UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 


 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 14, 2019

 


 

EP ENERGY CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware

 

001-36253

 

46-3472728

(State of Incorporation)

 

(Commission
File Number)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification Number)

 


 

EP ENERGY LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware

 

333-183815

 

45-4871021

(State of Incorporation)

 

(Commission
File Number)

 

(IRS Employer
Identification Number)

 


 

1001 Louisiana Street

Houston, Texas 77002

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(713) 997-1200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 


 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

o          Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o          Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o          Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o          Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company o

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

 

 

 


 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

As previously disclosed, EP Energy Corporation (the “Company”) did not make the approximately $40.0 million cash interest payment (the “Interest Payment”) due and payable on August 15, 2019 with respect to the 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”) issued by EP Energy LLC and Everest Acquisition Finance Inc., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, under the indenture governing the Notes (the “Indenture”).

 

The Company’s failure to make the Interest Payment within thirty days after it was due and payable constitutes an “event of default” under the Indenture. As active discussions with certain of the Company’s creditors are still ongoing regarding the Company’s evaluation of strategic alternatives, the Company will not make the Interest Payment prior to the expiration of the thirty day grace period, resulting in an event of default under the Indenture. An event of default under the Indenture also constitutes an “event of default” under the Company’s Credit Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2012 (as amended, amended and restated, modified or supplemented to date, the “Credit Agreement”), among EPE Acquisition, LLC, EP Energy LLC, as borrower, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.

 

On September 14, 2019, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, entered into forbearance agreements (each a “Forbearance Agreement” and collectively the “Forbearance Agreements”) with (i) certain beneficial owners and/or investment advisors or managers of discretionary accounts for the beneficial owners of greater than 70% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (collectively, the “Noteholders”) and (ii) certain lenders holding greater than a majority of the revolving commitments under the Credit Agreement and the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Credit Agreement Forbearing Parties”).

 

Pursuant to the Forbearance Agreements, subject to certain terms and conditions, the Noteholders and the Credit Agreement Forbearing Parties have agreed to temporarily forbear from exercising any rights or remedies they may have in respect of the aforementioned events of default. The Forbearance Agreements terminate at 11:59 p.m. New York City time on September 22, 2019, unless extended or certain specified circumstances cause an earlier termination. We cannot provide any assurance that the Noteholders or Credit Agreement Forbearing Parties will agree to extend the terms of the Forbearance Agreements.

 

The above descriptions of the terms of the Forbearance Agreements do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by the full text of the Forbearance Agreements, which are attached as exhibits hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements relating to the payment of the Interest Payment, the review of strategic alternatives and discussions with creditors. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations, including the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as updated in the Company’s subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. While the Company makes these statements in good faith, neither the Company nor its management can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by the Company, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number

 

Description

 

 

 

10.1

 

Forbearance Agreement, dated September 14, 2019, by and among EP Energy LLC, Everest Acquisition Finance Inc., the guarantors under the Indenture and the Noteholders.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Forbearance Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2019, among EPE Acquisition, LLC, EP Energy LLC, as borrower, and the Credit Agreement Forbearing Parties.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

EP ENERGY CORPORATION

 

 

Date: September 16, 2019

By:

/s/ Jace D. Locke

 

 

Jace D. Locke

 

 

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

 

 

 

EP ENERGY LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jace D. Locke

 

 

Jace D. Locke

 

 

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT

 

This FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of September 14, 2019 (the “Agreement Effective Date”), is by and among EP Energy LLC and Everest Acquisition Finance Inc. (together, the “Issuers”), the Subsidiary Guarantors (together with the Issuers, the “Obligors”) and the undersigned beneficial holders and/or investment advisors or managers of discretionary accounts for such beneficial holders (together with any party that executes a Forbearance Joinder Agreement (the form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A) after the date hereof, (the “Supporting Holders”) of the Issuers’ 8.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”).

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent (in either or both such capacities, the “Trustee”), are parties to (1) that certain Indenture, dated as of February 6, 2017 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Indenture”) under which the Notes were issued; (2) that certain Collateral Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2017 and (3) that certain Pledge Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2017  and any related documents and instruments that serve to grant and provide collateral to the Trustee (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, and collectively, the “Security Documents” and, together with the Indenture, the “Notes Documents”);

 

WHEREAS, the current principal amount outstanding of such Notes is $1,000,000,000 and interest payments on the Notes are due semiannually, on February 15 and August 15;

 

WHEREAS, an interest payment on the Notes in the amount of $40,000,000 was due on August 15, 2019 (the “August 2019 Interest Payment”), and the Issuers did not make such payment (the “Specified Default”);

 

WHEREAS, at such time as the Issuers’ nonpayment on the August 2019 Interest Payment will have continued for a period of thirty (30) days, the same will become an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.01(a) of the Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers are exploring a potential restructuring or recapitalization transaction (a “Potential Transaction”); and

 

WHEREAS, to facilitate discussions in respect of a Potential Transaction, the Obligors have requested that each of the Supporting Holders agree to temporarily forbear in the exercise of their right to accelerate the maturity of the Notes, declare all amounts under the Notes and the Indenture immediately due and payable, and exercise any other rights and remedies available under the Indenture (collectively, the “Rights and Remedies”) solely to the extent arising from the occurrence and continuation of the Specified Default, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

SECTION I. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 

1.01 Each of the Obligors hereby acknowledges and agrees, upon execution and delivery of this Agreement, subject to the terms set forth herein, that:

 

(a) The recital of facts set forth in this Agreement is true and correct in all material respects;

 


 

(b) The amount owed by the Obligors under the Notes is (x) $1,000,000,000 of principal and (y) $40,000,000 in respect of the August 2019 Interest Payment, together with all interest accrued since August 15, 2019. Such amounts, together with all other outstanding Obligations, including interest, fees, expenses and other charges are validly owing and, solely with respect to such amounts and any other outstanding Obligations owing to Supporting Holders that are not Affiliated Parties, are not subject to any right of offset, deduction, claim, or counterclaim in favor of any Obligor;

 

(c) The Specified Default (i) has occurred and is continuing, (ii) will constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture without the need for any notice to the Obligors, and (iii) has not been cured by the Obligors, and as a consequence thereof, and subject to and but for the terms of this Agreement upon becoming an Event of Default, the Holders and the Trustee are free to exercise the Rights and Remedies in accordance with the terms of the Notes Documents;

 

(d) Each Obligor hereby ratifies and affirms the Notes Documents and the Obligations owing thereunder and acknowledges that the Notes Documents are and, after giving effect to this Agreement, shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. Each Obligor agrees that the Notes Documents constitute valid and binding obligations and agreements of each of the Obligors enforceable against each Obligor in accordance with their respective terms;

 

(e) Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Supporting Holders have not waived, released or compromised, and do not hereby waive, release or compromise, any events, occurrences, acts, or omissions that may constitute or give rise to any defaults or Events of Default, including, without limitation, the Specified Default, that existed or may have existed, or may presently exist, or may arise in the future, nor does any Supporting Holder waive any Rights and Remedies, including, without limitation, the right to direct the Collateral Agent (as defined in the Security Documents) to foreclose on any property pledged as Collateral (as defined in the Security Documents) under the Notes Documents;

 

(f) The execution and delivery of this Agreement shall not, except as otherwise set forth herein: (i) constitute an extension, modification, or waiver of any aspect of the Indenture; (ii) extend the maturity of the Notes or the due date of any payment of any amount(s) due thereunder or payable in connection therewith; (iii) give rise to any obligation on the part of the Supporting Holders to extend, modify or waive any term or condition of the Notes; (iv) establish any course of dealing with respect to the Notes; or (v) give rise to any defenses or counterclaims to the right of the Supporting Holders to compel payment of the Notes or any amounts(s) due thereunder or payable in connection therewith or otherwise enforce their rights and remedies set forth in the Notes Documents;

 

(g) Except as expressly provided herein, the Supporting Holders’ agreement to forbear in the exercise of their Rights and Remedies solely as to the Specified Default, and to perform as provided herein, in each case to the extent permitted by the Indenture, shall not invalidate, impair, negate or otherwise affect the Trustee’s or Supporting Holders’ ability to exercise their Rights and Remedies under the Notes Documents or otherwise; and

 

(h) Any capitalized terms not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

SECTION II.  FORBEARANCE

 

2.01 Forbearance. In consideration of, and in reliance upon the representations, warranties, agreements and covenants of the Obligors set forth herein, subject to the satisfaction of each of the

 

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conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement, from the Agreement Effective Date until the Termination Date (as defined below), each Supporting Holder (severally and not jointly) hereby agrees that during the Forbearance Period (as defined below) it will, only in this specific instance, forbear from exercising any of the Rights and Remedies under the Notes Documents or applicable law solely with respect to the Specified Default (the “Forbearance”). For the avoidance of doubt, during the Forbearance Period only, each Supporting Holder agrees that it (individually or collectively) will not deliver any notice or instruction to the Trustee directing the Trustee to exercise any of the Rights and Remedies with respect to the Specified Default.

 

2.02 Trustee Action. In the event that the Trustee takes any action to declare all of the Notes immediately due and payable pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Indenture during the Forbearance Period solely due to the Specified Default, each Supporting Holder (other than any Supporting Holder that is an Affiliate of the Issuers) agrees to rescind and cancel such acceleration to the fullest extent permitted under the Indenture.

 

2.03 Limitation on Transfers of Notes. During the Forbearance Period, each of the Supporting Holders hereby agrees not to sell, assign, pledge, lend, hypothecate, transfer or otherwise dispose of (each, a “Transfer”) any ownership (including beneficial ownership) of Notes (or any rights in respect thereof, including but not limited to the right to vote) held by such Supporting Holder as of the date hereof except to a party who (i) is already a Supporting Holder party to this Agreement, (ii) as of the date hereof, was, and as of the date of transfer, continues to be an entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the transferor or for which such Supporting Holder acts as investment manager, advisor or subadvisor, provided, however, that such entity shall automatically be subject to the terms of this Agreement and deemed a party hereto, or (iii) prior to or contemporaneously with such Transfer, agrees in writing with the transferor to be bound by all of the terms of this Agreement with respect to the relevant Notes being transferred to such purchaser (and with respect to any and all Notes it already may hold prior to such Transfer) by executing a Forbearance Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, and delivering an executed copy thereof, within three (3) business days of closing of such Transfer, to counsel to the Issuers. Any Transfer made in violation of this Section 2.03 shall be void ab initio, and the Issuers shall have the right to enforce the voiding of any such Transfer. This Agreement shall in no way be construed to preclude any Supporting Holder from acquiring additional Notes to the extent permitted by applicable law. However, such Supporting Holder shall, automatically and without further action, remain subject to this Agreement with respect to any Notes so acquired.

 

2.04 Forbearance Period. The Forbearance shall commence on the Agreement Effective Date and continue until the earlier of (a) September 22, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. New York City time (or such later date that all of the Supporting Holders agree in writing) and (b) the date on which any Event of Termination (as defined below) shall have occurred (the earlier of (a) and (b), the “Termination Date” and the period commencing on the Agreement Effective Date and ending on the Termination Date, the “Forbearance Period”). From and after the Termination Date, the Forbearance shall immediately and automatically terminate and have no further force or effect, and each of the Supporting Holders shall be released from any and all obligations and agreements under this Agreement and shall be entitled to exercise any of the Rights and Remedies as if the forbearance under this Agreement had never existed, and all of the Rights and Remedies under the Notes Documents and in law and in equity shall be available without restriction or modification.

 

2.05 Limited Forbearance. The Forbearance is limited in nature and nothing contained herein is intended, or shall be deemed or construed (i) to impair the ability of the Supporting Holders or the Trustee to exercise any of the Rights and Remedies during the Forbearance Period for Defaults or Events of Default other than the Specified Default, (ii) to constitute a waiver of the Specified Default or any future Defaults

 

3


 

or Events of Default or compliance with any term or provision of the Notes Documents or applicable law, other than as expressly set forth in this Section 2 or (iii) to establish a custom or course of dealing between the Obligors, on the one hand, and any Supporting Holder, on the other hand.

 

2.06 Further Acknowledgements

 

(a)                                 The Obligors understand and accept the temporary nature of the Forbearance provided hereby and that the Supporting Holders have given no assurances that they will extend such Forbearance or provide further waivers or amendments to the Indenture or any other Notes Document.

 

(b)                                 Nothing in this Agreement constitutes a legal obligation to participate in any Potential Transaction or to execute any related documents and no such legal obligation shall arise except pursuant to mutually agreeable executed definitive documentation.

 

SECTION III.  EVENTS OF TERMINATION.

 

3.01 Events of Termination. The Forbearance Period shall automatically terminate if any of the following events shall occur (each, an “Event of Termination”):

 

(a) the failure of any Obligor to comply with any term, condition or covenant set forth in this Agreement, including, without limitation, the covenants in Section IV of this Agreement;

 

(b) other than the Specified Default and any potential Default or Event of Default resulting from the non-payment of interest due on September 1, 2019 with respect to the Issuers’ 7.750% Senior Notes due 2022, there occurs any Default or Event of Default that is not cured within any applicable grace period;

 

(c) a case under title 11 of the United States Code or any similar reorganization, liquidation, insolvency, or receivership proceeding under applicable law is commenced by any Obligor;

 

(d) the Issuers notify any Supporting Holder or its representatives in writing that it has terminated discussions regarding a Potential Transaction;

 

(e) the Issuers cure the Specified Default by making the August 2019 Interest Payment and pay any default interest or late penalties, and no other Default or Event of Default has occurred and remains uncured at the time the Issuers cure such Specified Default; or

 

(f) that certain Forbearance Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Obligors, the RBL Agent, and lenders constituting the Majority Lenders under and as defined in that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2012 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “RBL Credit Agreement”), among EPE Holdings LLC, EP Energy LLC, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (in such capacities, the “RBL Agent”), shall terminate or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect, or shall be amended or otherwise modified (other than any amendment or modification to extend the termination date thereof or waive compliance by any Obligor with any covenant thereunder).

 

SECTION IV.  OTHER AGREEMENTS

 

4.01 Accrued Interest. The Obligors agree that during the Forbearance Period, interest on all outstanding Obligations, including the unpaid principal amount of the Notes and the August 2019 Interest

 

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Payment, shall continue to accrue in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

4.02 Retention of Professionals; Expenses.

 

(a) No later than three Business Days after the Agreement Effective Date, the Issuers shall pay all unpaid, invoiced, reasonable and documented fees and expenses of Milbank LLP (“Milbank”) and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (“Paul, Weiss”), counsel to the Supporting Holders, incurred through the Agreement Effective Date; thereafter the Issuers shall pay the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of Milbank and Paul, Weiss in accordance with the respective engagement letters executed with Milbank and Paul, Weiss.

 

(b) No later than three Business Days after the Agreement Effective Date, the Issuers shall pay all unpaid, invoiced, reasonable and documented monthly fees and out-of-pocket expenses of Moelis & Company (“Moelis”) and Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (“Houlihan”, and together with Moelis, Paul, Weiss and Milbank, the “Advisors”), financial advisors to the Supporting Holders, incurred through the Agreement Effective Date; thereafter the Issuer shall pay the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of Moelis and Houlihan in accordance with the respective engagement letters, if any, with Moelis and Houlihan; provided, that this Agreement does not and shall not be deemed to expressly or implicitly require the Obligors (i) to enter into or be bound by any engagement letter with Moelis or Houlihan; (ii) to be subject to any “fee tail” or indemnity obligations to Moelis or Houlihan; or (iii) to be liable for any “success fee,” “restructuring fee,” “transaction fee,” or similar contingency fee of Moelis or Houlihan.

 

4.03 Ordinary Course Operation of the Businesses. During the Forbearance Period, each of the Obligors shall operate their businesses in the ordinary course of business and shall only make payments in the ordinary course of business.

 

4.04 Release. Each Obligor (for itself and its Subsidiaries and controlled Affiliates and the successors, assigns, heirs and representatives of each Obligor) (collectively, the “Releasors”) does hereby fully, finally, unconditionally and irrevocably release, waive and forever discharge each Supporting Holder (other than any Supporting Holder that is an Affiliated Party), together with its Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, attorneys, financial advisors and consultants (each solely in its capacity as such)  (each a “Released Party”, and collectively, the “Released Parties”), from any and all debts, claims, allegations, obligations, damages, costs, attorneys’ fees, suits, demands, liabilities, actions, proceedings and causes of action, in each case, whether known or unknown, contingent or fixed, direct or indirect, and of whatever nature or description, and whether in law or in equity, under contract, tort, statute or otherwise, which any Releasor has heretofore had or now or hereafter can, shall or may have against any Released Party by reason of any act, omission or thing whatsoever done or omitted to be done, in each case, on or prior to the date hereof directly arising out of, connected with or related to this Agreement, the Indenture or any other Notes Document, or any act, event or transaction related or attendant thereto, or the agreements of any Supporting Holder (other than any Supporting Holder that is an Affiliated Party) contained herein or therein. Each Obligor represents and warrants that it has no knowledge of any claim by any Releasor against any Released Party or of any facts or acts or omissions of any Released Party which on the date hereof would be the basis of a claim, in each case directly arising out of, connected with or related to this Agreement, the Indenture or any other Notes Document or the agreements of any Supporting Holder (other than a Supporting Holder that is an Affiliated Party), by any Releasor against any Released Party which would not be released hereby.

 

“Affiliated Party” shall mean (i) any Affiliate of the Obligors or any direct or indirect parent company of the Obligors, (ii) any director, officer, agent or employee of any such Affiliate and (iii) any entity or person for which any such Affiliate acts as investment advisor or manager of discretionary accounts.

 

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4.05 Tolling. During the Forbearance Period, the Obligors hereby agree to toll and suspend the running of the applicable statutes of limitations, laches, or other doctrines relating to the passage of time with respect to any and all debts, claims, allegations, obligations, damages, costs, attorneys’ fees, suits, demands, liabilities, actions, proceedings and causes of action, in each case, whether known or unknown, contingent or fixed, direct or indirect, and of whatever nature or description, and whether in law or in equity, under contract, tort, statute or otherwise, which any Supporting Holder (or group thereof) has heretofore had or now or hereafter can, shall or may have against any of the Obligors, respective Affiliates (other than any Supporting Holder that is an Affiliated Party), and each of the directors, officers, members, employees, agents, attorneys, financial advisors and consultants of each of the foregoing.

 

4.06 Forbearance Fees.  The Obligors agree that they shall not, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by fee or otherwise (including incurring any liability or obligation, or increase in margin or interest rate or other provisions with similar consequence, in each case, other than as required by the terms of the RBL Credit Agreement as in effect on the Agreement Effective Date), to any Lender (as defined in the RBL Credit Agreement) for, or as an inducement to, any forbearance, consent, waiver, or amendment, in each case without the consent of all of the Supporting Holders.

 

4.07 Notices. The Issuers hereby agree to notify the Supporting Holders reasonably promptly in writing (which may be done by email to both Milbank and Paul, Weiss) of (a) any failure by any of the Obligors to comply with their obligations set forth in this Agreement, (b) the occurrence of any Event of Termination, or (c) service of a complaint upon an Obligor by a person commencing a material action against such Obligor. All notices, requests and demands to or upon the respective parties hereto to be effective shall be in writing (including by e-mail), and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand, or when sent by e-mail or facsimile transmission, answer back received, or on the first business day after delivery to any overnight delivery service, freight prepaid, or three (3) business days after being sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and addressed as follows, or to such other address as may be hereafter notified by the respective parties hereto:

 

If to any Supporting Holder, then to:

The address of such Directing Holder as set forth on the signature page of this Agreement

 

 

 

with a copy to:

 

 

 

Milbank LLP

 

2029 Century Park East, 33rd Floor

 

Los Angeles, CA 90067

 

Attention:

Gerard Uzzi, Esq.

 

 

Casey Fleck, Esq.

 

 

Brett Goldblatt, Esq.

 

Email:

GUzzi@milbank.com

 

 

CFleck@milbank.com BGoldblatt@milbank.com

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

 

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

 

1285 Avenue of the Americas

 

Attention:

Jeffrey D. Saferstein

 

 

Jacob A. Adlerstein

 

Email:

jsaferstein@paulweiss.com

 

 

jadlerstein@paulweiss.com

 

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SECTION V.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

In consideration of the foregoing agreements, the Obligors jointly and severally hereby represent and warrant to each Supporting Holder, and each Supporting Holder severally but not jointly hereby represents and warrants to the Obligors, as follows:

 

5.01 Such party is duly organized, validly existing and is not in violation in any respect of any term of its charter, bylaws or other constitutive documents, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement are within such party’s power and have been duly authorized by all necessary action.

 

5.02 This Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws generally affecting creditors’ rights and by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or law).

 

5.03 No consent or authorization of, filing with, notice to or other act by or in respect of, any governmental or regulatory authority or any other person is required in connection with such party’s entry into, and performance of, this Agreement, except for consents, authorizations, filings and notices which have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect or which are immaterial in nature; and the entry into and performance of this Agreement by such party does and will not conflict with, or result in the default under, any material agreement or document of such party, its constituent documents or any applicable law, regulation or court order, consent or ruling.

 

5.04 Each Supporting Holder represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof, it beneficially holds, or advises or manages for a beneficial holder, the aggregate principal amount of Notes set forth on the signature page attached hereto, and to that extent it advises or acts as a manager for any beneficial holder, it has the authority to enter into this Agreement on behalf of such beneficial holder and that this Agreement is a valid and legally binding agreement, enforceable against that holder and such party.

 

5.05 Each of the Obligors represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or is expected to occur during the Forbearance Period other than the Specified Default or as has been made public and filed on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

5.06  The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that nothing in this Agreement, including the presentation of drafts from one party to another, constitutes the making of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities or loans of any kind or the solicitation of a consent or waiver of any rights under any of the Notes Documents and the entry into this Agreement shall not constitute, directly or indirectly, an incurrence, a refinancing, an extension or a modification in any way of any debt or a recapitalization or restructuring in any way of the obligations of the Obligors.

 

5.07 The Supporting Holders have not made any assurances concerning (a) the manner in which or whether the Specified Default may be resolved or (b) any additional forbearance, waiver, restructuring or other accommodations.

 

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SECTION VI.  RATIFICATION OF EXISTING AGREEMENTS

 

6.01 The Obligors and the Supporting Holders hereby acknowledge and agree that, (a) the relationships between the Obligors and the Supporting Holders are governed by the Notes Documents, this Agreement and other agreements that may be executed by the Obligors and the Supporting Holders from time to time, (b) no fiduciary duty or special relationship is or will be created by any discussions regarding any possible amendment, waiver or forbearance, (c) the rights and obligations of the Supporting Holders under this Agreement are several and not joint and no Supporting Holder shall be liable or responsible for obligations of any other Supporting Holder, (d) no Supporting Holder has made to any Obligor, and no Obligor has made to any Supporting Holder, any promise, commitment or representation of any kind or character with respect to any forbearance or other matter as of the date of this Agreement other than as set forth in this Agreement, (e) this Agreement has no effect or bearing on any rights or remedies the Supporting Holders may have available under the Notes Documents other than as explicitly provided for herein, (f) no person has any obligation to engage in discussions with any other person after the date hereof regarding any further forbearance and (g) no Supporting Holder and no Obligor has any obligation under any circumstances to amend, waive, supplement or otherwise modify the terms of the Notes Documents, offer any discounted payoff of the Notes, refinance or exchange the Notes, vote or refrain from voting or otherwise acting with respect to its Notes, extend the forbearance period, grant any other forbearance, agree to any amendment, supplement, waiver or other modification or any Potential Transaction, enter into any definitive documentation in connection with a Potential Transaction, or extend any other accommodation, financial or otherwise, to any Obligor or any of its Affiliates.

 

SECTION VII.  MISCELLANEOUS

 

7.01 More Favorable Agreements. If the Issuers have entered into or at any time on or after the date hereof enter into a forbearance or similar agreement with respect to the Notes with any other holder of the Notes that is not a Supporting Holder or with respect to the Issuers’ 7.750% Senior Notes due 2022 that contains terms more favorable to the noteholders party thereto than those contained in this Agreement (each such agreement, a “More Favorable Agreement”), such terms of such More Favorable Agreement shall automatically be incorporated herein unless all of the Supporting Holders, in their sole discretion, elect not to include any such terms. The Issuers shall (a) promptly notify the Supporting Holders of its entry into a More Favorable Agreement and (b) promptly provide a copy, with customary redactions, of such More Favorable Agreement to the Supporting Holders.

 

7.02 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered in any number of counterparts with the same effect as if the signatures on each counterpart were upon the same instrument. Any counterpart delivered by facsimile or by other electronic method of transmission shall be deemed an original signature thereto.

 

7.03 Interpretive Matters.

 

(a) Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular, references to the singular include the plural, and the term “including” is not limiting. The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and similar terms in this Agreement refer to this

 

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Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. Section, subsection and clause references herein are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

 

(b) The term “person” as used in this Agreement shall be broadly interpreted to include, without limitation, any individual, corporation, company, partnership or other entity.

 

7.04 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without application of any choice of law provisions that would require the application of the law of another jurisdiction. Each party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York for any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of this Agreement in any such court and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit, or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

7.05 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon each of the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Supporting Holders and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each such person and their permitted successors and assigns.

 

7.06 Additional Parties. Without in any way limiting the provisions hereof, additional holders or beneficial owners of Notes may elect to become parties to this Agreement by executing and delivering to the Issuers a Forbearance Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. Such additional holder or beneficial owner of Notes shall become a Supporting Holder under this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

7.07 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.

 

7.08 Integration. This Agreement and any agreements referred to herein contain the entire understanding of the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter contained herein. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement supersedes all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, promises, covenants, agreements and representations of every nature whatsoever with respect to the matters referred to in this Agreement, all of which have become merged and finally integrated into this Agreement. Each of the parties hereto understands that in the event of any subsequent litigation, controversy or dispute concerning any of the terms, conditions or provisions of this Agreement, no party shall be entitled to offer or introduce into evidence any oral promises or oral agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement not included or referred to herein and not reflected by a writing included or referred to herein.

 

7.09 Jury Trial Waiver. The Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Supporting Holders, by acceptance of this Agreement, mutually hereby knowingly, voluntarily and intentionally waive the right to a trial by jury in respect of any litigation based herein, arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement and the Notes Documents or any other documents contemplated to be executed in connection herewith, or any course of conduct, course of dealings, statements (whether verbal or written) or actions of any party, including, without limitation, any course of conduct, course of dealings, statements or actions of any Supporting Holder relating to the administration of the Notes or enforcement of the Notes Documents arising out of tort, strict liability, contract or any other law, and agree that no party will seek to consolidate any such action with any other action in which a jury trial cannot be or has not been waived.

 

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7.10 Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended or modified in writing by the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors and each Supporting Holder.

 

7.11 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, and any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable, in each case, so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party hereto. Upon any such determination of invalidity, the Parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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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.

 

 

EP ENERGY LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name: Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

EVEREST ACQUISITION FINANCE INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name: Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

EP ENERGY GLOBAL LLC

 

EP ENERGY E&P COMPANY, L.P.

 

EP ENERGY MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.

 

EP ENERGY RESALE COMPANY, L.L.C.

 

as Subsidiary Guarantors

 

 

 

 

By: 

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name: Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 


 

 

SUPPORTING HOLDERS

 

 

 

ELLIOTT ASSOCIATES, L.P.

 

 

 

 

By:

Elliott Capital Advisors, L.P., as general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

Braxton Associates, Inc., as general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Elliot Greenberg

 

 

Elliot Greenberg, Vice President

 

 

 

Principal Amount of Notes held:

 

 

 

ELLIOTT INTERNATIONAL, L.P.

 

 

 

 

By:

Hambledon, Inc., as General Partner

 

 

 

 

By:

Elliott, International Capital Advisors Inc., as attorney-in-fact

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Elliot Greenberg

 

 

Elliot Greenberg, Vice President

 

 

 

Principal Amount of Notes held:

 


 

 

THETA I, LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Investment Fund VII, L.P., its sole member

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Advisors VII, L.P., its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Capital Management VII, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Name: Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

 

 

THETA II, LLC

 

 

 

 

By:   Apollo Overseas Partners (Delaware 892) VII, L.P., its sole member

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Advisors VII, L.P., its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Capital Management VII, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Name: Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

 

 

THETA III, LLC

 

 

 

 

By:   Apollo Overseas Partners (Delaware) VII, L.P., its sole member

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Advisors VII, L.P., its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Capital Management VII, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Name: Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Title: Vice President

 


 

 

THETA IV, LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Overseas Partners VII, L.P., its sole member

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Advisors VII, L.P., its managing general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Capital Management VII, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Name: Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

 

 

THETA V, LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Investment Fund (PB) VII, L.P., its sole member

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Advisors VII, L.P., its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Capital Management VII, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Name: Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

 

 

THETA NR, LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo Natural Resources Partners, L.P., its sole member

 

 

 

 

By:

Apollo ANRP Advisors, L.P., its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:   Apollo ANRP Capital Management, LLC, its general partner

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Name: Laurie D. Medley

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

 

 

Principal Amount of Notes held:

 


 

Exhibit A

 

FORM OF FORBEARANCE JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

[·], 2019

 

EP Energy, Inc.
[           ]
Attention: [           ]

RE: Forbearance Agreement

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Forbearance Agreement dated as of September [·], 2019 entered into between the Issuers, the Subsidiary Guarantors, and the Supporting Holders party thereto (such Forbearance Agreement, as in effect on the date hereof and as it may hereafter be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with this Forbearance Joinder Agreement, being the “Forbearance Agreement”). Any capitalized terms not defined in this Forbearance Joinder Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Forbearance Agreement.

 

SECTION I.  Joining Obligations Under the Forbearance Agreement. The undersigned (the “Joining Noteholder”) hereby agrees, as of the date first above written, to join and to be bound as a Supporting Holder by all of the terms and conditions of the Forbearance Agreement, to the same extent as each of the other Supporting Holders thereunder. The undersigned further agrees, as of the date first above written, that each reference in the Forbearance Agreement to a “Supporting Holder” shall also mean and be a reference to the undersigned, including the making of each representation and warranty set forth in Section 5 of the Forbearance Agreement.

 

SECTION II.  Execution and Delivery. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Forbearance Joinder Agreement by telecopier or in .PDF or similar format by email shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Forbearance Joinder Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Obligors do not need to separately execute this Forbearance Joinder Agreement but are nevertheless bound by the terms of the Forbearance Agreement with respect to the Joining Noteholder as if such Joining Noteholder were a party to the Forbearance Agreement.

 

SECTION III.  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial, Etc. The parties hereto hereby agree that Sections 7.04 and 7.09 of the Forbearance Agreement shall apply to this Forbearance Joinder Agreement.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 


 

Very truly yours,

 

[·]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

Noteholder’s principal amount of Notes: $                   

 

[Signature Page to Joinder Forbearance Agreement]

 


Exhibit 10.2

 

FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT

 

FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT, dated as of September 14, 2019 (this “Forbearance Agreement”), with respect to (i) the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2012 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, modified or supplemented from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Credit Agreement”), among EPE Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (successor-by-merger to EPE Holdings, LLC) (“Holdings”), EP Energy LLC (f/k/a Everest Acquisition LLC), a Delaware limited liability company (the “Borrower”), the banks, financial institutions and other lending institutions from time to time parties as lenders thereto (each a “Lender” and collectively, the “Lenders”), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”) and as collateral agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent” and together with the Administrative Agent, in either or each applicable capacity, the “Agent Bank”), the swingline lender and an issuer of Letters of Credit, and each other Issuing Bank from time to time party thereto, and (ii) the Hedge Agreements described on Schedule I attached hereto, together with any Hedge Transactions in effect on the Forbearance Effective Date entered into under any such Hedge Agreements (the “Subject Hedge Agreements”).  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement unless otherwise defined herein or the context otherwise requires.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower and Holdings have heretofore entered into the Credit Agreement pursuant to which, upon the terms and conditions stated therein, the Issuing Banks have issued Letters of Credit and the Lenders have made loans and other extensions of credit to or for the benefit of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and certain Hedge Banks have entered into Hedge Transactions under the Subject Hedge Agreements.

 

WHEREAS, the Credit Parties have executed and delivered Guarantees, Security Documents and other Credit Documents to guaranty and secure, among other obligations, the Secured Obligations under the Credit Agreement and Hedge Transactions under the Subject Hedge Agreements.

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower delivered to the Administrative Agent a Notice of Default dated August 15, 2019, with respect to the Borrower’s failure to pay interest due on August 15, 2019, pursuant to that certain Indenture dated February 6, 2017 (the “Subject Indenture”), among the Borrower, Everest Acquisition Finance Inc., the subsidiary guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, which constituted a default under Section 6.01(a) of the Subject Indenture and a Default under the Section 11.4 of the Credit Agreement, and which Default will become an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement and may become a Hedge Default (as defined below) under one or more of the Subject Hedge Agreements, in each case, if such interest payment is not paid on or before the expiry of the grace period specified in the Subject Indenture (such Defaults and Events of Default, herein the “Specified Events of Default”).

 


 

WHEREAS, in accordance with and subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Majority Lenders may direct the Administrative Agent to exercise remedies as set forth therein in respect of any Event of Default under the Credit Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, the Credit Parties have requested that the Agent Bank, each Issuing Bank, the Lenders, and the Hedge Banks party to the Subject Hedge Agreement, upon certain terms and conditions set forth in this Forbearance Agreement, forbear from exercising their rights and remedies for a limited period expiring on the Forbearance Termination Date (as defined below) arising as a result of the occurrence and continuation of the Specified Events of Default as provided herein.

 

WHEREAS, the Agent Bank, each Issuing Bank party hereto, the Lenders party hereto (the “Consenting Lenders”), which Consenting Lenders constitute the Majority Lenders, and each Hedge Bank party hereto (each, a “Consenting Hedge Bank”), are willing to grant such forbearance subject to the terms and conditions of this Forbearance Agreement and the other Credit Documents.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1                                    Defined Terms. the following terms, for the purposes of this Forbearance Agreement, shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)                                 Forbearance Effective Date” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.1 hereof.

 

(b)                                 Forbearance Period” means the period commencing on the Forbearance Effective Date and continuing until the Forbearance Termination Date.

 

(c)                                  Forbearance Termination Date” means on the earlier of (i) September 22, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. (New York City time), or (ii) the date on which a Forbearance Termination Event occurs.

 

(d)                                 Forbearance Termination Event” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any Event of Default, other than the Specified Events of Default, shall occur or shall have occurred under the Credit Agreement or any of the Credit Documents or (ii) that certain Forbearance Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Subject Indenture Forbearance Agreement”), among EP Energy LLC and Everest Acquisition Finance Inc., as issuers, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, and the beneficial holders and/or investment advisors or managers of discretionary accounts for such beneficial holders of the notes issued under the Subject Indenture shall terminate or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect, or shall be amended or otherwise modified (other than any amendment or modification to extend the termination date thereof or waive compliance by any Obligor (as defined in the Subject Indenture) with any covenant thereunder).

 

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(e)                                  Hedge Default” means an Event of Default or Termination Event, in each case, as defined in any applicable Hedge Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II
FORBEARANCE

 

Section 2.1                                    Acknowledgement of Specified Events of Default.  Each of the Borrower, Holdings and each other Credit Party acknowledges and agrees as follows:

 

(a)                                 Each Credit Party specifically acknowledges the potential existence and continuance of the Specified Events of Default;

 

(b)                                 None of Agent Bank, any Issuing Bank, any Consenting Lender or any Consenting Hedge Bank has waived any of its respective rights, powers or remedies with respect to the Specified Events of Default (or any other Default or Event of Default), and no course of dealing or any passage of time on account of the Forbearance Period shall be considered or used as a basis for asserting an untimely exercise of any such party’s rights as to the Specified Events of Default or otherwise prejudice any such right, power, or remedy;

 

(c)                                  Subject to the terms of this Forbearance Agreement, upon the occurrence of any Specified Event of Default, the Administrative Agent and the Majority Lenders have the right to accelerate the principal of, and any accrued interest and fees in respect of, any or all Loans and any or all Obligations owing under the Credit Agreement or the other Credit Documents and to make demands upon the Borrower, Holdings and each other Credit Party for the payment in full of the Obligations owing under the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document in accordance therewith; and

 

(d)                                 Subject to the terms of this Forbearance Agreement, upon the occurrence of any Specified Event of Default that constitutes a Hedge Default, each Hedge Bank has the right to exercise remedies with respect to any Hedge Transactions to which it is a party (including terminating such Hedge Transactions and setting off in accordance with any applicable agreements any final settlement payments thereunder against the principal of, and any accrued interest and fees in respect of, any or all Loans and any or all Obligations owing under the Credit Agreement or the other Credit Documents) and to make demands upon the Borrower, Holdings and each other Credit Party for the payment in full of the Obligations owing under any Hedge Agreement to with such Hedge Bank is a party in accordance with any such Hedge Agreement.

 

Section 2.2                                    Agreement to Forbear.  In reliance on the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Forbearance Agreement, and subject to the satisfaction of each condition precedent set forth in Section 3.1 hereof, but only so long as the Forbearance Termination Date shall not have occurred, the Agent Bank, each Issuing Bank, each Consenting Lender and each Consenting Hedge Bank hereby agree to forbear during the Forbearance Period from exercising their rights and remedies under the Credit Documents, any Subject Hedge Agreement and applicable law arising as a result of the occurrence or continuance of the Specified Events of Default.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the forbearance granted by the Agent Bank, the Issuing Banks, the Consenting Lenders and the Consenting Hedge Banks shall not constitute, and shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver or relinquishment of (x) the Specified

 

3


 

Events of Default or of any other Default or Event of Default under the Credit Documents or (y) the Specified Events of Default or of any other Hedge Default under any Subject Hedge Agreement, and each such party hereby expressly reserves all rights, remedies, and claims under the Credit Documents and any Subject Hedge Agreement, as applicable.  On and after the Forbearance Termination Date, the agreement hereunder of the Agent Bank, each Issuing Bank, each Consenting Lender and each Consenting Hedge Bank to forbear shall terminate automatically without further act or action by any of the Agent Bank, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any Hedge Bank, and the Agent Bank, the Issuing Banks, the Lenders and the Hedge Banks shall be entitled to exercise any and all rights and remedies available to any of them under the Credit Agreement, any other Credit Documents or any Hedge Agreement, as applicable, at law, in equity or otherwise without any further lapse of time, expiration of applicable grace periods or requirements of notice, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Credit Party.  For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing forbearance shall not prohibit the Agent Bank from delivering notices relating to any other Defaults, Events of Default or a Forbearance Termination Event.

 

ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS

 

Section 3.1                                    Conditions to Effectiveness.  This Forbearance Agreement shall be effective on the first day that the following conditions have been satisfied (such date, the “Forbearance Effective Date”): (i) the Administrative Agent shall have received from the Majority Lenders, the Borrower, Holdings and the other Credit Parties, counterparts of this Forbearance Agreement signed on behalf of each such Person and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of the Subject Indenture Forbearance Agreement, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the effectiveness of the Subject Indenture Forbearance Agreement shall have occurred (or shall occur substantially concurrently with the Forbearance Effective Date).

 

Section 3.2                                    Delegation to Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized and directed to declare this Forbearance Agreement to be effective and to declare the occurrence of the Forbearance Effective Date when it has received documents confirming or certifying, to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent, compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 3.1 or the waiver of such conditions as permitted in Section 13.01 of the Credit Agreement.  Such declaration shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties to the Credit Agreement and the Consenting Hedge Banks for all purposes.

 

ARTICLE IV
OTHER ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND AGREEMENTS;
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 4.1                                    Acknowledgement of Indebtedness.  The Borrower, Holdings and each other Credit Party acknowledges that on the date hereof all outstanding Obligations are payable in accordance with the terms of the Credit Documents, the Hedge Agreements and the Cash Management Agreements, and the Borrower, Holdings and each other Credit Party waives any defense, offset, counterclaim or recoupment with respect thereto.

 

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Section 4.2                                    Ratification and Affirmation; Representations and Warranties.  Each of the Borrower, Holdings and each other Credit Party hereby (a) acknowledges the terms of this Forbearance Agreement; (b) ratifies and affirms its obligations under, and acknowledges its continued liability under, each Credit Document (including, with respect to the Guarantors, the Guarantee) to which it is a party and agrees that each Credit Document to which it is a party remains in full force and effect; (c) ratifies and affirms its obligations under, and acknowledges its continued liability under, each Subject Hedge Agreement and agrees that each Subject Hedge Agreement remains in full force and effect; (d) represents and warrants to the Agent Bank, each Issuing Bank and the Consenting Lenders that as of the Forbearance Effective Date, other than with respect to the Specified Events of Default and after giving effect to the terms of this Forbearance Agreement that all of the representations and warranties contained in each Credit Document to which it is a party are true and correct in all material respects (or, if such representation or warranty is already qualified by materiality, in all respects), except to the extent any such representations and warranties are expressly limited to an earlier date, in which case, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct in all material respects (or, if such representation or warranty is already qualified by materiality, in all respects) as of such specified earlier date, and (e) represents and warrants to the Agent Bank, each Issuing Bank, the Consenting Lenders and the Consenting Hedge Banks that no Default, Event of Default or Hedge Default (in each case, other than the Specified Events of Default) has occurred and is continuing.  Each Credit Party hereby acknowledges, ratifies, reaffirms and agrees that the first priority (subject to Liens permitted by Section 10.2 of the Credit Agreement), perfected Liens and security interests created thereby in favor of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral, are and will remain in full force and effect and binding on such Credit Party, and are enforceable in accordance with their respective terms and applicable law.

 

Section 4.3                                    No Control.  No act committed or action taken by the Agent Bank prior to the Forbearance Effective Date under this Forbearance Agreement or the Credit Documents will be used, construed, or deemed to hold the Agent Bank to be in control of the Credit Parties, or the governance, management or operations of the Credit Parties for any purpose, without limitation, or to be participating in the management of the Credit Parties or acting as a “responsible person” or “owner or operator” or a person in “control” with respect to the governance, management or operation of the Credit Parties or their respective businesses (as such terms, or any similar terms, are used in the Code, Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy”, or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, each as may be amended from time to time, or any other federal or state statute, at law, in equity, or otherwise) by virtue of the interests, rights, and remedies granted to or conferred upon the Agent Bank under this Forbearance Agreement or the Credit Documents.

 

Section 4.4                                    No Obligation.  Each Credit Party hereby acknowledges and understands that upon the expiration or earlier termination of the Forbearance Period, if the Specified Events of Default have not been waived by written agreement in accordance with the Credit Agreement, or if there shall at any time exist any other Event of Default, then the Agent Bank, the Issuing Banks, the Consenting Lenders and the Consenting Hedge Banks shall have the right to proceed to exercise any or all available rights and remedies, which may include, without limitation, foreclosure on the Collateral and/or institution of legal or equitable proceedings.  The Agent Bank, each Issuing Bank, the Lenders and the Hedge Banks have not and shall have no obligation whatsoever to extend the maturity of any Obligations, waive any Default or Event of

 

5


 

Default, defer any payments, or further forbear from exercising their rights and remedies under the Credit Agreement, any other Credit Documents or any Hedge Agreement, as applicable, at law, in equity or otherwise.

 

Section 4.5                                    Review and Construction of Documents.  Each Credit Party hereby acknowledges, and represents and warrants to the Agent Bank, the Issuing Banks, the Consenting Lenders and the Consenting Hedge Banks that such Credit Party has (a) had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of its own choice and has been afforded an opportunity to review this Forbearance Agreement with its legal counsel, (b) reviewed this Forbearance Agreement and fully understands the effects thereof and all terms and provisions contained herein, and (c) executed this Forbearance Agreement of its own free will and volition.  The recitals contained in this Forbearance Agreement shall be construed to be part of the operative terms and provisions of this Forbearance Agreement.

 

Section 4.6                                    Credit Document.  This Forbearance Agreement is a Credit Document for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and other Credit Documents.  To the extent of a conflict or inconsistency between this Forbearance Agreement and any other of the other Credit Documents, this Forbearance Agreement shall control.

 

Section 4.7                                    Lender Direction.  Each Issuing Bank, each Consenting Lender and each Consenting Hedge Bank hereby directs and authorizes each Agent Bank to enter into this Forbearance Agreement.

 

ARTICLE V
DISCLAIMER; WAIVER; RELEASE

 

Section 5.1                                    DISCLAIMER OF ANY CLAIMS, OFFSETS OR BREACHES.  IN ORDER TO INDUCE THE AGENT BANK, THE ISSUING BANKS, THE CONSENTING LENDERS AND THE CONSENTING HEDGE BANKS TO ENTER INTO THIS FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT, EACH OF THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS AND THE OTHER CREDIT PARTIES, ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, THE “RELEASING PARTIES”), ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT: (A) NONE OF THE RELEASING PARTIES HAS ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST THE AGENT BANK, THE SWINGLINE LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK, ANY CONSENTING LENDER OR ANY CONSENTING HEDGE BANK, IN EACH CASE, ALONG WITH ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, THE “RELEASED PARTIES”) RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS, THE SUBJECT HEDGE AGREEMENTS, OR ANY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, IN EACH CASE, WHICH EXISTED ON OR PRIOR TO THE FORBEARANCE EFFECTIVE DATE, (B) TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF ANY OFFICER OF THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS OR ANY OTHER CREDIT PARTY, NONE OF THE RELEASING PARTIES HAS ANY OFFSET RIGHT, COUNTERCLAIM OR DEFENSE OF ANY KIND AGAINST ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OBLIGATIONS, INDEBTEDNESS OR LIABILITIES TO THE AGENT BANK, THE SWINGLINE LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK, ANY CONSENTING LENDER OR ANY CONSENTING HEDGE BANK, AND (C) EACH OF THE AGENT BANK, THE SWINGLINE LENDER, EACH ISSUING BANK, EACH CONSENTING LENDER AND

 

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EACH CONSENTING HEDGE BANK HAS HERETOFORE PROPERLY PERFORMED AND SATISFIED IN A TIMELY MANNER ALL OF ITS OBLIGATIONS TO THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS AND ITS OR THEIR SUBSIDIARIES UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS AND ANY SUJBECT HEDGE AGREEMENT, IN EACH CASE, TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY.  EACH OF THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS AND THE OTHER CREDIT PARTIES WISHES TO ELIMINATE ANY POSSIBILITY THAT ANY PAST CONDITIONS, ACTS, OMISSIONS, EVENTS, CIRCUMSTANCES OR MATTERS WOULD IMPAIR OR OTHERWISE ADVERSELY AFFECT ANY OF THE AGENT BANK’S, THE SWINGLINE LENDER’S, ANY ISSUING BANK’S, ANY CONSENTING LENDER’S OR ANY CONSENTING HEDGE BANK’S RIGHTS, INTERESTS, CONTRACTS, OR REMEDIES UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS OR ANY SUBJECT HEDGE AGREEMENT, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, AS APPLICABLE.  FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO MODIFY ANY OF THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE CONSENTING HEDGE BANKS UNDER THE SUBJECT HEDGE AGREEMENTS.

 

Section 5.2                                    WAIVER AND RELEASE.  THEREFORE, EACH OF THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS AND THE OTHER CREDIT PARTIES, ON BEHALF OF THE RELEASING PARTIES, UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASES, WAIVES AND FOREVER DISCHARGES (X) ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, DUTIES, PROMISES OR INDEBTEDNESS OF ANY KIND OF THE AGENT BANK, THE SWINGLINE LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK, ANY CONSENTING LENDER OR ANY CONSENTING HEDGE BANK TO THE RELEASING PARTIES, EXCEPT THE OBLIGATIONS TO BE PERFORMED BY ANY OF THEM ON OR AFTER THE DATE HEREOF AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS OR ANY SUBJECT HEDGE AGREEMENT, AND (Y) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, OFFSETS, CAUSES OF ACTION, SUITS OR DEFENSES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER (IF ANY), WHETHER ARISING AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, WHICH ANY CREDIT PARTY OWNS AND HOLDS AS OF THE DATE HEREOF, OR HAS AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE DATE HEREO OWNED OR HELD, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, WHICH THE RELEASING PARTIES MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE AGAINST ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, IN EACH CASE UNDER CLAUSE (X) OR CLAUSE (Y), (A) ON ACCOUNT OF ANY PAST OR PRESENTLY EXISTING CONDITION, ACT, OMISSION, REPRESENTATION, EVENT, CONTRACT, LIABILITY, OBLIGATION, INDEBTEDNESS, CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION, DEFENSE, CIRCUMSTANCE OR MATTER OF EACH AND EVERY KIND OR NATURE AND (B) RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF, IN ANY RESPECT, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, THE CREDIT DOCUMENTS, ANY SUBJECT HEDGE AGREEMENT OR ANY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.  THE RELEASED PARTIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE WITH RESPECT TO, AND EACH OF THE BORROWER, HOLDINGS AND THE OTHER CREDIT PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES, RELEASES, RELINQUISHES, AND COVENANTS AND AGREES NOT TO SUE FOR, ANY DAMAGES WHATSOVER, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOST PROFIT, AND PUNITIVE DAMAGES RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF, IN ANY RESPECT, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS AND ANY SUBJECT HEDGE AGREEMENT, OR ARISING OUT OF ANY AND ALL ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THEREWITH (WHETHER BEFORE, ON OR AFTER THE DATE HEREOF).

 

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Section 5.3                                    ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CONSIDERATION.  THE RELEASING PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE FOREGOING DISCLAIMER OF CLAIMS, OFFSETS, AND BREACHES AND THE WAIVER AND RELEASE WAS SEPARATELY BARGAINED FOR AND IS A KEY ELEMENT OF THIS FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT.

 

ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 6.1                                    Counterparts. This Forbearance Agreement may be executed in any number of separate counterparts by the parties hereto (including by telecopy or via electronic mail), each of which counterparts when so executed shall be an original, but all the counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 6.2                                    GOVERNING LAW. THIS FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

Section 6.3                                    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  SECTION 13.15 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN, MUTATIS MUTANDIS.

 

Section 6.4                                    FINAL AGREEMENT.  THIS FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT AND THE CREDIT DOCUMENTS AS INCORPORATED HEREIN REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS HEREIN AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.  THERE ARE NO ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

Section 6.5                                    No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  No Person other than the Credit Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders and Hedge Banks party hereto shall have any rights hereunder or be entitled to rely on this Agreement and all third-party beneficiary rights are hereby expressly disclaimed.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Forbearance Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

 

EPE ACQUISITION LLC (SUCCESSOR TO EPE HOLDINGS LLC)

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name: 

Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

EP ENERGY LLC (F/K/A EVEREST ACQUISITION LLC)

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name: 

Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

EVEREST ACQUISITION FINANCE INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name:

Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

EP ENERGY GLOBAL LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name:

Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

EP ENERGY MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name:

Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

EP ENERGY RESALE COMPANY, L.L.C.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name:

Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

EP ENERGY E&P COMPANY, L.P.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Name:

Kyle A. McCuen

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, an Issuing Bank, a Lender and a Hedge Bank

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jo Linda Papadakis

 

 

Name:

Jo Linda Papadakis

 

 

Title:

Authorized Officer

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

CITIBANK, N.A., as LC Issuer

 

 

 

By:

/s/ William Washburn

 

 

Name:

William Washburn

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

CITIBANK, NA, as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Paul Giarratano

 

 

Name:

Paul Giarratano

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

BMO HARRIS FINANCING, INC., as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Marc Maslanka

 

 

Name:

Marc Maslanka

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH, as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Didler Siffer

 

 

Name:

Didler Siffer

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Bryan J. Matthews

 

 

Name:

Bryan J. Matthews

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

CREDIT SUISSE LOAN FUNDING, as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher S. Campbell

 

 

Name:

Christopher S. Campbell

 

 

Title:

Director

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Amy G. Josephson

 

 

Name:

Amy G. Josephson

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

TORONTO DOMINION (NEW YORK) LLC, as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ MICHAEL BOROWIECKI

 

 

Name:

MICHAEL BOROWIECKI

 

 

Title:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION, as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Toshitake Funaki

 

 

Name:

Toshitake Funaki

 

 

Title:

MD&GM

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

DNB CAPITAL LLC, as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ James Grubb

 

 

Name:

James Grubb

 

 

Title:

First Vice President

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Andrea Ozbolt

 

 

Name:

Andrea Ozbolt

 

 

Title:

First Vice President

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, as a Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jamie Minieri

 

 

Name:

Jamie Minieri

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

CITIBANK, N.A., as a Hedge Bank

 

 

 

By:

/s/ William Washburn

 

 

Name:

William Washburn

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

 

DNB BANK ASA, as a Hedge Bank

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Mita Zalavadia

 

 

Name:

Mita Zalavadia

 

 

Title:

Assistant Vice President

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Samantha Stone

 

 

Name:

Samantha Stone

 

 

Title:

Assistant Vice President

 

Signature Page — Forbearance Agreement

 


 

Schedule I

 

Subject Hedge Agreements

 

1992 ISDA Master Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2012, between Citibank, N.A. and EP Energy LLC

 

1992 ISDA Master Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2012, between JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association and EP Energy LLC

 

1992 ISDA Master Agreement, dated as of April 11, 2017, between DNB Bank ASA and EP Energy LLC