLYBREAK 210

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4636429

 

DIAMOND

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4451132

 

DIAMOND design

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4189683

 

ECO GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4675488

 

ENERGIZE YOUR CAREER

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4151986

 

ENERGY SOLUTIONS. WORLDWIDE.

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193471

 

“F” (shield design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4193472

 

“F” (shield design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4185461

 

“F” (stylized design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4204838

 

“F” (stylized design in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313998

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4318050

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (horizontal design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313999

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4314000

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL (vertical design plus words in color)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4636479

 

F FTS INTERNATIONAL Unconventional by Design (horizontal design plus words)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4011448

 

FRAC TECH

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3522979

 

FT Frac Tech (logo & design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4313997

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4471425

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4329229

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL PROPPANTS

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332747

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

 



 

Owner

 

Registration Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4388204

 

FTS INTERNATIONAL WIRELINE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4332750

 

FTSI

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4290177

 

FTSI PROPPANTS

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3437249

 

JADE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4214082

 

NPD

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4108769

 

NPD-2000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4177022

 

NPD-3000

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3428709

 

OPAL

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4210164

 

PFP

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393387

 

PLATINUM

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3383301

 

RUBY

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159362

 

SLICKWATER GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4159141

 

SW-GREEN

FTS International Services, LLC

 

3393386

 

TURQUOISE

FTS International Services, LLC

 

4018863

 

VS (design)

 

U.S. Applications:

 

Owner

 

Application 
Number

 

Description

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/536,238

 

Aquacor (design)
(International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/536,206

 

Aquacor
(International Class 001)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/314,435

 

JobPilot

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/422,348

 

JobPilot (design)

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/436,112

 

NuFlo

FTS International Services, LLC

 

86/469,748

 

Unconventional by Design (word)

 




Exhibit 21.1

 

List of Subsidiaries

 

The following is a list of the Company’s subsidiaries and includes all subsidiaries deemed significant. The jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of each company is listed in parentheses.

 

FTS International Services, LLC (Texas)

FTS International Manufacturing, LLC (Texas)

 




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Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

        We have issued our report dated February 27, 2017, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of FTS International, Inc. contained in the Registration Statement and Prospectus. We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption "Experts."

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Dallas, Texas
February 27, 2017




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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM