UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

 

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 16, 2018 (November 9, 2018)

 

U.S. WELL SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   001-38025   81-1847117
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

770 South Post Oak Lane
Suite 405
Houston, TX

(address of principal executive offices)

 

77056
(zip code)

 

(832) 562-3730

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

¨ Written communication pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 UR 230.425)
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CPR 240.14a-12)
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨ Pre-commencements communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

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  x

 

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.  ¨

  

 

 

  1  

 

 

Introductory Note

 

On November 9, 2018 (the “ Closing Date ”), U.S. Well Services, Inc. (formerly Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation) (the “ Company ”) consummated the previously announced business combination with USWS Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ USWS Holdings ”), as contemplated in the previously announced Merger and Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, and amended on August 9, 2018, and further amended on November 2, 2018 (as amended, the “ Merger and Contribution Agreement ”), with MPAC Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“ Merger Sub ”), USWS Holdings, certain owners of equity interests in USWS Holdings (the “ Blocker Companies ”) and, solely for purposes described therein, the seller representative named therein. The transactions contemplated by the Merger and Contribution Agreement, including the merger of each Blocker Company into the Company (the “ Blocker Merger ”), the contribution by the Company to Merger Sub of all of its available funds (other than cash to be used to pay certain transaction expenses) and the issuance of shares of its Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Class A Common Stock ”), and its Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Class B Common Stock ”), and the merger of Merger Sub with and into USWS Holdings, are collectively referred to herein as the “ Business Combination .”

 

Following the completion of the Business Combination (the “ Closing ”), substantially all of the Company’s assets and operations are held and conducted by USWS Holdings and its subsidiaries, including U.S. Well Services, LLC (“ USWS ”), and the Company’s only assets are equity interests in USWS Holdings. The Company owns a majority of the economic and voting interests of USWS Holdings and is the sole manager of USWS Holdings.

 

In connection with the Closing, the Company changed its name from “Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation” to “U.S. Well Services, Inc.” Unless the context otherwise requires, “Matlin” or “MPAC” refers to the registrant prior to the Closing, and “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to the registrant and its subsidiaries following the Closing.

 

The foregoing description of the Merger and Contribution Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger and Contribution Agreement, Amendment No. 1 to the Merger and Contribution Agreement and Amendment No. 2 to the Merger and Contribution Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 2.1, Exhibit 2.2 and Exhibit 2.3, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K. A more detailed description of the Business Combination and related transactions can be found in MPAC’s definitive proxy statement in connection with the solicitation of proxies from MPAC’s stockholders to approve the Business Combination and related transactions filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) on October 10, 2018 (the “ Proxy Statement ”).

 

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

 

Concurrently with the Closing, the Company, Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC (“ Sponsor ”), the owners of equity interests in the Blocker Companies (the “ Blocker Stockholders ”), certain owners of equity interests in USWS Holdings other than the Blocker Companies (the “ Non-Blocker USWS Members ”), Crestview III USWS, L.P. (“ Crestview Investor I ”), Crestview III USWS TE, LLC (together with Crestview Investor I, “ Crestview ”), Joel Broussard, certain lenders (the “ Lenders ”) under USWS’ Amended and Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2017 (the “ Credit Agreement ”), and Piper Jaffray & Co. (“ Piper ”) entered into an amended and restated registration rights agreement (the “ A&R Registration Rights Agreement ”).

 

The A&R Registration Rights Agreement amends, restates and replaces the registration rights agreement entered into by and among MPAC, Sponsor, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. and the holders named therein in connection with Matlin’s initial public offering, in order to provide substantially similar registration rights to each of Sponsor, the Blocker Stockholders, the Non-Blocker USWS Members, Crestview, Joel Broussard, the Lenders and Piper, pursuant to which the Company will be required to register for resale shares of Class A Common Stock held by those parties upon Closing or issuable upon the future exercise of private placement warrants or upon the future exchange of new units of USWS Holdings (“ New USWS Units ”) and shares of Class B Common Stock, as well as the private placement warrants held by certain of these parties, in each case held by them upon Closing (collectively, “ Registrable Securities ”).

 

  2  

 

 

 The Company will be required, within 30 days after consummation of the Business Combination, to file a registration statement registering the resale of all of the Registrable Securities. In addition, if an underwritten offering is reasonably expected to result in gross proceeds of at least $25 million, (i) Sponsor will be entitled to demand three underwritten offerings, (ii) the Blocker Stockholders, the Non-Blocker USWS Members and the Lenders, collectively, will be entitled to demand five underwritten offerings and (iii) Crestview will be entitled to demand three underwritten offerings with respect to their Registrable Securities. The holders of Registrable Securities will also have certain “piggy-back” rights with respect to underwritten offerings initiated by the Company or our stockholders.

 

We will be required to bear all expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements and any such offerings, other than underwriting discounts and commission on the sale of Registrable Securities and the fees and expenses of counsel to holders of Registrable Securities. The A&R Registration Rights Agreement also will include customary provisions regarding indemnification and contribution.

 

The A&R Registration Rights Agreement also provides that, subject to certain exceptions, the Blocker Stockholders, the Non-Blocker USWS Members and Piper will not transfer the shares of Class A Common Stock, New USWS Units or shares of Class B Common Stock issued to them in the Business Combination, as well as the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exchange of such New USWS Units and shares of Class B Common Stock, prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, except that up to 50% of the shares of Class A Common Stock held or acquirable on exchange by each such person and its permitted transferees may be transferred in an underwritten public offering on or after the date that is 180 days after the Closing Date.

 

The foregoing description of the A&R Registration Rights Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of USWS Holdings

 

At the Closing, the Company and the Non-Blocker USWS Members entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of USWS Holdings (the “ A&R USWS LLC Agreement ”), which sets forth, among other things, the rights and obligations of the members of USWS Holdings. Under the A&R USWS LLC Agreement, the Company is the sole manager of USWS Holdings effective at Closing and will be able to control all of the day-to-day business affairs and decision-making of USWS Holdings without the approval of any member, unless otherwise stated in the A&R USWS LLC Agreement. For example, the sole manager cannot take any action that would result in the failure of USWS Holdings to be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes without the approval of the members. As the sole manager, the Company, through its officers and directors, will be responsible for all operational and administrative decisions of USWS Holdings and the day-to-day management of the business of USWS Holdings and its subsidiaries, including USWS.

 

The foregoing description of the A&R USWS LLC Agreement is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the A&R USWS LLC Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Amendment No. 2 to the Sponsor Agreement

 

On November 9, 2018, MPAC, USWS Holdings and Sponsor entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Sponsor Agreement (“ Amendment No. 2 ”). Amendment No. 2 amended the Sponsor Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018 and amended on November 2, 2018 (as amended, the “ Sponsor Agreement ”) to further clarify that during the time that Sponsor’s certain Class A Common Stock shares are subject to certain transfer restrictions based on the Sponsor Agreement (the “ Conversion Shares ”), if the consideration in the Applicable Transaction (as defined in Amendment No. 2) consists solely of cash and the amount for which each share of Class A Common Stock is exchangeable is less than $12.00, then Sponsor will forfeit 1,000,000 Conversion Shares (the “ $12 Conversion Shares ”). If the consideration in the Applicable Transaction consists of cash and securities and/or other property and the value of the cash, securities and other property, if any, for which each share of Class A Common Stock is exchangeable is less than $12.00, as determined in good faith by the Company, the Company will receive and hold in escrow for the benefit of Sponsor any and all consideration in respect of the $12 Conversion Shares until such time as the value of such consideration, as determined in good faith by the Company, equals or exceeds $12.00 per share of Class A Common Stock.

 

  3  

 

 

In addition, Amendment No. 2 imposed the above forfeiture and escrow provision on Sponsor with respect to an additional 609,677 Conversion Shares but at a consideration value per share of $13.50 rather than $12.00.

 

The foregoing description of Amendment No. 2 does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of Amendment No. 2, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K .

 

Indemnity Agreements

 

On the Closing Date, we entered into indemnity agreements with David J. Matlin, David L. Treadwell, Adam Klein, Eddie Watson, James Bold and Ryan Carroll, each of whom became or continued as a director of the Company at Closing, and Joel Broussard, Kyle O’Neill, Nathan Houston and Matthew Bernard, each of whom became an executive officer and/or director of the Company at Closing. Each indemnity agreement provides that, subject to limited exceptions, and among other things, we will indemnify the director or executive officer to the fullest extent permitted by law for claims arising in his or her capacity as our director or officer.

 

The foregoing descriptions of the indemnity agreements are a summary only and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the form of indemnity agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

The disclosure set forth under “Introductory Note” above is incorporated in this Item 2.01 by reference. The material provisions of the Merger and Contribution Agreement are described in the Proxy Statement, beginning on page 83 thereof, in the section entitled “Proposal No. 1—The Business Combination Proposal—The Merger and Contribution Agreement,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Business Combination was approved by MPAC’s stockholders at the special meeting in lieu of the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders (the “ Special Meeting ”). At the Special Meeting, 29,673,697 shares of Class A Common Stock and Class F Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Class F Common Stock ”), voting as a single class, were voted in favor of the proposal to approve the Business Combination, 600,100 shares of Class A Common Stock and Class F Common Stock, voting as a single class, were voted against the proposal, and there were no abstentions or broker non-votes. MPAC’s public stockholders had the opportunity, in connection with the Closing, to redeem shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the terms of MPAC’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “ Charter ”), and public stockholders holding an aggregate of 28,856,991 shares of Class A Common Stock elected to have such shares redeemed for an aggregate amount of approximately $293.1 million. In addition, in connection with the Closing, Sponsor forfeited 2,975,000 shares of Class F Common Stock, pursuant to the Sponsor Agreement (such forfeiture, the “ Sponsor Forfeiture ”). In accordance with the Charter, the 5,150,000 shares of Class F Common Stock that remained outstanding following the Sponsor Forfeiture were converted into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis (the “ Class F Common Stock Conversion ”).

 

At Closing, pursuant to the terms of the Merger and Contribution Agreement:

 

  · MPAC issued to the Blocker Stockholders 13,532,331 shares of Class A Common Stock in exchange for their equity interest in the Blocker Companies;
  · MPAC and USWS Holdings issued to the Non-Blocker USWS Members 14,546,755 New USWS Units and 14,546,755 shares of Class B Common Stock;
  · MPAC issued to Piper 509,337 shares of Class A Common Stock in satisfaction of its fee for acting as financial advisor to USWS in connection with the Business Combination;

 

  4  

 

 

  · MPAC issued to the Lenders an aggregate of 1,314,999 shares of Class A Common Stock as repayment for a portion of the loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement prior to Closing;
  · MPAC issued 20,250,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to Crestview (including 10,350,000 shares pursuant to a backstop commitment);
  · MPAC issued 4,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to certain other institutional investors (the “ PIPE Investors ”) that entered into subscription agreements with MPAC; and
  · MPAC issued 1,180,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to certain individuals, including (i) 650,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to the former Chief Executive Officer of USWS Holdings, who became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company at Closing, in satisfaction of a portion of a “change in control” bonus he was entitled to receive at Closing under his previously existing employment agreement with USWS Holdings and an employment agreement entered into by him with MPAC that became effective at Closing, and (ii) 530,000 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock, subject to the Vesting Conditions (as defined below), issued to certain members of management of USWS Holdings, each of whom became an officer of the Company or continued as a member of management of USWS Holdings at Closing.

 

As of the Closing Date and following the completion of the Business Combination, the ownership interests of the Company’s stockholders were as follows:

 

  · public stockholders owned 3,576,507 shares of Class A Common Stock, representing an approximate 7.1% economic interest and an approximate 5.5% voting interest;
  · Sponsor owned 5,216,502 shares of Class A Common Stock, representing an approximate 10.4% economic interest and an approximate 8.1% voting interest;
  · the Blocker Stockholders owned 13,532,331 shares of Class A Common Stock, representing an approximate 27.0% economic interest and an approximate 20.9% voting interest;
  · Crestview owned 20,250,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, representing an approximate 40.4% economic interest and an approximate 31.3% voting interest;
  · the Non-Blocker USWS Members owned 14,546,755 shares of Class B Common Stock, representing a 0.0% economic interest and an approximate 22.5% voting interest;
  · the PIPE Investors owned 4,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, representing an approximate 9.0% economic interest and an approximate 7.0% voting interest;
  · the Lenders owned 1,314,999 shares of Class A Common Stock, representing an approximate 2.6% economic interest and an approximate 2.0% voting interest;
  · Piper owned 509,337 shares of Class A Common Stock, representing an approximate 1.0% economic interest and an approximate 0.8% voting interest; and
  · all directors and executive officers as a group owned 1,180,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 530,000 restricted shares subject to the Vesting Conditions), representing an approximate 2.4% economic interest and an approximate 1.8% voting interest.

 

Prior to the Closing, MPAC was a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)) with no operations, formed as a vehicle to effect a business combination with one or more operating businesses. After the Closing, the Company became a holding company whose assets primarily consist of interests in its subsidiaries, USWS Holdings and USWS. The following information is provided about the business of the Company reflecting the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

The Company makes forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K. These forward-looking statements relate to expectations for future financial performance, business strategies or expectations for our business. Specifically, forward-looking statements may include statements relating to:

 

· the benefits of the Business Combination;
· the future financial performance of the Company following the Business Combination;

 

  5  

 

 

· the Company’s success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors;
· changes in the Company’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans;
· changes in the future operating results of the Company;
· expansion plans and opportunities; and
· other statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target,” “will,” or similar expressions.

 

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any subsequent date, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include:

 

  · the risk that the Business Combination disrupts our current plans and operations;
  · the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition and the ability of the combined business to grow and manage growth profitably;
  · costs related to the Business Combination;
  · changes in applicable laws or regulations;
  · fluctuations in the U.S. and/or global stock markets;
  · the possibility that the we may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and
  · other risks and uncertainties set forth in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 34 of the Proxy Statement.

 

Business and Properties

 

The business and properties of USWS prior to the Business Combination are described in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Business of USWS” beginning on page 188, which is incorporated herein by reference. The business of MPAC prior to the Business Combination is described in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Business of MPAC” beginning on page 157, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Risk Factors

 

The risk factors related to the Company’s business and operations are described in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 34, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Selected Historical Financial Information of the Company

 

The selected historical financial information of USWS for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is set forth in Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

  6  

 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Combined Financial Information

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information of MPAC for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is set forth in Exhibit 99.2 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of USWS for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is set forth in Exhibit 99.3 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The following table sets forth information known to the Company regarding ownership of shares of voting securities of the Company, which consists of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, as of November 9, 2018:

 

  · each person who is known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s voting securities;
  · each of the Company’s current executive officers and directors; and
  · all current executive officers and directors of the Company, as a group.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security or has the right to acquire such securities within sixty (60) days, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within sixty (60) days.

 

The beneficial ownership of shares of voting stock of the Company is based on 64,626,431 shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding in the aggregate as of November 9, 2018.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of voting stock beneficially owned by them.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)   Number
of Shares
    Percent  
5% Stockholders            
Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC(2)     9,341,502       13.6 %
Crestview(3)     23,875,000       35.0 %
Regiment Capital Special Situations Fund V, L.P.(4)     10,004,039       15.5 %
BlackRock, Inc.(5)     4,625,218       7.2 %
Millstreet Capital Management LLC(6)     3,586,535       5.5 %
Directors and Executive Officers                
Joel N. Broussard(7)     864,900       1.3 %
David J. Matlin            
David L. Treadwell            
Adam J. Klein            
Eddie Watson            
James S. Bold            
Ryan K. Carroll            
Kyle O’Neill            
Nathan Houston(8)     78,011       *  
Matthew Bernard(9)     143,300       *  
All directors and executive officers as a group
(10 individuals)(10)
    1,180,000       1.8 %

 

 

 

* Less than one percent.

 

  7  

 

 

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of person listed in this table is c/o U.S. Well Services, Inc., 770 South Post Oak Lane, Suite 405, Houston, Texas 77056.

 

(2) Includes 4,125,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants that will become exercisable 30 days after closing of the Business Combination. There are five managing principals of the board of managing principals of Sponsor, including Messrs. Matlin and Treadwell. Each managing principal has one vote, and the approval of three of the five members of the board of managing principals is required to approve an action of Sponsor. Under the so-called “rule of three,” if voting and dispositive decisions regarding an entity’s securities are made by three or more individuals, and a voting or dispositive decision requires the approval of a majority of those individuals, then none of the individuals is deemed a beneficial owner of the entity’s securities. This is the situation with regard to Sponsor. Based upon the foregoing analysis, no individual managing principal of Sponsor exercises voting or dispositive control over any of the securities held by Sponsor, even those in which he directly holds a pecuniary interest. Accordingly, none of them is deemed to have or share beneficial ownership of such shares. The business address of Sponsor is 520 Madison Avenue, 35 th Floor, New York, New York 10022.

 

(3) Includes 3,625,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants that will become exercisable 30 days after closing of the Business Combination and represents shares of Class A Common Stock held directly (or issuable upon exercise of warrants held directly) by Crestview III USWS, L.P. and Crestview III USWS TE, LLC, in each case for which Crestview Partners III GP, L.P. may be deemed to be the beneficial owner. Crestview Partners III GP, L.P. is the general partner of the investment funds which are direct or indirect members of Crestview. Decisions by Crestview Partners III GP, L.P. to vote or dispose of the interests held by Crestview requires the approval of a majority of the 9 members of its investment committee, which is composed of the following individuals: Barry S. Volpert, Thomas S. Murphy, Jr., Jeffrey A. Marcus, Robert J. Hurst, Richard M. DeMartini, Robert V. Delaney, Jr., Brian P. Cassidy, Alexander M. Rose and Adam J. Klein. None of the foregoing persons has the power individually to vote or dispose of any of such interests. Each of the foregoing individuals disclaims beneficial ownership of all such interests. The business address of each of the foregoing is c/o Crestview Advisors, L.L.C., 590 Madison Avenue, 36 th Floor, New York, New York.

 

(4) Regiment Capital Special Situations Fund V, L.P. (“ Fund V ”) is the holder of the shares reported herein. TCW Special Situations, LLC (“ TCW ”) is the sole investment manager to Fund V. Accordingly, TCW may be deemed to have or share beneficial ownership and have or share voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Fund V. The business address of Fund V and TCW is c/o TCW Direct Lending Group, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 4700, New York, New York 10020.

 

(5) The registered holders of the referenced shares are funds and accounts under management by investment adviser subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc. (or wholly owned subsidiaries of such funds and accounts). BlackRock, Inc. is the ultimate parent holding company of such investment adviser entities. On behalf of such investment adviser entities, the applicable portfolio managers, as managing directors (or in other capacities) of such entities, and/or the applicable investment committee members of such funds and accounts, have voting and investment power over the shares held by the funds and accounts (or the wholly owned subsidiaries of such funds and accounts) which are the registered holders of the referenced shares. Such portfolio managers and/or investment committee members expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares held by such funds and accounts (or such wholly owned subsidiaries). The address of such funds and accounts (and such wholly owned subsidiaries), such investment adviser subsidiaries and such portfolio managers and/or investment committee members is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.

 

(6) Consists of 474,700 shares held by Millstreet Credit Fund LP; 2,311,835 shares held by Mercer QIF Fund PLC – Mercer Investment Fund 1; and 800,000 shares held by Ronin Trading Europe LLP.  Millstreet Capital Management LLC (“ Millstreet Capital ”) is the Investment Manager and/or Sub-Investment Manager of the foregoing persons.  Accordingly, Millstreet Capital may be deemed to have or share beneficial ownership and have or share voting and dispositive power over the shares held by such persons.  The business address of each of the foregoing persons is c/o Millstreet Capital Management LLC, 399 Boylston Street, Suite 501, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

 

  8  

 

 

(7) Includes 214,900 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock which will vest in equal one-third increments on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the Closing Date; provided, however, that: no restricted shares will vest on any such date unless the closing price per share of the Class A Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“ Nasdaq ”) (or other principal stock exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is then listed for trading) has been $12.00 or greater for 20 trading days in any period of 30 consecutive trading days commencing after the Closing Date (the “ Trading Condition ”), and in the event that restricted shares do not vest on the applicable anniversary of the Closing Date because the Trading Condition has not then been satisfied, such restricted shares will vest upon the later satisfaction of the Trading Condition (but in no event before the applicable anniversary of the Closing Date on which such restricted shares are otherwise scheduled to vest) (the “ Vesting Conditions ”).

 

(8) Includes 71,600 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the Vesting Conditions.

 

(9) Consists of 143,300 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the Vesting Conditions.

 

(10) Includes 530,000 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the Vesting Conditions.

  

Directors

 

On the Closing Date, in connection with the Business Combination, the size of the Company’s board of directors (the “ Board ”) was increased from five members to seven members. Peter H. Schoels, Kenneth L. Campbell and Daniel W. Dienst each resigned as members of the Board. The resignations of Peter H. Schoels, Kenneth L. Campbell and Daniel W. Dienst were not a result of any disagreement with the Company. David J. Matlin and David L. Treadwell continued as Board members following the Business Combination.

 

At the Special Meeting, holders of Class A Common Stock and Class F Common Stock, voting as a single class, approved the election of seven individuals to the Board. Joel Broussard and James Bold were elected to serve as Class I directors, with terms expiring at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2019; Adam Klein and David J. Matlin were elected to serve as Class II directors, with terms expiring at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2020; and David L. Treadwell, Ryan Carroll and Eddie Watson were elected to serve as Class III directors, with terms expiring at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2021. Information with respect to each of the Company’s directors is set forth in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Officers and Directors of MPAC upon Consummation of the Business Combination” beginning on page 162, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Independence of Directors

 

Under the listing rules of Nasdaq, we are required to have a majority of independent directors serving on our Board. The Board has determined that David L. Treadwell, Adam Klein, Eddie Watson, James Bold and Ryan Carroll are independent within the meaning of Nasdaq Rule 5605(a)(2).

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

Following the Closing, the standing committees of the Board consist of an audit committee (the “ Audit Committee ”), a conflicts committee (the “ Conflicts Committee ”), a compensation committee (the “ Compensation Committee ”) and a nominating and corporate governance committee (the “ Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee ”). Each of the committees reports to the Board. The composition, duties and responsibilities of these committees are set forth below.

 

  9  

 

 

Audit Committee

 

The principal functions of the Audit Committee are detailed in the Audit Committee’s charter, which is available on the Company’s website, and include:

 

  · the appointment, compensation, retention, replacement, and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm and any other independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us ;
  · pre-approving all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm or any other registered public accounting firm engaged by us, and establishing pre-approval policies and procedures ;
  · reviewing and discussing with the independent auditors all relationships the auditors have with us in order to evaluate their continued independence ;
  · setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm ;
  · setting clear policies for audit partner rotation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations ;
  · obtaining and reviewing a report, at least annually, from the independent auditors describing (i) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures and (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the audit firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within, the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm and any steps taken to deal with such issues ;
  · reviewing and approving any related party transaction in accordance with our policies with respect thereto; and
  · reviewing with management, the independent registered public accounting firm, and our legal advisors, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters, including any correspondence with regulators or government agencies and any employee complaints or published reports that raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies and any significant changes in accounting standards or rules promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC or other regulatory authorities .

 

Under the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, the Company is required to have at least three members of the Audit Committee, all of whom must be independent. Following the Closing, our Audit Committee consists of David L. Treadwell, Eddie Watson and James Bold, with Mr. Treadwell serving as the Chair. We believe that Messrs. Treadwell, Watson and Bold qualify as independent directors according to the rules and regulations of the SEC with respect to audit committee membership. We also believe that Mr. Treadwell qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The principal functions of the Compensation Committee are detailed in the Compensation Committee’s charter, which is available on the Company’s website, and include:

 

  · reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, evaluating its Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of its Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation;
  · reviewing and approving on an annual basis the compensation of all of the Company’s other senior officers;
  · reviewing on an annual basis the Company’s executive compensation policies and plans;
  · implementing and administering the Company’s incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans;
  · assisting management in complying with the Company’s proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements;
  · establishing and reviewing periodically policies and procedures with respect to perquisites;
  · if required, producing a report on executive compensation to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement; and
  · reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.

 

  10  

 

 

Under the Nasdaq listing standards, the Company is required to have a Compensation Committee, all of the members of which must be independent. Following the Closing, our Compensation Committee consists of David Treadwell, Adam Klein and Ryan Carroll, with Mr. Treadwell serving as the Chair. We believe that Messrs. Treadwell, Klein and Carroll qualify as independent directors according to the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq with respect to compensation committee membership.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The principal functions of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are detailed in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s charter, which is available on the Company’s website, and include:

 

  · assisting the Board in identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board, consistent with criteria approved by the Board;
  · recommending director nominees for election or for appointment to fill vacancies;
  · recommending the election of officer candidates;
  · monitoring the independence of Board members;
  · ensuring the availability of director education programs; and
  · advising the Board about appropriate composition of the Board and its committees.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also develops and recommends to the Board corporate governance principles and practices and assists in implementing them, including conducting a regular review of our corporate governance principles and practices. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees the annual performance evaluation of the Board and the committees of the Board and makes a report to the Board on succession planning.

 

Following the Closing, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Adam Klein, David L. Treadwell and Ryan Carroll, with Mr. Klein serving as the Chair.

 

Executive Officers

 

In connection with and effective as of the Closing, David J. Matlin resigned as Matlin’s Chief Executive Officer, Greg Ethridge resigned as Matlin’s President, Rui Gao resigned as Matlin’s Chief Financial Officer and Robert H. Weiss resigned as Matlin’s Secretary and General Counsel. Also, in connection with the Closing, the following individuals were appointed by the Board as executive officers of the Company:

 

Name   Position
Joel Broussard   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Kyle O’Neill   Chief Financial Officer
Nathan Houston   Chief Operating Officer
Matthew Bernard   Chief Administrative Officer

 

Information with respect to Messrs. Broussard, O’Neill, Houston and Bernard is set forth in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Officers and Directors of MPAC upon Consummation of the Business Combination” beginning on page 162, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers

 

On the Closing Date, we entered into indemnity agreements with David J. Matlin, David L. Treadwell, Adam Klein, Eddie Watson, James Bold and Ryan Carroll, each of whom became or continued as a director of the Company at Closing, and Joel Broussard, Kyle O’Neill, Nathan Houston and Matthew Bernard, each of whom became an executive officer and/or director of the Company at Closing. Each indemnity agreement provides that, subject to limited exceptions, and among other things, we will indemnify the director or executive officer to the fullest extent permitted by law for claims arising in his or her capacity as our director or officer.

 

  11  

 

 

The foregoing descriptions of the indemnity agreements are a summary only and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the form of indemnity agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Director and Executive Officer Compensation

 

Pre-Closing Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors

 

The compensation of Matlin’s and USWS’ named executive officers and directors before the consummation of the Business Combination is set forth in the Proxy Statement in the section titled “Executive Compensation” beginning on page 166, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Post-Closing Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors

 

After the Closing, Joel Broussard will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, Kyle O’Neill will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Nathan Houston will serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Company and Matthew Bernard will serve as Chief Administrative Officer of the Company. With the exception of Messrs. Broussard, O’Neill, Houston and Bernard, no determinations regarding the compensation arrangements for the Company’s directors or executive officers have been made.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger and Contribution Agreement, 530,000 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock, subject to the Vesting Conditions, were issued to certain members of management of USWS Holdings, each of whom became an officer of the Company or continued as a member of management of USWS Holdings at Closing. As part of the aforementioned 530,000 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock grant, Messrs. Broussard, Houston, and Bernard received 214,900, 71,600 and 143,300 shares, respectively.

 

Employment Agreements, Annual Base Salaries and Target Bonuses

 

On July 13, 2018, the Company entered into new employment agreements with each of Messrs. Broussard, O’Neill, Houston, and Bernard that became effective and superseded and replaced the original employment agreements entered into between USWS and each of Messrs. Broussard, Houston and Bernard, as of the Closing Date (the “ New Employment Agreements ”). Each New Employment Agreement generally provides for an initial term which will expire on (i) December 31, 2021 for Mr. Broussard, and (ii) December 31, 2020 for Messrs. O’Neill, Houston, and Bernard. After the initial term, the New Employment Agreements will renew for subsequent one (1) year periods, unless MPAC provides written notice of non-renewal at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the then-current term. Each New Employment Agreement provides a general description of the Executive’s duties, positions, and responsibilities associated with his title.

 

The New Employment Agreements provide for base salaries of $800,000, $420,000, $450,000 and $390,000 per annum for Messrs. Broussard, O’Neill, Houston, and Bernard, respectively, which may be adjusted annually in the sole discretion of our board of directors but not reduced unless part of a general reduction in the Company’s compensation to other executives. In addition to base salary, for the period of January 1, 2018 to the Closing, Mr. Broussard’s New Employment Agreement provides for an annual bonus as set out in his original employment agreement calculated based on a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA (as defined therein) if certain Adjusted EBITDA performance levels are achieved. From the Closing Date until December 31, 2018, Mr. Broussard is eligible for a bonus under the USWS Annual Incentive Plan (the “ AIP ”) with a target percentage of 120% of base salary.

 

For the year ending December 31, 2018, Messrs. Houston’s and Bernard’s New Employment Agreements provide that they are eligible for an annual bonus under their original employment agreements with a target of 50% of base salary. For the year ending December 31, 2018, Mr. O’Neill’s bonus will be based on an annual target of 80% and prorated based on the number of weeks he was employed by MPAC during 2018.

 

  12  

 

 

The New Employment Agreements for Messrs. Broussard, O’Neill, Houston, and Bernard also provide that they are eligible for annual bonuses under the AIP or a similar or replacement annual incentive plan adopted by our Board targeted at 120%, 80%, 100%, and 80% of their base salaries, respectively, for any periods after December 31, 2018.

 

Mr. Broussard’s New Employment Agreement provides that he is entitled to receive an individual change in control bonus in the aggregate amount of $7.5 million as a result of the Closing, subject to the satisfaction of the vesting criteria set forth in his original employment agreement. As contemplated by the New Employment Agreement, this change in control bonus was paid to Mr. Broussard at Closing in the form of (i) 650,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, valued at $10.00 per share, and (ii) $1.0 million in cash.

 

The New Employment Agreements also provide for potential severance benefits in connection with certain terminations of employment. Please see the section titled “Executive Compensation – MPAC – Additional Narrative Disclosures – Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional details on these termination benefits on page 167 of the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The foregoing description of the New Employment Agreements is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the New Employment Agreements, copies of which agreements with Messrs. Broussard, Bernard, Houston and O’Neill are filed, respectively, as Exhibits 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, and 10.9 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

LTIP Awards

 

On November 2, 2018, the stockholders of the Company approved the U.S. Well Services, Inc. 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “ LTIP ”), effective upon Closing. The description of the LTIP set forth in the Proxy Statement section titled “Proposal No. 4 – The LTIP Proposal” beginning on page 135 is incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the full text of the LTIP is filed as Exhibit 10.10 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

The Company issued the following awards of shares of restricted Class A Common Stock under the LTIP on the Closing Date, subject to the executive’s continued employment and the Vesting Conditions to Messrs. Broussard, Houston and Bernard under the LTIP:

 

Name   Restricted Stock   
Joel Broussard    214,900    
Matthew Bernard    143,300    
Nathan Houston      71,600    

 

Director Compensation

 

Following the Closing, the Compensation Committee will determine the annual compensation to be paid to the members of the Board.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

 

Founder Shares

 

In March 2016, Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 7,187,500 shares of Class F Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. In May 2016, MPAC effectuated a 1.2-for-1 stock split in the form of a dividend, resulting in an aggregate of 8,625,000 founder shares outstanding. Sponsor subsequently forfeited an aggregate of 500,000 shares of Class F Common Stock for no consideration (which were cancelled) because the underwriter's over-allotment option was not exercised in full in connection with MPAC’s initial public offering.

 

  13  

 

 

Private Placement Warrants

 

In March 2017, Sponsor purchased 14,500,000 private placement warrants for a purchase price of $0.50 per warrant in a private placement that occurred simultaneously with the closing of MPAC’s initial public offering. Each private placement warrant entitles the holder to purchase one-half of one share of our Class A Common Stock at $5.75 per share. The private placement warrants (including the Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by it until 30 days after the completion of MPAC’s initial business combination.

 

USWS Related Party Transaction

 

Information about related party transactions of USWS is set forth in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of USWS – USWS Related Party Transaction” beginning on page 187, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

Information about legal proceedings of the Company is set forth in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Business of USWS – Legal Proceedings” beginning on page 199, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Company’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

MPAC

 

MPAC’s units, shares of Class A Common Stock and warrants were historically quoted on Nasdaq under the symbols “MPACU,” “MPAC” and “MPACW,” respectively. MPAC units commenced public trading on March 10, 2017, and the shares of Class A Common Stock and warrants each commenced separate trading on April 28, 2017.

 

On July 12, 2018, the trading date before the public announcement of the Business Combination, MPAC’s units, warrants and Class A Common Stock closed at $10.58, $0.70 and $9.92, respectively.

 

MPAC has not paid any cash dividends on the Class A Common Stock to date. Following completion of the Business Combination, the Board will consider whether or not to institute a dividend policy.

 

As of the Closing Date, there were 35 holders of record of the Class A Common Stock.

 

Following the closing of the Business Combination, the Class A Common Stock and warrants will continue to be listed on the Nasdaq under the new trading symbols of “USWS” and “USWSW,” respectively.

 

On November 9, 2018, in connection with the Closing, all of the units of the Company separated into their component parts of one share of Class A Common Stock and one warrant to purchase one-half of one share of Class A Common Stock, and the units ceased trading on Nasdaq.

 

  USWS

 

Historical market price information regarding USWS is not provided because there has been no public market for USWS’ equity securities. USWS has not made any cash distributions on their respective equity securities since September 17, 2018.

 

  14  

 

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

In addition to the below, information about unregistered sales of MPAC’s equity securities is set forth in “Part II, Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities” of MPAC’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-216076) filed with the SEC on February 15, 2017.

 

Other Issuances Related to the Business Combination

 

In connection with the Closing, the Company issued (i) shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to the Blocker Stockholders and the Non-Blocker USWS Members, respectively, pursuant to the Merger and Contribution Agreement, (ii) shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with the Class F Common Stock Conversion and (iii) shares of Class A Common Stock to Crestview and the PIPE Investors pursuant to their respective subscription agreements, and (iv) shares of Class A Common Stock to Piper and the Lenders. The shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock issued were not registered under the Securities Act, in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) or Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act.

 

Description of the Company’s Securities

 

After the Closing, the Company has authorized 440,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of (a) 430,000,000 shares of common stock, including (i) 400,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, (ii) 20,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, and (iii) 10,000,000 shares of Class F Common Stock, and (b) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of the Closing Date, there were: (a) 35 holders of record of Class A Common Stock and 50,079,676 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding; (b) 20 holders of record of Class B Common Stock and 14,546,755 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding; (c) no shares of Class F Common Stock outstanding; (d) no shares of preferred stock outstanding; and (e) four holders of the Company’s warrants and 48,000,000 warrants outstanding. All of the Company’s shares of Class F Common Stock that were not forfeited in connection with the Business Combination were converted into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis at Closing.

 

Class A Common Stock

 

Holders of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by the Company’s stockholders. Holders of the Class A Common Stock and holders of the Class B Common Stock will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders, except as required by law. Unless specified in the Second Amended and Restated Charter (as defined below) (including any certificate of designation of preferred stock) or the bylaws of the Company, or as required by applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or applicable stock exchange rules, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Company’s shares of common stock that are voted is required to approve any such matter voted on by the Company’s stockholders.

 

In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining available for distribution to them after payment of liabilities and after provision is made for each class of stock, if any, having preference over the Class A Common Stock. The Company’s stockholders have no preemptive or other subscription rights. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A Common Stock.

 

Class B Common Stock

 

In connection with the Business Combination and pursuant to the Merger and Contribution Agreement, the Non-Blocker USWS Members were issued New USWS Units and an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock. The Non-Blocker USWS Members collectively own all of our outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. Following the Closing, we expect to maintain a one-to-one ratio between the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock and the number of New USWS Units held by persons other than the Company, so holders of New USWS Units (other than the Company) will have a voting interest in the Company that is proportionate to their economic interest in USWS Holdings. The Second Amended and Restated Charter established the terms of the Class B Common Stock.

 

  15  

 

 

The Class B Common Stock are a newly issued class of our common stock, with a par value of $0.0001 per share. The Second Amended and Restated Charter provides that the number of authorized shares of Class B Common Stock is 20,000,000.

 

Shares of Class B Common Stock (i) may be issued only in connection with the issuance by USWS Holdings of a corresponding number of New USWS Units and only to the person or entity to whom such New USWS Units are issued and (ii) may be registered only in the name of  (a) a person or entity to whom shares of Class B Common Stock are issued as described above, (b) its successors and assigns, (c) their respective permitted transferees or (d) any subsequent successors, assigns and permitted transferees. A holder of shares of Class B Common Stock may transfer shares of Class B Common Stock to any transferee (other than the Company) only if, and only to the extent permitted by the A&R USWS Holdings LLC Agreement, such holder also simultaneously transfers an equal number of such holder’s New USWS Units to the same transferee in compliance with the A&R USWS Holdings LLC Agreement.

 

Holders of shares of our Class B Common Stock will vote together as a single class with holders of shares of our Class A Common Stock on all matters properly submitted to a vote of the stockholders. In addition, holders of shares of Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class, will be entitled to approve any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of our Charter that would alter or change the powers, preferences or relative, participating, optional or other or special rights of the Class B Common Stock.

 

Holders of Class B Common Stock will not be entitled to any dividends from MPAC and will not be entitled to receive any of our assets in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our Second Amended and Restated Charter authorizes 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock and provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Our Board is authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. Our Board is able to, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us or the removal of existing management. We have no preferred stock outstanding at the date hereof. Although we do not currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future. No shares of preferred stock are being issued or registered in this offering.

 

Warrants

 

A description of the Company’s public stockholders’ warrants and the private place warrants is set forth in MPAC’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-216076) filed with the SEC on March 1, 2017 in the section titled “Description of Securities—Warrants—Public Stockholders’ Warrants” and “Description of Securities—Warrants—Private Placement Warrants” beginning on pages 121 and 124, respectively, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

The information set forth under Item 9.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference. 

 

  16  

 

 

Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

The information set forth under “Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets – Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities” is incorporated in this Item 3.02 by reference.

 

Item 5.01. Changes in Control of Registrant.

 

To the extent required, the information set forth under “Introductory Note” and “Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets” of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

 

The information set forth under “Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets – Directors” and “Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets – Executive Officers” of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

 

On the Closing Date, MPAC’s Charter was amended and restated (as amended and restated, the “ Second Amended and Restated Charter ”) to, among other things:

 

· change MPAC’s name to “U.S. Well Services, Inc.”;
· create a new class of capital stock of MPAC designated as Class B Common Stock;
· increase the number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock from 90,000,000 to 400,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of MPAC’s preferred stock, $0.0001 per share, from 1,000,000 to 10,000,000;
· change MPAC’s classified board of directors from two classes, with directors serving two-year terms, to three classes, with directors serving three-year terms;
· require a supermajority vote of MPAC stockholders for certain matters; and
· make certain other changes to the Charter, including the elimination of certain provisions related to MPAC’s initial business combination that are no longer relevant following the closing of the Business Combination.

 

A copy of the Second Amended and Restated Charter is filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 3.1, and the foregoing description of the Second Amended and Restated Charter is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.

 

Item 5.06. Change in Shell Company Status.

 

As a result of the Business Combination, which fulfilled the definition of an initial business combination as required by the Charter, the Company ceased to be a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, as of the Closing Date. The material terms of the Business Combination are described in the Proxy Statement in the section entitled “Proposal No. 1—The Business Combination Proposal” beginning on page 83, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired

 

The unaudited financial statements of USWS for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are set forth in Exhibit 99.4 hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The audited financial statements of USWS for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are set forth in the Proxy Statement beginning on page Fin-51 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

  17  

 

 

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information of MPAC for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is set forth in Exhibit 99.2 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No. Description
2.1 Merger and Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and among Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, MPAC Merger Sub LLC, USWS Holdings LLC, certain blocker companies named therein and, solely for purposes described therein, the seller representatives named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of MPAC’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 16, 2018).
2.2 Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 9, 2018, to Merger and Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and among Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, MPAC Merger Sub LLC, USWS Holdings LLC, certain blocker companies named therein and, solely for purposes described therein, the seller representatives named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1.1 of MPAC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on October 26, 2018).
2.3 Amendment No. 2, dated as of November 2, 2018, to Merger and Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and among Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, MPAC Merger Sub LLC, USWS Holdings LLC, certain blocker companies named therein and, solely for purposes described therein, the seller representatives named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of MPAC’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 5, 2018).
3.1* Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of U.S. Well Services, Inc.
4.1* Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2018, by and among U.S. Well Services, Inc., Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC, the Blocker Stockholders, certain Non-Blocker USWS Members, Crestview, the Lenders, Piper and Joel Broussard.
4.2 Warrant Agreement, dated March 9, 2017, by and between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of MPAC’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017).
10.1* Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of USWS Holdings LLC, dated as of November 9, 2018.
10.2 Sponsor Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and among Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, USWS Holdings LLC, Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC and, solely for purposes described therein, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of MPAC’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 16, 2018).
10.3 Amendment No. 1, dated November 2, 2018, to Sponsor Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and among Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, USWS Holdings LLC, Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC and, solely for purposes described therein, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of MPAC’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 5, 2018).
10.4* Amendment No. 2, dated November 9, 2018, to Sponsor Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and among Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, USWS Holdings LLC, Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC and, solely for purposes described therein, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.
10.5* Form of Indemnity Agreement.
10.6* Employment Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and between U.S. Well Services, Inc. and Joel Broussard.
10.7* Employment Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and between U.S. Well Services, Inc. and Matt Bernard.
10.8* Employment Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and between U.S. Well Services, Inc. and Nathan Houston.
10.9* Employment Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and between U.S. Well Services, Inc. and Kyle O’Neill.
10.10* U.S. Well Services, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan.

 

  18  

 

 

10.11* Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the U.S. Well Services, Inc. 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan.
21.1* Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
99.1* Selected Historical Financial Information of USWS for the three years ended December 31, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
99.2* Unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial information of MPAC for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
99.3* Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of USWS for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
99.4* Unaudited financial statements of USWS for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

*Filed herewith.

 

  19  

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  U.S. WELL SERVICES, INC.
     
Date:  November 16, 2018 By: /s/ Kyle O’Neill
    Name: Kyle O’Neill
    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

     

 

Exhibit 3.1

 

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

U.S. WELL SERVICES, INC.

 

Article I.

NAME

 

The name of the Corporation is U.S. Well Services, Inc.

 

Article II.

PURPOSE

 

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL. In addition to the powers and privileges conferred upon the Corporation by law and those incidental thereto, the Corporation shall possess and may exercise all the powers and privileges that are necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the business or purposes of the Corporation, including, but not limited to, effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, involving the Corporation and one or more businesses (a “ Business Combination ”).

 

Article III.

REGISTERED AGENT

 

The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 251 Little Falls Drive, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware, 19808, and the name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.

 

Article IV.

CAPITALIZATION

 

Section 4.1.           Authorized Capital Stock . The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock, each with a par value of $0.0001 per share, which the Corporation is authorized to issue is 440,000,000 shares, consisting of (a) 430,000,000 shares of common stock (the “ Common Stock ”), including (i) 400,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “ Class A Common Stock ”), (ii) 20,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock (the “ Class B Common Stock ”), and (iii) 10,000,000 shares of Class F Common Stock (the “ Class F Common Stock ”), and (b) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock (the “ Preferred Stock ”).

 

Section 4.2.           Preferred Stock . The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “ Board ”) is hereby expressly authorized to provide out of the unissued shares of the Preferred Stock for one or more series of Preferred Stock and to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series and to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional, special and other rights, if any, of each such series and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board providing for the issuance of such series and included in a certificate of designation (a “ Preferred Stock Designation ”) filed pursuant to the DGCL, and the Board is hereby expressly vested with the authority to the full extent provided by law, now or hereafter, to adopt any such resolution or resolutions.

 

 

 

 

Section 4.3.           No Class Vote on Changes in Authorized Number of Shares of Preferred Stock . Subject to the special rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, any Preferred Stock Designation or any resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such series of stock adopted by the Board, the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.

 

Section 4.4.           Common Stock .

 

(a)           Voting .

 

(i)          Except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the holders of the Common Stock shall exclusively possess all voting power with respect to the Corporation.

 

(ii)         Except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each such share on each matter properly submitted to the stockholders on which the holders of the Common Stock are entitled to vote.

 

(iii)        Except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, holders of the Class A Common Stock, holders of the Class B Common Stock and holders of the Class F Common Stock, voting together as a single class, shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and on all other matters properly submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), holders of shares of any series of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any amendment to any Preferred Stock Designation) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock or other series of Common Stock if the holders of such affected series of Preferred Stock or Common Stock, as applicable, are entitled exclusively, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation) or the DGCL.

 

 

 

 

(b)           Class B Common Stock .

 

(i)           Certain Definitions . As used in this Second Amended and Restated Certificate:

 

(1)         “ USWS Holdings ” means USWS Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability, or any successor entities thereto;

 

(2)         “ LLC Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of USWS Holdings, dated as of November 9, 2018, as such agreement may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time; and

 

(3)         “ Common Unit ” means a unit representing limited liability company interests in USWS Holdings and constituting a “Common Unit” as defined in the LLC Agreement as in effect on the effective date of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate.

 

(ii)          Permitted Owners . Shares of Class B Common Stock (1) may be issued only in connection with the issuance by USWS Holdings of a corresponding number of Common Units and only to the person or entity to whom such Common Units are issued and (2) may be registered only in the name of (A) a person or entity to whom shares of Class B Common Stock are issued in accordance with clause (1), (B) its successors and assigns, (C) their respective transferees permitted in accordance with Section 4.4(b)(v) or (D) any subsequent successors, assigns and permitted transferees (collectively, “ Permitted Class B Owners ”).

 

(iii)         Voting . Except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), for so long as any shares of Class B Common Stock shall remain outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the prior vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the shares of Class B Common Stock then outstanding, voting separately as a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, if such amendment, alteration or repeal would alter or change the powers, preferences or relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the Class B Common Stock. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the holders of Class B Common Stock may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of the outstanding Class B Common Stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of Class B Common Stock were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which minutes of proceedings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Prompt written notice of the taking of corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent of the holders of Class B Common Stock shall, to the extent required by law, be given to those holders of Class B Common Stock who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders of Class B Common Stock to take the action were delivered to the Corporation.

 

 

 

 

(iv)         Dividends . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, other than as set forth in Section 4.(e) , dividends shall not be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock.

 

(v)          Transfer of Class B Common Stock .

 

(1)         A holder of Class B Common Stock may transfer shares of Class B Common Stock to any transferee (other than the Corporation) only if, and only to the extent permitted by the LLC Agreement, such holder also simultaneously transfers an equal number of such holder’s Common Units to such transferee in compliance with the LLC Agreement. The transfer restrictions described in this Section 4.4(b)(v)(1) are referred to as the “ Restrictions .”

 

(2)         Any purported transfer of shares of Class B Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions shall be null and void. If, notwithstanding the Restrictions, a person shall, voluntarily or involuntarily, purportedly become or attempt to become the purported owner (“ Purported Owner ”) of shares of Class B Common Stock in violation of the Restrictions, then the Purported Owner shall not obtain any rights in and to such shares of Class B Common Stock (the “ Restricted Shares ”), and the purported transfer of the Restricted Shares to the Purported Owner shall not be recognized by the Corporation or its transfer agent (the “ Transfer Agent ”).

 

(3)         Upon a determination by the Board that a person has attempted or may attempt to transfer or to acquire Restricted Shares in violation of the Restrictions, the Board may take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to such transfer or acquisition on the books and records of the Corporation, including without limitation, to cause the Transfer Agent to record the Purported Owner’s transferor as the record owner of the Restricted Shares and to institute proceedings to enjoin or rescind any such transfer or acquisition.

 

 

 

 

(4)         The Board may, to the extent permitted by law, from time to time establish, modify, amend or rescind, by bylaw or otherwise, regulations and procedures that are consistent with the provisions of this Section 4.4(b)(v) for determining whether any transfer or acquisition of shares of Class B Common Stock would violate the Restrictions and for the orderly application, administration and implementation of the provisions of this Section 4.4(b)(v) . Any such procedures and regulations shall be kept on file with the Secretary of the Corporation and with the Transfer Agent and shall be made available for inspection by any prospective transferee and, upon written request, shall be mailed to holders of shares of Class B Common Stock.

 

(5)         The Board shall have all powers necessary to implement the Restrictions, including without limitation, the power to prohibit the transfer of any shares of Class B Common Stock in violation thereof.

 

(vi)         Exchange of Class B Common Stock . Shares of Class B Common Stock (together with the same number of Common Units) may be exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock as provided in the LLC Agreement. The Corporation will at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Class A Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon exchange of shares of Class B Common Stock and Common Units for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the LLC Agreement, such number of shares of Class A Common Stock that shall be issuable upon any such exchange pursuant to the LLC Agreement; provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Corporation from satisfying its obligations in respect of any such exchange pursuant to the LLC Agreement by delivering to the holder of the shares of Class B Common Stock and Common Units being exchanged (A) shares of Class A Common Stock held in treasury by the Corporation or (B) cash in lieu of shares of Class A Common Stock in the amount permitted by and provided in the LLC Agreement. All shares of Class A Common Stock that shall be issued upon any such exchange of shares of Class B Common Stock and Common Units pursuant to the LLC Agreement will, upon issuance in accordance with the LLC Agreement, be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(vii)        Restrictive Legend . All certificates or book entries representing shares of Class B Common Stock, as the case may be, shall bear a legend substantially in the following form (or in such other form as the Board may determine):

 

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS [CERTIFICATE][BOOK ENTRY] ARE SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS (INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER) SET FORTH IN THE SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE CORPORATION (A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION AND SHALL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO ANY STOCKHOLDER MAKING A REQUEST THEREFOR).

 

 

 

 

(viii)       Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up of the Corporation . The holders of Class B Common Stock shall not be entitled to receive any assets of the Corporation in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

 

(c)           Class F Common Stock .

 

(i)          Shares of Class F Common Stock shall be convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis (the “ Initial Conversion Ratio ”) (A) at any time and from time to time at the option of the holder thereof and (B) automatically on the closing of the initial Business Combination.

 

(ii)         Notwithstanding the Initial Conversion Ratio, in the case that additional shares of Class A Common Stock, or equity-linked securities, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts sold in the Corporation’s initial public offering of securities (the “ Offering ”) and related to the closing of the initial Business Combination, all issued and outstanding shares of Class F Common Stock shall automatically convert into shares of Class A Common Stock at the time of the closing of the initial Business Combination at a ratio for which:

 

(1)         the numerator shall be equal to the sum of (A) 25% of all shares of Class A Common Stock issued or issuable (upon the conversion or exercise of any equity-linked securities or otherwise) by the Corporation, related to or in connection with the consummation of the initial Business Combination (excluding any securities issued or issuable to any seller in the initial Business Combination) plus (B) the number of shares of Class F Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the closing of the initial Business Combination; and

 

(2)         the denominator shall be the number of shares of Class F Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the closing of the initial Business Combination.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) the foregoing adjustment to the Initial Conversion Ratio may be waived as to any particular issuance or deemed issuance of additional shares of Class A Common Stock or equity linked securities by the written consent or agreement of holders of a majority of the shares of Class F Common Stock then outstanding consenting or agreeing separately as a single class in the manner provided in Section 4.4(c)(iii) , and (ii) in no event shall the Class F Common Stock convert into Class A Common Stock at a ratio that is less than one-for-one.

 

 

 

 

The foregoing conversion ratio shall also be adjusted to account for any subdivision (by stock split, subdivision, exchange, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, exchange, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or similar reclassification or recapitalization of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock into a greater or lesser number of shares occurring after the original filing of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate without a proportionate and corresponding subdivision, combination or similar reclassification or recapitalization of the outstanding shares of Class F Common Stock.

 

Each share of Class F Common Stock shall convert into its pro rata number of shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to this Section 4.4(c) . The pro rata share for each holder of Class F Common Stock will be determined as follows: Each share of Class F Common Stock shall convert into such number of shares of Class A Common Stock as is equal to the product of one (1) multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which all of the issued and outstanding shares of Class F Common Stock shall be converted pursuant to this Section 4.4(c) and the denominator of which shall be the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Class F Common Stock at the time of conversion.

 

(iii)         Voting . Except as otherwise required by law or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), for so long as any shares of Class F Common Stock shall remain outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the prior vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the shares of Class F Common Stock then outstanding, voting separately as a single class, amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, if such amendment, alteration or repeal would alter or change the powers, preferences or relative, participating, optional or other or special rights of the Class F Common Stock. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the holders of Class F Common Stock may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of the outstanding Class F Common Stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of Class F Common Stock were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which minutes of proceedings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Prompt written notice of the taking of corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent of the holders of Class F Common Stock shall, to the extent required by law, be given to those holders of Class F Common Stock who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders of Class F Common Stock to take the action were delivered to the Corporation.

 

 

 

 

(d)           Dividends . Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of the Preferred Stock, the holders of the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class F Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions (payable in cash, property or capital stock of the Corporation) when, as and if declared thereon by the Board from time to time out of any assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor, and shall share equally on a per share basis in such dividends and distributions.

 

(e)           Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock . In no event shall the shares of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock be split, divided, or combined (including by way of stock dividend) unless the outstanding shares of the other class shall be proportionately split, divided or combined.

 

(f)           Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up of the Corporation . Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of the Preferred Stock, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class F Common Stock (but not holders of shares of Class B Common Stock) shall be entitled to receive all the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock (on an as converted basis with respect to the Class F Common Stock) held by them.

 

Section 4.5.           Rights and Options . The Corporation has the authority to create and issue rights, warrants and options entitling the holders thereof to acquire from the Corporation any shares of its capital stock of any class or classes, with such rights, warrants and options to be evidenced by or in instrument(s) approved by the Board. The Board is empowered to set the exercise price, duration, times for exercise and other terms and conditions of such rights, warrants or options; provided, however , that the consideration to be received for any shares of capital stock issuable upon exercise thereof may not be less than the par value thereof.

 

Article V.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 5.1.           Board Powers . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by, or under the direction of, the Board. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon the Board by statute, this Second Amended and Restated Certificate or the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Corporation (“ Bylaws ”), the Board is hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the DGCL, this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, and any Bylaws adopted by the stockholders; provided, however , that no Bylaws hereafter adopted by the stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the Board that would have been valid if such Bylaws had not been adopted.

 

 

 

 

Section 5.2.           Number, Election and Term .

 

(a)          The number of directors of the Corporation, other than those who may be elected by the holders of one or more series of the Preferred Stock voting separately by class or series, shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board.

 

(b)          Subject to Section 5.5 , the Board shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, and designated Class I, Class II and Class III. The Board is authorized to assign members of the Board already in office to Class I, Class II or Class III. The term of the initial Class I Directors shall expire at the first annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation following the effectiveness of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate; the term of the initial Class II Directors shall expire at the second annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation following the effectiveness of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate; and the term of the initial Class III Directors shall expire at the third annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation following the effectiveness of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate. At each succeeding annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, beginning with the first annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation following the effectiveness of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be elected for a three-year term or until the election and qualification of their respective successors in office, subject to their earlier death, resignation or removal. Subject to Section 5.5 , if the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned by the Board among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director. Subject to the rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock, voting separately by class or series, to elect directors pursuant to the terms of one or more series of Preferred Stock, the election of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon. The Board is hereby expressly authorized, by resolution or resolutions thereof, to assign members of the Board already in office to the aforesaid classes at the time this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (and therefore such classification) becomes effective in accordance with the DGCL.

 

(c)          Subject to Section 5.5 hereof, a director shall hold office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, subject, however, to such director’s earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.

 

(d)          Unless and except to the extent that the Bylaws shall so require, the election of directors need not be by written ballot.

 

 

 

 

Section 5.3.           Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies . Subject to Section 5.5 hereof, newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on the Board resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or other cause may be filled solely and exclusively by a majority vote of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director (and not by stockholders), and any director so chosen shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors to which the new directorship was added or in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, subject, however, to such director’s earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the remaining directors, except as otherwise provided by law, shall exercise the powers of the full Board until the vacancy is filled.

 

Section 5.4.           Removal . Subject to Section 5.5 hereof, any or all of the directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least sixty-six and two thirds (66⅔) percent of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class. At least forty-five (45) days prior to any annual or special meeting of stockholders at which it is proposed that any director be removed from office, written notice of such proposed removal and the alleged grounds thereof shall be sent to the director whose removal will be considered at the meeting.

 

Section 5.5.           Preferred Stock — Directors . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article V , and except as otherwise required by law, whenever the holders of one or more series of the Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately by class or series, to elect one or more directors, the term of office, the filling of vacancies, the removal from office and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of such series of the Preferred Stock as set forth in this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation) and such directors shall not be included in any of the classes created pursuant to this Article V unless expressly provided by such terms.

 

Article VI.

BYLAWS

 

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by law, the Board shall have the power and is expressly authorized to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws. The affirmative vote of a majority of the Board shall be required to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws. The Bylaws also may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the stockholders; provided, however , that in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two thirds (66⅔) percent of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws; and provided   further , however , that no Bylaws hereafter adopted by the stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the Board that would have been valid if such Bylaws had not been adopted.

 

 

 

 

Article VII.

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS; ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

 

Section 7.1.           Meetings . Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of the Preferred Stock, and to the requirements of applicable law, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, or the Board pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board, and the ability of the stockholders to call a special meeting is hereby specifically denied. Except as provided in the foregoing sentence, special meetings of stockholders may not be called by another person or persons.

 

Section 7.2.           Advance Notice . Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws.

 

Section 7.3.           Action by Written Consent . Except as may be otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation) relating to the rights of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, subsequent to the consummation of the Offering, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected by a duly called annual or special meeting of such stockholders and may not be effected by written consent of the stockholders other than with respect to the Class B Common Stock and the Class F Common Stock, with respect to which action may be taken by written consent.

 

Article VIII.

LIMITED LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 8.1.            Limitation of Director Liability . A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended unless they violated their duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized unlawful payments of dividends, unlawful stock purchases or unlawful redemptions, or derived improper personal benefit from their actions as directors. Any amendment, modification or repeal of the foregoing sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation hereunder in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.

 

 

 

 

Section 8.2.           Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses .

 

(a)          To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each person who is or was made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “ proceeding ”) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (an “ indemnitee ”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent, or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with such proceeding. The Corporation shall to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an indemnitee in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided , however , that, to the extent required by applicable law, such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of the indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 8.2 or otherwise. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred by this Section 8.2 shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.2(a) , except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses, the Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to an indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.

 

(b)          Any indemnification of a director or officer of the Corporation or advancement of expenses (including attorneys’ fees, costs and charges) under this Section 8.2 shall be made promptly, and in any event within forty-five days (or, in the case of an advancement of expenses, twenty days, provided that the director or officer has delivered the undertaking contemplated by Section 8.2(a) if required), upon the written request of the director or officer. If the Corporation denies a written request for indemnification or advancement of expenses, in whole or in part, or if payment in full pursuant to such request is not made within forty-five days (or, in the case of an advancement of expenses, twenty days, provided that the director or officer has delivered the undertaking contemplated by Section 8.2(a) if required), the right to indemnification or advancements as granted by this Section 8.2 shall be enforceable by the director or officer in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, which shall be the sole and exclusive forums for any such action. Such person’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing his or her right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such action shall also be indemnified by the Corporation to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for the advancement of expenses where the undertaking required pursuant to Section 8.2(a) , if any, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the DGCL for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of such defense shall be on the Corporation to the maximum extent permitted by law. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board, independent legal counsel or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

 

 

 

(c)          The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred on any indemnitee by this Section 8.2 shall not be exclusive of any other rights that any indemnitee may have or hereafter acquire under law, this Second Amended and Restated Certificate, the Bylaws, an agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

 

(d)          Any repeal or amendment of this Section 8.2 by the stockholders of the Corporation or by changes in law, or the adoption of any other provision of this Second Amended and Restated Certificate inconsistent with this Section 8.2 , shall, unless otherwise required by law, be prospective only (except to the extent such amendment or change in law permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights on a retroactive basis than permitted prior thereto), and shall not in any way diminish or adversely affect any right or protection existing at the time of such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision in respect of any proceeding (regardless of when such proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) arising out of, or related to, any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or amendment or adoption of such inconsistent provision.

 

(e)          For purposes of this Section 8.2 , references to the “Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting Corporation, any constituent Corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this Section 8.2 with respect to the resulting or surviving Corporation as he or she would have with respect to such constituent Corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 

(f)          This Section 8.2 shall not limit the right of the Corporation, to the extent and in the manner authorized or permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to persons other than indemnitees.

 

 

 

 

Article IX.

CORPORATE OPPORTUNITY

 

To the extent allowed by law, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any other analogous doctrine, shall not apply with respect to the Corporation or any of its officers or directors, and the Corporation renounces any expectancy that any of the directors or officers of the Corporation will offer any such corporate opportunity of which he or she may become aware to the Corporation, except, the doctrine of corporate opportunity shall apply with respect to any of the directors or officers of the Corporation only with respect to a corporate opportunity that was offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation and such opportunity is one the Corporation is legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for the Corporation to pursue.

 

Article X.

AMENDMENT OF SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

The Corporation reserves the right at any time and from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Second Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation), and other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force that may be added or inserted, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by this Second Amended and Restated Certificate and the DGCL; and, except as set forth in Article VIII , all rights, preferences and privileges of whatever nature herein conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other persons by and pursuant to this Second Amended and Restated Certificate in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the right reserved in this Article X . In addition to any other vote of holders of capital stock that is required by this Second Amended and Restated Certificate or by law, any amendment or repeal of Section 5.4 or Article VI shall require the affirmative vote of holders of at least sixty-six and two thirds (66 ⅔) percent of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote on such amendment or repeal.

 

Article XI.

EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR CERTAIN LAWSUITS

 

Section 11.1.           Forum . Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or this Second Amended and Restated Certificate or the Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, any claim as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

Section 11.2.           Consent to Jurisdiction . If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of Section 11.1 immediately above is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a “ Foreign Action ”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce Section 11.1 immediately above (an “ FSC Enforcement Action ”) and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such FSC Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.

 

Section 11.3.           Severability . If any provision or provisions of this Article XI shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Article XI (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Article XI containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XI .

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of November 9, 2018, is made and entered into by and among U.S. Well Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation) (the “ Company ”), the Initial Holders and each Person who becomes a party to this Agreement as a Holder after the date of this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.03 . This agreement amends, restates and replaces in its entirety that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 9, 2017 (the “ Original Agreement ”), by and among the Company, Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC (“ Sponsor ”) and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“ Cantor ” and, together with Sponsor, the “ Initial Investors ”). Capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in Section 1.01 .

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Company’s initial public offering (the “ IPO ”), the Company and the Initial Investors entered into the Original Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, prior to the Closing, Sponsor owns shares of Class F Common Stock acquired by it prior to the IPO, and, in connection with the Closing, such shares of Class F Common Stock, other than those being canceled in connection with the Closing pursuant to the Parent Sponsor Agreement, are being converted automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into shares of Class A Common Stock (the “ Sponsor Conversion Class A Shares ”) pursuant to the terms of the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation;

 

WHEREAS, the Initial Investors purchased, in a private placement that was completed simultaneously with the consummation of the IPO, an aggregate of 15,500,000 warrants (the “ Private Placement Warrants ”), issued pursuant to that certain Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2017 (the “ Warrant Agreement ”), by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company, each exercisable for one-half of one share of Class A Common Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in the Warrant Agreement);

 

WHEREAS, this Agreement is being entered into pursuant to, and in connection with the Closing under, that certain Merger and Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018 (as amended, the “ Merger and Contribution Agreement ”), by and among the Company, MPAC Merger Sub LLC, USWS Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ USWS ”), each of the Blocker Companies (as defined therein) and, solely for the purposes specified therein, the Seller Representative (as defined therein);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Merger and Contribution Agreement and in connection with the Closing, on the date of this Agreement: (i) the Company is issuing to the Initial Class A Holders an aggregate of 13,532,331 shares of Class A Common Stock (together with any additional shares of Class A Common Stock issued to the Initial Class A Holders after the date hereof pursuant to Section 2.1(d) of the Merger and Contribution Agreement, the “ Blocker Merger Class A Shares ”), (ii) the Company is issuing to the Initial Unit Holders an aggregate of 14,546,755 shares of Class B Common Stock (together with any additional shares of Class B Common Stock issued to the Initial Unit Holders after the date hereof pursuant to Section 2.1(d) of the Merger and Contribution Agreement, the “ Company Merger Class B Shares ”), and (iii) USWS is issuing to the Initial Unit Holders an aggregate of 14,546,755 Common Units (together with any additional Common Units issued to the Initial Unit Holders after the date hereof pursuant to Section 2.1(d) of the Merger and Contribution Agreement, the “ Company Merger Units ”);

 

 

 

 

WHEREAS, each Common Unit, together with one share of Class B Common Stock, will be exchangeable by the holder thereof for one share of Class A Common Stock pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the LLC Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Crestview Subscription Agreement and in connection with the Closing: (i) the Company is issuing to the Initial Crestview Holders an aggregate of 20,250,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “ Crestview Class A Shares ”), and (ii) the Initial Investors are transferring to the Initial Crestview Holders an aggregate of 7,250,000 Private Placement Warrants (the “ Crestview Private Placement Warrants ”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the Closing, Cantor is transferring to Sponsor, (i) 66,502 shares of Class A Common Stock (together with the Sponsor Conversion Class A Shares, the “ Sponsor Class A Shares ”) and (ii) 532,258 Private Placement Warrants, constituting all of Cantor’s Private Placement Warrants other than those being transferred to the Initial Crestview Holders as described above;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Merger and Contribution Agreement and the Employment Agreement dated as of July 13, 2018 by and between the Company and Joel Broussard (“ Broussard ”) and in connection with the Closing, the Company is issuing to Broussard 650,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “ CEO Bonus Class A Shares ”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Merger and Contribution Agreement and the Credit Agreement Consent and in connection with the Closing, the Company is issuing to the Initial Lender Holders an aggregate of 1,314,999 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “ Lender Class A Shares ”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Merger and Contribution Agreement and the Engagement Letter and in connection with the Closing, the Company is issuing to Piper Jaffray & Co. (“ Piper Jaffray ”) 509,337 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “ Piper Class A Shares ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Initial Holders and the Company desire to amend and restate, in its entirety, the Original Agreement to provide certain registration rights under the Securities Act to the Holders with respect to any Registrable Securities that any such Holders may hold from time to time; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Original Agreement, the Original Agreement may be amended upon the written consent of the Company and the requisite holders specified therein (which Sponsor represents), and such written consent is given by the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Sponsor.

 

  2  

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Article I.
DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01 Definitions . As used in this Agreement:

 

Adoption Agreement ” means an Adoption Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .

 

Affiliate ” means (a) as to any Person other than a natural person, any other Person who directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person and (b) as to any natural person, (i) any Relative of such Person, (ii) any trust whose primary beneficiaries are one or more of such Person and such Person’s Relatives, (iii) the legal representative or guardian of such Person or any of such Person’s Relatives if one has been appointed and (iv) any other Person controlled by one or more of such Person and any Person referred to in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above. As used in this definition, the term “control,” including the correlative terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or any partnership or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise) of a Person. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, (a) (i) the Company, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, shall not be considered Affiliates and (ii) any fund, entity or account managed, advised or sub-advised, directly or indirectly, by a Holder or any of its Affiliates, shall be considered an Affiliate of such Holder and (b) with respect to any fund, entity or account managed, advised or sub-advised directly or indirectly, by any Holder or any of its Affiliates, the direct or indirect equity owners thereof, including limited partners of any Holder or any Affiliate thereof, shall be considered an Affiliate of such Holder.

 

Agreement ” has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Blocker Merger Class A Shares ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Blocker Merger Consideration ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Broussard ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Business Day ” shall mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks in Houston, Texas are authorized or obligated to close.

 

Cantor ” has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

CEO Bonus Class A Shares ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

  3  

 

 

Class A Common Stock ” means the Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.

 

Class B Common Stock ” means the Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.

 

Class F Common Stock ” means the Class F Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.

 

Closing ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Common Units ” has the meaning given to such term in the LLC Agreement.

 

Company ” has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Company Merger Class B Shares ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Company Merger Consideration ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Company Merger Units ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Company Securities ” means, with respect to any Underwritten Offering, any shares of Class A Common Stock (or other equity securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities) proposed to be included in such Underwritten Offering by the Company to be sold for the Company’s own account.

 

Credit Agreement Consent ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Crestview Class A Shares ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Crestview Holders ” means the Initial Crestview Holders and any Holders to whom the rights of registration and other rights granted to the Initial Crestview Holders under this Agreement are transferred pursuant to Section 5.03 , including successive transferees of such rights pursuant to Section 5.03 .

 

Crestview Private Placement Warrants ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Crestview Registrable Securities ” means (i) the Crestview Class A Shares, (ii) the Crestview Private Placement Warrants and (iii) the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Crestview Private Placement Warrants.

 

  4  

 

 

Crestview Subscription Agreement ” means that certain Subscription Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, by and among the Company, the Initial Investors, the Initial Crestview Holders, Crestview Partners III (TE), L.P., a Cayman Islands exempt limited partnership, and Crestview Partners III Co-Investors, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempt limited partnership.

 

Engagement Letter ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

 

Exchange Class A Shares ” means the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exchange of Company Merger Units and Company Merger Class B Shares pursuant to the LLC Agreement.

 

Former USWS Owner ” means each of the Initial Class A Holders and Initial Unit Holders.

 

Former USWS Owner Holders ” means the Former USWS Holders and any Holders to whom the rights of registration and other rights granted to the Former USWS Owners under this Agreement are transferred pursuant to Section 5.03 , including successive transferees of such rights pursuant to Section 5.03 .

 

Former USWS Owner Registrable Securities ” means (i) the Blocker Merger Class A Shares and (ii) the Exchange Class A Shares.

 

Holder ” means each record holder of Registrable Securities; provided , that, for purposes of this definition and all other references in this Agreement to holding or owning Registrable Securities, (i) a record holder of Company Merger Units and Company Merger Class B Shares shall be deemed to be the record holder of the Registrable Securities issuable upon exchange of such Company Merger Units and Company Merger Class B Shares pursuant to the LLC Agreement and (ii) a record holder of Private Placement Warrants (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Crestview Private Placement Warrants) shall be deemed to be the record holder of the Registrable Securities issuable upon exercise of such Private Placement Warrants.

 

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.03 .

 

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.03 .

 

Initial Class A Holders ” means the Persons entitled to receive the Blocker Merger Consideration pursuant to the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Initial Crestview Holders ” means the Persons to whom the Crestview Class A Shares are issued or to whom the Crestview Private Placement Warrants are transferred in connection with the Closing pursuant to the Crestview Subscription Agreement.

 

  5  

 

 

Initial Holders ” means the Initial Class A Holders, the Initial Unit Holders, Sponsor, the Initial Crestview Holders, Broussard, the Initial Lender Holders and Piper Jaffray.

 

Initial Investors ” has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph.

 

Initial Lender Holders ” means the Persons entitled to receive the Lender Class A Shares pursuant to the Credit Agreement Consent.

 

Initial Unit Holders ” means the Persons entitled to receive the Company Merger Consideration pursuant to the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

IPO ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Lender Class A Shares ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Lender Holders ” means the Initial Lender Holders and any Holders to whom the rights of registration and other rights granted to the Initial Lender Holders under this Agreement are transferred pursuant to Section 5.03 , including successive transferees of such rights pursuant to Section 5.03 .

 

LLC Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of USWS dated as of the date of this Agreement.

 

Lock-Up Expiration Date ” means the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement.

 

Lock-Up Restrictions ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 5.01(a) .

 

Losses ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01 .

 

Majority Holders ” means, at any time, the Holder or Holders of more than 50% of the Registrable Securities at such time.

 

Managing Underwriter ” means, with respect to any Underwritten Offering, the lead book-running manager(s) of such Underwritten Offering.

 

Maximum Number of Securities ” means, with respect to any Underwritten Offering, the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or other equity securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities) that can be sold in such Underwritten Offering without materially adversely affecting the offering price, timing or the probability of success of such Underwritten Offering, as advised by the Managing Underwriter for such Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section 2.02(c) or Section 2.04(c) , as applicable.

 

Merger and Contribution Agreement ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Minimum Number of Registrable Securities ” means (i) solely with respect to a Shelf Underwritten Offering Request made prior to the one-year anniversary of the date of this Agreement, 1 Registrable Security and (ii) in all other cases, 500,000 Registrable Securities; provided, however , that in each case such numbers of Registrable Securities shall be appropriately adjusted in connection with any event described in Section 6.05 .

 

  6  

 

 

Opt-Out Notice ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.04(b) .

 

Original Agreement ” has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph.

 

Other Securities ” means, with respect to any Underwritten Offering, any shares of Class A Common Stock (or other equity securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities) requested to be included in such Underwritten Offering by any Person (other than a Holder) having contractual registration rights with respect to such Underwritten Offering.

 

Parent Sponsor Agreement ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Permitted Transferee ” means, with respect to any Holder, any Affiliate of such Holder, in each case provided that such Transferee has delivered to the Company a duly executed Adoption Agreement.

 

Person ” means any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm, association, trust, government, governmental agency or other entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.

 

Piggybacking Holder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a) .

 

Piggyback Underwritten Offering ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a) .

 

Piper Class A Shares ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Piper Jaffray ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Private Placement Warrants ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Registrable Securities ” means (a) the Former USWS Owner Registrable Securities, (b) the Sponsor Registrable Securities, (c) the Crestview Registrable Securities, (d) the CEO Bonus Class A Shares, (e) the Lender Class A Shares, (f) the Piper Class A Shares and (g) any other equity security issued or issuable (including upon exercise of Private Placement Warrants) with respect to any Registrable Security by way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or reorganization; provided, however , that a Registrable Security shall cease to be a Registrable Security when: (i) a Registration Statement covering such Registrable Security has become effective under the Securities Act and such Registrable Security has been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with such Registration Statement, (ii) such Registrable Security (or the Company Merger Unit and Company Merger Class B Share exchangeable for such Registrable Security) is disposed of under Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar rule adopted by the Commission then in effect) or any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act as a result of which the legend on any certificate or book-entry notation representing such Registrable Security (or such Company Merger Unit and Company Merger Class B Share) restricting transfer of such Registrable Security (or such Company Merger Unit and Company Merger Class B Share) has been removed, or (iii) such Registrable Security (or Company Merger Unit and Company Merger Class B Share exchangeable for such Registrable Security) has been sold or disposed of in a transaction in which the Transferor’s rights under this Agreement are not assigned to the Transferee pursuant to Section 5.03 ; and provided , further , that any security that has ceased to be a Registrable Security shall not thereafter become a Registrable Security and any security that is issued or distributed in respect of a security that has ceased to be a Registrable Security shall not be a Registrable Security.

 

  7  

 

 

Registration Expenses ” means all expenses incurred by the Company in complying with Article II , including, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, printing expenses, road show expenses, fees and disbursements of counsel and independent public accountants for the Company, fees and expenses (including counsel fees) incurred in connection with complying with state securities or “blue sky” laws, fees of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., and fees of transfer agents and registrars, but excluding any Selling Expenses.

 

Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company filed or to be filed with the Commission under the Securities Act, including the related prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, and including pre- and post-effective amendments, and all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

Relative ” means, with respect to any natural person: (a) such Person’s spouse, (b) any lineal descendant, parent, grandparent, great grandparent or sibling of such Person or any lineal descendant of any such sibling (in each case whether by blood or legal adoption), and (c) the spouse of a Person described in clause (b) of this definition.

 

Requesting Holders ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(a) .

 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time from time to time.

 

Selling Expenses ” means all (a) underwriting fees, discounts and selling commissions allocable to the sale of Registrable Securities, (b) transfer taxes allocable to the sale of the Registrable Securities, (c) costs or expenses related to any roadshows conducted in connection with the marketing of any Shelf Underwritten Offering, and (d) fees and expenses of counsel engaged by any Holders (subject to Article III ).

 

Selling Holder ” means a Holder selling Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement.

 

Shelf Piggybacking Holder ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.02(b) .

 

Shelf Registration Statement ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.01(a) .

 

Shelf Underwritten Offering ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.02(a) .

 

  8  

 

 

Shelf Underwritten Offering Request ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.02(a) .

 

Sponsor ” has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Sponsor Class A Shares ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Sponsor Conversion Class A Shares ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

Sponsor Holders ” means Sponsor and any Holders to whom the rights of registration and other rights granted to Sponsor under this Agreement are transferred pursuant to Section 5.03 , including successive transferees of such rights pursuant to Section 5.03 .

 

Sponsor Private Placement Warrants ” means the Private Placement Warrants other than the Crestview Private Placement Warrants.

 

Sponsor Registrable Securities ” means (i) the Sponsor Class A Shares, (ii) the Sponsor Private Placement Warrants and (iii) the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Sponsor Private Placement Warrants.

 

Suspension Period ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.03 .

 

Transfer ” means any offer, sale, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, entry into any contract to sell, grant of an option to purchase, short sale, assignment, transfer, exchange, gift, bequest or other disposition, direct or indirect, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise. “Transfer,” when used as a verb, and “Transferee” and “Transferor” have correlative meanings.

 

Underwritten Offering ” means an offering (including an offering pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement) in which shares of Class A Common Stock (or other equity securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities) are sold to an underwriter on a firm commitment basis for reoffering to the public.

 

Underwritten Offering Filing ” means (a) with respect to a Shelf Underwritten Offering, a preliminary prospectus supplement (or prospectus supplement if no preliminary prospectus supplement is used) to the Shelf Registration Statement relating to such Shelf Underwritten Offering, and (b) with respect to a Piggyback Underwritten Offering, (i) a preliminary prospectus supplement (or prospectus supplement if no preliminary prospectus supplement is used) to an effective shelf Registration Statement (other than the Shelf Registration Statement) in which Registrable Securities could be included and Holders could be named as selling security holders without the filing of a post-effective amendment thereto (other than a post-effective amendment that becomes effective upon filing) or (ii) a Registration Statement (other than the Shelf Registration Statement), in each case relating to such Piggyback Underwritten Offering.

 

USWS ” has the meaning given to such term in the Recitals.

 

  9  

 

 

Article II.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS

 

Section 2.01 Shelf Registration .

 

(a)          As soon as practicable after, but in any event within 30 days after, the date of this Agreement, the Company shall file a Registration Statement (such Registration Statement and any other Registration Statement contemplated by Section 2.01(b) or Section 2.01(c) , the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”) under the Securities Act to permit the public resale of all the Registrable Securities by the Holders from time to time as permitted by Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar rule adopted by the Commission then in effect) and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof. The Company shall notify the Holders of the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement promptly after it becomes effective.

 

(b)          The Shelf Registration Statement shall be on Form S-3 or, if Form S-3 is not available, on such other form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of the Registrable Securities; provided , however , that if the Company has filed the Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-1 and subsequently becomes eligible to use Form S-3 or any equivalent or successor form, the Company shall (i) file a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement converting such Registration Statement on Form S-1 to a Registration Statement on Form S-3 or any equivalent or successor form or (ii) withdraw the Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-1 and file a subsequent Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 or any equivalent or successor form. The Shelf Registration Statement shall contain a prospectus in such form as to permit any Holder to sell such Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar rule adopted by the Commission then in effect) at any time beginning on the date the Shelf Registration Statement becomes effective and shall provide for the resale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to the Holders and requested by the Majority Holders.

 

(c)          The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to remain effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that the Shelf Registration Statement is available or, if not available, that another Shelf Registration Statement is available, for the resale of all the Registrable Securities by the Holders until all of the Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities or the earlier termination of this Agreement (as to all Holders) pursuant to Section 6.01 .

 

(d)          When effective, the Shelf Registration Statement (including any documents incorporated therein by reference) will comply as to form in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any prospectus contained in the Shelf Registration Statement, in the light of the circumstances under which such statements are made).

 

  10  

 

 

Section 2.02 Shelf Underwritten Offerings .

 

(a)          In the event that any Holder or group of Holders elects to dispose of Registrable Securities under the Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to an Underwritten Offering and reasonably expects gross proceeds of at least $25 million from such Underwritten Offering, the Company shall, at the request (a “ Shelf Underwritten Offering Request ”) of such Holder or Holders (in such capacity, the “ Requesting Holders ”), enter into an underwriting agreement in a form as is customary in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Company with the underwriter or underwriters selected pursuant to Section 2.02(d) and shall take all such other reasonable actions as are requested by the Managing Underwriter of such Underwritten Offering and/or the Requesting Holders in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition, subject to Section 2.02(c) , of such Registrable Securities and the Registrable Securities requested to be included by any Shelf Piggybacking Holder (a “ Shelf Underwritten Offering ”); provided, however , that the Company shall have no obligation to facilitate or participate in more than (i) one Shelf Underwritten Offering during any 180-day period or (ii) (A) a total of three Shelf Underwritten Offerings initiated by Requesting Holders who are Sponsor Holders, (B) a total of five Shelf Underwritten Offerings initiated by Requesting Holders who are Former USWS Owner Holders or Lender Holders or (C) a total of three Shelf Underwritten Offerings initiated by Requesting Holders who are Crestview Holders; provided further , that a Shelf Underwritten Offering that is commenced but terminated for any reason prior to the execution of an underwriting agreement with respect thereto will not be counted as a Shelf Underwritten Offering for purposes of the foregoing limitations on the number Shelf Underwritten Offerings.

 

(b)          If the Company receives a Shelf Underwritten Offering Request, it will give written notice of such proposed Shelf Underwritten Offering to each Holder (other than the Requesting Holders) that, together with such Holder’s Affiliates, holds at least the Minimum Number of Registrable Securities, which notice shall be held in strict confidence by such Holders and shall include the anticipated filing date of the related Underwritten Offering Filing and, if known, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or other equity securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities) that are proposed to be included in such Shelf Underwritten Offering, and of such Holders’ rights under this Section 2.02(b) . Such notice shall be given promptly (and in any event at least five Business Days before the filing of the Underwritten Offering Filing or two Business Days before the filing of the Underwritten Offering Filing in connection with a bought or overnight Underwritten Offering); provided , that if the Shelf Underwritten Offering is a bought or overnight Underwritten Offering and the Managing Underwriter advises the Company and the Requesting Holders that the giving of notice pursuant to this Section 2.02(b) would adversely affect the offering, no such notice shall be required (and such Holders shall have no right to include Registrable Securities in such bought or overnight Underwritten Offering); and provided further , that the Company shall not so notify any such other Holder that has notified the Company (and not revoked such notice) requesting that such Holder not receive notice from the Company of any proposed Shelf Underwritten Offering. Each such Holder shall then have four Business Days (or one Business Day in the case of a bought or overnight Underwritten Offering) after the date on which the Holders received notice pursuant to this Section 2.02(b) to request inclusion of Registrable Securities in the Shelf Underwritten Offering (which request shall specify the maximum number of Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by such Holder and such other information as is reasonably required to effect the inclusion of such Registrable Securities) (any such Holder making such request, a “ Shelf Piggybacking Holder ”). If no request for inclusion from a Holder is received within such period, such Holder shall have no further right to participate in such Shelf Underwritten Offering.

 

  11  

 

 

(c)          If the Managing Underwriter of the Shelf Underwritten Offering shall advise the Company and the Requesting Holders in writing, with a copy to be provided upon request to any Shelf Piggybacking Holder, of its belief that the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Shelf Underwritten Offering by the Requesting Holders and any Shelf Piggybacking Holders, together with any Other Securities or Company Securities requested or proposed to be included in such Shelf Underwritten Offering, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities for such Shelf Underwritten Offering, then Registrable Securities, Other Securities and Company Securities shall be included in the Shelf Underwritten Offering, up to the Maximum Number of Securities (as set forth in such written advice from the Managing Underwriter), in the following priority:

 

(i)           first , the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Shelf Underwritten Offering by the Requesting Holders and the Shelf Piggybacking Holders, pro rata among the Requesting Holders and the Shelf Piggybacking Holders based on the respective numbers of Registrable Securities that each requested be included); and

 

(ii)          second , to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (i), any Other Securities or Company Securities requested or proposed to be included in such Shelf Underwritten Offering allocated, as applicable, in accordance with the order of priority established in the agreement or agreements granting the registration rights with respect to any such Other Securities.

 

(d)          The Managing Underwriter and any other underwriters for any Shelf Underwritten Offering shall be selected by the Company; provided that the Managing Underwriter shall be reasonably acceptable to the Requesting Holders. The Requesting Holders shall determine the pricing of the Registrable Securities offered pursuant to any Shelf Underwritten Offering and the applicable underwriting discounts and commissions and determine the timing of any such Shelf Underwritten Offering, subject to Section 2.03 .

 

Section 2.03 Delay and Suspension Rights . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may (i) delay filing or effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or effecting a Shelf Underwritten Offering or (ii) suspend the Holders’ use of any prospectus that is a part of the Shelf Registration Statement upon written notice to each Holder whose Registrable Securities are included in the Shelf Registration Statement ( provided that in no event shall such notice contain any material non-public information regarding the Company) (in which event such Holder shall discontinue sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement but may settle any then-contracted sales of Registrable Securities), in each case for a period of up to 60 days, if the Company determines (A) that such delay or suspension is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders generally due to a pending financing or other transaction involving the Company, including a proposed sale of Class A Common Stock by the Company for its own account, (B) that such registration or offering would render the Company unable to comply with applicable securities laws or (C) that such registration or offering would require disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential (any such period, a “ Suspension Period ”); provided , however , that in no event shall any Suspension Periods collectively exceed an aggregate of 120 days in any twelve-month period.

 

  12  

 

 

Section 2.04 Piggyback Registration Rights .

 

(a)          Subject to Section 2.04(c) , if the Company at any time proposes to file an Underwritten Offering Filing for an Underwritten Offering of shares of Class A Common Stock (or other equity securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities) for its own account or for the account of any other Persons who have or have been granted registration rights (a “ Piggyback Underwritten Offering ”), it will give written notice of such Piggyback Underwritten Offering to each Holder that, together with such Holder’s Affiliates, holds at least the Minimum Number of Registrable Securities, which notice shall be held in strict confidence by such Holders and shall include the anticipated filing date of the Underwritten Offering Filing and, if known, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or other equity securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities) that are proposed to be included in such Piggyback Underwritten Offering, and of such Holders’ rights under this Section 2.04(a) . Such notice shall be given promptly (and in any event at least five Business Days before the filing of the Underwritten Offering Filing or two Business Days before the filing of the Underwritten Offering Filing in connection with a bought or overnight Underwritten Offering); provided , that if the Piggyback Underwritten Offering is a bought or overnight Underwritten Offering and the Managing Underwriter advises the Company that the giving of notice pursuant to this Section 2.04(a) would adversely affect the offering, no such notice shall be required (and such Holders shall have no right to include Registrable Securities in such bought or overnight Underwritten Offering). Each such Holder shall then have four Business Days (or one Business Day in the case of a bought or overnight Underwritten Offering) after the date on which the Holders received notice pursuant to this Section 2.04(a) to request inclusion of Registrable Securities in the Piggyback Underwritten Offering (which request shall specify the maximum number of Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by such Holder and such other information as is reasonably required to effect the inclusion of such Registrable Securities) (any such Holder making such request, a “ Piggybacking Holder ”). If no request for inclusion from a Holder is received within such period, such Holder shall have no further right to participate in such Piggyback Underwritten Offering. Subject to Section 2.04(c) , the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to include in the Piggyback Underwritten Offering all Registrable Securities that the Company has been so requested to include by the Piggybacking Holders; provided, however , that if, at any time after giving written notice of a proposed Piggyback Underwritten Offering pursuant to this Section 2.04(a) and prior to the execution of an underwriting agreement with respect thereto, the Company or such other Persons who have or have been granted registration rights, as applicable, shall determine for any reason not to proceed with or to delay such Piggyback Underwritten Offering, the Company shall give written notice of such determination to the Piggybacking Holders (which such Holders will hold in strict confidence) and (i) in the case of a determination not to proceed, shall be relieved of its obligation to include any Registrable Securities in such Piggyback Underwritten Offering (but not from any obligation of the Company to pay the Registration Expenses in connection therewith), and (ii) in the case of a determination to delay, shall be permitted to delay inclusion of any Registrable Securities for the same period as the delay in including the Company Securities or Other Securities, as applicable.

 

  13  

 

 

(b)          Each Holder shall have the right to withdraw its request for inclusion of its Registrable Securities in any Piggyback Underwritten Offering at any time prior to the execution of an underwriting agreement with respect thereto by giving written notice to the Company of its request to withdraw. Any Holder may deliver written notice (an “ Opt-Out Notice ”) to the Company requesting that such Holder not receive notice from the Company of any proposed Piggyback Underwritten Offering; provided , however , that such Holder may later revoke any such Opt-Out Notice in writing. Following receipt of an Opt-Out Notice from any Holder (unless subsequently revoked), the Company shall not, and shall not be required to, deliver any notice to such Holder pursuant to this Section 2.04 and such Holder shall no longer be entitled to participate in any Piggyback Underwritten Offering.

 

(c)          If the Managing Underwriter of the Piggyback Underwritten Offering shall advise the Company of its belief that the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in such Piggyback Underwritten Offering, together with the number of Company Securities and Other Securities proposed or requested to be included in such Piggyback Underwritten Offering, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities for such Piggyback Underwritten Offering, then Company Securities, Other Securities and Registrable Securities shall be included in the Piggyback Underwritten Offering, up to the Maximum Number of Securities (as set forth in such written advice from the Managing Underwriter), in the following priority:

 

(i)          If the Piggyback Underwritten Offering is initiated for the account of the Company:

 

(1)          first , all of the Company Securities proposed to be included therein;

 

(2)          second , to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (1), the Registrable Securities requested to be included by the Piggybacking Holders and any Other Securities requested to be included by Persons having rights of registration on parity with the Piggybacking Holders with respect to such offering, pro rata among the Piggybacking Holders and such other Persons based on the number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or other equity securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities) each requested to be included; and

 

(3)          third , any Other Securities requested to be included by Persons having rights of registration that are subordinate to the rights of the Piggybacking Holders with respect to such offering.

 

(ii)         If the Piggyback Underwritten Offering is initiated for the account of any other Persons who have or have been granted registration rights:

 

(1)          first , all of the Other Securities requested to be included therein by such Persons;

 

  14  

 

 

(2)          second , to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (1), the Registrable Securities requested to be included by the Piggybacking Holders and any Other Securities requested to be included by Persons (other than those for the account of which the Piggyback Underwritten Offering is initiated) having rights of registration on parity with the Piggybacking Holders with respect to such offering, pro rata among the Piggybacking Holders and such other Persons based on the number of shares of Class A Common Stock (or other equity securities of the same class as the Registrable Securities) each requested to be included; and

 

(3)          third , to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (1) and (2), any Company Securities proposed to be included and any Other Securities requested to be included by Persons (other than those for the account of which the Piggyback Underwritten Offering is initiated) having rights of registration that are subordinate to the rights of the Piggybacking Holders with respect to such offering, allocated, as applicable, in accordance with the order of priority established in the agreement or agreements granting the registration rights with respect to any such Other Securities.

 

(d)          The Company or the other Persons for the account of which the Piggyback Underwritten Offering is initiated, as applicable, shall select the underwriters in any Piggyback Underwritten Offering and shall determine the pricing of the shares of Class A Common Stock (or other securities of the same class as Registrable Securities) offered pursuant to any Piggyback Underwritten Offering, the applicable underwriting discounts and commissions and the timing of any such Piggyback Underwritten Offering.

 

Section 2.05 Participation in Underwritten Offerings .

 

(a)          In connection with any Underwritten Offering contemplated by Section 2.02 or Section 2.04 , the underwriting agreement into which each Selling Holder and the Company shall enter into shall contain such representations, covenants, indemnities (subject to Article III ) and other rights and obligations as are customary in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Company. No Selling Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Selling Holder’s authority to enter into such underwriting agreement and to sell, and its ownership of, the securities being registered on its behalf, its intended method of distribution and any other representation required by law.

 

(b)          In connection with any Piggyback Underwritten Offering in which any Holder has the right to include Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2.04 , such Holder agrees (A) to supply any information reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation of a Registration Statement and/or any other documents relating to such registered offering and (B) to execute and deliver any agreements and instruments being executed by all holders on substantially the same terms reasonably requested by the Company or the Managing Underwriter, as applicable, to effectuate such registered offering, including, without limitation, underwriting agreements (subject to Section 2.05(a) ), custody agreements, lock-ups, “hold back” agreements pursuant to which such Holder agrees not to sell or purchase any securities of the Company for the same period of time following the registered offering as is agreed to by the Company and the other participating holders, powers of attorney and questionnaires.

 

  15  

 

 

(c)          If the Company or Managing Underwriter, as applicable, requests that the Holders take any of the actions referred to in clause (B) of Section 2.05(b) , the Holders shall take such action promptly but in any event within three Business Days following the date of such request.

 

Section 2.06 Registration Procedures .

 

(a)          In connection with its obligations under this Article II , the Company will:

 

(i)          promptly prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement until such time as all of such securities have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller or sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement;

 

(ii)         furnish to each Selling Holder such number of conformed copies of such Registration Statement and of each such amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including without limitation all exhibits), such number of copies of the prospectus contained in such Registration Statement (including without limitation each preliminary prospectus and any summary prospectus) and any other prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the Securities Act, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents, as such seller may reasonably request;

 

(iii)        if applicable, use commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify all Registrable Securities and other securities covered by such Registration Statement under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as each seller thereof shall reasonably request, to keep such registration or qualification in effect for so long as such Registration Statement remains in effect, and to take any other action which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such seller to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the securities owned by such seller, except that the Company shall not for any such purpose be required to qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it would not but for the requirements of this clause (iii) be obligated to be so qualified or to consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction;

 

(iv)         in connection with an Underwritten Offering, use all commercially reasonable efforts to provide to each Selling Holder a copy of any auditor “comfort” letters and customary legal opinions, in each case that have been provided to the Managing Underwriter in connection with the Underwritten Offering;

 

  16  

 

 

(v)          promptly notify each Selling Holder, at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, the prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, and at the request of any such seller promptly prepare and furnish to such seller a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such securities, such prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances under which they were made;

 

(vi)         otherwise use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act, and shall furnish to each such seller at least the Business Day prior to the filing thereof a copy of any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or prospectus;

 

(vii)        provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement from and after a date not later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

 

(viii)      cause all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement to be listed on any securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is then listed; and

 

(ix)         enter into such customary agreements and take such other actions as the Holder or Holders shall reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.

 

(b)          Each Holder agrees by acquisition of such Registrable Securities that upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 2.06(a)(v) , such Holder will forthwith discontinue such Holder’s disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 2.06(a)(v) as filed with the Commission or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of such Registration Statement may be resumed, and, if so directed by the Company, will deliver to the Company (at the Company’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, then in such Holder’s possession of the prospectus relating to such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice. The Company may provide appropriate stop orders to enforce the provisions of this Section 2.06(b) .

 

Section 2.07 Cooperation by Holders . The Company shall have no obligation to include Registrable Securities of a Holder in any Registration Statement or Underwritten Offering if such Holder has failed to timely furnish such information that the Company determines, after consultation with its counsel, is reasonably required in order for any registration statement or prospectus supplement, as applicable, to comply with the Securities Act.

 

  17  

 

 

Section 2.08 Restrictions on Public Sale by Holders . Each Holder agrees not to effect any public sale or distribution of Registrable Securities for a period of up to 90 days following completion of an Underwritten Offering of equity securities by the Company; provided that (a) the Company gives written notice to such Holder of the date of the commencement and termination of such period with respect to any such Underwritten Offering and (b) the duration of the foregoing restrictions shall be no longer than the duration of the shortest restriction generally imposed by the underwriters of such public sale or distribution on the Company or on the officers or directors or any other shareholder of the Company on whom a restriction is imposed; provided further , that this Section 2.08 shall not apply to any Holder that, (i) together with such Holder’s Affiliates, holds less than 5% of the Company’s outstanding Class A Common Stock or (ii) has delivered (and not revoked) an Opt-Out Notice to the Company.

 

Section 2.09 Expenses . The Company shall be responsible for all Registration Expenses incident to its performance of or compliance with its obligations under this Article II . Each Selling Holder shall pay its pro rata share of all Selling Expenses in connection with any sale of its Registrable Securities hereunder.

 

Section 2.10 Other Registration Rights . From and after the date hereof, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Majority Holders, enter into any agreement with any current or future holder of any securities of the Company that would allow such current or future holder to require the Company to include securities in any Underwritten Offering Filing on a basis other than pari passu with, or expressly subordinate to, the piggyback rights of the Holders hereunder; provided , that in no event shall the Company enter into any agreement that would permit another holder of securities of the Company to participate on a pari passu basis (in terms of priority of cut-back based on advice of underwriters) with the Holders in a Shelf Underwritten Offering.

 

Article III.
INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION

 

Section 3.01 Indemnification by the Company . The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Selling Holder, its officers and directors and each Person (if any) that controls such Holder within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) (“ Losses ”) caused by, arising out of, resulting from or related to any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or prospectus relating to the Registrable Securities (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which such statement is made), provided, however , that such indemnity shall not apply to that portion of such Losses caused by, or arising out of, any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement or any such omission or alleged omission, to the extent such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use therein.

 

  18  

 

 

Section 3.02 Indemnification by the Holders . Each Holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its officers and directors and each Person (if any) that controls the Company within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against any and all Losses caused by, arising out of, resulting from or related to any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or prospectus relating to Registrable Securities (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary prospectus, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which such statement is made), only to the extent such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement or prospectus relating to the Registrable Securities, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any preliminary prospectus.

 

Section 3.03 Indemnification Procedures . In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any Person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 3.01 or Section 3.02 , such Person (the “ Indemnified Party ”) shall promptly notify the Person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) in writing (provided that the failure of the Indemnified Party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Article III , except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by such failure to give notice), and the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in such proceeding and, unless in the reasonable opinion of outside counsel to the Indemnified Party a conflict of interest between the Indemnified Party and Indemnifying Party may exist in respect of such claim, to assume the defense thereof jointly with any other Indemnifying Party similarly notified, to the extent that it chooses, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party, and after notice from the Indemnifying Party to such Indemnified Party that it so chooses, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to such Indemnified Party for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation; provided , however , that (i) if the Indemnifying Party fails to assume the defense or employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, (ii) if such Indemnified Party who is a defendant in any action or proceeding which is also brought against the Indemnifying Party reasonably shall have concluded that there may be one or more legal defenses available to such Indemnified Party which are not available to the Indemnifying Party or (iii) if representation of both parties by the same counsel is otherwise inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct then, in any such case, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to assume or continue its own defense as set forth above (but with no more than one firm of counsel for all Indemnified Parties in each jurisdiction, except to the extent any Indemnified Party or Parties reasonably shall have concluded that there may be legal defenses available to such party or parties which are not available to the other Indemnified Parties or to the extent representation of all Indemnified Parties by the same counsel is otherwise inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct) and the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for any expenses therefor. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (A) includes an unconditional release of the Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (B) does not include a statement as to, or an admission of, fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.

 

  19  

 

 

Section 3.04 Contribution .

 

(a)          If the indemnification provided for in this Article III is unavailable to an Indemnified Party in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities in respect of which indemnity is to be provided hereunder, then each Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall to the fullest extent permitted by law contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of such party in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company (on the one hand) and an Holder (on the other hand) shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by such party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

 

(b)          The Company and each Holder agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Article III were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 3.04(a) . The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in Section 3.04(a) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article III , no Holder shall be liable for indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Article III for any amount in excess of the net proceeds of the offering received by such Holder, less the amount of any damages which such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

Article IV.
RULE 144

 

With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the Commission that may permit the resale of the Registrable Securities without registration, the Company agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to:

 

(a)          make and keep public information regarding the Company available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar rule adopted by the Commission then in effect), at all times from and after the date hereof;

 

  20  

 

 

(b)          file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at all times from and after the date hereof; and

 

(c)          so long as a Holder owns any Registrable Securities, furnish (i) to the extent accurate, forthwith upon request, a written statement of the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar rule adopted by the Commission then in effect) and (ii) unless otherwise available via the Commission’s EDGAR filing system, to such Holder forthwith upon request a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such other reports and documents so filed as such Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the Commission allowing such Holder to sell any such securities without registration.

 

Article V.
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER; LEGENDS; TRANSFER OF RIGHTS

 

Section 5.01 Restrictions on Transfer .

 

(a)          Each of the Former USWS Owners and Piper Jaffray agrees that, prior to the Lock-Up Expiration Date, it will not directly or indirectly Transfer all or any part of, as applicable to such Former USWS Owner or Piper Jaffray, (i) its Blocker Merger Class A Shares, (ii) its Company Merger Units and Company Merger Class B Shares or the Exchange Class A Shares issued or issuable upon the exchange of its Company Merger Units and Company Merger Class B Shares, or (iii) the Piper Class A Shares, or any right or economic interest pertaining thereto, including the right to vote or consent on any matter or to receive or have any economic interest in the Company or USWS pursuant thereto (the foregoing restrictions are hereinafter referred to as the “ Lock-Up Restrictions ”).

 

(b)          Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Lock-Up Restrictions shall not apply to:

 

(i)          any Transfer to a Permitted Transferee;

 

(ii)         any exchange of Company Merger Units and Company Merger Class B Shares for Exchange Class A Shares pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement;

 

(iii)        any Transfer pursuant to any merger, consolidation or other business combination of the Company;

 

(iv)         any Transfer of Registrable Securities effected on or after the day that is 180 days after the date of this Agreement pursuant to an Underwritten Offering, provided , however , that the aggregate number of Registrable Securities transferred by each Holder that is a Former USWS Owner, Piper Jaffray or their respective Permitted Transferees pursuant to this clause (iv) shall not exceed 50% of the number of Registrable Securities held by such Holder on the date of this Agreement;

 

(v)          any Transfer by Piper Jaffray or its Permitted Transferees made with the prior approval of the board of directors of the Company (including at least one director who was initially designated by the Company to be a director of the Company upon the Closing), which approval may constitute approval of a specific Transfer or a more general full or partial waiver of the Lock-Up Restrictions; or

 

  21  

 

 

(vi)         any Transfer by a Former USWS Owner or its Permitted Transferees made with the prior approval of the board of directors of the Company (including at least one director who was initially designated by the Company to be a director of the Company upon the Closing) (subject to the terms of the Crestview Subscription Agreement), which approval may constitute approval of a specific Transfer or a more general full or partial waiver of the Lock-Up Restrictions.

 

Section 5.02 Share Legend . Until the Lock-Up Expiration Date, each certificate or book-entry notation representing Blocker Merger Class A Shares, Piper Class A Shares, Company Merger Units, Company Merger Class B Shares or Exchange Class A Shares shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (in addition to any legend related to restrictions on Transfer under applicable securities laws and, in the case of Company Merger Units and Company Merger Class B shares, as required by the LLC Agreement or the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as applicable):

 

THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER PURSUANT TO AN AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 9, 2018 BY AND AMONG U.S. WELL SERVICES, INC. AND THE HOLDERS PARTY THERETO.

 

Section 5.03 Transfer of Rights . The rights to registration and other rights under this Agreement may be assigned to a Transferee of Registrable Securities if (a) such Transferee is a Permitted Transferee or (b) such Transferee is acquiring at least the Minimum Number of Registrable Securities and such Transferee has delivered to the Company a duly executed Adoption Agreement.

 

Article VI.
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 6.01 Termination . This Agreement shall terminate, and the parties shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder on (a) the fifth anniversary of the date hereof or (b) as to any Holder, on such earlier date on which both (i) such Holder, together with such Holder’s Affiliates, owns less than 2,000,000 Registrable Securities and (ii) all Registrable Securities owned by such Holder and such Holder’s Affiliates may be sold without volume or manner of sale restrictions pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar rule adopted by the Commission then in effect).

 

Section 6.02 Notices . Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be in writing and given by (a) deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the party to be notified, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt requested, (b) delivery in person or by courier service providing evidence of delivery, or (c) transmission by hand delivery or email. Each notice or communication that is mailed, delivered, or transmitted in the manner described above shall be deemed sufficiently given, served, sent, and received, in the case of mailed notices, on the third Business Day following the date on which it is mailed, in the case of notices delivered by courier service or hand delivery, at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the delivery receipt or the affidavit of messenger) and in the case of email, when sent. Any notice or communication under this Agreement must be addressed:

 

  22  

 

 

(i)          if to the Company:

 

U.S. Well Services, Inc.

770 South Post Oak Lane, Suite 405

Houston, Texas 77056

Attn: Joel Broussard

Email: joelb@uswellservices.com

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Winston & Strawn LLP
355 S Grand Ave, 33rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Attn: Justin E. Rawlins
Email: jrawlins@winston.com

 

(ii)         if to any Holder, at such Holder’s address as set forth on the signature pages hereto or in its Adoption Agreement, as applicable.

 

Any party may change its address for notice at any time and from time to time by written notice to the other parties hereto, and such change of address shall become effective upon receipt of such notice as provided in this Section 6.01 .

 

Section 6.03 Binding Effect; Assignment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns and each Holder and its successors and assigns. Except as provided in Section 5.03 , neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, benefits or obligations hereunder may be assigned or transferred, by operation of law or otherwise, by any Holder without the prior written consent of the Company. This Agreement shall not confer any rights or benefits on any persons that are not parties hereto, other than as expressly set forth in Article III .

 

Section 6.04 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings of the parties in connection therewith.

 

  23  

 

 

Section 6.05 Adjustments Affecting Registrable Securities . The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to any and all shares of capital stock of the Company or any successor or assignee of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for or in substitution for the Registrable Securities, by reason of any stock dividend, split, reverse split, combination, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or otherwise in such a manner and with such appropriate adjustments as to reflect the intent and meaning of the provisions hereof and so that the rights, privileges, duties and obligations hereunder shall continue with respect to the capital stock of the Company as so changed.

 

Section 6.06 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts (including electronic .pdf counterparts), each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute the same instrument, but only one of which need be produced.

 

Section 6.07 Governing Law . NOTWITHSTANDING THE PLACE WHERE THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE EXECUTED BY ANY OF THE PARTIES HERETO, THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

 

Section 6.08 Venue and Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial .

 

(a)          Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement or the Transactions shall be brought and determined by courts of the State of New York located in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York and the federal courts of the United States of America located in the State of New York, Southern District, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts solely in respect of any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.

 

(b)          EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND WITH RESPECT TO ANY COUNTERCLAIM RELATED THERETO.

 

Section 6.09 Amendments and Modifications; Waiver . This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by the Company and the Majority Holders; provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, any such amendment or modification that adversely affects any Holder in a manner that is materially different from any other Holder shall require the consent of each Holder so affected. No course of dealing between any Holder or the Company and any other party hereto or any failure or delay on the part of a Holder or the Company in exercising any rights or remedies under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of any rights or remedies of any Holder or the Company. No single or partial exercise of any rights or remedies under this Agreement by a party shall operate as a waiver or preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder by such party.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

  24  

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.

 

 

COMPANY :

   
  U.S. WELL SERVICES, INC.
 

  By: /s/ Joel N. Broussard
    Name: Joel N. Broussard
    Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 

Address for Notice:

   

770 S. Post Oak Lane

Suite 405

Houston, Texas 77056

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  HOLDERS:
   

MATLIN & PARTNERS ACQUISITION SPONSOR LLC

   
  By: /s/ David J. Matlin
    Name: David J. Matlin
    Title: Director
     
  Address for Notice:
   

Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC c/o MatlinPatterson Global Advisers LLC

520 Madison Avenue

35 th Floor

New York, New York 10022

Attention: Robert H. Weiss

Email:  weiss@matlinpatterson.com

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  Crestview III USWS, L.P.
   
  By: /s/ Ross A. Oliver
    Name: Ross A. Oliver
    Title: General Counsel
     
  Address for Notice:
   

Crestview Advisors, L.L.C.

667 Madison Avenue

10 th Floor

New York, New York 10065

Email: aklein@crestview.com; roliver@crestview.com

     
    with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
     
   

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

1001 Fannin Street, Suite 2500

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: E. Ramey Layne, James M. Garrett

Email: rlayne@velaw.com; jgarrett@velaw.com

 

 

Crestview III USWS TE, LLC

   
  By: /s/ Ross A. Oliver
    Name: Ross A. Oliver
    Title: General Counsel
     
  Address for Notice:
   

Crestview Advisors, L.L.C.

667 Madison Avenue

10 th Floor

New York, New York 10065

Email: aklein@crestview.com; roliver@crestview.com

     
    with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
     
   

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

1001 Fannin Street, Suite 2500

Houston, Texas 77002

Attention: E. Ramey Layne, James M. Garrett

Email: rlayne@velaw.com; jgarrett@velaw.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  OTHER MEMBERS:
 

 

ALJ BLOCKER LLC

   
  By: /s/ Ron D. Silverton
    Name: Ron D. Silverton
    Title: Authorized Signatory
     
  Address for Notice:
   

ALJ Blocker LLC

c/o ALJ Capital Management LLC

6300 Wilshire Blvd

Suite 700

Los Angeles, California 90048

Attention: Ron Silverton

Email: rsilverton@aljcapital.com

 

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  BKC ASW BLOCKER, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Michael Pungello
    Name: Michael Pungello
    Title: President
     
  Address for Notice:
   

BKC ASW Blocker, Inc.

c/o BlackRock Capital Investment Corporation

40 East 52 nd Street

New York, New York 10022

Attn: R. Marshall Merriman

Email: marshall.merriman@blackrock.com

     
    with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
     
   

c/o BlackRock, Inc.

Office of the General Counsel

40 East 52 nd Street

New York, New York 10022

Attention: David Maryles, Jennifer O’Neil, Joe Roy

Email: legaltransactions@blackrock.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  REGIMENT CAPITAL SPECIAL SITUATIONS FUND V, L.P.
   
  By: /s/ Richard Miller
    Name: Richard Miller
    Title: Authorized Signatory
     
  Address for Notice:
   

TCW

200 Clarendon Street

51 st Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

Attention: Richard Miller

Email:  Richard.miller@tcw.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  REEF ROAD MASTER FUND LTD.
   
  By: /s/ Jeff Nusbaum
    Name: Jeff Nusbaum
    Title: Authorized Signatory
     
  Address for Notice:
   

Reef Road Master Fund Ltd.

c/o Reef Road Capital

5 Flower Farm Lane

Westport, Connecticut 06880

Email: jnoreefroadcap.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  SUNRISE PARTNERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
   
  By: /s/ Douglas W. Ambrose
    Name: Douglas W. Ambrose
   

Title: Executive Vice President of

Paloma Partners Management Company,

general partner of Sunrise Partners Limited Partnership

     
  Address for Notice:
   

Sunrise Partners Limited Partnership

c/o Paloma Partners Management Company

Two American Lane

Greenwich, Connecticut 06836

Attention: Douglas Ambrose

Email:  dambrose@paloma.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  CPTA MASTER BLOCKER, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Joseph B. Alala, III
    Name: Joseph B. Alala, III
    Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
     
  Address for Notice:
   

4201 Congress Street

Suite 360

Charlotte, North Carolina 28209

Attention: Randall Fontes

Email:  rfontes@capitalagroup.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  MILLSTREET CREDIT FUND LP
   
   

By: Millstreet Capital Partners LLC,

its General Partner

  By: /s/ Craig Kelleher
    Name: Craig Kelleher
    Title: Managing Member
     
  Address for Notice:
   

MILLSTREET CREDIT FUND LP

c/o Millstreet Capital Partners LLC

399 Boylston Street

Suite 501

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

Attention: Craig Kelleher

Email:  ckelleher@millstreet.com;
operations@millstreet.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  MERCER QIF FUND PLC – MERCER INVESTMENT FUND 1
   
   

By: Millstreet Capital Management LLC,

its Sub-Investment Manager

  By: /s/ Craig Kelleher
    Name: Craig Kelleher
    Title: Managing Member
     
  Address for Notice:
   

Millstreet Capital Management LLC

399 Boylston Street

Suite 501

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

Attention: Craig Kelleher

Email:  ckelleher@millstreet.com;
operations@millstreet.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  GUGGENHEIM PRIVATE DEBT FUND, LTD.
   
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
  Address for Notice:
   

330 Madison Avenue

11 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attention: GI Legal – J. Carroll

Email: justin.carroll@guggenheimpartners.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  GUGGENHEIM ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES FUND, LP
   
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
  Address for Notice:
   

330 Madison Avenue

11 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attention: GI Legal – J. Carroll

Email: justin.carroll@guggenheimpartners.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

    /s/ Nathan Houston
    Nathan Houston
     
  Address for Notice:
   

57 Coolspring Church Road

Mercer, Pennsylvania 16137

Attention: Nathan Houston

Email: nhouston@uswellservices.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  VERGER CAPITAL FUND LLC
   
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
  Address for Notice:
   

330 Madison Avenue

11 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attention: GI Legal – J. Carroll

Email: justin.carroll@guggenheimpartners.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  GUGGENHEIM PRIVATE DEBT FUND NOTE ISSUER, LLC
   
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
  Address for Notice:
   

330 Madison Avenue

11 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attention: GI Legal – J. Carroll

Email: justin.carroll@guggenheimpartners.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  GUGGENHEIM PRIVATE DEBT FUND, LLC
   
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
  Address for Notice:
   

330 Madison Avenue

11 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attention: GI Legal – J. Carroll

Email: justin.carroll@guggenheimpartners.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  NZC GUGGENHEIM FUND LLC
   
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
  Address for Notice:
   

330 Madison Avenue

11 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attention: GI Legal – J. Carroll

Email: justin.carroll@guggenheimpartners.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  NZC GUGGENHEIM FUND LIMITED
   
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
  Address for Notice:
   

330 Madison Avenue

11 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attention: GI Legal – J. Carroll

Email: justin.carroll@guggenheimpartners.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  MAVERICK ENTERPRISES, INC.
   
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
  Address for Notice:
   

330 Madison Avenue

11 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attention: GI Legal – J. Carroll

Email: justin.carroll@guggenheimpartners.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  GUGGENHEIM PRIVATE DEBT MASTER FUND, LLC
   
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact
     
  Address for Notice:
   

330 Madison Avenue

11 th Floor

New York, New York 10017

Attention: GI Legal – J. Carroll

Email: justin.carroll@guggenheimpartners.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  GCM GROVESNOR SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND, LTD.
   
   

By: GCM Fiduciary Services, LLC,

its Director

  By: /s/ Linda P. Mui
    Name: Linda P. Mui
    Title: Authorized Signatory
     
  Address for Notice:
   

900 North Michigan Avenue

Suite 1100

Chicago, Illinois 60611

Attention: Legal and Implementation

Email: legal@gcmlp.com; emm@gcmlp.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  VERITION MULTI-STRATEGY MASTER FUND LTD.
   
  By: /s/ William Anderson
    Name: William Anderson
    Title: Authorized Signatory
     
  Address for Notice:
   

One American Lane

Greenwich, Connecticut 06831

Attention: William Anderson

Email: wanderson@veritionfund.com; middleoffice@veritionfund.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  SOUTHPAW CREDIT OPPORTUNITY FUND (FTE) LTD.
   
   

By: Southpaw Asset Management LP,

its investment advisor

  By: /s/ Kevin Wyman
    Name: Kevin Wyman
   

Title: Managing Member of General Partner,

Southpaw Holdings LLC

     
  Address for Notice:
   

Southpaw Credit Opportunity Fund (FTE) Ltd.

c/o Southpaw Asset Management LP

2 Greenwich Office Park

1 st Floor West

Greenwich, Connecticut 06831

Attention: Michael Andersen

Email: mandersen@southpawasset.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  SOUTHPAW CREDIT OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS LP
   
  By: /s/ Kevin Wyman
    Name: Kevin Wyman
   

Title: Managing Member of General Partner,

Southpaw GP LLC

     
  Address for Notice:
   

Southpaw Credit Opportunity Partners LP

c/o Southpaw Asset Management LP

2 Greenwich Office Park

1 st Floor West

Greenwich, Connecticut 06831

Attention: Michael Andersen

Email: mandersen@southpawasset.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ORB INVESTMENTS NO. 2, LLC
   
  By: /s/ Joel N. Broussard
    Name: Joel N. Broussard
    Title: Member
     
  Address for Notice:
   

P.O. Box 309

4535 Hwy 308

Raceland, Louisiana 70394

Attention: Joel N. Broussard

Email: joelb@uswellservices.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ORB INVESTMENTS, LLC
   
  By: /s/ Joel N. Broussard
    Name: Joel N. Broussard
    Title: Member
     
  Address for Notice:
   

P.O. Box 309

4535 Hwy 308

Raceland, Louisiana 70394

Attention: Joel N. Broussard

Email: joelb@uswellservices.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  USWS MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC
   
  By: /s/ Matthew J. Bernard
    Name: Matthew J. Bernard
    Title: Member
     
  Address for Notice:
   

770 S. Post Oak Lane

Suite 405

Houston, Texas 77056

Attention: Matthew J. Bernard

Email: mbernard@uswellservices.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

    /s/ Brian Stewart
    Brian Stewart
     
  Address for Notice:
   

5407 Regal Landing Drive

Kingwood, Texas 77345

Email: brstewart55@gmail.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  PNNT INVESTMENT HOLDINGS, LLC
   
  By: /s/ Arthur Penn
    Name: Arthur Penn
    Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  Address for Notice:
   

PNNT Investment Holdings, LLC

590 Madison Avenue

15 th Floor

New York, New York 10022

Attention: PennantPark Investment Administration

Email: admin_ops@pennantpark.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  PENNANTPARK CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND II, LP
   
  By: /s/ Arthur Penn
    Name: Arthur Penn
    Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  Address for Notice:
   

PNNT Investment Holdings, LLC

590 Madison Avenue

15 th Floor

New York, New York 10022

Attention: PennantPark Investment Administration

Email: admin_ops@pennantpark.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  CAPITALSOUTH PARTNERS FUND II, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
   
  By: /s/ John F. McGlinn
    Name: John F. McGlinn
    Title: Chief Operating Officer and Director
     
  Address for Notice:
   

CapitalSouth Partners Fund II, Limited Partnership

4201 Congress Street

Suite 360

Charlotte, North Carolina 28209

Attention: Randall Fontes

Email: rfontes@capitalagroup.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  CAPITALSOUTH PARTNERS SBIC FUND III, L.P.
   
  By: /s/ John F. McGlinn
    Name: John F. McGlinn
    Title: Chief Operating Officer and Director
     
  Address for Notice:
   

CapitalSouth Partners SBIC Fund III, L.P.

4201 Congress Street

Suite 360

Charlotte, North Carolina 28209

Attention: Randall Fontes

Email: rfontes@capitalagroup.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  PENNANTPARK SBIC LP
   
  By: /s/ Arthur Penn
    Name: Arthur Penn
    Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  Address for Notice:
   

PennantPark SBIC LP

590 Madison Avenue

15 th Floor

New York, New York 10022

Attention: Michael Appelbaum

Email: appelbaum@pennantpark.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  SOUTHPAW CREDIT OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND LP
   
  By: /s/ Kevin Wyman
    Name: Kevin Wyman
   

Title: Managing Member of General Partner,

Southpaw GP LLC

     
  Address for Notice:
   

Southpaw Credit Opportunity Master Fund LP

c/o Southpaw GP LLC

2 Greenwich Office Park

1 st Floor

Greenwich, Connecticut 06831

Attention: Ceki Aluf Medina

Email: cam@southpawassetmanagement.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  CM FINANCE SPV, LTD
   
  By: /s/ Rocco DelGuercio
    Name: Rocco DelGuercio
    Title: Chief Financial Officer
     
  Address for Notice:
   

CM Finance SPV, Ltd

601 Lexington Ave

26 th Floor

New York, New York 10022

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  PIPER JAFFRAY & CO.
   
  By: /s/ Andrew Schroeder
    Name: Andrew Schroeder
    Title: Managing Director
     
  Address for Notice:
   

Piper Jaffray & Co.

800 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

Attention: James Martin

Email: james.m.martin@pjc.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  BLACKROCK CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORPORATION
   
  By: /s/ Laurence Paredes
    Name: Laurence Paredes
    Title: General Counsel
     
  Address for Notice:
   

BlackRock Capital Investment Corporation

c/o BlackRock Capital Investment Corporation

40 East 52 nd Street

New York, New York 10022

Attention: Marshall Merriman

Email: marshall.merriman@blackrock.com

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement]

 

 

 

 

eXHIBIT a

 

ADOPTION AGREEMENT

 

This Adoption Agreement (“ Adoption Agreement ”) is executed by the undersigned transferee (“ Transferee ”) pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2018, between U.S. Well Services, Inc. (formerly Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation) (the “ Company ”) and the Holders party thereto (as amended from time to time, the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined in this Adoption Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

By the execution of this Adoption Agreement, Transferee agrees as follows:

 

1.           Acknowledgement . Transferee acknowledges that Transferee is acquiring the securities indicated under Transferee’s signature below (the “ Acquired Securities ”) subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

2.           Agreement . Transferee (a) agrees that the Acquired Securities shall be bound by and subject to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, pursuant to the terms thereof, and (b) hereby adopts the Registration Rights Agreement with the same force and effect as Transferee were originally a party thereto.

 

3.            Joinder . The spouse of Transferee, if applicable, executes this Adoption Agreement to acknowledge its fairness and that it is in such spouse’s best interest, and to bind such spouse’s community interest, if any, in the Acquired Securities to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

  Signature :
   
   
  Address for Notice:

     
     
     
  Attention:    
  Email:    

 

 

Acquired Securities:

   
  Type (check applicable box):   Number:
  ¨ Sponsor Class A Shares    
  ¨ Sponsor Private Placement Warrants    
  ¨ Shares of Class A Common Stock issued on exercise of Sponsor Private Placement Warrants    
  ¨ Blocker Merger Class A Shares    
  ¨ Company Merger Units and Company Merger Class B Shares    
  ¨ Exchange Class A Shares    
  ¨ Crestview Class A Shares    
  ¨ Crestview Private Placement Warrants    
  ¨ Shares of Class A Common Stock issued on exercise of Crestview Private Placement Warrants    
  ¨ CEO Bonus Class A Shares    
  ¨ Lender Class A Shares    
  ¨ Piper Class A Shares    

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

 

OF

 

USWS HOLDINGS LLC

 

DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 9, 2018

 

THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS IN USWS HOLDINGS LLC HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS, AND ARE BEING SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT; AND (III) ANY OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS AGREED TO IN WRITING BETWEEN THE MANAGER AND THE APPLICABLE MEMBER. SUCH INTERESTS ALSO MAY BE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER PURSUANT TO AN AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 9, 2018 BY AND AMONG U.S. WELL SERVICES, INC. AND THE HOLDERS PARTY THERETO. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS AND OTHER TRANSFEREES OF SUCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article I DEFINITIONS 3
Section 1.1. Definitions 3
Section 1.2. Interpretive Provisions 15
     
Article II ORGANIZATION OF THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 15
Section 2.1. Formation 15
Section 2.2. Filings 15
Section 2.3. Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement 16
Section 2.4. Name 16
Section 2.5. Registered Office; Registered Agent 16
Section 2.6. Principal Place of Business 16
Section 2.7. Purpose; Powers 16
Section 2.8. Term 16
Section 2.9. Intent 16
     
Article III MEmbers; units; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS 17
Section 3.1. Members 17
Section 3.2. Authorized Units; General Provisions With Respect to Units 17
Section 3.3. Voting Rights 18
Section 3.4. Transactions at Effective Time; Warrants; Capital Contributions 18
Section 3.5. Issuance of Additional Units or Interests; Exchanges and Repurchases; Recapitalizations 19
Section 3.6. Other Matters 21
Section 3.7. Exchange Right of Members 21
     
Article IV capital accounts; ALLOCATIONS OF PROFITS AND LOSSES 28
Section 4.1. Capital Accounts 28
Section 4.2. Profits and Losses 28
Section 4.3. Special Allocations 29
Section 4.4. Allocations for Tax Purposes in General 31
Section 4.5. Other Allocation Rules 31
     
Article V DISTRIBUTIONS 32
Section 5.1. Distributions 32
Section 5.2. Tax Distributions 33
Section 5.3. Distribution Upon Withdrawal 34
     
Article VI MANAGEMENT 34
Section 6.1. The Manager; Fiduciary Duties 34
Section 6.2. Officers 34
Section 6.3. Warranted Reliance by Officers on Others 35
Section 6.4. Indemnification 36
Section 6.5. Maintenance of Insurance or Other Financial Arrangements 36

 

  -i-  

 

 

Section 6.6. Election of Manager 37
Section 6.7 Resignation or Removal of Manager; Vacancy 37
Section 6.8. No Inconsistent Obligations 37
Section 6.9. Compensation; Certain Costs and Expenses 37
     
Article VII ROLE OF MEMBERS 38
Section 7.1. Rights or Powers 38
Section 7.2. Voting 38
Section 7.3. Various Capacities 39
Section 7.4. Withdrawal of PubCo 39
Section 7.5. Reclassification Events of PubCo 39
     
Article VIII TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS 40
Section 8.1. Restrictions on Transfer 40
Section 8.2. Notice of Transfer 40
Section 8.3. Transferee Members 41
Section 8.4. Legend 41
     
Article IX ACCOUNTING 41
Section 9.1. Books of Account 41
Section 9.2. Tax Elections 42
Section 9.3. Tax Returns 42
Section 9.4. Partnership Representative 42
Section 9.5. Withholding Tax Payments and Obligations 43
     
Article X DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION 44
Section 10.1. Liquidating Events 44
Section 10.2. Bankruptcy 45
Section 10.3. Procedure 45
Section 10.4. Rights of Members 46
Section 10.5. Notices of Dissolution 46
Section 10.6. Reasonable Time for Winding Up 46
Section 10.7. No Deficit Restoration 46
Section 10.8. Distributions In Kind 46
     
Article XI GENERAL 47
Section 11.1. Amendments; Waivers 47
Section 11.2. Further Assurances 48
Section 11.3. Successors and Assigns 48
Section 11.4. Entire Agreement 48
Section 11.5. Rights of Members Independent 48
Section 11.6. Governing Law 48
Section 11.7. Jurisdiction and Venue 48
Section 11.8. Headings 49
Section 11.9. Counterparts 49
Section 11.10. Notices 49
Section 11.11. Representation By Counsel; Interpretation 49
Section 11.12. Severability 49
Section 11.13. Expenses 50
Section 11.14. No Third-Party Beneficiaries 50

 

  -ii-  

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

 

OF

 

USWS HOLDINGS LLC

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT (as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, this “ Agreement ”) of USWS Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Company ”), is made and entered into as of November 9, 2018, by and among the Company, U.S. Well Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation (“ PubCo ”), in its capacity as the initial Manager, and each Person who is or at any time becomes a Member in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Act. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the respective meanings set forth in Section 1.1 .

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company was formed under the laws of the State of Delaware upon the filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of a certificate of formation (as amended from time to time, the “ Certificate of Formation ”) on December 29, 2016;

 

WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Time, the operation and management of the Company is governed by the Limited Liability Company Agreement of USWS Holdings LLC dated as of February 2, 2017, as amended by the Amendment to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of USWS Holdings LLC dated as of July 13, 2018 (as so amended, the “ Existing LLC Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, PubCo, MPAC Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of PubCo (“ Merger Sub ”), the Company, the Blocker Companies and, solely for purposes described therein, the Seller Representative, entered into that certain Merger and Contribution Agreement dated as of July 13, 2018 (as amended prior to the Effective Time, the “ Merger and Contribution Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger and Contribution Agreement and in connection with the Closing (as defined in the Merger and Contribution Agreement), on the date of this Agreement:

 

(a)          each of the Blocker Companies was merged with and into PubCo pursuant to the Blocker Merger, and, at the Blocker Merger Effective Time: (i) the separate existence of each of the Blocker Companies ceased; (ii) PubCo continued as the surviving corporation of the Blocker Merger; (iii) PubCo became the owner of the Old Units owned by each of the Blocker Companies immediately prior to the Blocker Merger Effective Time (such Old Units, the “ PubCo Acquired Old Units ”); and (iv) the Equity Securities of the Blocker Companies issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Blocker Merger Effective Time were converted into the right to receive, and PubCo issued to the owners of such Equity Interests, an aggregate of 13,532,331 shares of Class A Stock;

 

  - 1 -  

 

 

(b)          immediately following the Blocker Merger Effective Time, PubCo contributed to Merger Sub, as a capital contribution in respect of the limited liability company interests in Merger Sub held by PubCo (the “ Merger Sub Interests ”): (i) cash in the amount of $245,696,148.32; (ii) 14,546,755 shares of Class B Stock; and (iii) 1,824,336 shares of Class A Stock (collectively, the “ PubCo Contribution ”);

 

(c)          immediately following the PubCo Contribution, Merger Sub was merged with and into the Company pursuant to the Company Merger, and, at the Company Merger Effective Time: (i) the separate existence of Merger Sub ceased; (ii) the Company continued as the surviving limited liability company of the Company Merger; (iii) the Merger Sub Interests were converted into the right to receive, and the Company issued to PubCo, (A) 36,547,345 Common Units and (B) the Warrants; (iv) the PubCo Acquired Old Units were converted into an aggregate of 13,532,331 Common Units; (v) the Old Units issued and outstanding and held by the Continuing Members immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time (the “ Continuing Member Old Units ”) were converted into, in the aggregate, (A) 14,546,755 Common Units and (B) the right to receive from the Company the shares of Class B Stock contributed to Merger Sub by PubCo in the PubCo Contribution; and (vi) all Old Units issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, other than the PubCo Acquired Old Units and the Continuing Member Old Units, were canceled without conversion into Units or payment of any other consideration therefor; and

 

(d)          immediately following the Company Merger Effective Time: (i) the Company delivered to the Continuing Members the shares of Class B Stock contributed to Merger Sub by PubCo in the PubCo Contribution; and (ii) the Company delivered the shares of Class A Stock contributed to Merger Sub by PubCo in the PubCo Contribution to certain Persons in satisfaction of certain obligations owed by the Company or its Subsidiaries to such Persons.

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger and Contribution Agreement, the Existing LLC Agreement shall be amended and restated to be in the form of this Agreement effective as of the Company Merger Effective Time, and, accordingly, this Agreement amends, restates and supersedes the Existing LLC Agreement in its entirety as of the Effective Time.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows, effective as of the Effective Time:

 

  - 2 -  

 

 

Article I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1.           Definitions .  As used in this Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits attached to this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

 

A&R Registration Rights Agreement ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Act ” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. § 18-101, et seq., as amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding law).

 

Action ” means any claim, action, suit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Entity.

 

Adjusted Capital Account Deficit ” means, with respect to any Member, the deficit balance, if any, in such Member’s Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year, with the following adjustments:

 

(a)          credit to such Capital Account any amount that such Member is obligated to restore under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c), as well as any addition thereto pursuant to the next to last sentences of the Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) after taking into account thereunder any changes during such Fiscal Year in Company Minimum Gain and in the minimum gain attributable to any Member Nonrecourse Debt; and

 

(b)          debit to such Capital Account the items described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6).

 

This definition of Adjusted Capital Account Deficit is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. For these purposes, “control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; provided that, for purposes of this Agreement, (i) no Member shall be deemed an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed an Affiliate of any Member.

 

Agreement ” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

  - 3 -  

 

 

Assumed Tax Liability ” means, with respect to any Member as of any Tax Distribution Date, an amount equal to the federal, state and local income taxes (including any applicable estimated taxes) that the Partnership Representative reasonably estimates in good faith would be due from such Member for all taxable periods (or portions thereof) of the Company ending on such Tax Distribution Date, (i) assuming such Member were an individual who earned solely the items of income, gain, deduction, loss, and/or credit allocated to such Member pursuant to Article IV for such taxable periods (or portions thereof), (ii) after taking proper account of loss carryforwards available to individual taxpayers resulting from losses allocated to the Members by the Company, to the extent not taken into account in prior taxable periods, and (iii) assuming that such Member is subject to tax at the Assumed Tax Rate. For purposes of determining the Assumed Tax Liability of any Member, (x) adjustments by reason of Section 734(b) of the Code shall be taken into account, (y) adjustments by reason of Section 743(b) of the Code shall be taken into account and (z) any items allocated to the Members pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder shall not be taken into account.

 

Assumed Tax Rate ” means, for any taxable period, the highest marginal effective rate of federal, state and local income tax applicable to an individual resident in New York City (or, if higher, a corporation doing business in New York City) for such taxable period, determined by applying the rates applicable to ordinary income (in cases where taxes are being determined on ordinary income allocated to a Member) and capital gains (in cases where taxes are being determined on capital gains allocated to a Member), and by assuming that state and local income taxes are not deductible in computing a Member’s liability for federal income tax.

 

beneficially own ” and “ beneficial owner ” shall be as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the rules promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

Black-Out Period ” means any “black-out” or similar period under PubCo’s policies covering trading in PubCo’s securities to which the applicable Exchanging Member is subject, which period restricts the ability of such Exchanging Member to immediately resell shares of Class A Common Stock to be delivered to such Exchanging Member in connection with an Exchange Notice.

 

Blocker Company ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Blocker Merger ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Blocker Merger Effective Time ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by Law to be closed in Houston, Texas.

 

Call Election Notice ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(k) .

 

Capital Account ” means, with respect to any Member, the Capital Account maintained for such Member in accordance with Section 4.1 .

 

  - 4 -  

 

 

Capital Contributions ” means, with respect to any Member, the amount of cash and the initial Gross Asset Value of any property (other than cash) contributed to the Company by such Member. Any reference to the Capital Contributions of a Member will include the Capital Contributions made by a predecessor holder of such Member’s Units to the extent the Capital Contribution was made in respect of Units Transferred to such Member.

 

Cash Election ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(d) .

 

Cash Election Amount ” means, with respect to a particular Exchange, an amount of cash equal to the value of the shares of Class A Stock that would be received in such Exchange as of the date of receipt by the Company of the Exchange Notice with respect to such Exchange pursuant to Section 3.7 (the “ Valuation Date ”), decreased by any distributions received by the Exchanging Member with respect to the Common Units that are the subject of the Exchange following the date of receipt by the Company of the Exchange Notice where the record date for such distribution was after the date of receipt of such Exchange Notice. For this purpose, the value of a share of Class A Stock shall equal (i) the volume weighted average price of a share of Class A Stock for the ten trading days ending on the trading day prior to the Valuation Date or (ii) the Fair Market Value of such shares as of the Valuation Date.

 

Cash Election Notice ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(d) .

 

Certificate of Formation ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Change of Control Exchange Date ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(d) .

 

Class A Stock ” means, as applicable, (i) the Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of PubCo or (ii) following any consolidation, merger, reclassification or other similar event involving PubCo, any shares or other securities of PubCo or any other Person or cash or other property that becomes payable in consideration for the Class A Stock or into which the Class A Stock is exchanged or converted as a result of such consolidation, merger, reclassification or other similar event.

 

Class B Stock ” means, as applicable, (i) the Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of PubCo or (ii) following any consolidation, merger, reclassification or other similar event involving PubCo, any shares or other securities of PubCo or any other Person or cash or other property that becomes payable in consideration for the Class B Stock or into which the Class B Stock is exchanged or converted as a result of such consolidation, merger, reclassification or other similar event.

 

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding law).

 

Commission ” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Common Unit ” means a Unit having the rights and obligations specified with respect to the Common Units in this Agreement.

 

Company ” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

  - 5 -  

 

 

Company Indemnitees ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 6.4.

 

Company Merger ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Company Merger Effective Time ” has the meaning given to such term in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

Company Minimum Gain ” has the meaning of “partnership minimum gain” set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d). It is further understood that Company Minimum Gain shall be determined in a manner consistent with the rules of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(2), including the requirement that if the adjusted Gross Asset Value of property subject to one or more Nonrecourse Liabilities differs from its adjusted tax basis, Company Minimum Gain shall be determined with reference to such Gross Asset Value.

 

Continuing Member ” means each Member, other than PubCo, party to this Agreement at the Effective Time.

 

Continuing Member Old Units ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Contract ” means any written agreement, contract, lease, sublease, license, sublicense, obligation, promise or undertaking.

 

control ” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee, personal representative or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee, personal representative or executor, by Contract, credit arrangement or otherwise.

 

Credit Agreement ” means the Credit Agreement (as defined in the Merger and Contribution Agreement), as amended on or before the date hereof and as it thereafter may be amended, restated, modified, supplemented, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time.

 

Depreciation ” means, for each Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction allowable with respect to an asset for such Fiscal Year, except that with respect to any property the Gross Asset Value of which differs from its adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes at the beginning of such Fiscal Year, Depreciation shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such beginning Gross Asset Value as the federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction for such Fiscal Year bears to such beginning adjusted basis; provided, however , that if the adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes of an asset at the beginning of such Fiscal Year is zero, Depreciation with respect to such asset shall be determined with reference to such beginning Gross Asset Value using any reasonable method selected by the Partnership Representative.

 

Direct Exchange Right ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(j) .

 

  - 6 -  

 

 

DGCL ” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding law).

 

Effective Time ” means the Company Merger Effective Time.

 

Effective Time Capital Account Balance ” means, with respect to any Member, the positive Capital Account balance of such Member as of the Effective Time, the amount or deemed value of which is set forth on Exhibit A .

 

Effective Time Transactions ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.4(a) .

 

Eligible PubCo Offer Securities ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(l)) .

 

Equity Plan ” means any stock or equity purchase plan, restricted stock or equity plan or other similar equity compensation plan now or hereafter adopted by PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

Equity Securities ” means (a) with respect to a partnership, limited liability company or similar Person, any and all units, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options or other equivalents of, or other ownership interests in, any such Person as well as debt or equity instruments convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into any such units, interests, rights or other ownership interests and (b) with respect to a corporation, any and all shares, interests, participation or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock, including all common stock and preferred stock, or warrants, options or other rights to acquire any of the foregoing, including any debt instrument convertible or exchangeable into any of the foregoing.

 

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Exchange ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(a) .

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding law).

 

Exchange Date ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(f) .

 

Exchange Notice ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(c) .

 

Exchange Right ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(a) .

 

Exchanging Member ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(c) .

 

Existing LLC Agreement ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

  - 7 -  

 

 

Fair Market Value ” means the fair market value of any property based on the amount the Company would receive in an all cash sale of such property in an arm’s-length transaction with an unaffiliated third party, with neither party having compulsion to buy or sell, consummated on the day immediately preceding the date on which the event occurred which necessitated the determination of Fair Market Value, as such amount is determined by the Manager (or if pursuant to Article X, the Winding-Up Person) in its good faith judgment using information and data it deems to be pertinent.

 

Fiscal Year ” means the fiscal year of the Company, which shall end on December 31 of each calendar year unless, for federal income tax purposes, another taxable year is required. The Company shall have the same fiscal year for federal income tax purposes and for accounting purposes.

 

GAAP ” means generally acceptable accounting principles at the time.

 

Good Faith ” means a Person having acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to a criminal proceeding, having had no reasonable cause to believe such Person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

Governmental Entity ” means any federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local, foreign or other government, governmental, stock exchange, regulatory or administrative authority, agency or commission or any court, tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body.

 

Gross Asset Value ” means, with respect to any asset, the asset’s adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, except as follows:

 

(a)           the initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed by a Member to the Company shall be the gross Fair Market Value of such asset as of the date of such contribution;

 

(b)           the Gross Asset Values of all Company assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross Fair Market Values as of the following times: (i) the acquisition of an interest (or additional interest) in the Company by any new or existing Member in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution to the Company or in exchange for the performance of more than a de minimis amount of services to or for the benefit of the Company; (ii) the distribution by the Company to a Member of more than a de minimis amount of Company assets as consideration for an interest in the Company; (iii) the liquidation of the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)( g )(1); (iv) the acquisition of an interest in the Company by any new or existing Member upon the exercise of a noncompensatory option in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( s ); or (v) any other event to the extent determined by the Partnership Representative to be permitted and necessary to properly reflect Gross Asset Values in accordance with the standards set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( q ); provided, however , that adjustments pursuant to clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) above shall be made only if the Partnership Representative reasonably determines that such adjustments are necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Members in the Company. If any noncompensatory options are outstanding upon the occurrence of an event described in this paragraph (b)(i) through (b)(v), the Company shall adjust the Gross Asset Values of its properties in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( f )(1) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( h )(2);

 

  - 8 -  

 

 

(c)           the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset distributed to any Member shall be adjusted to equal the gross Fair Market Value of such asset on the date of such distribution;

 

(d)           the Gross Asset Values of Company assets shall be increased (or decreased) to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted basis of such assets pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b), but only to the extent that such adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Accounts pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( m ) and subsection (f)  in the definition of “Profits” or “Losses” below or Section 4.3(g) ; provided , however , that the Gross Asset Value of a Company asset shall not be adjusted pursuant to this subsection to the extent the Partnership Representative determines that an adjustment pursuant to subsection (b)  of this definition is necessary or appropriate in connection with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to this subsection (d) ; and

 

(e)           if the Gross Asset Value of a Company asset has been determined or adjusted pursuant to subsections (a) , (b)  or (d)  of this definition of Gross Asset Value, such Gross Asset Value shall thereafter be adjusted by the Depreciation taken into account with respect to such asset for purposes of computing Profits, Losses and other items allocated pursuant to Article IV .

 

Imputed Underpayment Amount ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 9.5(b) .

 

Indebtedness ” means (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money (including capitalized lease obligations, sale-leaseback transactions or other similar transactions, however evidenced), (b) any other indebtedness that is evidenced by a note, bond, debenture, draft or similar instrument, (c) notes payable and (d) lines of credit and any other agreements relating to the borrowing of money or extension of credit.

 

Interest ” means the entire interest of a Member in the Company, including the Units and all of such Member’s rights, powers and privileges under this Agreement and the Act.

 

Joinder ” means a joinder to this Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B to this Agreement.

 

Law ” means any federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code or order of any Governmental Entity.

 

Legal Action ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 11.7 .

 

Liability ” means any liability or obligation, whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated and whether due or to become due, regardless of when asserted.

 

Liquidating Events ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 10.1 .

 

Loss ” means any and all losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses, interest, awards, judgments and penalties (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, but excluding any allocation of corporate overhead, internal legal department costs and other internal costs and expenses).

 

  - 9 -  

 

 

Majority Members ” means the members (which may include PubCo) holding not less than a majority of the Units then outstanding; provided , that if as of any date of determination, a majority of the Units are held by PubCo or any Affiliate controlled by PubCo, then “Majority Members” shall mean PubCo together with the Members holding at least a majority of the Units (excluding Units held by PubCo or its controlled Affiliates) then outstanding.

 

Manager ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 6.1(a) .

 

Material Subsidiary ” means any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company that, as of the date of determination, represents more than (a) 50% of the consolidated tangible net assets of the Company or (b) 50% of the consolidated net income of the Company, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (calculated in a manner substantially consistent with the similar definition under the Credit Agreement).

 

Member ” means any Person that executes this Agreement as a Member, and any other Person admitted to the Company as an additional or substituted Member, that has not made a disposition of such Person’s entire Interest.

 

Member Minimum Gain ” has the meaning ascribed to “partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain” set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i).

 

Member Nonrecourse Debt ” has the meaning of “partner nonrecourse debt” set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4).

 

Member Nonrecourse Deductions ” has the meaning of “partner nonrecourse deductions” set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(i)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(2).

 

Merger and Contribution Agreement ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Merger Sub ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Merger Sub Interests ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

National Securities Exchange ” means an exchange registered with the Commission under the Exchange Act.

 

Nonrecourse Deductions ” has the meaning given to such term in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b).

 

Nonrecourse Liability ” has the meaning given to such term in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(3).

 

Officer ” means each Person designated as an officer of the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.2 , subject to any resolution of the Manager appointing such Person as an officer or relating to such appointment.

 

  - 10 -  

 

 

Old Units ” means Units, as such term is defined in the Existing LLC Agreement.

 

Partnership Representative ” means the “partnership representative” as defined in Code Section 6223(a) and as appointed in Section 9.4 .

 

Permitted Transferee ” means, with respect to any Member, (a) any Affiliate of such Member; (b) any successor entity of such Member; (c) by any Continuing Member to the holders of equity interests in such Continuing Member in connection with the dissolution of such Continuing Member; (d) a trust established by or for the benefit of a Member of which only such Member and his or her immediate family members are beneficiaries; (e) any Person established for the benefit of, and beneficially owned solely by, an entity Member or the sole individual direct or indirect owner of an entity Member; and (f) upon an individual Member’s death, an executor, administrator or beneficiary of the estate of the deceased Member.

 

Person ” means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, as well as any syndicate or group that would be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

 

Plan Asset Regulations ” means the regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor at Section 2510.3-101 of Part 2510 of Chapter XXV, Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulations as the same may be amended from time to time.

 

President and Chief Executive Officer ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 6.2(b) .

 

Prime Rate ” means, on any date of determination, a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest most recently published by The Wall Street Journal as the “prime rate” at large U.S. money center banks.

 

Proceeding ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 6.4 .

 

Profits ” or “ Losses ” means, for each Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the Company’s taxable income or loss for such Fiscal Year, determined in accordance with Code Section 703(a) (for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to Code Section 703(a)(1) shall be included in taxable income or loss), with the following adjustments (without duplication):

 

(f)            any income or gain of the Company that is exempt from federal income tax and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses shall be added to such taxable income or loss;

 

(g)           any expenditures of the Company described in Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) or treated as Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( i ), and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses, shall be subtracted from such taxable income or loss;

 

  - 11 -  

 

 

(h)           in the event the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to subsection (b)  or (c)  or the definition of Gross Asset Value above, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the Gross Asset Value of the Company asset) or an item of loss (if the adjustment decreases the Gross Asset Value of the Company asset) from the disposition of such asset and shall, except to the extent allocated pursuant to Section 4.3 , be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses;

 

(i)            gain or loss resulting from any disposition of Company assets with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes shall be computed with reference to the Gross Asset Value of the asset disposed of, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of such asset differs from its Gross Asset Value;

 

(j)            in lieu of the depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation;

 

(k)           to the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( m )(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Account balances as a result of a distribution other than in liquidation of a Member’s interest in the Company, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or an item of loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) from the disposition of such asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses; and

 

(l)            any items of income, gain, loss or deduction which are specifically allocated pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.3 shall not be taken into account in computing Profits or Losses for such Fiscal Year, but such items available to be specially allocated pursuant to Section 4.3 will be determined by applying rules analogous to those set forth in subparagraphs (a)  through (f)  above.

 

Property ” means all real and personal property owned by the Company from time to time, including both tangible and intangible property.

 

PubCo ” has the meaning given to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

PubCo Acquired Old Units ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

PubCo Change in Control ” shall be deemed to have occurred if or upon:

 

(m)          both the stockholders of PubCo and the board of directors of PubCo approve, in accordance with PubCo’s certificate of incorporation and applicable Law, the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of PubCo’s assets (determined on a consolidated basis), including the Equity Interests in the Company, to any Person or group (as such term is defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than to any directly or indirectly wholly owned Subsidiary of PubCo, and such sale, lease or transfer is consummated;

 

  - 12 -  

 

 

(n)          both the stockholders of PubCo and the board of directors of PubCo approve, in accordance with PubCo’s certificate of incorporation and applicable Law, a merger or consolidation of PubCo with any other Person, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting Equity Securities of PubCo outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting Equity Securities of the surviving entity) in excess of 50% of the total voting power represented by the voting Equity Securities of PubCo or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, and such merger or consolidation is consummated; or

 

(o)          the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any Person or group (as such term is defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) (other than (a) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of PubCo, or (b) a corporation or other entity owned, directly or indirectly, by all of the stockholders of PubCo in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of PubCo) of beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) in excess of 50% of the aggregate voting power of the voting Equity Securities of PubCo; provided , that the board of directors of PubCo recommends or otherwise approves or determines that such acquisition is in the best interest of PubCo and its stockholders.

 

PubCo Common Stock ” means all classes and series of common stock of PubCo, including the Class A Stock and the Class B Stock.

 

PubCo Contribution ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

PubCo Offer ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(l)) .

 

PubCo Warrants ” means the Warrants, as such term is defined in the PubCo Warrant Agreement.

 

PubCo Warrant Agreement ” means the Warrant Agreement dated as of March 9, 2017 by and between PubCo and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent.

 

PubCo Warrant Price ” means the Warrant Price, as such term in defined in the PubCo Warrant Agreement.

 

Reclassification Event ” means any of the following: (i) any reclassification or recapitalization of PubCo Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination or any transaction subject to Section 3.5(d) ), (ii) any merger, consolidation or other combination involving PubCo, or (iii) any sale, conveyance, lease, or other disposal of all or substantially all the properties and assets of PubCo to any other Person, in each of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii), as a result of which holders of PubCo Common Stock shall be entitled to receive cash, securities or other property for their shares of PubCo Common Stock.

 

Regulatory Allocations ” is defined in Section 4.3(h) .

 

Retraction Notice ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(d) .

 

Revocation Notice ” is defined in Section 3.7(k) .

 

  - 13 -  

 

 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time (or any corresponding provisions of succeeding law).

 

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person with respect to which such specified Person (a) has, directly or indirectly, the power, through the ownership of securities or otherwise, to elect a majority of directors or similar managing body or (b) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, a majority of such Person’s Equity Securities.

 

Tax Advance ” is defined in Section 5.2(b) .

 

Tax Advance Eligible Member ” means any Member (other than PubCo) that the Partnership Representative reasonably determines is not subject to Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Tax Distribution Date ” means any date that is two Business Days prior to the date on which estimated federal income tax payments are required to be made by calendar year corporate taxpayers and the due date for federal income tax returns of corporate calendar year taxpayers (without regard to extensions).

 

Transfer ” means, as a noun, any voluntary or involuntary, direct or indirect (whether through a change of control of the Transferor or any Person that controls the Transferor, the issuance or transfer of Equity Securities of the Transferor, by operation of Law or otherwise), transfer, sale, pledge or hypothecation or other disposition and, as a verb, voluntarily or involuntarily, directly or indirectly (whether through a change of control of the Transferor or any Person that controls the Transferor, the issuance or transfer of Equity Securities of the Transferor or any Person that controls the Transferor, by operation of Law or otherwise), to transfer, sell, pledge or hypothecate or otherwise dispose of. The terms “Transferee,” “Transferor,” “Transferred,” and other forms of the word “Transfer” shall have the correlative meanings.

 

Transfer Agent ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.7(c) .

 

Treasury Regulations ” means the regulations promulgated under the Code by the United States Department of the Treasury.

 

Underwritten Offering ” has the meaning given to such term in the A&R Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Unit ” means a unit representing a fractional part of the Interests of a Member and includes a Common Unit.

 

Unit Register ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.2(d) .

 

Valuation Date ” has the meaning given to such term in the definition of “Cash Election Amount.”

 

Warrant Exercise Price ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.4(b) .

 

  - 14 -  

 

 

Warrants ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.4(a) .

 

Winding-Up Person ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 10.3(a) .

 

Withholding Payment ” has the meaning given to such term in Section 9.5(b) .

 

Section 1.2.           Interpretive Provisions . For all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a)          the terms defined in Section 1.1 have the meanings assigned to them in Section 1.1 and are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms;

 

(b)          all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned under GAAP;

 

(c)          all references to currency, monetary values and dollars set forth herein shall mean United States (U.S.) dollars and all payments hereunder shall be made in United States dollars;

 

(d)          when a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, Section, Exhibit or Schedule, such reference is to an Article or Section of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated;

 

(e)          whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;

 

(f)          “or” is not exclusive;

 

(g)          pronouns of either gender or neuter shall include, as appropriate, the other pronoun forms; and

 

(h)          the words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.

 

Article II

ORGANIZATION OF THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

 

Section 2.1.            Formation . The Company has been formed as a limited liability company pursuant to the provisions of the Act by the filing of the Certificate of Formation in accordance with the Act.

 

Section 2.2.           Filings . The Members shall execute such further documents (including amendments to the Certificate of Formation) and take such further action as is appropriate to comply with the requirements of Law for the formation or operation of a limited liability company in Delaware and in all states and other jurisdictions where the Company may conduct its business.

 

  - 15 -  

 

 

Section 2.3.           Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement . The Company, the Manager and the Members hereby execute this Agreement for the purpose of continuing the affairs of the Company and the conduct of its business in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Company, the Manager and the Members hereby agree that during the term of the Company set forth in Section 2.8 , the rights and obligations of the Members and the Manager with respect to the Company will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Act. On any matter on which this Agreement is silent, the Act shall control. No provision of this Agreement shall be in violation of the Act and, to the extent any provision of this Agreement is in violation of the Act, such provision shall be void and of no effect to the extent of such violation without affecting the validity of the other provisions of this Agreement. Where the Act provides that a provision of the Act shall apply “unless otherwise provided in a limited liability company agreement” or words of similar effect, the provisions of this Agreement shall in each instance control. It is expressly agreed that this Agreement does not provide for contractual appraisal rights pursuant Section 18-210 of the Act.

 

Section 2.4.           Name . The name of the Company is “USWS Holdings LLC” and all business of the Company shall be conducted in such name or, in the discretion of the Manager, under any other name.

 

Section 2.5.           Registered Office; Registered Agent . The location of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is 850 New Burton Road, Suite 201, City of Dover, County of Kent, 19904. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is National Corporate Research, Ltd. The Manager may from time to time change the Company’s registered office and registered agent in the State of Delaware.

 

Section 2.6.           Principal Place of Business . The principal place of business of the Company shall be located in such place as is determined by the Manager from time to time.

 

Section 2.7.           Purpose; Powers . The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be formed under the Act. The Company shall have the power and authority to take any and all actions and engage in any and all activities necessary, appropriate, desirable, advisable, ancillary or incidental to the accomplishment of the foregoing purpose.

 

Section 2.8.           Term . The term of the Company commenced on the date of filing of the Certificate of Formation of the Company with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the Act and shall continue indefinitely. The Company may be dissolved and its affairs wound up only in accordance with Article X .

 

Section 2.9.           Intent . It is the intent of the Members that the Company be operated in a manner consistent with its treatment as a partnership for federal and applicable state income tax purposes. It is also the intent of the Members that the Company not be operated or treated as a partnership for purposes of Section 303 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code. None of the Company, the Manager or any Member shall take any action inconsistent with the express intent of the parties hereto as set forth in this Section 2.9 .

 

  - 16 -  

 

 

Article III

MEmbers; units; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

 

Section 3.1.           Members . The Continuing Members were previously admitted as Members in accordance with the terms of the Existing LLC Agreement. At the Effective Time, each Continuing Member shall remain a Member having the Interest represented by the Common Units into which the Continuing Member Old Units held by such Continuing Member were converted at the Company Merger Effective Time pursuant to the Company Merger. PubCo was admitted as a Member in accordance with the terms of the Existing LLC Agreement upon its acquisition of the PubCo Acquired Old Units at the Blocker Merger Effective Time. At the Effective Time, PubCo shall (a) remain a Member having the Interest represented by the Common Units into which the PubCo Acquired Old Units and the Merger Sub Interests were converted at the Company Merger Effective Time pursuant to the Company Merger and (b) become and be the initial Manager. At the Effective Time, each Person who was a Member in accordance with the terms of the Existing LLC Agreement and is not a Continuing Member or PubCo shall cease to be Member for all purposes of this Agreement and the Act. Exhibit A sets forth the Members and the number of Common Units held by each of them at the Effective Time.

 

Section 3.2.           Authorized Units; General Provisions With Respect to Units .

 

(a)          Interests in the Company shall be represented by Units, or such other Equity Securities of the Company, in each case as the Manager may establish in its discretion in accordance with the terms and subject to the restrictions hereof. At the Effective Time, the Common Units will constitute the sole class of authorized Units. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Company shall be authorized to issue from time to time such number of Units and such other Equity Securities as the Manager shall determine in accordance with Section 3.5 . Each authorized Unit may be issued pursuant to such agreements and in exchange for such Capital Contributions or other consideration as the Manager shall approve, including pursuant to options and warrants. The Company may reissue any Units that have been repurchased or acquired by the Company.

 

(b)           Each outstanding Common Unit shall be identical (except with respect to vesting and as otherwise provided in this Agreement).

 

(c)           Initially, none of the Units will be represented by certificates. If the Manager determines that it is in the interest of the Company to issue certificates representing the Units, certificates will be issued and the Units will be represented by those certificates, and this Agreement shall be amended as necessary or desirable to reflect the issuance of certificated Units for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code. Nothing contained in this Section 3.2(c) shall be deemed to authorize or permit any Member to Transfer its Units except as otherwise permitted under this Agreement.

 

  - 17 -  

 

 

(d)          The Company shall maintain as part of its books and records a register (the “ Unit Register ”) with respect to all Units issued by the Company. The Unit Register shall set forth the name of each Member and the number of Units held by each Member. All Transfers of Units validly made in accordance with Article VIII shall be recorded in the Unit Register. The names of the Members and the number of Units held by each Member as they appear in the Unit Register shall be the official record of the Members for all purposes. Absent manifest error in the Unit Register, the Company shall be entitled to rely exclusively on record ownership of Units as shown in the Unit Register for all purposes and shall be entitled to recognize the registered holder of Units as shown in the Unit Register as the holder of record of such Units and the Member with respect to the Interest represented thereby for all purposes; provided, however , that the Company shall treat the record owner of any certificate representing Units as the holder of the Units evidenced thereby unless and until such Units have been Transferred in accordance with this Agreement. At the Effective Time, Exhibit A shall constitute the Unit Register. From and after the Effective Time, subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.2(d) , the Company may maintain the Unit Register in such form as the Manager shall determine from time to time, and any changes in the information set forth in the Unit Register shall not require any amendment or other change to Exhibit A .

 

Section 3.3.           Voting Rights . No Member has any voting right except with respect to those matters specifically reserved for a Member vote under the Act and for matters expressly requiring the vote or approval of Members under this Agreement. Except as otherwise required by the Act, each Unit will entitle the holder thereof to one vote on all matters to be voted on by the Members. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the holders of Units having voting rights will vote together as a single class on all matters to be approved by the Members.

 

Section 3.4.           Transactions at Effective Time; Warrants; Capital Contributions .

 

(a)            Transactions at Effective Time . At the Effective Time and pursuant to the Company Merger: (i) the Continuing Member Old Units were converted into an aggregate of 14,546,755 Common Units, with the Continuing Member Old Units held by each Continuing Member being converted into the number of Common Units set forth for such Continuing Member on Exhibit A ; (ii) the Company delivered to each Continuing Member, out of the shares of Class B Stock contributed by PubCo to Merger Sub in the PubCo Contribution, a number of shares of Class B Stock equal to the number of Common Units into which such Continuing Member’s Continuing Member Old Units were converted pursuant to the Company Merger; (iii) the PubCo Acquired Old Units were converted into an aggregate of 13,532,331 Common Units; (iv) all Old Units issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time, other than the PubCo Acquired Old Units and the Continuing Member Old Units, were canceled without conversion into Units or payment of any other consideration therefor; and (v) the Merger Sub Interest were converted into, and the Company shall issue to PubCo, (A) 36,547,345 Common Units and (B) 48,000,000 warrants to acquire Company Units as described in Section 3.4(b) (the “ Warrants ”). The Company and the Members agree that each of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Effective Time Transactions ”) shall be deemed to occur at the Effective Time, and, at the Effective Time, (i) the Common Units set forth each Member on Exhibit A are hereby issued to such Member and (ii) the Warrants are hereby issued to PubCo.

 

  - 18 -  

 

 

(b)            Warrants . Each Warrant shall entitle PubCo to purchase one-half of one Common Unit for an exercise price of $5.75 per half Common Unit (subject to adjustment as described below, the “ Warrant Exercise Price ”). Warrants may only be exercised for a whole number of Units. Upon each exercise of PubCo Warrants, an identical number of Warrants shall automatically be exercised, and PubCo shall pay to the Company, as a Capital Contribution, the Warrant Exercise Price for such Warrants upon receipt by PubCo of the PubCo Warrant Price for the PubCo Warrants so exercised. Whenever the number of shares of Class A Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the PubCo Warrants or the PubCo Warrant Price is adjusted pursuant to the terms of the PubCo Warrant Agreement, a corresponding adjustment shall be made to the number of Common Units issuable upon exercise of the Warrants or the Warrant Exercise Price (or both), as applicable. For federal income tax purposes, the Company and the Members intend (i) to treat each Warrant as a “noncompensatory option” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.721-2(f) and 1.761-3(b)(2), and (ii) not to treat any Warrant as exercised and not to treat any Warrant as a partnership interest prior to the exercise of such Warrant pursuant to the PubCo Warrant Agreement in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.761-3(a).

 

(c)            Capital Contributions . At the Effective Time, after giving effect to the Effective Time Transactions, each Member as of the Effective Time shall be deemed to have made Capital Contributions equal to such Member’s Effective Time Capital Account Balance set forth on Exhibit A . Except for PubCo as provided in Section 3.5 and Section 3.7 , no Member shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions.

 

Section 3.5.            Issuance of Additional Units or Interests; Exchanges and Repurchases; Recapitalizations .

 

(a)           From and after the Effective Time to the extent required by Section 3.5(b) , the Manager may authorize and create, and cause the Company to issue, additional Units or other Equity Securities in the Company (including creating preferred interests or other classes or series of securities having such rights, preferences and privileges as determined by the Manager) solely to the extent they are in the aggregate substantially equivalent to a class of Equity Securities of PubCo; provided that, following the Effective Time, in each case the Company shall not issue Equity Securities in the Company to any Person unless such Person shall have executed a Joinder and all other documents, agreements or instruments deemed necessary or desirable in the discretion of the Manager.

 

  - 19 -  

 

 

(b)           If at any time after the Effective Time PubCo issues a share of its Class A Stock or any other Equity Security of PubCo (other than shares of Class B Stock), (i) the Company shall issue to PubCo one Common Unit (if PubCo issues a share of Class A Stock), or such other Equity Security of the Company (if PubCo issues Equity Securities other than Class A Stock) corresponding to the Equity Securities issued by PubCo, and with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of PubCo and (ii) the net proceeds received by PubCo with respect to the corresponding share of Class A Stock or other Equity Security, if any, shall be concurrently transferred to the Company; provided , however , that if PubCo issues any shares of Class A Stock in order to purchase or fund the purchase from a Member of a number of Common Units (and shares of Class B Stock) equal to the number of shares of Class A Stock so issued, then the Company shall not issue any new Common Units in connection therewith and PubCo shall not be required to transfer such net proceeds to the Company (it being understood that such net proceeds shall instead be transferred to such Member as consideration for such purchase). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 3.5(b) shall not apply to (i) the issuance and distribution to holders of shares of PubCo Common Stock of rights to purchase Equity Securities of PubCo under a “poison pill” or similar shareholders rights plan (it being understood that upon exchange of Common Units for Class A Stock, such Class A Stock will be issued together with a corresponding right) or (ii) the issuance under the Equity Plans of any warrants, options or other rights to acquire Equity Securities of PubCo or rights or property that may be converted into or settled in Equity Securities of PubCo, but shall in the foregoing cases apply to the issuances of Equity Securities of PubCo in connection with the exercise or settlement of such rights, warrants, options or other rights or property. Except pursuant to Section 3.7 , (x) the Company may not issue any additional Units to PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries unless substantially simultaneously PubCo or such Subsidiary issues or sells an equal number of shares of PubCo’s Class A Stock to another Person, and (y) the Company may not issue any other Equity Securities of the Company to PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries unless substantially simultaneously PubCo or such Subsidiary issues or sells, to another Person, an equal number of shares of a new class or series of Equity Securities of PubCo or such Subsidiary with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of the Company. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company shall only be able to issue additional Units or other Equity Interests in the Company to Persons and on the terms and conditions provided for in Section 3.1 , Section 3.4 , or Section 3.5 .

 

(c)           Neither PubCo nor any of its Subsidiaries may redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire (i) any shares of Class A Stock (including upon forfeiture of any unvested shares of Class A Stock) unless substantially simultaneously the Company redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires from PubCo an equal number of Common Units for the same price per security or (ii) any other Equity Securities of PubCo unless substantially simultaneously the Company redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires from PubCo an equal number of Equity Securities of the Company of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distributions upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of PubCo for the same price per security. Except pursuant to Section 3.7 , the Company may not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire (A) any Common Units from PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries unless substantially simultaneously PubCo or such Subsidiary redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires an equal number of shares of Class A Stock for the same price per security from holders thereof, or (B) any other Equity Securities of the Company from PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries unless substantially simultaneously PubCo or such Subsidiary redeems, repurchases or otherwise acquires for the same price per security an equal number of Equity Securities of PubCo of a corresponding class or series with substantially the same rights to dividends and distributions (including distribution upon liquidation) and other economic rights as those of such Equity Securities of PubCo. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any consideration payable by PubCo in connection with the redemption or repurchase of any shares of Class A Stock or other Equity Securities of PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries consists (in whole or in part) of shares of Class A Stock or such other Equity Securities (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the cashless exercise of an option or warrant), then the redemption or repurchase of the corresponding Common Units or other Equity Securities of the Company shall be effectuated in an equivalent manner.

 

  - 20 -  

 

 

(d)          The Company shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by any stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the outstanding Units unless accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the outstanding PubCo Common Stock, with corresponding changes made with respect to any other exchangeable or convertible securities. PubCo shall not in any manner effect any subdivision (by any stock split, stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of the outstanding PubCo Common Stock unless accompanied by an identical subdivision or combination, as applicable, of the outstanding Units, with corresponding changes made with respect to any other exchangeable or convertible securities.

 

Section 3.6.           Other Matters .

 

(a)           No Member shall be entitled to demand or receive a return on or of its Capital Contributions or withdraw from the Company, except as expressly provided in this Agreement. Under circumstances requiring a return of any Capital Contributions, no Member has the right to receive property other than cash.

 

(b)           No Member shall receive any interest, salary, compensation, draw or reimbursement with respect to its Capital Contributions or its Capital Account, or for services rendered or expenses incurred on behalf of the Company or otherwise in its capacity as a Member, except as otherwise provided in or contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(c)           The Liability of each Member shall be limited as set forth in the Act and other applicable Law and, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or required by Law, no Member (or any of its Affiliates) shall be personally liable, whether to the Company, to any of the other Members, to the creditors of the Company, or to any other third party, for any debt or Liability of the Company, whether arising in Contract, tort or otherwise, solely by reason of being a Member of the Company.

 

(d)           Except as otherwise required by the Act, a Member shall not be required to restore a deficit balance in its Capital Account, to lend any funds to the Company or to make any additional contributions or payments to the Company.

 

(e)           The Company shall not be obligated for the repayment of any Capital Contributions of any Member.

 

Section 3.7.             Exchange Right of Members .

 

(a)           Subject to Section 3.7(b) and to PubCo’s rights under Section 3.7(j) , each of the Members other than PubCo shall be entitled to exchange with the Company (an “ Exchange ”), at any time and from time to time, any or all of such Member’s Common Units (together with the transfer and surrender of an equal number of shares of Class B Stock) for an equivalent number (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.7(g) ) of shares of Class A Stock or, at the Company’s election made in accordance with Section 3.7(d) , cash equal to the Cash Election Amount calculated with respect to such Exchange (the “ Exchange Right ”). Upon the Exchange of all Common Units held by a Member, such Member shall, for the avoidance of doubt, cease to be a Member.

 

  - 21 -  

 

 

(b)          Notwithstanding Section 3.7(a) :

 

(i)           no Member may exercise its Exchange Right with respect to any of its Common Units prior to the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement, except that on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of this Agreement, a Continuing Member (or its Permitted Transferee) may exercise its Exchange Right with respect to up to, in the aggregate for such Continuing Member and its Permitted Transferees, 50% of the number of Common Units held by such Continuing Member at the Effective Time solely in connection with an Underwritten Offering of the shares of Class A Stock issuable upon such Exchange; and

 

(ii)          no Member may exercise its Exchange Right with respect to less than 200,000 Common Units more frequently than on a quarterly basis, unless (A) such exercise of the Exchange Right is for all of the Common Units held by such Member or (B) the Manager, in its sole discretion, permits such Member to exercise the Exchange Right for a lesser number of Common Units.

 

(c)           In order to exercise the Exchange Right, a Member (the “ Exchanging Member ”) shall provide written notice (the “ Exchange Notice ”) to the Company and PubCo, stating (i) the number of Common Units (together with the transfer and surrender of an equal number of shares of Class B Stock) the Exchanging Member elects to have the Company redeem, and (ii) if the shares of Class A Stock to be received are to be issued other than in the name of the Exchanging Member, specifying the name(s) of the Person(s) in whose name or on whose order the shares of Class A Stock are to be issued. If the Common Units to be redeemed (or the shares of Class B Stock to be transferred and surrendered) are represented by a certificate or certificates, the Exchanging Member shall also present and surrender the certificate or certificates representing such Common Units and shares of Class B Stock during normal business hours at the principal executive offices of the Company, or if any agent for the registration or transfer of Class A Stock is then duly appointed and acting (the “ Transfer Agent ”), at the office of the Transfer Agent with respect to such Class A Stock. If required by PubCo, any certificate for Common Units and shares of Class B Stock surrendered in connection with an Exchange shall be accompanied by instruments of transfer, in form reasonably satisfactory to PubCo and the Transfer Agent, duly executed by the Exchanging Member or the Exchanging Member’s duly authorized representative. An Exchange Notice may specify that the Exchange is to be contingent (including as to timing) upon the consummation of a purchase by another Person (whether in a tender or exchange offer, an Underwritten Offering or otherwise) of the shares of Class A Stock for which the Common Units and shares of Class B Stock are redeemable, or contingent (including as to timing) upon the closing of an announced merger, consolidation or other transaction or event in which the shares of Class A Stock would be exchanged or converted or become exchangeable for or convertible into cash or other securities or property, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any Exchange with respect to which the Company has made a valid Cash Election.

 

  - 22 -  

 

 

(d)           Upon receipt of an Exchange Notice, the Company shall be entitled to elect (a “ Cash Election ”) to settle the Exchange by the delivery to the Exchanging Member, in lieu of the applicable number of shares of Class A Stock that would be received in such Exchange, an amount of cash equal to the Cash Election Amount for such Exchange. In order to make a Cash Election with respect to an Exchange, the Company must provide written notice (the “ Cash Election Notice ”) of such election to the Exchanging Member prior to 5:00 pm, Houston, Texas time, on the first Business Day after the date on which the Exchange Notice shall have been received by the Company and PubCo. If the Company fails to provide a Cash Election Notice prior to such time, it shall not be entitled to make a Cash Election with respect to such Exchange. The Exchanging Member may retract its Exchange Notice by giving written notice (the “ Retraction Notice ”) to the Company (with a copy to PubCo) at any time prior to 5:00 pm, Houston, Texas time, on the first Business Day after delivery of the Cash Election Notice. The timely delivery of a Retraction Notice shall terminate the Exchanging Member’s, the Company’s and PubCo’s rights and obligation under this Section 3.7 arising from the retracted Exchange Notice.

 

(e)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 3.7(c) or Section 3.7(d) , in the event the Company fails to timely make the Cash Election in connection with an Exchange, an Exchanging Member shall be entitled, at any time prior to the consummation of the Exchange, to revoke its Exchange Notice or delay the consummation of an Exchange if any of the following conditions exists: (i) any registration statement pursuant to which the resale of the Class A Stock to be registered for such Exchanging Member at or immediately following the consummation of the Exchange shall have ceased to be effective pursuant to any action or inaction by the Commission or no such resale registration statement has yet become effective; (ii) PubCo shall have failed to cause any related prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement necessary to effect such Exchange; (iii) PubCo shall have exercised its right to defer, delay or suspend the filing or effectiveness of the registration statement and such deferral, delay or suspension shall affect the ability of such Exchanging Member to have the resale of its Class A Stock registered at or immediately following the consummation of the Exchange; (iv) PubCo shall have disclosed to such Exchanging Member (after receiving consent of such Exchanging Member) any material non-public information concerning PubCo or its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, the receipt of which results in the Exchanging Member being prohibited or restricted from selling Class A Stock at or immediately following the Exchange without disclosure of such information (and PubCo does not permit disclosure); (v) any stop order relating to the registration statement pursuant to which the Class A Stock was to be registered by such Exchanging Member at or immediately following the Exchange shall have been issued by the Commission; (vi) there shall be in effect an injunction, a restraining order or decree of any nature of any Governmental Entity that restrains or prohibits the Exchange; (vii) PubCo shall have failed to comply in all material respects with its obligations under the A&R Registration Rights Agreement, and such failure shall have affected the ability of such Exchanging Member to consummate the resale of the Class A Stock to be received upon such Exchange pursuant to an effective registration statement; or (viii) the Exchange Date would occur three (3) Business Days or less prior to, or during, a Black-Out Period; provided, further , that in no event shall the Exchanging Member seeking to delay the consummation of such Exchange and relying on any of the matters in clauses (i) through (ix) above have controlled or intentionally materially influenced any facts, circumstances or Persons in connection therewith (except in the good faith performance of his or her duties as an officer, employee or director or manager of PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries) in order to provide such Exchanging Member with a basis for such delay or revocation. If an Exchanging Member delays the consummation of an Exchange pursuant to this Section 3.7(e) , (A) the Exchange Date shall occur on the third Business Day following the date on which the conditions giving rise to such delay cease to exist (or such earlier date as PubCo, the Company and Exchanging Member may mutually agree in writing) and (B) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 3.7(d) , the Exchanging Member may retract its Exchange Notice by giving a Retraction Notice to the Company (with a copy to PubCo) at any time prior to 5:00 pm, Houston, Texas time, on the first Business Day following the date on which the conditions giving rise to such delay cease to exist.

 

  - 23 -  

 

 

(f)           If the Company has not made a valid Cash Election, then as promptly as practicable after the receipt of the Exchange Notice and the surrender to the Company of the certificate or certificates, if any, representing such Common Units and shares of Class B Stock (but in any event by the Exchange Date, as defined below), PubCo shall issue and contribute to the Company, and the Company shall deliver to the Exchanging Member, or on the Exchanging Member’s written order, the number of shares of Class A Stock issuable upon the Exchange (in book-entry or certificated form, as determined by PubCo, and with such legends as may be required in accordance with applicable Law), and the Company shall deliver such Common Units and shares of Class B Stock to PubCo in exchange for no additional consideration. If the Company has made a valid Cash Election, then as promptly as practicable after the receipt of the Exchange Notice (but in no event more than ten Business Days after receipt of the Exchange Notice), PubCo shall contribute to the Company the cash consideration the Exchanging Member is entitled to receive in the Exchange and, upon surrender to the Company of the certificate or certificates, if any, representing such Common Units and shares of Class B Stock, the Company shall deliver to the Exchanging Member as directed by the Exchanging Member by wire transfer of immediately available funds the Cash Election Amount payable upon the Exchange, and the Company shall deliver such Common Units and shares of Class B Stock to PubCo for no additional consideration. Each Exchange shall be deemed to have been effected on (i) (x) the Business Day after the date on which the Exchange Notice shall have been received by the Company, PubCo or the Transfer Agent, as applicable (subject to receipt by the Company, PubCo or the Transfer Agent, as applicable, within three Business Days thereafter of any required instruments of transfer as aforesaid) if the Company has not made a valid Cash Election with respect to such Exchange or (y) if the Company has made a valid Cash Election with respect to such Exchange, the first Business Day on which the Company has available funds to pay the Cash Election Amount (but in no event more than ten Business Days after receipt of the Exchange Notice), or (ii) such later date specified in or pursuant to the Exchange Notice (such date identified in clause (i) or (ii), as applicable, the “ Exchange Date ”). If the Company has not made a valid Cash Election, and the Person or Persons in whose name or the shares of Class A Stock shall be issuable upon such Exchange as aforesaid shall be deemed to have become, on the Exchange Date, the holder or holders of record of the shares represented thereby. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and in addition to the rights set forth in Section 3.7(e) , unless the Company has made a valid Cash Election (and the Exchanging Member has failed to timely deliver a Retraction Notice in accordance with Section 3.7(d) ), any Exchanging Member may retract or amend an Exchange Notice, in whole or in part, prior to the effectiveness of the applicable Exchange, at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., Houston, Texas time, on the Business Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date (or any such later time as may be required by applicable Law) by delivery of a written notice of retraction to the Company (with a copy to PubCo), specifying (1) the numbers of the withdrawn Common Units and shares of Class B Stock (and the applicable certificate numbers therefor, if certificated), (2) if any, the number of Common Units and shares of Class B Stock as to which the Exchange Notice remains in effect and (3) if the Exchanging Member so determines, a new Exchange Date or any other new or revised information permitted in an Exchange Notice.

 

  - 24 -  

 

 

(g)           If (i) there is any reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction pursuant to which the shares of Class A Stock are converted or changed into another security, securities or other property, or (ii) PubCo shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all holders of the shares of Class A Stock evidences of its Indebtedness or assets, including securities (including shares of Class A Stock and any rights, options or warrants to all holders of the shares of Class A Stock to subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire shares of Class A Stock, or other securities or rights convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for shares of Class A Stock) but excluding any cash dividend or distribution as well as any such distribution of Indebtedness or assets received by PubCo from the Company in respect of the Units, then upon any subsequent Exchange, in addition to the shares of Class A Stock or the Cash Election Amount, as applicable, each Member shall be entitled to receive the amount of such security, securities or other property that such Member would have received if such Exchange had occurred immediately prior to the effective date of such reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization, other similar transaction dividend or other distribution, taking into account any adjustment as a result of any subdivision (by any split, distribution or dividend, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or otherwise) or combination (by reverse split, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise) of such security, securities or other property that occurs after the effective time of such reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction. For the avoidance of doubt, if there is any reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization or other similar transaction in which the shares of Class A Stock are converted or changed into another security, securities or other property, or any dividend or distribution (other than an excluded dividend or distribution, as described above), this Section 3.7 shall continue to be applicable, mutatis mutandis, with respect to such security or other property.

 

(h)           PubCo shall at all times keep available, solely for the purpose of issuance upon an Exchange, such number of shares of Class A Stock that shall be issuable upon the Exchange of all outstanding Common Units and shares of Class B Stock; provided, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude PubCo from satisfying its obligations with respect of an Exchange by delivery of shares of Class A Stock that are held in the treasury of PubCo. PubCo covenants that all shares of Class A Stock that shall be issued upon an Exchange shall, upon issuance thereof, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. In addition, for so long as the shares of Class A Stock are listed on a National Securities Exchange, PubCo shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all shares of Class A Stock issued upon an Exchange to be listed on such National Securities Exchange at the time of such issuance.

 

(i)            Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, each Exchange shall be treated for federal (and applicable state and local) income tax purposes as a taxable sale of the Exchanging Member’s Common Units (together with the same number of shares of Class B Stock) to PubCo in exchange for shares of Class A Stock or cash, as applicable. The issuance of shares of Class A Stock upon an Exchange shall be made without charge to the Exchanging Member for any stamp or other similar tax in respect of such issuance; provided , however , that if any such shares are to be issued in a name other than that of the Exchanging Member, then the Person or Persons in whose name the shares are to be issued shall pay to PubCo the amount of any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in such issuance or shall establish to the satisfaction of PubCo that such tax has been paid or is not payable.

 

  - 25 -  

 

  

(j)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.7 , but subject to Section 3.7(k) , an Exchanging Member shall be deemed to have offered to sell its Common Units and shares of Class B Stock set forth in the Exchange Notice to PubCo, and PubCo may, in its sole discretion, by means of delivery of Call Election Notices and/or Revocation Notices in accordance with, and subject to the terms of, this Section 3.7(j) and Section 3.7(k) , elect to purchase directly and acquire such Common Units and shares of Class B Stock on the Exchange Date by paying to the Exchanging Member (or, on the Exchanging Member’s written order, its designee) that number of shares of Class A Stock the Exchanging Member (or its designee) would otherwise receive pursuant to Section 3.7(a) or, at PubCo’s election, an amount of cash equal to the Cash Election Amount of such shares of Class A Stock (the “ Direct Exchange Right ”), whereupon PubCo shall acquire the Common Units and shares of Class B Stock offered for exchange by the Exchanging Member and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Common Units and shares of Class B Stock. In the event PubCo shall exercise the Direct Exchange Right, each of the Exchanging Member, the Company and PubCo, as the case may be, shall treat the transaction between the Company and the Exchanging Member for federal income tax purposes as a sale of the Exchanging Member’s Common Units and shares of Class B Stock to PubCo.

 

(k)           PubCo may at any time in its sole discretion deliver written notice (a “ Call Election Notice ”) to each other Member setting forth its election to exercise its Direct Exchange Right as contemplated by Section 3.7(j) with respect to future Exchanges (without needing to provide further notice of its intention to exercise its Direct Exchange Right). Subject to the remainder of this Section 3.7(k) , a Call Election Notice will be effective until such time as PubCo amends such Call Election Notice with a superseding Call Election Notice or revokes such Call Election Notice by delivery of a written notice of revocation delivered to each other Member or, with respect to a particular Exchange, the Company exercises its Cash Election (a “ Revocation Notice ”). A Call Election Notice may be amended or revoked by PubCo at any time; provided that any Exchange Notice delivered by a Member will not, without such Member’s written consent, be affected by the subsequent delivery of a Revocation Notice or by a Call Election Notice that is not effective until after the Exchange Date. Following delivery of a Revocation Notice, PubCo may deliver a new Call Election Notice pursuant to this Section 3.7(k) . Any amendment of a Call Election Notice will not be effective until the Business Day after its delivery to each Member (other than PubCo). Each Call Election Notice shall specify the date from which it shall be effective (which shall be no earlier than the Business Day after delivery).

 

  - 26 -  

 

 

(l)            In connection with a PubCo Change of Control, PubCo shall have the right to require each Member (other than PubCo) to effect an Exchange of some or all of such Member’s Common Units and a corresponding number of Class B Stock. Any Exchange pursuant to this Section 3.7(l) shall be effective immediately prior to the consummation of the PubCo Member Change of Control (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be effective if such PubCo Change of Control is not consummated) (the “ Change of Control Exchange Date ”). From and after the Change of Control Exchange Date, (i) the Common Units and shares of Class B Stock subject to such Exchange shall be deemed to be transferred to PubCo on the Change of Control Exchange Date and (ii) such Member shall cease to have any rights with respect to such Common Units and shares of Class B Stock subject to such Exchange (other than the right to receive shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to such Exchange). PubCo shall provide written notice of an expected PubCo Change of Control transaction to all Members within the earlier of (x) five Business Days following the execution of the definitive agreement with respect to such PubCo Change of Control and (y) 10 Business Days before the proposed date upon which the contemplated PubCo Change of Control is to be effected, indicating in such notice such information as may reasonably describe the PubCo Change of Control transaction, subject to applicable Law, including the date of execution of such definitive agreement or such proposed effective date, as applicable, the amount and type of consideration to be paid for shares of Class A Stock in the PubCo Change of Control, any election with respect to types of consideration that a holder of shares of Class A Stock, as applicable, shall be entitled to make in connection with such PubCo Change of Control, and the number of Common Units and shares of Class B Stock held by such Member that PubCo intends to require to be subject to such Exchange. Following the delivery of such notice and on or prior to the Change of Control Redemption Date, the Members shall take all actions reasonably requested by PubCo to effect such Exchange, including taking any action and delivering any document required pursuant to Section 3.7(a) and Section 3.7(c) to effect such Exchange.

 

(m)           In the event that a tender offer, share exchange offer, issuer bid, take-over bid, recapitalization or similar transaction with respect to shares of Class A Stock (a “ PubCo Offer ”) is proposed by PubCo or is proposed to PubCo or its stockholders and approved by the board of directors of PubCo or is otherwise effected or to be effected with the consent or approval of the board of directors of PubCo, each Member (other than PubCo) shall be permitted to participate in such PubCo Offer by delivery of a contingent Exchange Notice in accordance with the last sentence of Section 3.7(c) with respect to its Common Units and shares of Class B Stock (other than with respect to any Common Units or shares of Class B Stock to which the Company exercised its right to require any such Member to effect an Exchange pursuant to Section 3.7(l) in connection with a PubCo Change of Control) (the “ Eligible PubCo Offer Securities ”). In the case of a PubCo Offer proposed by PubCo, PubCo will use its reasonable best efforts expeditiously and in good faith to take all such actions and do all such things as are necessary or desirable to enable and permit the Members to participate in such PubCo Offer with respect to such Eligible PubCo Offer Securities to the same extent or on an economically equivalent basis as the holders of shares of PubCo without discrimination; provided that, without limiting the generality of this sentence, PubCo will use its reasonable best efforts expeditiously and in good faith to ensure that such Members may participate in each such PubCo Offer with respect to such Eligible PubCo Offer Securities without being required to cause the Exchange of Common Units and shares of Class B Stock (or, if so required, to ensure that any such Exchange shall be effective only upon, and shall be conditional upon, the closing of such PubCo Offer and only to the extent necessary to tender or deposit to PubCo Offer in accordance with the last sentence of Section 3.7(c) , or, as applicable, to the extent necessary to exchange the Eligible PubCo Offer Securities being repurchased). For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall Members (other than PubCo) be entitled to receive in such PubCo Offer aggregate consideration for each Common Unit and corresponding share of Class B Stock comprising the Eligible PubCo Offer Securities that is greater than the consideration payable in respect of each share of Class A Stock in connection with a PubCo Offer.

 

  - 27 -  

 

 

(n)           No Exchange shall impair the right of the Exchanging Member to receive any distributions payable on the Common Units so redeemed in respect of a record date that occurs prior to the Exchange Date for such Exchange. For the avoidance of doubt, no Exchanging Member, or a Person designated by an Exchanging Member to receive shares of Class A Stock, shall be entitled to receive, with respect to the same fiscal quarter, distributions or dividends both on Common Units redeemed from such Exchanging Member and on shares of Class A Stock received by such Exchanging Member, or other Person so designated, if applicable, in such Exchange.

 

Article IV

 

capital accounts; ALLOCATIONS OF PROFITS AND LOSSES

 

Section 4.1.            Capital Accounts . A Capital Account shall be maintained for each Member in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) and, to the extent consistent with such regulations, the other provisions of this Agreement. For this purpose, the Company may (in the discretion of the Partnership Representative), upon the occurrence of the events specified in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), increase or decrease the Capital Accounts in accordance with the rules of such Treasury Regulations and Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g) to reflect a revaluation of Company property. The Capital Account balance of each of the Members as of the Effective Time is its respective Effective Time Capital Account Balance set forth on Exhibit A . Thereafter, each Member’s Capital Account shall be (a) increased by (i) allocations to such Member of Profits pursuant to Section 4.2 and any other items of income or gain allocated to such Member pursuant to Section 4.3 , (ii) the amount of additional cash or the initial Gross Asset Value of any asset (net of any Liabilities assumed by the Company and any Liabilities to which the asset is subject) contributed to the Company by such Member, and (iii) any other increases allowed or required by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv), and (b) decreased by (i) allocations to such Member of Losses pursuant to Section 4.2 and any other items of deduction or loss allocated to such Member pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.3 , (ii) the amount of any cash or the Gross Asset Value of any asset (net of any Liabilities assumed by the Company and any Liabilities to which the asset is subject) distributed to such Member, and (iii) any other decreases allowed or required by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). In the event of a Transfer of Units made in accordance with this Agreement, the Capital Account of the Transferor that is attributable to the Transferred Units shall carry over to the Transferee Member in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( l ).

 

Section 4.2.            Profits and Losses . After giving effect to the allocations under Section 4.3 , Profits and Losses (and, to the extent determined by the Partnership Representative to be necessary and appropriate to achieve the resulting Capital Account balances described below, any allocable items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit includable in the computation of Profits and Losses) for each Fiscal Year shall be allocated among the Members during such Fiscal Year in a manner such that, after giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 4.3 and all distributions through the end of such Fiscal Year, the Capital Account balance of each Member, immediately after making such allocation, is, as nearly as possible, equal to (i) the amount such Member would receive pursuant to Section 10.3(b) if all assets of the Company on hand at the end of such Fiscal Year were sold for cash equal to their Gross Asset Values, all Liabilities of the Company were satisfied in cash in accordance with their terms (limited with respect to each Nonrecourse Liability to the Gross Asset Value of the assets securing such Liability), and all remaining or resulting cash was distributed, in accordance with Section 10.3(b) , to the Members immediately after making such allocation, minus (ii) such Member’s share of Company Minimum Gain and Member Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets.

 

  - 28 -  

 

 

Section 4.3.            Special Allocations .

 

(a)            Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year shall be specially allocated to the Members on a pro rata basis in accordance with the number of Units owned by each Member.

 

(b)           Any Member Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year shall be specially allocated to the Member who bears economic risk of loss with respect to the Member Nonrecourse Debt to which such Member Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i). If more than one Member bears the economic risk of loss for such Member Nonrecourse Debt, the Member Nonrecourse Deductions attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt shall be allocated among the Members according to the ratio in which they bear the economic risk of loss. This Section 4.3(b) is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

 

(c)           Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f), notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during any Fiscal Year (or if there was a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain for a prior Fiscal Year and the Company did not have sufficient amounts of income and gain during prior Fiscal Years to allocate among the Members under this Section 4.3(c) ), each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such Fiscal Year in an amount equal to such Member’s share of the net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during such year (as determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g)(2)). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Member in accordance with Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This section is intended to constitute a minimum gain chargeback under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

 

(d)           Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4), notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement except Section 4.3(c) , if there is a net decrease in Member Minimum Gain during any Fiscal Year (or if there was a net decrease in Member Minimum Gain for a prior Fiscal Year and the Company did not have sufficient amounts of income and gain during prior Fiscal Years to allocate among the Members under this Section 4.3(d) ), each Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for such year in an amount equal to such Member’s share of the net decrease in Member Minimum Gain (as determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4)). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Member pursuant thereto. The items to be allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This section is intended to constitute a partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain chargeback under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

 

  - 29 -  

 

 

(e)           Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary except Section 4.3(c) and Section 4.3(d) , in the event any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustment, allocation or distribution described in paragraph (4), (5) or (6) of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)( d ), resulting in, or increasing, an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit for such Member, items of Company income and gain (consisting of a pro rata portion of each item of income, including gross income, and gain for the Fiscal Year) shall be specially allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate any Adjusted Capital Account Deficit of that Member as quickly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 4.3(e) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Member would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this Article IV have been tentatively made as if this Section 4.3(e) were not in this Agreement. This Section 4.3(e) is intended to constitute a qualified income offset under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii) (d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

 

(f)            If any Member has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any Fiscal Year that is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount that such Member is obligated to restore and (ii) the amount that the Member is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentence of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and (i)(5), that Member shall be specially allocated items of Company income, gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible, provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 4.3(f) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Member would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article IV have been made as if Section 4.3(e) and this Section 4.3(f) were not in this Agreement.

 

(g)          To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Sections 734(b) or 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( m )(2) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (m) (4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a distribution to any Member in complete liquidation of such Member’s Interest in the Company, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) and such item of gain or loss shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (m) (2) if such section applies or to the Member to whom such distribution was made if Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) (m) (4) applies.

 

(h)          The allocations set forth in Section 4.3(a) through Section 4.3(g) (the “ Regulatory Allocations ”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b) and 1.704-2. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IV (other than the Regulatory Allocations), the Regulatory Allocations (and anticipated future Regulatory Allocations) shall be taken into account in allocating other items of income, gain, loss and deduction among the Members so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such allocation of other items and the Regulatory Allocations to each Member should be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Member if the Regulatory Allocations had not occurred. This Section 4.3(h) is intended to minimize to the extent possible and to the extent necessary any economic distortions which may result from application of the Regulatory Allocations and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

 

  - 30 -  

 

 

Section 4.4.            Allocations for Tax Purposes in General .

 

(a)           Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.4 , each item of income, gain, loss and deduction of the Company for federal income tax purposes shall be allocated among the Members in the same manner as such item is allocated under Section 4.2 and Section 4.3 .

 

(b)           In accordance with Code Section 704(c) and the Treasury Regulations thereunder (including the Treasury Regulations applying the principles of Code Section 704(c) to changes in Gross Asset Values) , items of income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any Company property having a Gross Asset Value that differs from such property’s adjusted federal income tax basis shall, solely for federal income tax purposes, be allocated among the Members to account for any such difference using the “remedial method” under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d) or such other method or methods as determined by the Partnership Representative to be appropriate and in accordance with the applicable Treasury Regulations; provided, however , the Partnership Representative shall cause the Company to use the “traditional method” as described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(b) (including in connection with any “reverse 704(c) allocation”) that may be required in connection with a “book-up” of the Company’s assets in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

(c)           Any (i) recapture of Depreciation or any other item of deduction shall be allocated, in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1245-1(e) and 1.1254-5, to the Members who received the benefit of such deductions (taking into account the effect of allocations under Code Section 704(c)), and (ii) recapture of grants credits shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with applicable Law.

 

(d)           Allocations pursuant to this Section 4.4 are solely for purposes of federal, state and local taxes and shall not affect or in any way be taken into account in computing any Member’s Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses, other items or distributions pursuant to any provision of this Agreement.

 

(e)           If, as a result of an exercise of a noncompensatory option to acquire an interest in the Company, a Capital Account reallocation is required under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)( s )(3), the Company shall make corrective allocations pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(x).

 

Section 4.5.            Other Allocation Rules .

 

(a)          The Members are aware of the income tax consequences of the allocations made by this Article IV and the economic impact of the allocations on the amounts receivable by them under this Agreement. The Members hereby agree to be bound by the provisions of this Article IV in reporting their share of Company income and loss for income tax purposes.

 

  - 31 -  

 

 

(b)          All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit allocable to an interest in the Company that may have been Transferred shall be allocated between the Transferor and the Transferee based on the portion of the Fiscal Year during which each was recognized as the owner of such interest; provided , however , that this allocation must be made in accordance with a method permissible under Code Section 706 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder; provided , further , however , with respect to the IRS Form 1065 (or similar state or local tax return) filed for the Tax year of the Company including the Company Merger, such tax return shall be prepared utilizing the “interim closing method” as if the Tax year ended on the Closing Date and “calendar day convention” (in each case, as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.706-4) as of the end of the day on which the Company Merger occurred.

 

(c)          The Members’ proportionate shares of the “excess nonrecourse liabilities” of the Company, within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3), shall be allocated to the Members in any manner determined by the Partnership Representative and permissible under the Treasury Regulations.

 

Article V

 

DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Section 5.1.            Distributions .

 

(a)           Distributions . To the extent permitted by applicable Law and hereunder, distributions to Members may be declared by the Manager out of funds legally available therefor in such amounts and on such terms (including the payment dates of such distributions) as the Manager shall determine using such record date as the Manager may designate; such distribution shall be made to the Members as of the close of business on such record date on a pro rata basis in accordance with the number of Units owned by each Member (except that repurchases or exchanges made in accordance with Section 3.5(c) or payments made in accordance with Section 6.4 need not be on a pro rata basis), in accordance with the number of Units owned by each Member as of the close of business on such record date; provided , however , that the Company shall have the obligation to make distributions as set forth in Section 5.2 and Section 6.4 ; and provided further that, notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no distributions shall be made to any Member to the extent such distribution would render the Company insolvent. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, insolvency means the inability of the Company to meet its payment obligations when due. Promptly following the designation of a record date and the declaration of a distribution pursuant to this Section 5.1 , the Manager shall give notice to each Member of the record date, the amount and the terms of the distribution and the payment date thereof.

 

(b)           Successors . For purposes of determining the amount of distributions, each Member shall be treated as having made the Capital Contributions and as having received the Distributions made to or received by its predecessors in respect of any of such Member’s Units.

 

(c)           Distributions In-Kind . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any distributions may be made in cash or in kind, or partly in cash and partly in kind, as determined by the Manager. To the extent that the Company distributes property in-kind to the Members, the Company shall be treated as making a distribution equal to the Fair Market Value of such property for purposes of Section 5.1(a) and such property shall be treated as if it were sold for an amount equal to its Fair Market Value. Any resulting gain or loss shall be allocated to the Member’s Capital Accounts in accordance with Section 4.2 and Section 4.3 .

 

  - 32 -  

 

 

Section 5.2.            Tax Distributions .

 

(a)           Prior to making distributions pursuant to Section 5.1 , on each Tax Distribution Date, the Company shall, subject to the availability of funds and to any restrictions contained in any agreement to which the Company is bound, make distributions to the Members on a pro rata basis in accordance with the number of Units owned by each Member, subject to Section 5.2(b) , in an amount sufficient to cause PubCo to receive a distribution equal to all of PubCo’s federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax liabilities during the Fiscal Year or other taxable period to which the tax-related distribution under this Section 5.2(a) relates.

 

(b)           If a Tax Advance Eligible Member has an Assumed Tax Liability at a Tax Distribution Date in excess of the sum of the cumulative amount of distributions made to such Member under Section 5.1 , Section 5.2(a) and advances made under this Section 5.2(b), in each case, in the relevant Fiscal Year or other taxable period, the Company shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, and subject to the legal availability of funds and any restrictions contained in any agreement to which the Company is bound, make advances to such Member in an amount equal to such excess (a “ Tax Advance ”). Any such Tax Advance shall be treated as an advance against and, thus, shall reduce (without duplication), any future distributions that would otherwise be made to such Member pursuant to Sections 5.1 and 10.3(b)(iii) . If there is a Tax Advance outstanding with respect to a Member (i) who elects to participate in an Exchange (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any sale of such Units pursuant to the Direct Exchange Right at the option of PubCo pursuant to Section 3.7(j) ) or (ii) who Transfers Units pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII , then in each case such Member shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company against such Tax Advance, and shall be required to promptly pay to the Company (but in all events within fifteen (15) days after the Exchange Date or Transfer date, as the case may be) an amount of cash equal to the proportionate share of such Tax Advance relating to its Units subject to the Exchange or Transfer (determined at the time of the Exchange or Transfer based on the number of Units subject to the Exchange or Transfer as compared to the total number of Units held by such Member), provided that, in the case of a Transfer described in clause (ii) , such Member shall not be required to pay such amount of cash equal to the proportionate share of such Tax Advance relating to its Units subject to the Transfer, if the transferee is either a Permitted Transferee or such Transfer is otherwise approved by the Manager and the transferee agrees to assume the Member’s obligation to repay to the Company such amount equal to the proportionate share of the Member’s existing Tax Advance relating to such Units subject to the Transfer, and such Member shall be relieved from any liabilities associated with and the obligation to repay its existing Tax Advance relating to such Units subject to the Transfer. The obligations of each Member pursuant to the preceding sentence shall survive the withdrawal of any Member or the transfer of any Member’s Units and shall apply to any current or former Member. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) any payment of a Tax Advance made by the Company pursuant to this Section 5.2(b) shall not reduce the Capital Account balance of the applicable Member and (ii) any repayment of a Tax Advance pursuant to the previous sentence shall not be treated as a Capital Contribution.

 

  - 33 -  

 

 

Section 5.3.           Distribution Upon Withdrawal . No withdrawing Member shall be entitled to receive any distribution or the value of such Member’s Interest in the Company as a result of withdrawal from the Company prior to the liquidation of the Company, except as specifically provided in this Agreement.

 

Article VI

 

MANAGEMENT

 

Section 6.1.            The Manager; Fiduciary Duties .

 

(a)          The Company shall managed by a single manager (as such term is defined in the Act) (the “ Manager ”). Except as otherwise required by Law or for matters in which vote or approval of any Member is specifically required under this Agreement, (i) the Manager shall have full and complete charge of all affairs of the Company, (ii) the management and control of the Company’s business activities and operations shall rest exclusively with the Manager, and the Manager shall make all decisions regarding the business, activities and operations of the Company (including the incurrence of costs and expenses) in its sole discretion without the consent of any other Member and (iii) the Members (in their capacity as such) shall not participate in the control, management, direction or operation of the activities or affairs of the Company and shall have no power to act for or bind the Company.

 

(b)           The Manager may be any Person (other than a syndicate or group that would be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) and may, but need not be, a Member. PubCo shall be the initial Manager as of the Effective Time and shall serve as the Manager from and after the Effective Time until a successor Manager is duly elected pursuant to Section 6.6 .

 

(c)           In connection with the performance of its duties as the Manager of the Company, the Manager acknowledges that it will owe to the Members the same fiduciary duties as it would owe to the stockholders of a Delaware corporation if it were a member of the board of directors of such a corporation and the Members were stockholders of such corporation. The parties acknowledge that PubCo, as the initial Manager and for so long as it continues to be the Manager, will take action through its board of directors, and that the members of PubCo’s board of directors will owe comparable fiduciary duties to the stockholders of PubCo.

 

Section 6.2.            Officers .

 

(a)           The Manager may appoint, employ or otherwise contract with any Person for the transaction of the business of the Company or the performance of services for or on behalf of the Company, and the Manager may delegate to any such Persons such authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Manager may from time to time deem appropriate.

 

(b)           The initial president and chief executive officer of the Company (the “ President and Chief Executive Officer ”) will be Joel Broussard.

 

  - 34 -  

 

 

(c)           Except as otherwise set forth herein, the President and Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the general and active management of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and will see that all orders of the Manager are carried into effect. The President and Chief Executive Officer will report to the Manager and have the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of president and chief executive officer of a corporation organized under the DGCL, subject to the terms of this Agreement, and will have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Manager or this Agreement. The President and Chief Executive Officer will have the power to execute bonds, mortgages and other Contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the Company, except where required or permitted by Law to be otherwise signed and executed, and except where the signing and execution thereof will be expressly delegated by the Manager to some other Officer or agent of the Company.

 

(d)           Except as set forth herein, the Manager may appoint Officers at any time, and the Officers may include one or more vice presidents, a secretary, one or more assistant secretaries, a chief financial officer, a general counsel, a treasurer, one or more assistant treasurers, a chief operating officer, an executive chairman, and any other officers that the Manager deems appropriate. Except as set forth herein, the Officers will serve at the pleasure of the Manager, subject to all rights, if any, of such Officer under any Contract of employment. Any individual may hold any number of offices, and an Officer may, but need not, be a Member of the Company. The Officers will exercise such powers and perform such duties as specified in this Agreement or as determined from time to time by the Manager.

 

(e)           Subject to this Agreement and to the rights, if any, of an Officer under a Contract of employment, any Officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Manager. Any Officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Manager. Any resignation will take effect at the date of the receipt of that notice or at any later time specified in that notice; and, unless otherwise specified in that notice, the acceptance of the resignation will not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation is without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Company under any Contract to which the Officer is a party. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or any other cause will be filled in the manner prescribed in this Agreement for regular appointments to that office.

 

Section 6.3.           Warranted Reliance by Officers on Others . In exercising their authority and performing their duties under this Agreement, the Officers shall be entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements of the following persons or groups unless they have actual knowledge concerning the matter in question that would cause such reliance to be unwarranted:

 

(a)           one or more employees or other agents of the Company or in subordinates whom the Officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented; and

 

(b)           any attorney, public accountant, or other person as to matters which the Officer reasonably believes to be within such person’s professional or expert competence.

 

  - 35 -  

 

 

Section 6.4.            Indemnification . Subject to the limitations and conditions provided in this Section 6.4 , each Person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or arbitrative (each, a “ Proceeding ”), or any appeal in such a Proceeding or any inquiry or investigation that could lead to such a Proceeding, by reason of the fact he, she or it, or a Person of which he, she or it is the legal representative, is or was a Member, the Manager or an Officer, in each case, shall be indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than such Law permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment) against all judgment, penalties (including excise and similar taxes and punitive damages), fines, settlement and reasonable expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) actually incurred by such Person in connection with such Proceeding, appeal, inquiry or investigation, if such Person acted in Good Faith. Reasonable expenses incurred by a Person of the type entitled to be indemnified under this Section 6.4 who was, is or is threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a Proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he, she or it is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Indemnification under this Section 6.4 shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to serve in the capacity which initially entitled such Person to indemnity hereunder. The rights granted pursuant to this Section 6.4 shall be deemed contract rights, and no amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 6.4 shall have the effect of limiting or denying any such rights with respect to actions taken or Proceedings, appeals, inquiries or investigations arising prior to any amendment, modification or repeal. It is expressly acknowledged that the indemnification provided in this Section 6.4 could involve indemnification for negligence or under theories of strict liability.

 

Section 6.5.            Maintenance of Insurance or Other Financial Arrangements . In compliance with applicable Law, the Company (with the approval of the Manager) may purchase and maintain insurance or make other financial arrangements on behalf of any Person who is or was a Member, employee or agent of the Company or the Manager, or at the request of the Company is or was serving as a manager, director, officer, employee or agent of another limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, for any Liability asserted against such Person and Liability and expenses incurred by such Person in such Person’s capacity as such, or arising out of such Person’s status as such, whether or not the Company has the authority to indemnify such Person against such Liability and expenses.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing and in addition to the foregoing, in accordance with Section 6.4 of the Merger and Contribution Agreement, all the rights and limitations to indemnification, exculpation, and advancement of expenses for acts or omissions occurring prior to the Company Merger Effective Time in favor of the current or former managers, directors, officers, members or employees of the Company Entities (as defined in the Merger and Contribution Agreement) existing immediately prior to the Company Merger Effective Time (collectively, the “ Company Indemnitees ”) as provided under the Existing LLC Agreement are hereby incorporated into this Agreement and shall survive and shall continue in full force and effect for a period of not less than six years after the date of this Agreement. This paragraph shall not be repealed, amended, waived or otherwise modify any such rights to indemnification, exculpation, and advancement of expenses in any manner that would adversely affect the rights of the Company Indemnitees.

 

  - 36 -  

 

 

Section 6.6.            Election of Manager . Following the Effective Time, the Manager shall be elected annually by the Members in accordance with this Section 6.6 , and the Manager so elected shall serve as the Manager until a successor has been duly elected as the Manager in accordance with this Section 6.6 . Not more than one year after the later of (a) the Effective Time and (b) the last meeting of the Members or action by written consent of the Members at which or pursuant to which the Manager was elected in accordance with this Section 6.6 , the Manager at such time (or the Members if the Manager shall fail to take such action) shall either (i) call and hold a meeting of the Members for purposes of electing the Manager or (ii) seek written consents from the requisite Members to elect the Manager pursuant to Section 7.2(d) . A Person shall be elected as the Manager if the election of such Manager is approved by Members holding a majority of the outstanding Units by vote at a meeting held for such purpose or by action by written consent; provided , however , that if the Person so elected as the Manager was not the Manager immediately prior to such election, such election shall not be effective, and such Person shall not become the Manager, unless and until such Person has executed and delivered to the Company the written agreement of such Person to be bound by the terms of this Agreement applicable to the Manager, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Manager serving immediately prior to such election or to the Members holding a majority of the outstanding Units.

 

Section 6.7.           Resignation or Removal of Manager; Vacancy . The Manager may resign as the Manager at any time and may be removed at any time, with our without cause, by the Members holding a majority of the outstanding Units by vote at a meeting of the Members held for such purpose or by action by written consent; provided , however , that no (i) such resignation or removal shall be effective until a successor Manager has been duly elected in accordance with Section 6.6 , and (ii) PubCo shall not resign as the Manager for so long as it is a Member. If for any reason a Manager ceases to serve as the Manager prior to the election of a successor Manager in accordance with Section 6.6 , PubCo shall automatically, and without any action of the Company or any Member, become the Manager and serve as the Manager until another Person is duly elected as the Manager in accordance with Section 6.6 .

 

Section 6.8.            No Inconsistent Obligations . The Manager represents that it does not have any Contracts, other agreements, duties or obligations that are inconsistent with its duties and obligations (whether or not in its capacity as Manager) under this Agreement and covenants that, except as permitted by Section 6.1 , it will not enter into any Contracts or other agreements or undertake or acquire any other duties or obligations that are inconsistent with such duties and obligations.

 

Section 6.9.           Compensation; Certain Costs and Expenses . The Manager shall not be compensated for its services as the Manager of the Company. The Company shall (i) pay, or cause to be paid, all costs, fees, operating expenses and other expenses of the Company (including the costs, fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants or other professionals and the compensation of all personnel providing services to the Company) incurred in pursuing and conducting, or otherwise related to, the activities of the Company, and (ii) in the sole discretion of the Manager, bear and/or reimburse the Manager for any costs, fees or expenses incurred by it in connection with serving as the Manager. To the extent that the Manager determines in good faith that such expenses are related to the business and affairs of the Manager that are conducted through the Company and/or its Subsidiaries (including expenses that relate to the business and affairs of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries and that also relate to other activities of the Manager), the Manager may cause the Company to pay or bear all expenses of the Manager, including, without limitation, costs of securities offerings not borne directly by the Members, board of directors’ compensation and meeting costs, cost of periodic reports to its stockholders, litigation costs and damages arising from litigation, accounting and legal costs and franchise taxes, provided that the Company shall not pay or bear any income tax obligations of the Manager.

 

  - 37 -  

 

 

Article VII

 

ROLE OF MEMBERS

 

Section 7.1.            Rights or Powers . The Members, acting in their capacity as Members, shall not have any right or power to take part in the management or control of the Company or its business and affairs or to act for or bind the Company in any way. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Members have all the rights and powers specifically set forth in this Agreement and, to the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement, in the Act. A Member, any Affiliate thereof or an employee, stockholder, agent, director or officer of a Member or any Affiliate thereof, may also be the Manager or an employee, or be retained as an agent of, the Company, the Manager or any of their respective Affiliates. The existence of these relationships and acting in such capacities will not result in the Member (in its capacity as such) being deemed to be participating in the control of the business of the Company or otherwise affect the limited liability of the Member. Except as specifically provided herein, a Member shall not, in its capacity as a Member, take part in the operation, management or control of the Company’s business, transact any business in the Company’s name or have the power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the Company

 

Section 7.2.            Voting .

 

(a)           Meetings of the Members may be called by the Manager and shall be called by the Manager upon the written request of Members holding at least 25% of the outstanding Units. Such request shall state the location of the meeting and the nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting. Written notice of any such meeting shall be given to all Members not less than two Business Days nor more than 30 days prior to the date of such meeting. Members may vote in person, by proxy or by telephone at any meeting of the Members and may waive advance notice of such meeting. Whenever the vote or consent of Members is permitted or required under this Agreement, such vote or consent may be given at a meeting of the Members or may be given in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this Section 7.2 . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the affirmative vote of the Members holding a majority of the outstanding Units shall constitute the act of the Members.

 

(b)           Each Member may authorize any Person or Persons to act for it by proxy on all matters in which such Member is entitled to participate, including waiving notice of any meeting, or voting or participating at a meeting. Every proxy must be signed by such Member or its attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of 11 months from the date thereof unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the Member executing it.

 

  - 38 -  

 

 

(c)           Each meeting of Members shall be conducted by an Officer designated by the Manager or such other individual person as the Manager deems appropriate.

 

(d)           Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Members may be taken without a meeting if the requisite Members whose approval is necessary consent thereto in writing.

 

Section 7.3.            Various Capacities . The Members acknowledge and agree that the Members or their Affiliates will from time to time act in various capacities, including as a Member and as the Partnership Representative.

 

Section 7.4.            Withdrawal of PubCo . PubCo shall not, by any means, withdraw as a Member or otherwise cease to be a Member except in compliance with this Section 7.4 . No withdrawal of PubCo as a Member or other cessation of PubCo to be a Member shall be effective unless (a) proper provision is made, in compliance with this Agreement, so that the obligations of PubCo and the rights of all Members under this Agreement and applicable Law remain in full force and effect, and (b) PubCo or its successor, as applicable, provides all other Members with contractual rights, directly enforceable by such other Members against PubCo or its successor, as applicable, to cause PubCo to comply with all PubCo’s obligations under this Agreement (including its obligations under Section 3.7 ) (other than in its capacity as Manager, if applicable).

 

Section 7.5.            Reclassification Events of PubCo . If a Reclassification Event occurs, the Manager and PubCo or its successor, as the case may be, shall, as and to the extent necessary, amend this Agreement in compliance with Section 11.1 , and enter into any necessary supplementary or additional agreements, to ensure that, following the effective date of the Reclassification Event: (i) upon any Exchange pursuant to Section 3.7 , the Exchanging Member shall be entitled to receive, for each Common Unit and share of Class B Stock subject to such Exchange, the same amount and same type of property, securities or cash (or combination thereof) that one share of Class A Stock becomes exchangeable for or converted into as a result of the Reclassification Event and (ii) PubCo or the successor to PubCo, as applicable, is obligated to deliver such property, securities or cash upon such Exchange. PubCo shall not consummate or agree to consummate any Reclassification Event unless the successor Person, if any, becomes obligated to comply with the obligations of PubCo (in whatever capacity) under this Agreement.

 

  - 39 -  

 

 

Article VIII

 

TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS

 

Section 8.1.            Restrictions on Transfer .

 

(a)          Except as provided in Section 3.7 and except for the Transfers by a Member to Permitted Transferee, no Member shall Transfer all or any portion of its Interest without the prior written consent of the Manager in its sole discretion; provided , that, to the extent that the Manager determines in good faith that a proposed transfer would not have the effect contemplated by Section 8.1(b)(ii) and (iii) , then the Manager will not unreasonably withhold its consent to a transfer by any Member that holds at least 5% of the Units not held by PubCo and who intends, in connection with such proposed transfer, to transfer all or substantially all of the Units then held by such Member to any Person or group of Persons acting together that would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act or any successor provisions thereto. If, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8.1(a) , all or any portion of a Member’s Interests are Transferred in violation of this Section 8.1(a) , involuntarily, by operation of Law or otherwise, then without limiting any other rights and remedies available to the other parties under this Agreement or otherwise, the Transferee of such Interest (or portion thereof) shall not be admitted to the Company as a Member or be entitled to any rights as a Member hereunder, and the Transferor will continue to be bound by all obligations hereunder, unless and until the Manager consents in writing to such admission, which consent shall be granted or withheld in the Manager’s sole discretion. Any attempted or purported Transfer of all or a portion of a Member’s Interests in violation of this Section 8.1(a) shall be null and void and of no force or effect whatsoever. For the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions on Transfer contained in this Article VIII shall not apply to the Transfer of any capital stock of PubCo; provided that no shares of Class B Stock may be Transferred unless a corresponding number of Units are Transferred therewith in accordance with this Agreement.

 

(b)          In addition to any other restrictions on Transfer herein contained, including the provisions of this Article VIII , in no event may any Transfer or assignment of Interests by any Member be made (i) to any Person who lacks the legal right, power or capacity to own Interests; (ii) if in the opinion of legal counsel or a qualified tax advisor to the Company such Transfer presents a material risk that such Transfer would cause the Company to cease to be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes or to be classified as a publicly traded partnership within the meaning of Section 7704(b) of the Code for federal income tax purposes; (iii) if such Transfer would cause the Company to become, with respect to any employee benefit plan subject to Title I of ERISA, a “party-in-interest” (as defined in Section 3 (14) of ERISA) or a “disqualified person” (as defined in Section 4975(e)(2) of the Code); (iv) if such Transfer would, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, cause any portion of the assets of the Company to constitute assets of any employee benefit plan pursuant to the Plan Asset Regulations or otherwise cause the Company to be subject to regulation under ERISA; (v) if such Transfer requires the registration of such Interests or any Equity Securities issued upon any exchange of such Interests, pursuant to any applicable federal or state securities Laws; or (vi) if such Transfer subjects the Company to regulation under the Investment Company Act or the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, each as amended (or any succeeding law).

 

Section 8.2.           Notice of Transfer . Other than in connection with Transfers made pursuant to Section 3.7 , each Member shall, after complying with the provisions of this Agreement, but in any event no later than three Business Days following any Transfer of Interests, give written notice to the Company of such Transfer. Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the Transfer.

 

  - 40 -  

 

 

Section 8.3.           Transferee Members . A Transferee of Interests pursuant to this Article VIII shall have the right to become a Member only if (i) the requirements of this Article VIII are met, (ii) such Transferee executes a Joinder or another instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Manager agreeing to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement and assuming all of the Transferor’s then existing and future Liabilities arising under or relating to this Agreement, (iii) such Transferee represents that the Transfer was made in accordance with all applicable securities Laws, (iv) the Transferor or Transferee shall have reimbursed the Company for all reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) of any Transfer or proposed Transfer of a Member’s Interest, whether or not consummated and (v) if such Transferee or his or her spouse is a resident of a community property jurisdiction, then such Transferee’s spouse shall also execute an instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Manager agreeing to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement to the extent of his or her community property or quasi-community property interest, if any, in such Member’s Interest. Unless agreed to in writing by the Manager, the admission of a Member shall not result in the release of the Transferor from any Liability that the Transferor may have to each remaining Member or to the Company under this Agreement (but only to the extent existing or relating to acts or omissions that existed on or prior to such admission date) or under any other Contract between the Manager, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and such Transferor or any of its Affiliates, on the other hand. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8.3 , and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, following a Transfer by one or more Members (or a transferee of the type described in this sentence) to an Permitted Transferee of all or substantially all of their Interests, such transferee shall succeed to all of the rights of such Member(s) under this Agreement.

 

Section 8.4.            Legend . Each certificate representing a Unit, if any, will be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.

 

THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM UNDER SUCH ACT.

 

THE TRANSFER AND VOTING OF THESE SECURITIES IS SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF USWS HOLDINGS LLC DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 9, 2018, AMONG THE MEMBERS LISTED THEREIN AND THE MANAGER, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED, SUPPLEMENTED AND/OR RESTATED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND NO TRANSFER OF THESE SECURITIES WILL BE VALID OR EFFECTIVE UNTIL SUCH CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN FULFILLED. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ISSUER OF SUCH SECURITIES.”

 

Article IX

 

ACCOUNTING

 

Section 9.1.           Books of Account . The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, maintain true books and records of account in which full and correct entries shall be made of all its business transactions pursuant to a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and shall set aside on its books all such proper accruals and reserves as shall be required under GAAP.

 

  - 41 -  

 

 

Section 9.2.            Tax Elections . The Company shall make the following elections on the appropriate forms or tax returns:

 

(a)           to adopt the calendar year as the Company’s Fiscal Year, if permitted under the Code;

 

(b)           to adopt the accrual method of accounting for federal income tax purposes;

 

(c)           to elect to amortize the organizational expenses of the Company as permitted by Code Section 709(b);

 

(d)           to make an election described in Section 754 of the Code (which the Company shall ensure that it has in effect at all times); and

 

(e)           any other election the Partnership Representative may deem appropriate in its sole discretion.

 

Section 9.3.           Tax Returns . The Partnership Representative shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all income and other tax and informational returns of the Company. The Company shall use commercially reasonable best efforts to deliver, or cause to be delivered, within 90 days after the end of each of the Company’s Fiscal Year, to each Person who was a Member at any time during such Fiscal Year, all information reasonably necessary related to the Company for the preparation of such Person’s United States federal and applicable state income tax returns with respect to such Person’s Units.

 

Section 9.4.           Partnership Representative . PubCo shall act as the “partnership representative” within the meaning of Section 6223 of the Code (the “ Partnership Representative ”). The Partnership Representative shall be responsible for making all decisions, filing all elections and taking all other actions, in each case related to any audit, examination, litigation or other tax-related proceeding, or otherwise related to its role as “partnership representative” pursuant to Sections 6221 through 6231 of the Code, in its sole discretion. Each Member shall indemnify and reimburse the Company to the extent the Company is required to make any payment for taxes, interest, additions to tax or penalties or with respect to a Member’s share of any adjustment to income, gain, loss, deduction or credit as determined in the reasonable good faith discretion of the Partnership Representative. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, a Member’s obligations under this Section 9.4 shall survive the dissolution, liquidation, termination and winding-up of the Company and shall survive, as to each Member, such Member’s withdrawal from the Company or termination of the Member’s status as a Member. Any reasonable, documented cost or expense incurred by the Partnership Representative in connection with the roles and responsibilities described in this Section 9.4 shall be borne by the Company. The Members agree to reasonably cooperate with the Company and the Partnership Representative as necessary to carry out the intent of this Section 9.4 .

 

  - 42 -  

 

 

Section 9.5.            Withholding Tax Payments and Obligations .

 

(a)          If the Company receives proceeds in respect of which a tax has been withheld, the Company shall be treated as having received cash in an amount equal to the amount of such withheld tax, and, for all purposes of this Agreement but subject to Section 9.5(d) , each Member shall be treated as having received a distribution pursuant to Section 5.1 equal to the portion of the withholding tax allocable to such Member, as determined by the Partnership Representative in its discretion.

 

(b)          The Company is authorized to (i) withhold from distributions to a Member and to pay over to any Governmental Entity any amount required to be so withheld pursuant to the Code or any other federal, foreign, state, or local Law and (ii) make payments to any Governmental Entity with respect to any foreign, federal, state or local tax liability of a Member arising as a result of such Member’s interest in the Company (a “ Withholding Payment ”). A Withholding Payment shall include any “imputed underpayment” within the meaning of Code Section 6225 paid (or payable) by the Company as a result of an adjustment with respect to any partnership item, including any interest or penalties with respect to any such adjustment (collectively, an “ Imputed Underpayment Amount ”). The Partnership Representative shall reasonably determine the portion of any Imputed Underpayment Amount that is attributable to each Member (including a former Member and such former Member’s assignee(s) or transferee(s)). An Imputed Underpayment Amount shall include any “imputed underpayment” within the meaning of Code Section 6225 paid (or payable) by any entity treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes in which the Company holds (or has held) a direct or indirect interest, other than through entities treated as corporations for federal income tax purposes, to the extent that the Company bears the economic burden of such amounts, whether by Law or agreement.

 

(c)           Neither the Company nor the Partnership Representative shall be liable for any excess taxes withheld in respect of any Member, and, in the event of overwithholding, a Member’s sole recourse shall be to apply for a refund from the appropriate Governmental Entity.

 

(d)           Any taxes or amounts withheld pursuant to this Section 9.5  shall be treated as if distributed to the relevant Member to the extent an amount equal to such withheld taxes or amounts would then be distributable to such Member, and, to the extent in excess of such distributable amounts, as a demand loan payable by the Member to the Company with interest at the Prime Rate in effect from time to time, compounded annually. The Partnership Representative may, in its sole discretion, either demand payment of the principal and accrued interest on such demand loan at any time, and enforce payment thereof by legal process, or may withhold from one or more distributions to a Member amounts sufficient to satisfy such Member’s obligations under any such demand loan.

 

(e)           If the Company is required by Law to make any payment to a Governmental Entity that is specifically attributable to a Member or a Member’s status as such (including federal withholding taxes, state personal property taxes, state unincorporated business taxes, or the portion of an Imputed Underpayment Amount attributable to such Member), then such Member shall indemnify and contribute to the Company in full for the entire amount of taxes paid (plus interest, penalties and related expenses if the failure of the Company to make such payment is due to the fault of the Member), which payment shall not be deemed a Capital Contribution for purposes of this Agreement.

 

  - 43 -  

 

 

(f)           Without limiting the obligations of any Member pursuant to this Section 9.5 , the Partnership Representative may offset distributions to which a Member is otherwise entitled under this Agreement against such Member’s obligation to indemnify the Company under this Section 9.5(e) .

 

(g)           The obligations of each Member pursuant to this Section 9.5 shall survive the withdrawal of any Member or the transfer of any Member’s Units and shall apply to any current or former Member.

 

Article X

 

DISSOLUTION AND TERMINATION

 

Section 10.1.           Liquidating Events . The Company shall dissolve and commence winding up and liquidating upon the first to occur of the following (“ Liquidating Events ”):

 

(a)          The determination of the Manager to dissolve, wind up and liquidate the Company; provided, however, if such dissolution, wind up or liquidation is to be effective prior to the fifth Business Day after the first anniversary of date of this Agreement, such determination shall be approved by the Majority Members; provided , further , the Manager shall provide written notice to each of the Members not less than 15 days prior to commencing any such dissolution to provide the opportunity for any such Member to exercise its Exchange Right in advance of any such dissolution;

 

(b)          a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801(4) of the Act; or

 

(c)          the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Company under Section 18-802 of the Act.

 

The Members hereby agree that the Company shall not dissolve prior to the occurrence of a Liquidating Event and that no Member shall seek a dissolution of the Company, under Section 18-802 of the Act or otherwise, other than based on the matters set forth in subsections (a) and (b) above. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Company has dissolved prior to the occurrence of a Liquidating Event, the Members hereby agree to continue the business of the Company without a winding up or liquidation. In the event of a dissolution pursuant to Section 10.1(a) , the relative economic rights of each class of Units immediately prior to such dissolution shall be preserved to the greatest extent practicable with respect to distributions made to Members pursuant to Section 10.3 in connection with such dissolution, taking into consideration tax and other legal constraints that may adversely affect one or more parties to such dissolution and subject to compliance with applicable Laws and regulations, unless, with respect to any class of Units, holders of a majority of the Units of such class consent in writing to a treatment other than as described above.

 

  - 44 -  

 

 

Section 10.2.           Bankruptcy . For purposes of this Agreement, the “bankruptcy” of a Member shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (a) any Governmental Entity shall take possession of any substantial part of the property of that Member or shall assume control over the affairs or operations thereof, or a receiver or trustee shall be appointed, or a writ, order, attachment or garnishment shall be issued with respect to any substantial part thereof, and such possession, assumption of control, appointment, writ or order shall continue for a period of 90 consecutive days; or (b) a Member shall admit in writing of its inability to pay its debts when due, or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or apply for or consent to the appointment of any receiver, trustee or similar officer or for all or any substantial part of its property; or shall institute (by petition, application, answer, consent or otherwise) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of debts, dissolution, liquidation, or similar proceeding under the Laws of any jurisdiction; or (c) a receiver, trustee or similar officer shall be appointed for such Member or with respect to all or any substantial part of its property without the application or consent of that Member, and such appointment shall continue undischarged or unstayed for a period of 90 consecutive days or any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangements, readjustment of debt, dissolution, liquidation or similar proceedings shall be instituted (by petition, application or otherwise) against that Member and shall remain undismissed for a period of 90 consecutive days.

 

Section 10.3.           Procedure .

 

(a)          In the event of the dissolution of the Company for any reason, the Manager (or the Manager may appoint one or more Persons to act as liquidator, and shall appoint such a liquidator in the event the Manager is bankrupt) (as applicable, the “ Winding-Up Person ”) shall commence to wind up the affairs of the Company and to liquidate the Company’s investments. Subject to Section 10.4(a) , such Winding-Up Person shall have full right and unlimited discretion to determine in good faith the time, manner and terms of any sale or sales of the Property or other assets pursuant to such liquidation, having due regard to the activity and condition of the relevant market and general financial and economic conditions. The Members shall continue to share profits, losses and distributions during the Fiscal Year of dissolution and liquidation in the same manner and proportion as though the Company had not dissolved. The Company shall engage in no further business except as may be necessary, in the reasonable discretion of the Winding-Up Person to preserve the value of the Company’s assets during the Fiscal Year of dissolution and liquidation.

 

(b)           Following the payment of all expenses of liquidation and the allocation of all Profits and Losses as provided in Article IV , the proceeds of the liquidation and any other funds of the Company shall be distributed in the following order of priority:

 

(i)            First, to the payment and discharge of all of the Company’s debts and Liabilities to creditors (whether third parties or Members), in the order of priority as provided by Law, except any obligations to the Members in respect of their Capital Accounts;

 

(ii)           Second, to set up such cash reserves which the Manager reasonably deems necessary for contingent or unforeseen Liabilities or future payments described in Section 10.3(b)(i) (which reserves when they become unnecessary shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of subsection (iii) , below); and

 

(iii)           Third, subject to Section 5.2(b) , the balance to the Members, pro rata in proportion to their respective Units.

 

  - 45 -  

 

 

(c)           Except as provided in Section 10.4(a) , no Member shall have any right to demand or receive property other than cash upon dissolution and termination of the Company.

 

(d)           Upon the completion of the liquidation of the Company and the distribution of all Company funds, the Company shall terminate and the Winding-Up Person shall have the authority to execute and record a certificate of cancellation of the Company, as well as any and all other documents required to effectuate the dissolution and termination of the Company.

 

Section 10.4.           Rights of Members .

 

(a)           Each Member irrevocably waives any right that it may have to maintain an action for partition with respect to the property of the Company.

 

(b)           Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, (i) each Member shall look solely to the assets of the Company for the return of its Capital Contributions, and (ii) no Member shall have priority over any other Member as to the return of its Capital Contributions, distributions or allocations.

 

Section 10.5.           Notices of Dissolution . In the event a Liquidating Event occurs or an event occurs that would, but for provisions of Section 10.1 , result in a dissolution of the Company, the Company shall, within 30 days thereafter, (a) provide written notice thereof to each of the Members and to all other parties with whom the Company regularly conducts business (as determined in the discretion of the Manager), and (b) comply, in a timely manner, with all filing and notice requirements under the Act or any other applicable Law.

 

Section 10.6.           Reasonable Time for Winding Up . A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding up of the business and affairs of the Company and the liquidation of its assets in order to minimize any losses that might otherwise result from such winding up.

 

Section 10.7.           No Deficit Restoration . No Member shall be personally liable for a deficit Capital Account balance of that Member, it being expressly understood that the distribution of liquidation proceeds shall be made solely from existing Company assets.

 

Section 10.8.           Distributions In Kind . Subject to the order of priorities in Section 10.3(b) , the Winding-Up Person may, in its sole discretion, distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, either (i) all or any portion of the remaining Company assets in-kind in accordance with Section 10.3(b)(iii) , (ii) as tenants in common in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.3(b)(iii) , undivided interest in all or a portion of such Company assets or (iii) a combination of the foregoing. Any such distributions to the Members in kind shall be subject to (x) such conditions relating to the disposition and management of such assets as the Winding-Up Person deems reasonable and equitable and (y) the terms and conditions of any agreements governing such assets (or the operation of or holders thereof) as such time.

 

  - 46 -  

 

 

Article XI

 

GENERAL

 

Section 11.1.           Amendments; Waivers .

 

(a)          The terms and provisions of this Agreement may be waived, modified or amended (including by means of merger, consolidation or other business combination to which the Company is a party) solely with the approval of the Manager; provided , that no amendment to this Agreement may:

 

(i)            modify the limited liability of any Member, or increase the Liabilities or obligations of any Member, in each case, without the consent of each such affected Member;

 

(ii)          materially alter or change any rights, preferences or privileges of any Interests in a manner that is different or prejudicial relative to any other Interests, without the approval of a majority in interest of the Members holding the Interests affected in such a different or prejudicial manner;

 

(iii)           materially alter or change any rights, preferences or privileges of any holder of a class of Interests in a manner that is different or prejudicial relative to any holder of the same class of Interests without the consent of the holder of such Interests affected in such a different or prejudicial manner;

 

(iv)         except to the extent required to give effect to any additional Units issued in accordance with this Agreement, modify in any material respect Section 3.2(a) or (b) , Section 3.5(a) or (b) , Section 3.7 , Article IV , Article V , Section 6.1(b) , Section 8.1(a) , Section 10.1 , or Section 10.3(b) without the approval of the Majority Members; provided , that solely for purposes of this Section 11.1(a)(iv) , the second reference to “a majority” in the definition of Majority Members shall be deemed to be thirty-three percent (33%); or

 

(v)          modify any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which terms and conditions expressly require the approval or action of certain Persons without obtaining the consent of the requisite number or specified percentage of such Persons who are entitled to approve or take action on such matter.

 

(b)          Notwithstanding the foregoing subsection (a) , (i) the Manager, acting alone, may amend this Agreement to reflect the admission of new Members, Transfers of Interests, the issuance of additional Units or Equity Securities, as provided by the terms of this Agreement, and, subject to Section 11.1(a) , subdivisions or combinations of Units made in compliance with Section 3.5(d) , and (ii) the Manager and PubCo or its successor, as applicable, acting without any other Member, may amend this Agreement as and to the extent required by Section 7.5 .

 

(c)          No waiver of any provision or default under, nor consent to any exception to, the terms of this Agreement or any agreement contemplated hereby shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party to be bound and then only to the specific purpose, extent and instance so provided.

 

  - 47 -  

 

 

Section 11.2.           Further Assurances . Each party agrees that it will from time to time, upon the reasonable request of another party, execute such documents and instruments and take such further action as may be required to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement.

 

Section 11.3.           Successors and Assigns . All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and assigns, but shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of any Member only to the extent that they are permitted successors and assigns pursuant to the terms hereof. No party may assign its rights hereunder except as herein expressly permitted.

 

Section 11.4.           Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with all Exhibits and Schedules hereto and all other agreements referenced therein and herein, constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the parties and there are no warranties, representations or other agreements between the parties in connection with the subject matter hereof except as specifically set forth herein and therein.

 

Section 11.5.           Rights of Members Independent . The rights available to the Members under this Agreement and at Law shall be deemed to be several and not dependent on each other and each such right accordingly shall be construed as complete in itself and not by reference to any other such right. Any one or more and/or any combination of such rights may be exercised by a Member and/or the Company from time to time and no such exercise shall exhaust the rights or preclude another Member from exercising any one or more of such rights or combination thereof from time to time thereafter or simultaneously.

 

Section 11.6.           Governing Law . This Agreement, the legal relations between the parties and any Action, whether contractual or non-contractual, instituted by any party with respect to matters arising under or growing out of or in connection with or in respect of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware applicable to Contracts made and performed in such State and without regard to conflicts of law doctrines, except to the extent that certain matters are preempted by federal Law or are governed as a matter of controlling Law by the Law of the jurisdiction of organization of the respective parties.

 

Section 11.7.          Jurisdiction and Venue . The parties hereto hereby agree and consent to be subject to the jurisdiction of any federal court of the District of Delaware or the Delaware Court of Chancery over any action, suit or proceeding (a “ Legal Action ”) arising out of or in connection with this Agreement. The parties hereto irrevocably waive the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such Legal Action. Each of the parties hereto further irrevocably consents to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such Legal Action by the mailing of copies thereof by registered mail, postage prepaid, to such party at its address set forth in this Agreement, such service of process to be effective upon acknowledgment of receipt of such registered mail. Nothing in this Section 11.7 shall affect the right of any party hereto to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Law.

 

  - 48 -  

 

 

Section 11.8.          Headings . The descriptive headings of the Articles, Sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

 

Section 11.9.         Counterparts . This Agreement and any amendment hereto or any other agreement (or document) delivered pursuant hereto may be executed in one or more counterparts and by different parties in separate counterparts. All of such counterparts shall constitute one and the same agreement (or other document) and shall become effective (unless otherwise provided therein) when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party.

 

Section 11.10.        Notices . Any notice, request, demand or other communication required or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be (a) delivered personally, (b) transmitted by first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) delivered by prepaid overnight courier service or (d) delivered by e-mail of a PDF document, in each case, at the addresses set forth as follows:

 

if to the Company, the Manager or PubCo, addressed to it at:

 

c/o U.S. Well Services, Inc.

770 S. Post Oak Lane, Suite 405

Houston, Texas 77056

Attn: Joel Broussard

Email: joelb@uswellservices.com

 

; or, if to a Member other than PubCo, addressed to it at the address for such Member set forth in the Unit Register;

 

or, in each case to such other address or to such other Person as such party shall have last designated by such notice to the other parties. Notices shall be effective and deemed received (i) if delivered personally or sent by courier service, upon actual receipt by the intended recipient, (ii) if mailed, upon the earlier of five days after deposit in the mail or the date of delivery as shown by the return receipt therefor, or (iii) on the date sent by e-mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient.

 

Section 11.11.          Representation By Counsel; Interpretation . The parties acknowledge that each party to this Agreement has been represented by counsel in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Accordingly, any rule of Law, or any legal decision that would require interpretation of any claimed ambiguities in this Agreement against the party that drafted it has no application and is expressly waived.

 

Section 11.12.          Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by any Governmental Entity, the remaining provisions of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by Law shall remain in full force and effect, provided, that the essential terms and conditions of this Agreement for all parties remain valid, binding and enforceable.

 

  - 49 -  

 

 

Section 11.13.        Expenses . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or in the Merger and Contribution Agreement, each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 11.14.        No Third-Party Beneficiaries . Except as expressly provided in Section 6.4 and Section 9.2 , nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under this Agreement or otherwise create any third party beneficiary hereto.

 

[Signatures pages follow]

 

  - 50 -  

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed, or caused to be executed by its duly authorized represented, this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

  COMPANY:
   
  USWS HOLDINGS LLC
     
  By: /s/ Joel N. Broussard
    Name: Joel N. Broussard
   

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

   
  PUBCO (in its capacity as a Member and as the initial Manager):
   
  U.S. WELL SERVICES, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Joel N. Broussard
    Name: Joel N. Broussard
   

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  OTHER MEMBERS:
   
  ALJ BLOCKER LLC
     
  By: /s/ Ron D. Silverton
    Name: Ron D. Silverton
    Title: Authorized Signatory

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  BKC ASW BLOCKER, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Michael Pungello
    Name: Michael Pungello
    Title: President

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  CPTA MASTER BLOCKER, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Joseph B. Alala, III
    Name: Joseph B. Alala, III
   

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  GUGGENHEIM ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES FUND, LP
     
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  GUGGENHEIM PRIVATE DEBT FUND NOTE ISSUER, LLC
     
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  GUGGENHEIM PRIVATE DEBT FUND, LLC
     
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  MAVERICK ENTERPRISES, INC.
     
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  MERCER QIF FUND PLC – MERCER INVESTMENT FUND 1
     
   

By: Millstreet Capital Management LLC,

its Sub-Investment Manager

  By: /s/ Craig Kelleher
    Name: Craig Kelleher
    Title: Managing Member

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  MILLSTREET CREDIT FUND LP
     
   

By: Millstreet Capital Partners LLC,

its General Partner

  By: /s/ Craig Kelleher
    Name: Craig Kelleher
    Title: Managing Member

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  NZC GUGGENHEIM FUND LLC
     
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ORB INVESTMENTS NO. 2, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Joel N. Broussard
    Name: Joel N. Broussard
    Title: Member

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  ORB INVESTMENTS, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Joel N. Broussard
    Name: Joel N. Broussard
    Title: Member

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  PENNANTPARK CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND II, LP
     
  By: /s/ Arthur Penn
    Name: Arthur Penn
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  PNNT INVESTMENT HOLDINGS, LLC
     
  By: /s/ Arthur Penn
    Name: Arthur Penn
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  SOUTHPAW CREDIT OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS LP
     
  By: /s/ Kevin Wyman
    Name: Kevin Wyman
   

Title: Managing Member of General Partner,

Southpaw GP LLC

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  USWS MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC
   
  By: /s/ Matthew J. Bernard
    Name: Matthew J. Bernard
    Title: Member

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  VERGER CAPITAL FUND LLC
     
    By:  Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, as Manager
  By: /s/ Kevin M. Robinson
    Name: Kevin M. Robinson
    Title: Attorney-in-Fact

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  VERITION MULTI-STRATEGY MASTER FUND LTD.
     
  By: /s/ William Anderson
    Name: William Anderson
    Title: Authorized Signatory
   

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  /s/ Brian Stewart
   
  Brian Stewart

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

  /s/ Nathan Houston
   
  Nathan Houston

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement]

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

MEMBERS, EFFECTIVE TIME CAPITAL ACCOUNT BALANCE AND INTERESTS

 

 

Member*

  Effective Time Capital
Account Balance**
    Number of
Common Units
 
U.S. Well Services, Inc.           50,079,676  
BKC ASW Blocker, Inc.             4,359,535  
Millstreet Credit Fund LP             274,700  
Mercer QIF Fund PLC – Mercer Investment Fund 1             1,311,835  
USWS Management Company LLC             1,111,187  
Guggenheim Private Debt Fund Note Issuer, LLC             1,459,832  
Southpaw Credit Opportunity Partners LP             1,218,845  
PNNT Investment Holdings, LLC             1,188,368  
CPTA Master Blocker, Inc.             1,125,426  
ORB Investments, LLC             916,156  
Verition Multi-Strategy Master Fund Ltd.             647,727  
Guggenheim Energy Opportunities Fund, LP             263,705  
ORB Investments No. 2, LLC             269,182  
NZC Guggenheim Fund LLC             223,610  
PennantPark Credit Opportunities Fund II, LP             62,545  
ALJ Blocker LLC             48,028  
Maverick Enterprises, Inc.             25,839  
Verger Capital Fund LLC             12,949  
Guggenheim Private Debt Fund, LLC             10,308  
Brian Stewart             10,567  
Nathan Houston             6,411  
     
* The address for each Member as of the Effective Time (other than PubCo) is the address set forth in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by such Member to PubCo pursuant to the Merger and Contribution Agreement.
** Exhibit to be revised by the Manager to reflect Effective Time Capital Account Balances upon final determination following the Effective Time.

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of                     , 20         (this “ Joinder ”), is delivered pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of USWS Holdings LLC (the “ Company ”), dated as of November 9, 2018 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Company Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Company Agreement.

 

1.           Joinder to the Company Agreement . Upon the execution of this Joinder by the undersigned and delivery hereof to the Manager, the undersigned hereby is and hereafter will be a Member under the Company Agreement and a party thereto, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a Member thereunder. The undersigned hereby agrees that it shall comply with and be fully bound by the terms of the Company Agreement as if it had been a signatory thereto as of the date thereof.

 

2.           Incorporation by Reference . All terms and conditions of the Company Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joinder as if set forth herein in full.

 

3.           Address . All notices under the Company Agreement to the undersigned shall be direct to:

 

[Name]

 

[Address]

 

[City, State, Zip Code]

 

Attn:

 

Facsimile:

 

E-mail:

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Joinder as of the day and year first above written.

 

[NAME OF NEW MEMBER]
   
  By:  
     
  Name:  
     
  Title:  

 

Acknowledged and agreed  
   
as of the date first set forth above:  
   
[_______________], as Manager  

 

By:    
     
Name:    
     
Title:    

 

 

 

 

 

 

E xhibit 10.4

 

AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO sponsor agreement

 

This Amendment No. 2 to Sponsor Agreement (this “ Amendment ”), dated as of November 9, 2018, is made and entered into by and among Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“ MPAC ”), USWS Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ USWS ”), and Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Sponsor ”). Each capitalized term used and not otherwise defined in this Amendment has the meaning given to such term in that certain Sponsor Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2018, as amended on November 2, 2018 (the “ Sponsor Agreement ”), by and among MPAC, USWS, Sponsor and, solely for the purposes of Sections 7 through 12 thereof, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“ Cantor ”).

 

recitals

 

WHEREAS, MPAC, USWS and Sponsor desire to amend the Sponsor Agreement as set forth in this Amendment; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12(c) of the Sponsor Agreement, the Sponsor Agreement may be amended by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the Parties, which, for purposes of this Amendment, excludes Cantor because this Amendment does not amend any of the provisions of the Sponsor Agreement for the purposes of which Cantor is a party to the Sponsor Agreement.

 

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

 

1.           Amendments to Sponsor Agreement . Section 3(b) of the Sponsor Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

 

(a)         Clause (ii) thereof is amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“(ii)         notwithstanding the expiration of the Founder Shares Lock-up Period pursuant to clause (A) or (B)(x) of paragraph 7(a) of the Letter Agreement or the expiration of the restrictions on Transfer set forth in clause (i) of this Section 3(b) , Sponsor will not Transfer 1,000,000 Conversion Shares (the “ $12.00 Conversion Shares ”) until the earlier of (1) the first date on which the VWAP has been equal to or greater than $12.00 (as adjusted pursuant to this Section 3(b) if applicable, the “ $12.00 Threshold ”) for at least 20 of the 30 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding such date, and (2) the date specified in clause (B)(y) of paragraph 7(a) of the Letter Agreement; provided, that the $12.00 Conversion Shares will be subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to MPAC for no consideration as follows, in each case subject to the last sentence of this Section 3(b) : (x) if the $12.00 Conversion Shares have not been released from the restrictions pursuant to clause (1) or (2) prior to the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, then the Sponsor will forfeit 100% of the $12.00 Conversion Shares; and (y) in the case of clause (2), with respect to the applicable transaction contemplated by clause (B)(y) of paragraph 7(a) of the Letter Agreement (the “ Applicable Transaction ”), (aa), if the consideration in the Applicable Transaction consists solely of cash and the amount for which each share of Parent Class A Common Stock is exchangeable is less than $12.00, then the Sponsor will forfeit 100% of the $12.00 Conversion Shares; (bb) if the consideration in the Applicable Transaction consists of cash and securities and/or other property and the value of the cash, securities and other property (if any) for which each share of Parent Class A Common Stock is exchangeable is less than $12.00, as determined in good faith by MPAC, then, subject to clause (x), MPAC shall receive and hold in escrow for the benefit of the Sponsor any and all consideration in respect of the $12.00 Conversion Shares in such Applicable Transaction (and any future Applicable Transactions) until such time as the value of the cash, securities and other property (if any) for which each share of Parent Class A Common Stock was exchanged, as determined in good faith by MPAC, equals or exceeds $12.00, upon which time MPAC shall promptly release such consideration in its entirety to the Sponsor; and”

 

     

 

 

(b)          Clause (iii) thereof is amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:

 

“(iii)        notwithstanding the expiration of the Founder Shares Lock-up Period pursuant to clause (A) or (B)(x) of paragraph 7(a) of the Letter Agreement or the expiration of the restrictions on Transfer set forth in clause (i) or clause (ii) of this Section 3(b) , Sponsor will not Transfer 609,677 Conversion Shares (the “ $13.50 Conversion Shares ”) until the earlier of (1) the first date on which the VWAP has been equal to or greater than $13.50 (as adjusted pursuant to this Section 3(b) if applicable, the “ $13.50 Threshold ”) for at least 20 of the 30 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding such date, and (2) the date specified of an Applicable Transaction; provided, that the $13.50 Conversion Shares will be subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to MPAC for no consideration as follows, in each case subject to the last sentence of this Section 3(b) : (x) if the $13.50 Conversion Shares have not been released from the restrictions pursuant to clause (1) or (2) prior to the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, then the Sponsor will forfeit 100% of the $13.50 Conversion Shares; and (y) in the case of clause (2), with respect to an Applicable Transaction, (aa), if the consideration in the Applicable Transaction consists solely of cash and the amount for which each share of Parent Class A Common Stock is exchangeable is less than $13.50, then the Sponsor will forfeit 100% of the $13.50 Conversion Shares; (bb) if the consideration in the Applicable Transaction consists of cash and securities and/or other property and the value of the cash, securities and other property (if any) for which each share of Parent Class A Common Stock is exchangeable is less than $13.50, as determined in good faith by MPAC, then subject to clause (x), MPAC shall receive and hold in escrow for the benefit of the Sponsor any and all consideration in respect of the $13.50 Conversion Shares in such Applicable Transaction (and any future Applicable Transactions) until such time as the value of the cash, securities and other property (if any) for which each share of Parent Class A Common Stock was exchanged, as determined in good faith by MPAC, equals or exceeds $13.50, upon which time MPAC shall promptly release such consideration in its entirety to the Sponsor.”

 

- 2

 

 

(c) The following is added thereto as a new clause (iv) immediately following clause (iii):

 

“(iv) any forfeiture by the Sponsor to MPAC of Conversion Shares pursuant to this Section 3(b) shall be made for no consideration, and the Sponsor hereby grants to MPAC and any representative designated by MPAC without further action by the Sponsor a limited irrevocable power of attorney to effect such forfeiture(s) on behalf of the Sponsor, which power of attorney shall be deemed to be coupled with an interest.”

 

2.           Ratification of Sponsor Agreement; References . Except as expressly amended by this Amendment, all of the terms, conditions and other provisions of the Sponsor Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall continue to be in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms. No reference to this Amendment need be made in any instrument or document making reference to the Sponsor Agreement, and any reference to the Sponsor Agreement in any such instrument or document shall be deemed to refer to the Sponsor Agreement as amended by this Amendment.

 

3.           Miscellaneous . All relevant provisions of Section 12 of the Sponsor Agreement shall apply to this Amendment to the same extent as if set forth herein, mutatis mutandis .

 

[Signature page follows]

 

- 3

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed and delivered this Amendment as of the date first above written.

 

  Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation
   
  By: /s/ David J. Matlin
  Name: David J. Matlin
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
   
  USWS Holdings LLC
   
  By: /s/ Joel N. Broussard
  Name: Joel N. Broussard
  Title: President & CEO
   
  Matlin & Partners Acquisition Sponsor LLC
   
  By: /s/ David J. Matlin
  Name: David J. Matlin
  Title: Director

 

Signature Page to Amendment No. 2 to Sponsor Agreement

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

 

THIS INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of November __, 2018, by and between U.S. Well Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and ____________________________ (“ Indemnitee ”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS , highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of such corporations;

 

WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities. Although the furnishing of such insurance has been a customary and widespread practice among United States-based corporations and other business enterprises, the Company believes that, given current market conditions and trends, such insurance may be available to it in the future only at higher premiums and with more exclusions. At the same time, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself. The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “ Charter ”) and the Bylaws of the Company (the “ Bylaws ”) require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“ DGCL ”). The Charter, Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the board of directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement and reimbursement rights;

 

WHEREAS , the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

 

WHEREAS , the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

 

WHEREAS , it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so protected against liabilities;

 

 

 

 

WHEREAS , this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter and Bylaws of the Company and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder;

 

WHEREAS , Indemnitee may not be willing to serve as an officer or director, advisor or in another capacity without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that he be so indemnified; and

 

NOW , THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein and subject to the provisions of the letter agreement dated as of________________, 2018, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

1.            SERVICES TO THE COMPANY . In consideration of the Company’s covenants and obligations hereunder, Indemnitee will serve or continue to serve as an officer, director, advisor, key employee or any other capacity of the Company, as applicable, for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or retained or until Indemnitee tenders his resignation or until Indemnitee is removed. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as a director, officer, advisor, key employee or in any other capacity of the Company, as provided in Section 17. This Agreement, however, shall not impose any obligation on Indemnitee or the Company to continue Indemnitee’s service to the Company beyond any period otherwise required by law or by other agreements or commitments of the parties, if any.

 

2.            DEFINITIONS . As used in this Agreement:

 

(a)          References to “ agent ” shall mean any person who is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

 

(b)          The terms “ Beneficial Owner ” and “ Beneficial Ownership ” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 13d¬3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below) as in effect on the date hereof.

 

(c)          A “ Change in Control ” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

 

(i)           Acquisition of Stock by Third Party . Any Person (as defined below) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, unless (1) the change in the relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (2) such acquisition was approved in advance by the Continuing Directors (as defined below) and such acquisition would not constitute a Change in Control under part (iii) of this definition;

 

2

 

 

(ii)          Change in Board of Directors . Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board, and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors on the date hereof or whose election for nomination for election was previously so approved (collectively, the “ Continuing Directors ”), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

 

(iii)         Corporate Transactions . The effective date of a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, involving the Company and one or more businesses (a “ Business Combination ”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination: (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 51% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries (as defined below)) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; (2) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 15% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the surviving corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (3) at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were Continuing Directors at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board of Directors, providing for such Business Combination;

 

(iv)         Liquidation . The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement or series of agreements for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than factoring the Company’s current receivables or escrows due (or, if such stockholder approval is not required, the decision by the Board to proceed with such a liquidation, sale, or disposition in one transaction or a series of related transactions); or

 

(v)          Other Events . There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or any successor rule) (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

 

3

 

 

(d)          “ Corporate Status ” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise (as defined below) which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

 

(e)          “ Delaware Court ” shall mean the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.

 

Disinterested Director ” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding (as defined below) in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

(f)          “ Enterprise ” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger to which the Company (or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries) is a party, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent.

 

(g)          “ Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(h)          “ Expenses ” shall include all direct and indirect costs, fees and expenses of any type or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of private investigators and professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, fax transmission charges, secretarial services and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding (as defined below), including reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which he or she is not otherwise compensated by the Company or any third party. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding (as defined below), including without limitation the principal, premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

(i)          References to “ fines ” shall include any excise tax assessed on Indemnitee with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “ serving at the request of the Company ” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “ not opposed to , the best interests of the Company ” as referred to in this Agreement.

 

4

 

 

(j)          “ Independent Counsel ” shall mean a law firm or a member of a law firm with significant experience in matters of corporation law and that neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding (as defined below) giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “ Independent Counsel ” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

 

(k)          The term “ Person ” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof; provided, however, that “ Person ” shall exclude: (i) the Company; (ii) any Subsidiaries (as defined beloW) of the Company; (iii) any employment benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary (as defined below) of the Company or of any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company; and (iv) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary (as defined below) of the Company or of a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

(l)          The term “ Proceeding ” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative or investigative or related nature, in which Indemnitee was, is, will or might be involved as a party or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any action (or failure to act) taken by him or of any action (or failure to act) on his part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that he is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.

 

(m)          The term “ Subsidiary ,” with respect to any Person, shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.

 

3.             INDEMNITY IN THIRD-PARTY PROCEEDINGS . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually, and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

 

5

 

 

4.             INDEMNITY IN PROCEEDINGS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that any court in which the Proceeding was brought or the Delaware Court shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, to be held harmless or to exoneration.

 

5.             INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A PARTY WHO IS WHOLLY OR PARTLY SUCCESSFUL . Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee was or is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, the Company also shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses reasonably incurred in connection with a claim, issue or matter related to any claim, issue, or matter on which Indemnitee was successful. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

6.             INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A WITNESS . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his Corporate Status, a witness or deponent in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee was or is not a party or threatened to be made a party, he shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or on his behalf in connection therewith.

 

6

 

 

7.              ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION, HOLD HARMLESS AND EXONERATION RIGHTS .

 

(a)          Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights shall be available under this Section 7 on account of Indemnitee’s conduct which constitutes a breach of Indemnitee’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders or is an act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law.

 

8.             CONTRIBUTION IN THE EVENT OF JOINT LIABILITY .

 

(a)          To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification, hold harmless and/or exoneration rights provided for in this Agreement are unavailable to Indemnitee in whole or in part for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying, holding harmless or exonerating Indemnitee, shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment, and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have at any time against Indemnitee.

 

(b)          The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

 

(c)          The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee from any claims for contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

 

9.             EXCLUSIONS . Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification, advance expenses, hold harmless or exoneration payment in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

 

(a)          for which payment has actually been received by or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity or advancement provision, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount actually received under any insurance policy, contract, agreement, other indemnity or advancement provision or otherwise;

 

7

 

 

(b)          for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (or any successor rule) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law; or

 

(c)          except as otherwise provided in Sections 14(f)-(g) hereof, prior to a Change in Control, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payment, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law. Indemnitee shall seek payments or Advances from the Company only to the extent that such payments or Advances are unavailable from any insurance policy of the Company covering Indemnitee.

 

10.           ADVANCES OF EXPENSES; DEFENSE OF CLAIM .

 

(a)          Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, and to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Company shall pay the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee (or reasonably expected by Indemnitee to be incurred by Indemnitee within three months) in connection with any Proceeding within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, prior to the final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to be indemnified, held harmless or exonerated under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing a Proceeding to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. To the fullest extent required by applicable law, such payments of Expenses in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon the Company’s receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of Indemnitee, to repay the advanced amounts to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company under the provisions of this Agreement, the Charter, the Bylaws of the Company, applicable law or otherwise. This Section 10(a) shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which an indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payment is excluded pursuant to Section 9.

 

(b)          The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.

 

(c)          The Company shall not settle any action, claim or Proceeding (in whole or in part) which would impose any Expense, judgment, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

 

8

 

 

11.           PROCEDURE FOR NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION .

 

(a)          Indemnitee agrees to notify promptly the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding, claim, issue or matter therein which may be subject to indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights, or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement, or otherwise.

 

(b)          Indemnitee may deliver to the Company a written application to indemnify, hold harmless or exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with this Agreement. Such application(s) may be delivered from time to time and at such time(s) as Indemnitee deems appropriate in his sole discretion. Following such a written application for indemnification by Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined according to Section 12(a) of this Agreement.

 

12.           PROCEDURE UPON APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION .

 

(a)          A determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made in the specific case by one of the following methods, which shall be at the election of Indemnitee: (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, (iii) if there are no Disinterested Directors or if such directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee, or (iv) by vote of the stockholders. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied. If it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

 

9

 

 

(b)          In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(b). The Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “ Independent Counsel ” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement. If the Independent Counsel is selected by the Board, the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “ Independent Counsel ” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been received, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “ Independent Counsel ” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court of competent jurisdiction has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(b) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the Delaware Court, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

 

(c)          The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel and to fully indemnify and hold harmless such Independent Counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

 

13.           PRESUMPTIONS AND EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS .

 

(a)          In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 11(b) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by the Disinterested Directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by the Disinterested Directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

10

 

 

(b)          If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a final judicial determination that any or all such indemnification is expressly prohibited under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto.

 

(c)          The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

 

(d)          For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, manager, or officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member, or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member, by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member. The provisions of this Section 13(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed or found to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

 

(e)          The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

11

 

 

14.           REMEDIES OF INDEMNITEE .

 

(a)          In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6, 7 or the last sentence of Section 12(a) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) a contribution payment is not made in a timely manner pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement, (vi) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3 or 4 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vii) payment to Indemnitee pursuant to any hold harmless or exoneration rights under this Agreement or otherwise is not made in accordance with this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by the Delaware Court to such indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or advancement rights. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Except as set forth herein, the provisions of Delaware law (without regard to its conflict of laws rules) shall apply to any such arbitration. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

 

(b)          In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination.

 

(c)          In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, exonerated to receive advancement of Expenses under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, exonerated and to receive advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, and the Company may not refer to or introduce into evidence any determination pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose. If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to this Section 14, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 10 until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).

 

(d)          If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

(e)          The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 14 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

 

12

 

 

(f)          The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law against all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after the Company’s receipt of such written request) pay to Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any judicial proceeding or arbitration brought by Indemnitee: (i) to enforce his rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement or any other indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement or contribution agreement or provision of the Charter, or the Bylaws now or hereafter in effect; or (ii) for recovery or advances under any insurance policy maintained by any person for the benefit of Indemnitee, regardless of the outcome and whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration right, advancement, contribution or insurance recovery, as the case may be (unless such judicial proceeding or arbitration was not brought by Indemnitee in good faith).

 

(g)          Interest shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee at the legal rate under Delaware law for amounts which the Company indemnifies, holds harmless or exonerates, or advances, or is obliged to indemnify, hold harmless or exonerate or advance for the period commencing with the date on which Indemnitee requests indemnification, to be held harmless, exonerated, contribution, reimbursement or advancement of any Expenses and ending with the date on which such payment is made to Indemnitee by the Company.

 

15.           SECURITY . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral. Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of Indemnitee.

 

16.           NON-EXCLUSIVITY; SURVIVAL OF RIGHTS; INSURANCE; SUBROGATION .

 

(a)          The rights of Indemnitee as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any Proceeding (regardless of when such Proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) or claim, issue or matter therein arising out of, or related to, any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his Corporate Status, prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in applicable law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Charter, the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall 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 or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

 

13

 

 

(b)          The DGCL, the Charter and the Bylaws permit the Company to purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection or make other arrangements including, but not limited to, providing a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond (“ Indemnification Arrangements ”) on behalf of Indemnitee against any liability asserted against him or incurred by or on behalf of him or in such capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement or under the DGCL, as it may then be in effect. The purchase, establishment, and maintenance of any such Indemnification Arrangement shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or of Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or the other party or parties thereto under any such Indemnification Arrangement.

 

(c)          To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, trustees, partners, managers, managing members, fiduciaries, employees, or agents of the Company or of any other Enterprise which such person serves at the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, trustee, partner, managers, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time the Company receives notice from any source of a Proceeding as to which Indemnitee is a party or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise), the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

(d)          In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

(e)          The Company’s obligation to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payments or advancement of expenses from such Enterprise. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (i) Indemnitee shall have no obligation to reduce, offset, allocate, pursue or apportion any indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement, contribution or insurance coverage among multiple parties possessing such duties to Indemnitee prior to the Company’s satisfaction and performance of all its obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) the Company shall perform fully its obligations under this Agreement without regard to whether Indemnitee holds, may pursue or has pursued any indemnification, advancement, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or insurance coverage rights against any person or entity other than the Company.

 

14

 

 

17.           DURATION OF AGREEMENT . All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee serves as a director or officer of the Company or as a director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which Indemnitee serves at the request of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto and any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 of this Agreement) by reason of his Corporate Status, whether or not he is acting in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

 

18.           SEVERABILITY . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

 

19.           ENFORCEMENT AND BINDING EFFECT .

 

(a)          The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer or key employee of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer or key employee of the Company.

 

(b)          Without limiting any of the rights of Indemnitee under the Charter or Bylaws of the Company as they may be amended from time to time, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

(c)          The indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration and advancement of expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise at the Company’s request, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.

 

15

 

 

(d)          The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

 

(e)          The Company and Indemnitee agree herein that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement, at some later date, may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, enforce this Agreement by seeking, among other things, injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which he may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by a court of competent jurisdiction, Company hereby waives any such requirement of such a bond or undertaking to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

20.           MODIFICATION AND WAIVER . No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the Company and Indemnitee. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

21.           NOTICES . All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, or (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third (3rd) business day after the date on which it is so mailed:

 

(a)          If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide in writing to the Company.

 

(b)          If to the Company, to:

 

U.S. Well Services, Inc.

770 South Post Oak Lane, Suite 405

Houston, Texas 77056

Attention: Kyle O’Neill

 

With a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to

 

Winston & Strawn LLP

333 South Grand Avenue, 38 th Floor

Los Angeles, California 90071

Attn: Justin E. Rawlins

Fax No.: (213) 615-1750

 

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee in writing by the Company.

 

16

 

 

 

22.           APPLICABLE LAW AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION . This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14(a) of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally: (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country; (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; (c) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court; and (d) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum, or is subject (in whole or in part) to a jury trial. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereby agree that the mailing of process and other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in the manner provided by Section 21 or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.

 

23.           IDENTICAL COUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

 

24.           MISCELLANEOUS . Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

 

25.           PERIOD OF LIMITATIONS . No legal action shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or in the right of the Company against Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s spouse, heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of two years from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of action of the Company shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such two-year period; provided, however, that if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to any such cause of action such shorter period shall govern.

 

26.           ADDITIONAL ACTS . If for the validation of any of the provisions in this Agreement any act, resolution, approval or other procedure is required to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company undertakes to cause such act, resolution, approval or other procedure to be affected or adopted in a manner that will enable the Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

 

17

 

 

27.           MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE . The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain in effect during the entire period for which the Company is obligated to indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement, one or more policies of insurance with reputable insurance companies to provide the officers/directors of the Company with coverage for losses from wrongful acts and omissions and to ensure the Company’s performance of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement. The Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director or officer under such policy or policies. In all such insurance policies, the Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide the Indemnitee with the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company’s directors and officers.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

18

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indemnity Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

  U.S. WELL SERVICES, INC.
     
  By:                     
  Name:  
  Title:  
     
  INDEMNITEE
     
  By:
  Name:  
  Address:  

 

[Signature page to Indemnity Agreement]

 

 

Exhibit 10.6

 

Execution Draft

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into the 13 th day of July 2018, by and between Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation, to be renamed as set forth in the Merger Agreement (as defined below) (the “ Company ”), and Joel Broussard (“ Executive ”). For purposes hereof, the “ Company Group ” means, collectively, the Company and each of its affiliates and subsidiaries.

 

RECITALS

 

The Company, MPAC Merger Sub LLC, USWS Holdings LLC (“ USWS Holdings ”), the Blocker Companies and, solely for purposes described herein, the Seller Representatives, entered into that certain Merger and Contribution Agreement, dated July 13, 2018 (the “ Merger Agreement ”). All capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement;

 

Executive is currently a party to an Employment Agreement with U.S. Well Services, LLC, a subsidiary of USWS Holdings, dated February 2, 2017 (the “ USWS Employment Agreement ”);

 

This Agreement is being entered into in connection with the Merger Agreement and shall become effective as of the Closing Date (the “ Effective Date ”);

 

Executive’s agreement to and compliance with this Agreement are a material factor, material inducement and material condition to the Company’s participation in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and

 

Following the Closing, the Company, through USWS Holdings and its subsidiaries, will be engaged in the business of being an oilfield service provider, providing hydraulic fracturing services and other pressure pumping services to its customers. The Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. Some of the services provided under this Agreement will have a direct or indirect benefit to the Company Group.

 

In consideration of the mutual promises set forth in this Agreement the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

Term of Employment

 

If the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason before the Closing occurs, Executive will not be employed under this Agreement, and none of the provisions of this Agreement will take effect and there will be no liability of any kind under this Agreement. Subject to the provisions of Article V , and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company will employ Executive from the Effective Date through December 31, 2021 (the “ Initial Term ”). After the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for subsequent one (1) year periods, unless the Company provides notice of non-renewal to Executive at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term (the Initial Term and any renewal term, the “ Term ”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Executive understands that his employment with the Company is not guaranteed, and Executive may be terminated by the Company, with or without Cause (as defined in Section 5.03 ), at any time, subject to the termination obligations described in Section 5.05 .

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

Duties and Board Appointment

 

2.01         The Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment, as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company subject to the terms and conditions hereof. Executive shall have the normal duties, responsibilities and authority of such position, subject to the power of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) to limit such duties, responsibilities and authority and to override actions of such position. In connection with the duties to be performed pursuant to this Agreement, Executive shall report directly to the Board. Executive will promote the interests, within the scope of his duties, of the Company and the members of the Company Group and devote substantially his full working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and Company Group. Executive agrees to maintain a reasonable physical in-person presence at Company locations, including its headquarters in Houston, Texas and field operating locations, provided that a majority of Executive’s working time may be spent in Lafayette, Louisiana.

 

2.02         Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 2.01 above to the contrary, nothing contained herein or under law shall be construed as preventing Executive from (i) investing Executive’s personal assets in such form or manner as will not require any material personal services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made and in which his participation is principally that of a passive investor; and (ii) engaging (outside normal business hours) in any other professional, civic, or philanthropic activities, provided that Executive’s investments or engagement does not result in a violation of his covenants under Section 2.01 or Article VI hereof.

 

2.03         Executive shall be named to the Board concurrent with the initial formation and seating of the Board. Executive shall perform such duties under his Board appointment for no additional compensation.

 

ARTICLE III

Base Compensation

 

3.01          Base Salary . The Company will compensate Executive for the duties performed by him hereunder by payment of a base salary at the rate of eight hundred thousand dollars ($800,000.00) per annum (the “ Base Salary ”). The Company shall pay the Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule, subject to customary withholding for federal, state, and local taxes and other normal and customary withholding items. The Base Salary may be adjusted annually, in the sole discretion of the Board, but not to be reduced unless part of a general reduction in the Company’s compensation to other named executive officers.

 

  2

 

 

3.02         Annual Bonus . In addition to the Base Salary:

 

(a)          For the period of time from January 1, 2018, to the Closing, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus as provided in the USWS Employment Agreement, calculated as year to date Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the USWS Employment Agreement) as of the Closing multiplied by one and a half percent (1.5%) (the “ 2018 Prorated Bonus ”). The Company shall take reasonable efforts to pay Executive the 2018 Prorated Bonus as soon as reasonably practicable following the Closing.

 

(b)          For the period of time from Closing through December 31, 2018, and for each year during the Term ending after December 31, 2018, Executive shall be eligible to participate in the U.S. Well Services, LLC Annual Incentive Plan or a similar or replacement annual incentive plan adopted by the Board and in which other key executive employees of the Company participate (“ AIP ”) at the discretion of the Board; provided that Executive shall have an annual target bonus under the AIP of one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the Base Salary. During the fourth quarter of each calendar year, the Board shall make good faith efforts to finalize the AIP that will be applicable for the following calendar year.

 

Except as otherwise provided herein, the earned and vested portion of Executive’s annual bonus shall be paid to Executive during the calendar year immediately following the performance calendar year to which the bonus relates, within 60 days following the finalization of the Company’s annual financial statements, but no later than the last day of the calendar year in which such financial statements are finalized, provided that Executive has remained continuously and actively employed with the Company through the date of payment, and provided further that the Company may delay such payment if, pursuant to its reasonable judgment, the making of the payment would jeopardize the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. If this provision is applicable, such payment (with reasonable interest thereon) will then occur in the first taxable year in which the making of the payment would not have such effect. To the extent the payments under this bonus are or become subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Code Section 409A ”), this provision will be administered consistent with Code Section 409A.

 

3.03         Individual Change in Control Bonus .

 

(a)          The Company and Executive agree that the Closing under the Merger Agreement will constitute a Sale of the Company for purposes of Section 3.03 of the USWS Employment Agreement and, accordingly, that Executive will be entitled to receive the Individual Change in Control Bonus (as defined in the USWS Employment Agreement) as a result of the Closing, subject to the satisfaction of the vesting criteria set forth in Section 3.03(b) of the USWS Employment Agreement and to the terms of this Section 3.03(a) . Subject to the occurrence of the Closing and to the satisfaction of such vesting criteria, the Company agrees to pay, or to cause USWS Holdings to pay, to Executive the Individual Change in Control Bonus in accordance with Section 3.03 of the USWS Employment Agreement; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything in Section 3.03 of the USWS Employment Agreement to the contrary, the Company and Executive agree that:

 

  3

 

 

(i)          the aggregate amount of the Individual Change in Control Bonus shall be $7,500,000.00 (the “ CIC Bonus Amount ”);

 

(ii)         $6,500,000.00 of the CIC Bonus Amount shall be payable in the form of 650,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“ Class A Stock ”) of the Company (based on a value of $10.00 per share of Class A Stock), and the balance of the CIC Bonus Amount—$1,000,000.00—shall be payable in cash; and

 

(iii)        the CIC Bonus Amount shall be paid on the Effective Date (subject to the occurrence of the Closing and to the satisfaction of such vesting criteria).

 

Executive agrees that (A) payment of the CIC Bonus Amount in accordance with this Section 3.03(a) will constitute satisfaction in full of all obligations of U.S. Well Services, LLC or any of its affiliates (including USWS Holdings and each member of the Company Group) with respect to the Individual Change of Control Bonus and (B) Executive will not be entitled to receive any other or additional amounts pursuant to Section 3.03 of the USWS Employment Agreement.

 

(b)          Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive (i) is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), (ii) is acquiring the shares of Class A Stock deliverable pursuant to Section 3.03(a) for his own account and not with a view to a sale, distribution or other disposition thereof in violation of the Securities Act, and (iii) understands that (A) such shares of Class A Stock have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance on an exemption therefrom and may not be sold, transferred, offered for sale, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of, except pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws and (B) any certificate representing, or book-entry notation for, such shares of Class A Stock will bear a restrictive legend to the foregoing effect.

 

ARTICLE IV

Reimbursement and Employment Benefits

 

4.01          Health and Other Medical . Executive shall be eligible to participate in all health, medical, dental, and life insurance employee benefits of the Company or another member of the Company Group in accordance with the policies as are available from time to time for other key executive employees of the Company (and their families).

 

4.02          Vacation . Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation per year, to be taken in such amounts and at such times as shall be mutually convenient for Executive and the Company. Except as set forth in the previous sentence, the Company’s standard policies and practices regarding vacation time will apply to Executive.

 

4.03          Reimbursable Expenses . The Company shall in accordance with its standard policies in effect from time to time reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him in the conduct of the business of the Company provided that Executive submits in writing all substantiation of such expenses to the Company on a timely basis in accordance with the Company’s standard policies.

 

  4

 

 

4.04         Savings Plan . Executive will be eligible to enroll and participate in all savings and retirement plans of the Company or another member of the Company Group, including any 401(k) plans in accordance with the policies as are available from time to time for other key executive employees of the Company.

 

ARTICLE V

Termination

 

5.01         Events of Termination . Executive’s compensation under Articles III and I V, and any and all other rights of Executive under this Agreement or otherwise as an employee of the Company will terminate (except as otherwise provided in this Article V ) upon the earliest occurrence of the following events:

 

(a)          Upon resignation of employment by Executive upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Company;

 

(b)          Upon the death of Executive;

 

(c)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company or Executive due to the disability of Executive (as defined in Section 5.02 );

 

(d)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company for Cause, immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify;

 

(e)          Upon the termination of employment by Executive for Good Reason upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior notice from Executive to the Company and Company’s failure to cure the “Good Reason” within the prescribed timeframe, as provided in Section 5.04 ;

 

(f)           Upon the termination of employment by the Company without Cause immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify; or

 

(g)          Upon the non-renewal of this Agreement, in accordance with Article I hereof.

 

5.02         Definition of Disability . Executive will be deemed to have a “disability” if, for physical or mental reasons, Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties under this Agreement for ninety (90) consecutive days, or one hundred and twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period, as determined in accordance with this Section 5.02 . The disability of Executive will be determined by a medical doctor selected by the Company. The determination of the medical doctor selected under this Section 5.02 will be binding on both parties. Executive must submit to a reasonable number of examinations by the medical doctor making the determination of disability under this Section 5.02 , and Executive hereby authorizes the disclosure and release to the Company of such determination and all supporting medical records. If Executive is not legally competent, Executive’s legal guardian or duly authorized attorney-in-fact will act in Executive’s stead, under this Section 5.02 , for the purposes of submitting Executive to the examinations, and providing the authorization of disclosure, required under this Section 5.02 .

 

  5

 

 

5.03         Definition of “Cause .” The term “ Cause ” shall mean any of the following:

 

(a)          Executive’s failure or refusal to perform specific directives from the Board that are consistent with the scope and nature of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement;

 

(b)          Fraud committed against the Company, or any member of the Company Group, or embezzlement of the funds of the Company or any member of the Company Group;

 

(c)          Use of drugs or other substances, which is (x) unlawful or (y) otherwise interferes with the performance of Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement;

 

(d)          Executive’s commission of or pleading guilty or no contest to a felony or to any crime involving dishonesty or fraud;

 

(e)          Any gross or willful misconduct of Executive resulting in loss to the Company or any member of the Company Group or damages to the reputation of the Company or any member of the Company Group;

 

(f)           Any material breach by Executive of Executive’s covenants contained in Article VI ; or

 

(g)          Any other material breach of this Agreement by Executive.

 

No act or failure to act on the part of Executive will be deemed “willful” if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence, but will be deemed “willful” only if done or omitted to be done by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.

 

5.04         Definition of “Good Reason .” The phrase “ Good Reason ” means the Executive’s resignation of employment within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement; (ii) the assignment of Executive, by the Company or any of its direct or indirect successors, without Executive’s consent to a position, responsibilities, or duties of a materially lesser status or degree of responsibility than Executive’s position, responsibilities, or duties at the Effective Date; (iii) a requirement by the Company that Executive permanently relocate outside of the greater Lafayette, Louisiana metropolitan area (notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges that he must maintain a reasonable physical in-person presence at Company locations, including its headquarters in Houston, TX and field operating locations); or (iv) any attempt on the part of the Company to require Executive to perform (or omit to perform) any act or to engage (or omit to engage) in any conduct that would constitute illegal action or inaction on the part of Executive. Executive will provide the Company a written notice which describes the circumstances in sufficient detail that is cause for the Good Reason termination within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event. The Company will have thirty (30) days from the receipt of such notice to cure the event prior to Executive exercising his/her right to terminate for Good Reason and, if not cured to Executive’s reasonable satisfaction, Executive’s termination will be effective upon the expiration of such cure period.

 

  6

 

 

5.05         Termination Obligations . Effective upon the termination of this Agreement (the date of any such termination being the “ Termination Date ”), the Company will be obligated to pay Executive (or, in the event of his death, his designated beneficiary as defined below) only such compensation as is provided in this Section 5.05 . For purposes of this Section 5.05 , Executive’s designated beneficiary will be such individual beneficiary or trust, located at such address, as Executive may designate by notice to the Company from time to time or, if Executive fails to give notice to the Company of such a beneficiary, Executive’s estate. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company will have no duty, in any circumstances, to attempt to open an estate on behalf of Executive, to determine whether any beneficiary designated by Executive is alive or to ascertain the address of any such beneficiary, to determine the existence of any trust, to determine whether any person or entity purporting to act as Executive’s personal representative (or the trustee of a trust established by Executive) is duly authorized to act in that capacity, or to locate or attempt to locate any beneficiary, personal representative, or trustee. Additionally, Executive will retain any other rights or benefits to which Executive is entitled as a matter of law (including Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act coverage).

 

(a)           Termination by Executive without Good Reason . If Executive voluntarily terminates this Agreement without Good Reason, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term. The Company shall reimburse Executive for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 .

 

(b)           Termination by the Company for Cause . If this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term. The Company shall reimburse Executive for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 . Additionally and notwithstanding any language in any long-term incentive plan or award, including any profits interest awards, if this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, Executive will be treated as forfeiting all unvested award and any interests in any such awards.

 

  7

 

 

The Board may only terminate Executive’s employment hereunder in good faith on account of Cause, or it may separately determine that any termination is on account of Cause. Prior to such determination, however, the Board shall provide written notice to Executive, including the reasons for the determination of Cause, and if curable, any actions necessary or appropriate to cure such determination. If the Cause event is curable, Executive shall have the opportunity to appear before the Board to present arguments and evidence on his behalf and , Executive shall have a reasonable period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days, to cure any such finding of Cause hereunder. Following such presentation, upon Executive’s failure to appear or upon Executive’s failure to cure, as the case may be, the Board, by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members (excluding Executive), shall confirm that the actions or inactions of Executive constitute Cause hereunder.

 

(c)           Termination by the Company Without Cause or Termination by Executive for Good Reason . If the Company terminates the employment of Executive prior to the end of the then applicable Term of this Agreement for any reason other than for Cause, or if Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason prior to the end of the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to two (2) times the sum of (x) Executive’s then-current Base Salary, and (y) average annual bonus during the prior two calendar years under the AIP (or such shorter period, as applicable), subject to applicable taxes and withholdings and payable on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; (iv) if the Termination Date occurs after December 31 of a performance year under the AIP but before any bonus for such performance year has been paid, such unpaid bonus under the AIP, to the extent earned, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, at the time bonuses are paid under the AIP; and (v) a payment equal to the product of (x) the target bonus under the AIP for the performance year in which the Termination Date occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is 365, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date. In addition, if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by Executive for himself and his dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the 15 th day of the month immediately following the month in which Executive timely remits the premium payment. Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earlier of: (A) the end of the 18-month period following the Termination Date; or (B) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage. Further, if and to the extent Executive and/or his qualified beneficiaries are receiving COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group medical plan as of the last day of the 18-month period described above, for an additional six month period the Company shall (I) continue such group medical coverage for Executive and/or his qualified beneficiaries under the Company’s group medical plan under the same terms and conditions described in this Section 5.05(c), to the extent permitted under the terms of such plan or related insurance contracts and service agreements, or (II) provide Executive with a monthly cash payment equal to the monthly COBRA premium that would be paid by Executive for himself and his dependents under the Company’s group medical plan, less applicable tax withholdings. The decision of the method of providing coverage to Executive pursuant to the preceding sentence will be in the Company's sole discretion.

 

  8

 

 

(d)           Termination upon Disability . If this Agreement is terminated by either party as a result of Executive’s disability, Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) continuation of Base Salary, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, for the lesser of (A) six (6) consecutive months thereafter or (B) the period until disability insurance benefits commence under the disability insurance coverage (if any) furnished by the Company to Executive; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; (iv) if the Termination Date occurs after December 31 of a performance year under the AIP but before any bonus for such performance year has been paid, such unpaid bonus under the AIP, to the extent earned, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, at the time bonuses are paid under the AIP; and (v) a payment equal to the product of (x) the target bonus under the AIP for the performance year in which the Termination Date occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is 365, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date.

 

(e)           Termination upon Death . If this Agreement is terminated because of Executive’s death, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term) and to reimburse Executive’s estate for expenses incurred by Executive that are reimbursable through the Termination Date pursuant to Section 4.03 .

 

  9

 

 

(f)           Termination upon Non-Renewal of Agreement . If this Agreement is terminated for non-renewal as described in Article I hereof, then Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to two (2) times the sum of (x) Executive’s then-current Base Salary, and (y) average annual bonus during the prior two calendar years under the AIP (or such shorter period, as applicable), subject to applicable taxes and withholdings and payable on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; and (iv) provided Executive remains employed by the Company until the last day of the then-current Term, Executive shall be paid the bonus under the AIP for the performance year ending on the last day of such Term, to the extent earned, in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, no later than the March 15 immediately following the last day of such Term. In addition, if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by Executive for himself and his dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the 15 th day of the month immediately following the month in which Executive timely remits the premium payment. Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earlier of: (A) the end of the 18-month period following the Termination Date; or (B) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage. Further, if and to the extent Executive and/or his qualified beneficiaries are receiving COBRA continuation coverage under the Company’s group medical plan as of the last day of the 18-month period described above, for an additional six month period the Company shall (I) continue such group medical coverage for Executive and/or his qualified beneficiaries under the Company’s group medical plan under the same terms and conditions described in this Section 5.05(f), to the extent permitted under the terms of such plan or related insurance contracts and service agreements, or (II) provide Executive with a monthly cash payment equal to the monthly COBRA premium that would be paid by Executive for himself and his dependents under the Company’s group medical plan, less applicable tax withholdings. The decision of the method of providing coverage to Executive pursuant to the preceding sentence will be in the Company's sole discretion.

 

5.06         General .

 

(a)          Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of Executive under Article VI hereof that, pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement, continue in full force and effect. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all Company Group property including without limitation all writings, records, data, memoranda, contracts, orders, sales literature, price lists, client lists, data processing materials, and other documents, whether or not obtained from the Company Group, which pertain to or were used by Executive in connection with his employment by the Company or which pertain to any member of the Company Group, including, but not limited to, Confidential Information (as defined below), as well as any automobiles, computers or other furniture, fixtures or equipment which were purchased by the Company for Executive or otherwise in Executive’s possession or control.

 

(b)          Notwithstanding the foregoing, other than the Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (as set forth in Sections 5.05(c)(i) or (d)(i) or (f)(i) , as applicable), Executive’s right to receive amounts payable pursuant to Sections 5.05(c) or (d) or (f) (which shall be deemed, and referred to herein as, “ Severance ”) is contingent upon Executive not violating any of his on-going obligations under this Agreement and executing and delivering to the Company, and not revoking, a complete and general release, in a form acceptable to the Company, of all claims that Executive has or may have against the Company and its predecessors, successors, assigns, divisions, affiliates, the Company Group, and subsidiaries, and each of their respective past, present and future owners, directors, employees, agents and fiduciaries of employee benefit plans (the “ Released Parties ”) through the Termination Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company no later than forty-five (45) days after the Termination Date. Subject to anything to the contrary in Sections 5.05 or 9.04 , Severance, if payable, shall be paid as and when normal payroll payments are made; provided that Executive will not receive any Severance payments prior to the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date and will be paid any amounts that would have been payable pursuant to Sections 5.05(c) or (d) or (f) on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that the payment of Severance to Executive hereunder shall be liquidated damages for and in full satisfaction of any and all claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities or any kind whatsoever (upon any legal or equitable theory, whether contractual, common law or statutory, under federal, state or local law or otherwise), whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, by reason of any act, omission, transaction, agreement or occurrence that Executive ever had, now have or hereafter may have against the Released Parties relating to or arising out of:

 

  10

 

 

(i)           Executive’s employment with the Company, the terms and conditions of that employment, and the termination of that employment;

 

(ii)          All claims of employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation under any federal, state or local statute or ordinance, public policy or the common law ;

 

(iii)         All contract and quasi-contract claims, claims for promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance, claims for wages, bonuses, incentive compensation, and severance allowances or entitlements;

 

(iv)         All claims for employee benefits; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.06(b) is intended to release, diminish, or otherwise affect any vested monies or other vested benefits to which Employee may be entitled from, under, or pursuant to any savings or retirement plan of the Company;

 

(v)          All claims for fraud, fraudulent inducement, slander, libel, defamation, disparagement, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, personal injury, prima facie tort, negligence, compensatory or punitive damages, or any other claim for damages or injury of any kind whatsoever; and,

 

(vi)         All claims for monetary recovery, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, medical fees or expenses, costs and disbursements and the like.

 

5.07          Representations . Executive represents, warrants, and covenants to Company that (a) there is no other agreement or relationship which is binding on him which prevents him from entering into or fully performing under the terms hereof and (b) the Company may contact any past, present, or future entity with whom he has a business relationship and inform such entity of the existence of this Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

ARTICLE VI

Covenants

 

6.01          Competition/Solicitation . Ancillary to the consideration to be provided pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to the Company’s promise to provide Executive access to Confidential Information, and in order to protect the Confidential Information, during Executive’s employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group and for a period of twenty-four (24) months after termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group, regardless of the reason, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, except in connection with his duties hereunder or otherwise for the sole account and benefit of the Company, whether as a sole proprietor, investor, partner, member, stockholder, employee, director, officer, guarantor, consultant, independent contractor, or in any other capacity as principal or agent, or through any person, subsidiary, affiliate, or employee acting as nominee or agent, except with the consent of the Company:

 

  11

 

 

(a)          Conduct or engage in, or be interested in or associated with, any person or entity anywhere in the Market Area (other than the Company and its affiliates) that conducts or engages in the shale fracking business;

 

(b)          Solicit, attempt to solicit, or accept business from or otherwise service, or cause to be solicited or have business accepted from or otherwise service, any then-current customers of Company or any member of the Company Group, any persons or entities anywhere in the Market Area who were customers of the Company or any member of the Company Group within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the Termination Date, or any prospective customers of the Company or any member of the Company Group for whom bids were being prepared or had been submitted as of the Termination Date; or

 

(c)          Induce, or attempt to induce, hire or attempt to hire, or cause to be induced or hired, any employee of the Company or any member of the Company Group, or persons who were employees of the Company or any member of the Company Group within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the Termination Date, to leave or terminate his or her employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group, or hire or engage as an independent contractor any such employee of the Company or any member of the Company Group.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be prevented from (A) investing in or owning up to two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any corporation engaged in a business competitive with the Company, provided that such shares are regularly traded on a national securities exchange or in any over-the-counter market or (B) retaining any shares of stock in any corporation which Executive owned before the date of his employment with the Company, or (C) being employed by or serving as a paid consultant to a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision shall not prevent Executive from being a passive investor in a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Market Area ” shall mean the geographic areas set forth on Exhibit A .

 

  12

 

 

6.02          Confidential Information . Executive acknowledges that in his employment he is or will be making use of, acquiring, or adding to the Company Group’s confidential information (the “ Confidential Information ”) which includes, but is not limited to, memoranda and other materials or records of a proprietary nature; technical information regarding the operations of the Company Group; and records and policy matters relating to finance, personnel, market research, strategic planning, current and potential customers, lease arrangements, service contracts, management, and operations. Therefore, to protect the Company Group’s Confidential Information and to protect other employees who depend on the Company Group for regular employment, Executive agrees that he will not in any way use any of said Confidential Information except in connection with his employment by the Company, and except in connection with the business of the Company he will not copy, reproduce, or take with him the original or any copies of said Confidential Information and will not directly or indirectly divulge any of said Confidential Information to anyone without the prior written consent of the Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available to and known by the public at the time of disclosure to Executive; provided that, such disclosure is through no direct or indirect fault of Executive or person(s) acting on Executive’s behalf. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6.02 does not prohibit or restrict Executive (or Executive’s attorney) from responding to any inquiry about the Agreement or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, any other self-regulatory organization or governmental entity, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Executive understands and acknowledges that he does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and that he is not required to notify the Company that he has made such reports or disclosures.

 

6.03          Inventions . All discoveries, designs, improvements, ideas, and inventions, whether patentable or not, relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) products, services, or other technology of the Company Group or relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) methods or processes used or usable in connection with the business of the Company Group that may be conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company (hereinafter “ Inventions ”), either solely or jointly with others, shall automatically become the sole property of the Company Group. Executive shall immediately disclose to the Company all such Inventions and shall, without additional compensation, execute all assignments and other documents deemed necessary by the Company to perfect the property rights of the Company or any affiliate therein. These obligations shall continue beyond the termination of Executive’s employment with respect to Inventions conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company. The provisions of this Section 6.03 shall not apply to any Invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company or any affiliate is used by Executive and which is developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless (a) such Invention relates (i) to the business of the Company Group or (ii) to the actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company Group, or (b) such Invention results from work performed by Executive for the Company Group.

 

6.04          Non-Disparagement . For a period commencing on the Effective Date and continuing indefinitely, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, defame, disparage, create false impressions, or otherwise put in a false or bad light the Company, its products or services, its business, reputation, conduct, practices, past or present employees, financial condition or otherwise.

 

6.05          Reformation . If at the time of enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, or area restriction of any provision hereof is unreasonable under circumstances now or then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted by the court for the stated duration, scope, or area.

 

  13

 

 

6.06          Remedies . Executive acknowledges that any breach by him of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement shall cause irreparable harm to the Company and that a remedy at law for any breach or attempted breach of Article VI of this Agreement will be inadequate, and agrees that, notwithstanding Section 9.01 hereof, the Company shall be entitled to exercise all remedies available to it, including specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of posting any bond, in the case of any such breach or attempted breach. In the event that the Company shall file a claim alleging a breach of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement, then any time period set forth in this Agreement including the time periods set forth above, will be extended one month for each month the Executive was in breach of this Agreement, so that the Company is provided the benefit of the full restricted covenant period.

 

6.07          Immunity Notice . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement: (x) Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made: (A) in confidence to a federal (including, without limitation, the SEC or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; (y) if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation, Executive may disclose Employer’s trade secrets to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive: (i) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (ii) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order; and, (z) nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from communicating with government agencies as permitted by law. Without prior authorization of the Company, however, the Company does not authorize Executive to disclose to any third party (including any government official or any attorney Executive may retain) any communications that are covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege.

 

6.08          Return of Company Property . Upon the expiration of the Term, and at any other time upon request of the Company, Executive shall promptly surrender and deliver to the Company all documents (including electronically stored information) and all copies thereof and all other materials of any nature containing or pertaining to all Confidential Information and any other Company Group property (including any Company Group-issued computer, mobile device or other equipment) in Executive’s possession, custody or control and Executive shall not retain any such documents or other materials or property of the Company Group.

 

ARTICLE VII

Assignment

 

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights, benefits and obligations of Executive under this Agreement are personal to Executive, and any voluntary or involuntary alienation, assignment or transfer by Executive shall be null and void.

 

  14

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

Entire Agreement

 

This Agreement supersedes and replaces the USWS Employment Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Company and Executive concerning his employment by the Company or its affiliates and supersedes any and all previous agreements between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries concerning such employment, and/or any compensation, bonuses or incentives. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges that the terms of Sections 6.02 and 6.03 of the USWS Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and such terms shall be in addition to the terms set forth herein. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only in a written instrument signed by both parties hereto.

 

ARTICLE IX

Applicable Law; Miscellaneous

 

9.01          Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. All actions brought to interpret or enforce this Agreement shall be brought in federal or state courts located in Houston, Texas. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the sole option of the Company, all controversies under this Agreement may be subject to resolution by arbitration. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following shall be considered controversies for this purpose: (i) all questions relating to the interpretation or breach of this Agreement; (ii) all questions relating to any representations, negotiations, and other proceedings leading to the execution of this Agreement; and (iii) all questions as to whether the right to arbitrate any such question exists. Any party may, without inconsistency with this Agreement, seek from a court any interim or provisional relief that may be necessary to protect the rights or property of that party, pending the establishment of the arbitral tribunal (or pending the tribunal’s determination of the merits of the controversy). The tribunal shall have authority to make the final determination of the rights of the parties, including authority to make permanent, modify, or dissolve any judicial order granting such provisional relief. The Company, if it desires arbitration, shall so notify the other parties, identifying in reasonable detail the matters to be arbitrated and the relief sought. Arbitration shall be before a single arbitrator with at least ten (10) years’ experience in commercial or employment law. The American Arbitration Association (“ AAA ”) shall submit a list of persons meeting the criteria outlined above, and the parties shall mutually agree upon the arbitrator. If the parties fail to select an arbitrator as required above within twenty (20) days after delivery of notice from the party desiring arbitration, the AAA shall appoint the arbitrator in accordance with the then-existing rules of the AAA. The arbitrator shall be entitled to a fee commensurate with his or her fees for professional services requiring similar time and effort. All matters arbitrated hereunder shall be arbitrated in, Houston, Texas, and shall be governed by Texas law, exclusive of its conflicts-of-laws rules. The arbitrator shall conduct a hearing no later than sixty (60) days after designation of the tribunal, and a decision shall be rendered by the arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the hearing. At the hearing, the parties shall present such evidence and witnesses as they may choose, with or without counsel. Adherence to formal rules of evidence shall not be required but the arbitrator shall consider any evidence and testimony that he or she determines to be relevant, in accordance with procedures that he or she determines to be appropriate. Any award entered shall be made by a written opinion stating the reasons for the award made. The arbitrator may award legal or equitable relief, including but not limited to specific performance. The arbitrator is not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each party irrevocably waives any right to recover such damages with respect to any dispute resolved by arbitration. This submission and agreement to arbitrate shall be specifically enforceable. Arbitration may proceed in the absence of any party if notice of the proceedings has been given to such party. The parties agree to abide by all awards rendered in such proceedings. Such awards shall be final and binding on all parties. Each party shall continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement pending conclusion of the arbitration. No party shall be considered in default hereunder during the pendency of arbitration proceedings relating to such default. Each party to the arbitration proceeding will bear its own costs in connection with such arbitration proceedings, except that unless otherwise paid by the Company in accordance with such section, the costs and expenses of the arbitrator will be divided evenly between the parties.

 

  15

 

 

9.02         Attorneys’ Fees .

 

(a)          In the event of any action, claim or dispute to enforce the rights and obligations under this Agreement, each party agrees to bear its own costs, fees, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), regardless of the outcome of such dispute.

 

(b)          However, the Company agrees to directly pay or reimburse Executive for reasonable attorneys’ fees (without including any non-routine reimbursed expenses) incurred solely in the original negotiation and execution of this Agreement up to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00), such payment or reimbursement to be made within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date.

 

9.03         Indemnification of Executive .

 

(a)          Executive shall not be responsible for any of the actions of the Company prior to signing this Agreement (except such actions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Executive), and the Company agrees to indemnify Executive for any liability from such prior actions of the Company (except such actions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Executive).

 

(b)          To the fullest extent permitted under law, the Company shall indemnify Executive in the event Executive is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or contemplated action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that Executive is an officer or Board member of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a board member, or officer (or in any capacity equivalent to any of the foregoing) of another corporation, company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if Executive acted in good faith and in a manner Executive reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Executive’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or pleas of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not of itself create a presumption that Executive did not act in good faith or did not act in a manner which Executive reasonably believed to be in and not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that Executive’s conduct was unlawful.

 

  16

 

 

(c)          The indemnification described in this Section 9.03 shall be in addition to, and is not intended to be a substitute for, any indemnification provided for by law or under the Company’s by-laws.

 

9.04         Section 409A . (a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement is intended to be interpreted and applied so that the payments and benefits set forth herein either shall either be exempt from or shall comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be exempt from or in compliance with Code Section 409A.

 

(b)          To the extent that the Company determines that any provision of this Agreement would cause Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall be entitled to reform such provision to attempt to comply with or be exempt from Code Section 409A through good faith modifications. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to Executive and the Company without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.

 

(c)          Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary, if on the Termination Date Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, any payments or benefits due upon, or within the six (6) month period following, a termination of Executive’s employment under any arrangement that constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (whether under this Agreement, any other plan, program, payroll practice or any equity grant) and which do not otherwise qualify under the exemptions under Treas. Regs. Section l.409A-1 (including without limitation, the short-term deferral exemption and the permitted payments under Treas. Regs. Section l.409A- l (b)(9)(iii)(A)), shall be delayed and paid or provided to Executive in a lump sum (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay during such period) on the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months and one (1) day after Executive’s separation from service (as such term is defined in Code Section 409A) for any reason other than death, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death, and any remaining payments and benefits shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for such payment or benefit.

 

(d)          Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary, 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 that constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of Executive’s employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” and the date of such separation from service shall be the termination date for purposes of any such payment or benefits.

 

(e)          Each payment under this Agreement or otherwise (including any installment payments) shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Code Section 409A.

 

  17

 

 

(f)          In no event may Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement or otherwise which constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

 

(g)          All expenses or other reimbursements paid pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise that are taxable income to Executive shall in no event be paid later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Executive incurs such expense or pays such related tax. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, to the extent required by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, 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, and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred.

 

9.05         Waiver . No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a continuing waiver or a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party hereto which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

 

9.06         Unenforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

9.07         Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, and via facsimile or electronic mail, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

9.08         Section Headings . The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

9.09         Interpretation . This Agreement shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning. It shall not be construed strictly for or against Executive or any Released Party. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term “or” shall be deemed to include the term “and” and the singular or plural number shall be deemed to include the other.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

  18

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, th e p a rt ies h ave exe cut e d this E mpl oy m e n t Ag r ee m e nt as of th e da t e fir s t w ritt e n a bo v e .

 

EXECUTIVE  
   
/s/ Joel Broussard  
   
Joel Broussard Date: 7/13/2018

 

 

 

 

COMPANY

 

/s/ David Matlin  
David Matlin Date: 7/13/2018
   
Chief Executive Officer  
   
Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation  

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

1. The counties in the state of Texas in which any part of the Eagle Ford Shale or the Permian Basin or the Anadarko Basin or the Haynesville Shale is located;
   
2. The counties in the state of Arkansas in which any part of the Haynesville Shale is located;
   
3. The counties in the states of West Virginia and Ohio, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in which any part of the Utica or Marcellus formations is located;
   
4. The counties in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas in which any part of the Denver-Julesburg Basin is located;
   
5. The following Parishes in the state of Louisiana: Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Sabine, Red River and Lafayette; and
   
6. Any other areas that are within a twenty (20) mile radius of any location where any member of the Company Group is as of the date that the Executive is no longer employed or engaged by any member of the Company Group (i) conducting shale fracking business; or (ii) has materially developed plans to conduct shale fracking business, provided that Executive was involved with or obtained Confidential Information about any such plans to conduct shale fracking business during the period of the Executive’s employment or engagement by the Company or any other member of the Company Group.

 

  21

 

 

Exhibit 10.7

 

Execution Version

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into the 13 th day of July 2018, by and between Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation, to be renamed as set forth in the Merger Agreement (as defined below) (the “ Company ”), and Matt Bernard (“ Executive ”). For purposes hereof, the “ Company Group ” means, collectively, the Company and each of its affiliates and subsidiaries.

 

RECITALS

 

The Company, MPAC Merger Sub LLC, USWS Holdings LLC (“ USWS Holdings ”), the Blocker Companies and, solely for purposes described herein, the Seller Representatives, entered into that certain Merger and Contribution Agreement, dated July 13, 2018 (the “ Merger Agreement ”). All capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement;

 

Executive is currently a party to an Employment Agreement with U.S. Well Services, LLC, a subsidiary of USWS Holdings, dated February 2, 2017 (the “ USWS Employment Agreement ”);

 

This Agreement is being entered into in connection with the Merger Agreement and shall become effective as of the Closing Date (the “ Effective Date ”);

 

Executive’s agreement to and compliance with this Agreement are a material factor, material inducement and material condition to the Company’s participation in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and

 

Following the Closing, the Company, through USWS Holdings and its subsidiaries, will be engaged in the business of being an oilfield service provider, providing hydraulic fracturing services and other pressure pumping services to its customers. The Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. Some of the services provided under this Agreement will have a direct or indirect benefit to the Company Group.

 

In consideration of the mutual promises set forth in this Agreement the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

Term of Employment

 

If the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason before the Closing occurs, Executive will not be employed under this Agreement, and none of the provisions of this Agreement will take effect and there will be no liability of any kind under this Agreement. Subject to the provisions of Article V , and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company will employ Executive from the Effective Date through December 31, 2020 (the “ Initial Term ”). After the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for subsequent one (1) year periods, unless the Company provides notice of non-renewal to Executive at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term (the Initial Term and any renewal term, the “ Term ”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Executive understands that his employment with the Company is not guaranteed, and Executive may be terminated by the Company, with or without Cause (as defined in Section 5.03 ), at any time, subject to the termination obligations described in Section 5.05 .

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

Duties

 

2.01        The Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment, as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Company subject to the terms and conditions hereof. Executive shall have the normal duties, responsibilities and authority of such position, subject to the power of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “ CEO ”) to limit such duties, responsibilities and authority and to override actions of such position. In connection with the duties to be performed pursuant to this Agreement, Executive shall report directly to the Board and the CEO. Executive will promote the interests, within the scope of his duties, of the Company and the members of the Company Group and devote substantially his full working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and Company Group.

 

2.02        Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 2.01 above to the contrary, nothing contained herein or under law shall be construed as preventing Executive from (i) investing Executive’s personal assets in such form or manner as will not require any material personal services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made and in which his participation is principally that of a passive investor; and (ii) engaging (outside normal business hours) in any other professional, civic, or philanthropic activities, provided that Executive’s investments or engagement does not result in a violation of his covenants under Section 2.01 or Article VI hereof.

 

ARTICLE III

Base Compensation

 

3.01         Base Salary . The Company will compensate Executive for the duties performed by him hereunder by payment of a base salary at the rate of three hundred and ninety thousand dollars ($390,000.00) per annum (the “ Base Salary ”). The Company shall pay the Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule, subject to customary withholding for federal, state, and local taxes and other normal and customary withholding items. The Base Salary may be adjusted annually, in the sole discretion of the Board, but not to be reduced unless part of a general reduction in the Company’s compensation to other executives.

 

3.02         Annual Bonus . In addition to the Base Salary:

 

(a)          For the year ending December 31, 2018, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus as provided in the USWS Employment Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions provided in the USWS Employment Agreement, notwithstanding that the USWS Employment Agreement may be superseded and replaced by this Agreement prior to December 31, 2018 or the payment of such bonus.

 

2

 

 

(b)          For each year during the Term ending after December 31, 2018, Executive shall be eligible to participate in the U.S. Well Services, LLC Annual Incentive Plan or a similar or replacement annual incentive plan adopted by the Board and in which other key executive employees of the Company participate (“ AIP ”) at the discretion of the Board; provided that Executive shall have an annual target bonus under the AIP of eighty percent (80%) of the Base Salary. During the fourth quarter of each calendar year, the Board shall make good faith efforts to finalize the AIP that will be applicable for the following calendar year.

 

Except as otherwise provided herein, the earned and vested portion of Executive’s annual bonus shall be paid to Executive during the calendar year immediately following the performance calendar year to which the bonus relates, within 60 days following the finalization of the Company’s annual financial statements, but no later than the last day of the calendar year in which such financial statements are finalized, provided that Executive has remained continuously and actively employed with the Company through the date of payment, and provided further that the Company may delay such payment if, pursuant to its reasonable judgment, the making of the payment would jeopardize the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. If this provision is applicable, such payment (with reasonable interest thereon) will then occur in the first taxable year in which the making of the payment would not have such effect. To the extent the payments under this bonus are or become subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Code Section 409A ”), this provision will be administered consistent with Code Section 409A.

 

ARTICLE IV

Reimbursement and Employment Benefits

 

4.01          Health and Other Medical . Executive shall be eligible to participate in all health, medical, dental, and life insurance employee benefits of the Company or another member of the Company Group in accordance with the policies as are available from time to time for other key executive employees of the Company (and their families).

 

4.02          Vacation . Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation per year, to be taken in such amounts and at such times as shall be mutually convenient for Executive and the Company. Except as set forth in the previous sentence, the Company’s standard policies and practices regarding vacation time will apply to Executive.

 

4.03          Reimbursable Expenses . The Company shall in accordance with its standard policies in effect from time to time reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him in the conduct of the business of the Company provided that Executive submits in writing all substantiation of such expenses to the Company on a timely basis in accordance with the Company’s standard policies.

 

3

 

 

4.04         Savings Plan . Executive will be eligible to enroll and participate in all savings and retirement plans of the Company or another member of the Company Group, including any 401(k) plans in accordance with the policies as are available from time to time for other key executive employees of the Company.

 

ARTICLE V

Termination

 

5.01         Events of Termination . Executive’s compensation under Articles III and IV , and any and all other rights of Executive under this Agreement or otherwise as an employee of the Company will terminate (except as otherwise provided in this Article V ) upon the earliest occurrence of the following events:

 

(a)          Upon resignation of employment by Executive upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Company;

 

(b)          Upon the death of Executive;

 

(c)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company or Executive due to the disability of Executive (as defined in Section 5.02 );

 

(d)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company for Cause, immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify;

 

(e)          Upon the termination of employment by Executive for Good Reason upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior notice from Executive to the Company and Company’s failure to cure the “Good Reason” within the prescribed timeframe, as provided in Section 5.04 ;

 

(f)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company without Cause immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify; or

 

(g)          Upon the non-renewal of this Agreement, in accordance with Article I hereof.

 

5.02         Definition of Disability . Executive will be deemed to have a “disability” if, for physical or mental reasons, Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties under this Agreement for ninety (90) consecutive days, or one hundred and twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period, as determined in accordance with this Section 5.02 . The disability of Executive will be determined by a medical doctor selected by the Company. The determination of the medical doctor selected under this Section 5.02 will be binding on both parties. Executive must submit to a reasonable number of examinations by the medical doctor making the determination of disability under this Section 5.02 , and Executive hereby authorizes the disclosure and release to the Company of such determination and all supporting medical records. If Executive is not legally competent, Executive’s legal guardian or duly authorized attorney-in-fact will act in Executive’s stead, under this Section 5.02 , for the purposes of submitting Executive to the examinations, and providing the authorization of disclosure, required under this Section 5.02 .

 

4

 

 

5.03         Definition of “Cause .” The term “ Cause ” shall mean any of the following:

 

(a)          Executive’s failure or refusal to perform specific directives from the Board or the CEO that are consistent with the scope and nature of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement;

 

(b)          Fraud committed against the Company, or any member of the Company Group, or embezzlement of the funds of the Company or any member of the Company Group;

 

(c)          Use of drugs or other substances, which is (x) unlawful or (y) otherwise interferes with the performance of Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement;

 

(d)          Executive’s commission of or pleading guilty or no contest to a felony or to any crime involving dishonesty or fraud;

 

(e)          Any gross or willful misconduct of Executive resulting in loss to the Company or any member of the Company Group or damages to the reputation of the Company or any member of the Company Group;

 

(f)          Any material breach by Executive of Executive’s covenants contained in Article VI ; or

 

(g)          Any other material breach of this Agreement by Executive.

 

No act or failure to act on the part of Executive will be deemed “willful” if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence, but will be deemed “willful” only if done or omitted to be done by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.

 

5.04         Definition of “Good Reason .” The phrase “ Good Reason ” means the Executive’s resignation of employment within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement; (ii) the assignment of Executive, by the Company or any of its direct or indirect successors, without Executive’s consent to a position, responsibilities, or duties of a materially lesser status or degree of responsibility than Executive’s position, responsibilities, or duties at the Effective Date; or (iii) any attempt on the part of the Company to require Executive to perform (or omit to perform) any act or to engage (or omit to engage) in any conduct that would constitute illegal action or inaction on the part of Executive. Executive will provide the Company a written notice which describes the circumstances in sufficient detail that is cause for the Good Reason termination within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event. The Company will have thirty (30) days from the receipt of such notice to cure the event prior to Executive exercising his/her right to terminate for Good Reason and, if not cured to Executive’s reasonable satisfaction, Executive’s termination will be effective upon the expiration of such cure period.

 

5

 

 

5.05         Termination Obligations . Effective upon the termination of this Agreement (the date of any such termination being the “ Termination Date ”), the Company will be obligated to pay Executive (or, in the event of his death, his designated beneficiary as defined below) only such compensation as is provided in this Section 5.05 . For purposes of this Section 5.05 , Executive’s designated beneficiary will be such individual beneficiary or trust, located at such address, as Executive may designate by notice to the Company from time to time or, if Executive fails to give notice to the Company of such a beneficiary, Executive’s estate. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company will have no duty, in any circumstances, to attempt to open an estate on behalf of Executive, to determine whether any beneficiary designated by Executive is alive or to ascertain the address of any such beneficiary, to determine the existence of any trust, to determine whether any person or entity purporting to act as Executive’s personal representative (or the trustee of a trust established by Executive) is duly authorized to act in that capacity, or to locate or attempt to locate any beneficiary, personal representative, or trustee. Additionally, Executive will retain any other rights or benefits to which Executive is entitled as a matter of law (including Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act coverage).

 

(a)           Termination by Executive without Good Reason . If Executive voluntarily terminates this Agreement without Good Reason, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term. The Company shall reimburse Executive for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 .

 

(b)           Termination by the Company for Cause . If this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term. The Company shall reimburse Executive for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 . Additionally and notwithstanding any language in any long-term incentive plan or award, including any profits interest awards, if this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, Executive will be treated as forfeiting all unvested award and any interests in any such awards.

 

The Board may only terminate Executive’s employment hereunder in good faith on account of Cause, or it may separately determine that any termination is on account of Cause. Prior to such determination, however, the Board shall provide written notice to Executive, including the reasons for the determination of Cause, and if curable, any actions necessary or appropriate to cure such determination. If the Cause event is curable, Executive shall have the opportunity to appear before the Board to present arguments and evidence on his behalf and , Executive shall have a reasonable period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days, to cure any such finding of Cause hereunder. Following such presentation, upon Executive’s failure to appear or upon Executive’s failure to cure, as the case may be, the Board, by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members (excluding Executive), shall confirm that the actions or inactions of Executive constitute Cause hereunder.

 

6

 

 

(c)           Termination by the Company Without Cause or Termination by Executive for Good Reason . If the Company terminates the employment of Executive prior to the end of the then applicable Term of this Agreement for any reason other than for Cause, or if Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason prior to the end of the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to one and a half (1.5) times the sum of (x) Executive’s then-current Base Salary, and (y) average annual bonus during the prior two calendar years under the AIP (or such shorter period, as applicable), subject to applicable taxes and withholdings and payable on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; (iv) if the Termination Date occurs after December 31 of a performance year under the AIP but before any bonus for such performance year has been paid, such unpaid bonus under the AIP, to the extent earned, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, at the time bonuses are paid under the AIP; and (v) a payment equal to the product of (x) the target bonus under the AIP for the performance year in which the Termination Date occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is 365, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date. In addition, if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by Executive for himself and his dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the 15 th day of the month immediately following the month in which Executive timely remits the premium payment. Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earlier of: (A) the eighteen (18)-month anniversary of the Termination Date; or (B) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage.

 

(d)           Termination upon Disability . If this Agreement is terminated by either party as a result of Executive’s disability, Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) continuation of Base Salary, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, for the lesser of (A) six (6) consecutive months thereafter or (B) the period until disability insurance benefits commence under the disability insurance coverage (if any) furnished by the Company to Executive; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; (iv) if the Termination Date occurs after December 31 of a performance year under the AIP but before any bonus for such performance year has been paid, such unpaid bonus under the AIP, to the extent earned, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, at the time bonuses are paid under the AIP; and (v) a payment equal to the product of (x) the target bonus under the AIP for the performance year in which the Termination Date occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is 365, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date.

 

7

 

 

(e)           Termination upon Death . If this Agreement is terminated because of Executive’s death, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term) and to reimburse Executive’s estate for expenses incurred by Executive that are reimbursable through the Termination Date pursuant to Section 4.03 .

 

(f)           Termination upon Non-Renewal of Agreement . If this Agreement is terminated for non-renewal as described in Article I hereof, then Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to one and a half (1.5) times the sum of (x) Executive’s then-current Base Salary, and (y) average annual bonus during the prior two calendar years under the AIP (or such shorter period, as applicable), subject to applicable taxes and withholdings and payable on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; and (iv) provided Executive remains employed by the Company until the last day of the then-current Term, Executive shall be paid the bonus under the AIP for the performance year ending on the last day of such Term, to the extent earned, in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, no later than the March 15 immediately following the last day of such Term. In addition, if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by Executive for himself and his dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the 15 th day of the month immediately following the month in which Executive timely remits the premium payment. Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earlier of: (A) the end of the 18-month period following the Termination Date; or (B) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage.

 

5.06         General .

 

(a)          Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of Executive under Article VI hereof that, pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement, continue in full force and effect. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all Company Group property including without limitation all writings, records, data, memoranda, contracts, orders, sales literature, price lists, client lists, data processing materials, and other documents, whether or not obtained from the Company Group, which pertain to or were used by Executive in connection with his employment by the Company or which pertain to any member of the Company Group, including, but not limited to, Confidential Information (as defined below), as well as any automobiles, computers or other furniture, fixtures or equipment which were purchased by the Company for Executive or otherwise in Executive’s possession or control.

 

8

 

 

(b)         Notwithstanding the foregoing, other than the Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (as set forth in Sections 5.05(c)(i) or (d)(i) or (f)(i) , as applicable), Executive’s right to receive amounts payable pursuant to Sections 5.05(c) or (d) or (f) (which shall be deemed, and referred to herein as, “ Severance ”) is contingent upon Executive not violating any of his on-going obligations under this Agreement and executing and delivering to the Company, and not revoking, a complete and general release, in a form acceptable to the Company, of all claims that Executive has or may have against the Company and its predecessors, successors, assigns, divisions, affiliates, the Company Group, and subsidiaries, and each of their respective past, present and future owners, directors, employees, agents and fiduciaries of employee benefit plans (the “ Released Parties ”) through the Termination Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company no later than forty-five (45) days after the Termination Date. Subject to anything to the contrary in Sections 5.05 or 9.04 , Severance, if payable, shall be paid as and when normal payroll payments are made; provided that Executive will not receive any Severance payments prior to the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date and will be paid any amounts that would have been payable pursuant to Sections 5.05(c) or (d) or (f) on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that the payment of Severance to Executive hereunder shall be liquidated damages for and in full satisfaction of any and all claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities or any kind whatsoever (upon any legal or equitable theory, whether contractual, common law or statutory, under federal, state or local law or otherwise), whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, by reason of any act, omission, transaction, agreement or occurrence that Executive ever had, now have or hereafter may have against the Released Parties relating to or arising out of:

 

(i)          Executive’s employment with the Company, the terms and conditions of that employment, and the termination of that employment;

 

(ii)         All claims of employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation under any federal, state or local statute or ordinance, public policy or the common law ;

 

(iii)        All contract and quasi-contract claims, claims for promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance, claims for wages, bonuses, incentive compensation, and severance allowances or entitlements;

 

(iv)        All claims for employee benefits; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.06(b) is intended to release, diminish, or otherwise affect any vested monies or other vested benefits to which Employee may be entitled from, under, or pursuant to any savings or retirement plan of the Company;

 

(v)         All claims for fraud, fraudulent inducement, slander, libel, defamation, disparagement, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, personal injury, prima facie tort, negligence, compensatory or punitive damages, or any other claim for damages or injury of any kind whatsoever; and,

 

(vi)        All claims for monetary recovery, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, medical fees or expenses, costs and disbursements and the like.

 

9

 

 

5.07         Representations . Executive represents, warrants, and covenants to Company that (a) there is no other agreement or relationship which is binding on him which prevents him from entering into or fully performing under the terms hereof and (b) the Company may contact any past, present, or future entity with whom he has a business relationship and inform such entity of the existence of this Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

ARTICLE VI

Covenants

 

6.01         Competition/Solicitation . Ancillary to the consideration to be provided pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to the Company’s promise to provide Executive access to Confidential Information, and in order to protect the Confidential Information, during Executive’s employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group and for a period of eighteen (18) months after termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group, regardless of the reason, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, except in connection with his duties hereunder or otherwise for the sole account and benefit of the Company, whether as a sole proprietor, investor, partner, member, stockholder, employee, director, officer, guarantor, consultant, independent contractor, or in any other capacity as principal or agent, or through any person, subsidiary, affiliate, or employee acting as nominee or agent, except with the consent of the Company:

 

(a)          Conduct or engage in, or be interested in or associated with, any person or entity anywhere in the Market Area (other than the Company and its affiliates) that conducts or engages in the shale fracking business;

 

(b)          Solicit, attempt to solicit, or accept business from or otherwise service, or cause to be solicited or have business accepted from or otherwise service, any then-current customers of Company or any member of the Company Group, any persons or entities anywhere in the Market Area who were customers of the Company or any member of the Company Group within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the Termination Date, or any prospective customers of the Company or any member of the Company Group for whom bids were being prepared or had been submitted as of the Termination Date; or

 

(c)          Induce, or attempt to induce, hire or attempt to hire, or cause to be induced or hired, any employee of the Company or any member of the Company Group, or persons who were employees of the Company or any member of the Company Group within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the Termination Date, to leave or terminate his or her employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group, or hire or engage as an independent contractor any such employee of the Company or any member of the Company Group.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be prevented from (A) investing in or owning up to two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any corporation engaged in a business competitive with the Company, provided that such shares are regularly traded on a national securities exchange or in any over-the-counter market or (B) retaining any shares of stock in any corporation which Executive owned before the date of his employment with the Company, or (C) being employed by or serving as a paid consultant to a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision shall not prevent Executive from being a passive investor in a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Market Area ” shall mean the geographic areas set forth on Exhibit A .

 

10

 

 

6.02          Confidential Information . Executive acknowledges that in his employment he is or will be making use of, acquiring, or adding to the Company Group’s confidential information (the “ Confidential Information ”) which includes, but is not limited to, memoranda and other materials or records of a proprietary nature; technical information regarding the operations of the Company Group; and records and policy matters relating to finance, personnel, market research, strategic planning, current and potential customers, lease arrangements, service contracts, management, and operations. Therefore, to protect the Company Group’s Confidential Information and to protect other employees who depend on the Company Group for regular employment, Executive agrees that he will not in any way use any of said Confidential Information except in connection with his employment by the Company, and except in connection with the business of the Company he will not copy, reproduce, or take with him the original or any copies of said Confidential Information and will not directly or indirectly divulge any of said Confidential Information to anyone without the prior written consent of the Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available to and known by the public at the time of disclosure to Executive; provided that, such disclosure is through no direct or indirect fault of Executive or person(s) acting on Executive’s behalf. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6.02 does not prohibit or restrict Executive (or Executive’s attorney) from responding to any inquiry about the Agreement or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, any other self-regulatory organization or governmental entity, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Executive understands and acknowledges that he does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and that he is not required to notify the Company that he has made such reports or disclosures.

 

6.03          Inventions . All discoveries, designs, improvements, ideas, and inventions, whether patentable or not, relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) products, services, or other technology of the Company Group or relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) methods or processes used or usable in connection with the business of the Company Group that may be conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company (hereinafter “ Inventions ”), either solely or jointly with others, shall automatically become the sole property of the Company Group. Executive shall immediately disclose to the Company all such Inventions and shall, without additional compensation, execute all assignments and other documents deemed necessary by the Company to perfect the property rights of the Company or any affiliate therein. These obligations shall continue beyond the termination of Executive’s employment with respect to Inventions conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company. The provisions of this Section 6.03 shall not apply to any Invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company or any affiliate is used by Executive and which is developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless (a) such Invention relates (i) to the business of the Company Group or (ii) to the actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company Group, or (b) such Invention results from work performed by Executive for the Company Group.

 

11

 

 

6.04          Non-Disparagement . For a period commencing on the Effective Date and continuing indefinitely, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, defame, disparage, create false impressions, or otherwise put in a false or bad light the Company, its products or services, its business, reputation, conduct, practices, past or present employees, financial condition or otherwise.

 

6.05          Reformation . If at the time of enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, or area restriction of any provision hereof is unreasonable under circumstances now or then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted by the court for the stated duration, scope, or area.

 

6.06          Remedies . Executive acknowledges that any breach by him of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement shall cause irreparable harm to the Company and that a remedy at law for any breach or attempted breach of Article VI of this Agreement will be inadequate, and agrees that, notwithstanding Section 9.01 hereof, the Company shall be entitled to exercise all remedies available to it, including specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of posting any bond, in the case of any such breach or attempted breach. In the event that the Company shall file a claim alleging a breach of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement, then any time period set forth in this Agreement including the time periods set forth above, will be extended one month for each month the Executive was in breach of this Agreement, so that the Company is provided the benefit of the full restricted covenant period.

 

6.07          Immunity Notice . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement: (x) Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made: (A) in confidence to a federal (including, without limitation, the SEC or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; (y) if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation, Executive may disclose Employer’s trade secrets to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive: (i) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (ii) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order; and, (z) nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from communicating with government agencies as permitted by law. Without prior authorization of the Company, however, the Company does not authorize Executive to disclose to any third party (including any government official or any attorney Executive may retain) any communications that are covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege.

 

6.08          Return of Company Property . Upon the expiration of the Term, and at any other time upon request of the Company, Executive shall promptly surrender and deliver to the Company all documents (including electronically stored information) and all copies thereof and all other materials of any nature containing or pertaining to all Confidential Information and any other Company Group property (including any Company Group-issued computer, mobile device or other equipment) in Executive’s possession, custody or control and Executive shall not retain any such documents or other materials or property of the Company Group.

 

12

 

 

ARTICLE VII

Assignment

 

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights, benefits and obligations of Executive under this Agreement are personal to Executive, and any voluntary or involuntary alienation, assignment or transfer by Executive shall be null and void.

 

ARTICLE VIII

Entire Agreement

 

This Agreement supersedes and replaces the USWS Employment Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Company and Executive concerning his employment by the Company or its affiliates and supersedes any and all previous agreements between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries concerning such employment, and/or any compensation, bonuses or incentives. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges that the terms of Sections 6.02 and 6.03 of the USWS Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and such terms shall be in addition to the terms set forth herein. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only in a written instrument signed by both parties hereto.

 

ARTICLE IX

Applicable Law; Miscellaneous

 

9.01          Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. All actions brought to interpret or enforce this Agreement shall be brought in federal or state courts located in Houston, Texas. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the sole option of the Company, all controversies under this Agreement may be subject to resolution by arbitration. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following shall be considered controversies for this purpose: (i) all questions relating to the interpretation or breach of this Agreement; (ii) all questions relating to any representations, negotiations, and other proceedings leading to the execution of this Agreement; and (iii) all questions as to whether the right to arbitrate any such question exists. Any party may, without inconsistency with this Agreement, seek from a court any interim or provisional relief that may be necessary to protect the rights or property of that party, pending the establishment of the arbitral tribunal (or pending the tribunal’s determination of the merits of the controversy). The tribunal shall have authority to make the final determination of the rights of the parties, including authority to make permanent, modify, or dissolve any judicial order granting such provisional relief. The Company, if it desires arbitration, shall so notify the other parties, identifying in reasonable detail the matters to be arbitrated and the relief sought. Arbitration shall be before a single arbitrator with at least ten (10) years’ experience in commercial or employment law. The American Arbitration Association (“ AAA ”) shall submit a list of persons meeting the criteria outlined above, and the parties shall mutually agree upon the arbitrator. If the parties fail to select an arbitrator as required above within twenty (20) days after delivery of notice from the party desiring arbitration, the AAA shall appoint the arbitrator in accordance with the then-existing rules of the AAA. The arbitrator shall be entitled to a fee commensurate with his or her fees for professional services requiring similar time and effort. All matters arbitrated hereunder shall be arbitrated in, Houston, Texas, and shall be governed by Texas law, exclusive of its conflicts-of-laws rules. The arbitrator shall conduct a hearing no later than sixty (60) days after designation of the tribunal, and a decision shall be rendered by the arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the hearing. At the hearing, the parties shall present such evidence and witnesses as they may choose, with or without counsel. Adherence to formal rules of evidence shall not be required but the arbitrator shall consider any evidence and testimony that he or she determines to be relevant, in accordance with procedures that he or she determines to be appropriate. Any award entered shall be made by a written opinion stating the reasons for the award made. The arbitrator may award legal or equitable relief, including but not limited to specific performance. The arbitrator is not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each party irrevocably waives any right to recover such damages with respect to any dispute resolved by arbitration. This submission and agreement to arbitrate shall be specifically enforceable. Arbitration may proceed in the absence of any party if notice of the proceedings has been given to such party. The parties agree to abide by all awards rendered in such proceedings. Such awards shall be final and binding on all parties. Each party shall continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement pending conclusion of the arbitration. No party shall be considered in default hereunder during the pendency of arbitration proceedings relating to such default. Each party to the arbitration proceeding will bear its own costs in connection with such arbitration proceedings, except that unless otherwise paid by the Company in accordance with such section, the costs and expenses of the arbitrator will be divided evenly between the parties.

 

13

 

 

9.02         Attorneys’ Fees .

 

(a)          In the event of any action, claim or dispute to enforce the rights and obligations under this Agreement, each party agrees to bear its own costs, fees, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), regardless of the outcome of such dispute.

 

(b)          However, the Company agrees to directly pay or reimburse Executive for reasonable attorneys’ fees (without including any non-routine reimbursed expenses) incurred solely in the original negotiation and execution of this Agreement up to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00), such payment or reimbursement to be made within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date.

 

9.03         Indemnification of Executive .

 

(a)          Executive shall not be responsible for any of the actions of the Company prior to signing this Agreement (except such actions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Executive), and the Company agrees to indemnify Executive for any liability from such prior actions of the Company (except such actions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Executive).

 

14

 

 

(b)          To the fullest extent permitted under law, the Company shall indemnify Executive in the event Executive is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or contemplated action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that Executive is an officer or Board member of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a board member, or officer (or in any capacity equivalent to any of the foregoing) of another corporation, company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if Executive acted in good faith and in a manner Executive reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Executive’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or pleas of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not of itself create a presumption that Executive did not act in good faith or did not act in a manner which Executive reasonably believed to be in and not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that Executive’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(c)          The indemnification described in this Section 9.03 shall be in addition to, and is not intended to be a substitute for, any indemnification provided for by law or under the Company’s by-laws.

 

9.04         Section 409A . (a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement is intended to be interpreted and applied so that the payments and benefits set forth herein either shall either be exempt from or shall comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be exempt from or in compliance with Code Section 409A.

 

(b)          To the extent that the Company determines that any provision of this Agreement would cause Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall be entitled to reform such provision to attempt to comply with or be exempt from Code Section 409A through good faith modifications. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to Executive and the Company without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.

 

(c)          Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary, if on the Termination Date Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, any payments or benefits due upon, or within the six (6) month period following, a termination of Executive’s employment under any arrangement that constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (whether under this Agreement, any other plan, program, payroll practice or any equity grant) and which do not otherwise qualify under the exemptions under Treas. Regs. Section l.409A-1 (including without limitation, the short-term deferral exemption and the permitted payments under Treas. Regs. Section l.409A- l (b)(9)(iii)(A)), shall be delayed and paid or provided to Executive in a lump sum (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay during such period) on the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months and one (1) day after Executive’s separation from service (as such term is defined in Code Section 409A) for any reason other than death, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death, and any remaining payments and benefits shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for such payment or benefit.

 

15

 

 

(d)          Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary, 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 that constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of Executive’s employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” and the date of such separation from service shall be the termination date for purposes of any such payment or benefits.

 

(e)          Each payment under this Agreement or otherwise (including any installment payments) shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Code Section 409A.

 

(f)          In no event may Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement or otherwise which constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

 

(g)          All expenses or other reimbursements paid pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise that are taxable income to Executive shall in no event be paid later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Executive incurs such expense or pays such related tax. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, to the extent required by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, 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, and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred.

 

9.05         Waiver . No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a continuing waiver or a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party hereto which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

 

9.06         Unenforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

9.07         Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, and via facsimile or electronic mail, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

9.08         Section Headings . The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

16

 

 

9.09         Interpretation . This Agreement shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning. It shall not be construed strictly for or against Executive or any Released Party. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term “or” shall be deemed to include the term “and” and the singular or plural number shall be deemed to include the other.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

17

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, th e p a rt ies h ave exe cut e d this E mpl oy m e n t Ag r ee m e nt as of th e da t e fir s t w ritt e n a bo v e .

 

EXECUTIVE  
   
/s/ Matt Bernard  
   
Matt Bernard Date: 7/13/2018

 

[Signature Page to Matt Bernard Employment Agreement]

 

 

 

COMPANY

 

/s/ David Matlin  
David Matlin Date: 7/13/2018
   
Chief Executive Officer  
   
Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation  

 

[Signature Page to Matt Bernard Employment Agreement]

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

1. The counties in the state of Texas in which any part of the Eagle Ford Shale or the Permian Basin or the Anadarko Basin or the Haynesville Shale is located;
   
2. The counties in the state of Arkansas in which any part of the Haynesville Shale is located;
   
3. The counties in the states of West Virginia and Ohio, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in which any part of the Utica or Marcellus formations is located;
   
4. The counties in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas in which any part of the Denver-Julesburg Basin is located;
   
5. The following Parishes in the state of Louisiana: Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Sabine, Red River and Lafayette; and
   
6. Any other areas that are within a twenty (20) mile radius of any location where any member of the Company Group is as of the date that the Executive is no longer employed or engaged by any member of the Company Group (i) conducting shale fracking business; or (ii) has materially developed plans to conduct shale fracking business, provided that Executive was involved with or obtained Confidential Information about any such plans to conduct shale fracking business during the period of the Executive’s employment or engagement by the Company or any other member of the Company Group.

 

20

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.8

 

Execution Version

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into the 13 th day of July 2018, by and between Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation, to be renamed as set forth in the Merger Agreement (as defined below) (the “ Company ”), and Nathan Houston (“ Executive ”). For purposes hereof, the “ Company Group ” means, collectively, the Company and each of its affiliates and subsidiaries.

 

RECITALS

 

The Company, MPAC Merger Sub LLC, USWS Holdings LLC (“ USWS Holdings ”), the Blocker Companies and, solely for purposes described herein, the Seller Representatives entered into that certain Merger and Contribution Agreement, dated July 13, 2018 (the “ Merger Agreement ”). All capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement;

 

Executive is currently a party to an Employment Agreement with U.S. Well Services, LLC, a subsidiary of USWS Holdings, dated February 18, 2017 (the “ USWS Employment Agreement ”);

 

This Agreement is being entered into in connection with the Merger Agreement and shall become effective as of the Closing Date (the “ Effective Date ”);

 

Executive’s agreement to and compliance with this Agreement are a material factor, material inducement and material condition to the Company’s participation in the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and

 

Following the Closing, the Company, through USWS Holdings and its subsidiaries, will be engaged in the business of being an oilfield service provider, providing hydraulic fracturing services and other pressure pumping services to its customers. The Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. Some of the services provided under this Agreement will have a direct or indirect benefit to the Company Group.

 

In consideration of the mutual promises set forth in this Agreement the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

Term of Employment

 

If the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason before the Closing occurs, Executive will not be employed under this Agreement, and none of the provisions of this Agreement will take effect and there will be no liability of any kind under this Agreement. Subject to the provisions of Article V , and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company will employ Executive from the Effective Date through December 31, 2020 (the “ Initial Term ”). After the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for subsequent one (1) year periods, unless the Company provides notice of non-renewal to Executive at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term (the Initial Term and any renewal term, the “ Term ”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Executive understands that his employment with the Company is not guaranteed, and Executive may be terminated by the Company, with or without Cause (as defined in Section 5.03 ), at any time, subject to the termination obligations described in Section 5.05 .

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

Duties

 

2.01        The Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment, as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company subject to the terms and conditions hereof. Executive shall have the normal duties, responsibilities and authority of such position, subject to the power of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “ CEO ”) to limit such duties, responsibilities and authority and to override actions of such position. In connection with the duties to be performed pursuant to this Agreement, Executive shall report directly to the Board and the CEO. Executive will promote the interests, within the scope of his duties, of the Company and the members of the Company Group and devote substantially his full working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and Company Group.

 

2.02        Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 2.01 above to the contrary, nothing contained herein or under law shall be construed as preventing Executive from (i) investing Executive’s personal assets in such form or manner as will not require any material personal services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made and in which his participation is principally that of a passive investor; and (ii) engaging (outside normal business hours) in any other professional, civic, or philanthropic activities, provided that Executive’s investments or engagement does not result in a violation of his covenants under Section 2.01 or Article VI hereof.

 

ARTICLE III

Base Compensation

 

3.01         Base Salary . The Company will compensate Executive for the duties performed by him hereunder by payment of a base salary at the rate of four hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($450,000.00) per annum (the “ Base Salary ”). The Company shall pay the Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule, subject to customary withholding for federal, state, and local taxes and other normal and customary withholding items. The Base Salary may be adjusted annually, in the sole discretion of the Board, but not to be reduced unless part of a general reduction in the Company’s compensation to other executives.

 

3.02         Annual Bonus . In addition to the Base Salary:

 

(a)          For the year ending December 31, 2018, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus as provided in the USWS Employment Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions provided in the USWS Employment Agreement, notwithstanding that the USWS Employment Agreement may be superseded and replaced by this Agreement prior to December 31, 2018 or the payment of such bonus.

 

2

 

 

(b)          For each year during the Term ending after December 31, 2018, Executive shall be eligible to participate in the U.S. Well Services, LLC Annual Incentive Plan or a similar or replacement annual incentive plan adopted by the Board and in which other key executive employees of the Company participate (“ AIP ”) at the discretion of the Board; provided that Executive shall have an annual target bonus under the AIP of one hundred percent (100%) of the Base Salary. During the fourth quarter of each calendar year, the Board shall make good faith efforts to finalize the AIP that will be applicable for the following calendar year.

 

Except as otherwise provided herein, the earned and vested portion of Executive’s annual bonus shall be paid to Executive during the calendar year immediately following the performance calendar year to which the bonus relates, within 60 days following the finalization of the Company’s annual financial statements, but no later than the last day of the calendar year in which such financial statements are finalized, provided that Executive has remained continuously and actively employed with the Company through the date of payment, and provided further that the Company may delay such payment if, pursuant to its reasonable judgment, the making of the payment would jeopardize the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. If this provision is applicable, such payment (with reasonable interest thereon) will then occur in the first taxable year in which the making of the payment would not have such effect. To the extent the payments under this bonus are or become subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Code Section 409A ”), this provision will be administered consistent with Code Section 409A.

 

ARTICLE IV

Reimbursement and Employment Benefits

 

4.01          Health and Other Medical . Executive shall be eligible to participate in all health, medical, dental, and life insurance employee benefits of the Company or another member of the Company Group in accordance with the policies as are available from time to time for other key executive employees of the Company (and their families).

 

4.02          Vacation . Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation per year, to be taken in such amounts and at such times as shall be mutually convenient for Executive and the Company. Except as set forth in the previous sentence, the Company’s standard policies and practices regarding vacation time will apply to Executive.

 

4.03          Reimbursable Expenses . The Company shall in accordance with its standard policies in effect from time to time reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him in the conduct of the business of the Company provided that Executive submits in writing all substantiation of such expenses to the Company on a timely basis in accordance with the Company’s standard policies.

 

4.04          Savings Plan . Executive will be eligible to enroll and participate in all savings and retirement plans of the Company or another member of the Company Group, including any 401(k) plans in accordance with the policies as are available from time to time for other key executive employees of the Company.

 

3

 

 

ARTICLE V

Termination

 

5.01         Events of Termination . Executive’s compensation under Articles III and IV , and any and all other rights of Executive under this Agreement or otherwise as an employee of the Company will terminate (except as otherwise provided in this Article V ) upon the earliest occurrence of the following events:

 

(a)          Upon resignation of employment by Executive upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Company;

 

(b)          Upon the death of Executive;

 

(c)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company or Executive due to the disability of Executive (as defined in Section 5.02 );

 

(d)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company for Cause, immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify;

 

(e)          Upon the termination of employment by Executive for Good Reason upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior notice from Executive to the Company and Company’s failure to cure the “Good Reason” within the prescribed timeframe, as provided in Section 5.04 ;

 

(f)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company without Cause immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify; or

 

(g)          Upon the non-renewal of this Agreement, in accordance with Article I hereof.

 

5.02         Definition of Disability . Executive will be deemed to have a “disability” if, for physical or mental reasons, Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties under this Agreement for ninety (90) consecutive days, or one hundred and twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period, as determined in accordance with this Section 5.02 . The disability of Executive will be determined by a medical doctor selected by the Company. The determination of the medical doctor selected under this Section 5.02 will be binding on both parties. Executive must submit to a reasonable number of examinations by the medical doctor making the determination of disability under this Section 5.02 , and Executive hereby authorizes the disclosure and release to the Company of such determination and all supporting medical records. If Executive is not legally competent, Executive’s legal guardian or duly authorized attorney-in-fact will act in Executive’s stead, under this Section 5.02 , for the purposes of submitting Executive to the examinations, and providing the authorization of disclosure, required under this Section 5.02 .

 

4

 

 

5.03         Definition of “Cause .” The term “ Cause ” shall mean any of the following:

 

(a)          Executive’s failure or refusal to perform specific directives from the Board or the CEO that are consistent with the scope and nature of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement;

 

(b)          Fraud committed against the Company, or any member of the Company Group, or embezzlement of the funds of the Company or any member of the Company Group;

 

(c)          Use of drugs or other substances, which is (x) unlawful or (y) otherwise interferes with the performance of Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement;

 

(d)          Executive’s commission of or pleading guilty or no contest to a felony or to any crime involving dishonesty or fraud;

 

(e)          Any gross or willful misconduct of Executive resulting in loss to the Company or any member of the Company Group or damages to the reputation of the Company or any member of the Company Group;

 

(f)          Any material breach by Executive of Executive’s covenants contained in Article VI ; or

 

(g)          Any other material breach of this Agreement by Executive.

 

No act or failure to act on the part of Executive will be deemed “willful” if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence, but will be deemed “willful” only if done or omitted to be done by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.

 

5.04         Definition of “Good Reason .” The phrase “ Good Reason ” means the Executive’s resignation of employment within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement; (ii) the assignment of Executive, by the Company or any of its direct or indirect successors, without Executive’s consent to a position, responsibilities, or duties of a materially lesser status or degree of responsibility than Executive’s position, responsibilities, or duties at the Effective Date; or (iii) any attempt on the part of the Company to require Executive to perform (or omit to perform) any act or to engage (or omit to engage) in any conduct that would constitute illegal action or inaction on the part of Executive. Executive will provide the Company a written notice which describes the circumstances in sufficient detail that is cause for the Good Reason termination within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event. The Company will have thirty (30) days from the receipt of such notice to cure the event prior to Executive exercising his/her right to terminate for Good Reason and, if not cured to Executive’s reasonable satisfaction, Executive’s termination will be effective upon the expiration of such cure period.

 

5

 

 

5.05         Termination Obligations . Effective upon the termination of this Agreement (the date of any such termination being the “ Termination Date ”), the Company will be obligated to pay Executive (or, in the event of his death, his designated beneficiary as defined below) only such compensation as is provided in this Section 5.05 . For purposes of this Section 5.05 , Executive’s designated beneficiary will be such individual beneficiary or trust, located at such address, as Executive may designate by notice to the Company from time to time or, if Executive fails to give notice to the Company of such a beneficiary, Executive’s estate. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company will have no duty, in any circumstances, to attempt to open an estate on behalf of Executive, to determine whether any beneficiary designated by Executive is alive or to ascertain the address of any such beneficiary, to determine the existence of any trust, to determine whether any person or entity purporting to act as Executive’s personal representative (or the trustee of a trust established by Executive) is duly authorized to act in that capacity, or to locate or attempt to locate any beneficiary, personal representative, or trustee. Additionally, Executive will retain any other rights or benefits to which Executive is entitled as a matter of law (including Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act coverage).

 

(a)           Termination by Executive without Good Reason . If Executive voluntarily terminates this Agreement without Good Reason, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term. The Company shall reimburse Executive for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 .

 

(b)           Termination by the Company for Cause . If this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term. The Company shall reimburse Executive for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 . Additionally and notwithstanding any language in any long-term incentive plan or award, including any profits interest awards, if this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, Executive will be treated as forfeiting all unvested award and any interests in any such awards.

 

The Board may only terminate Executive’s employment hereunder in good faith on account of Cause, or it may separately determine that any termination is on account of Cause. Prior to such determination, however, the Board shall provide written notice to Executive, including the reasons for the determination of Cause, and if curable, any actions necessary or appropriate to cure such determination. If the Cause event is curable, Executive shall have the opportunity to appear before the Board to present arguments and evidence on his behalf and , Executive shall have a reasonable period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days, to cure any such finding of Cause hereunder. Following such presentation, upon Executive’s failure to appear or upon Executive’s failure to cure, as the case may be, the Board, by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members (excluding Executive), shall confirm that the actions or inactions of Executive constitute Cause hereunder.

 

6

 

 

(c)           Termination by the Company Without Cause or Termination by Executive for Good Reason . If the Company terminates the employment of Executive prior to the end of the then applicable Term of this Agreement for any reason other than for Cause, or if Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason prior to the end of the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to one and a half (1.5) times the sum of (x) Executive’s then-current Base Salary, and (y) average annual bonus during the prior two calendar years under the AIP (or such shorter period, as applicable), subject to applicable taxes and withholdings and payable on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; (iv) if the Termination Date occurs after December 31 of a performance year under the AIP but before any bonus for such performance year has been paid, such unpaid bonus under the AIP, to the extent earned, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, at the time bonuses are paid under the AIP; and (v) a payment equal to the product of (x) the target bonus under the AIP for the performance year in which the Termination Date occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is 365, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date. In addition, if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by Executive for himself and his dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the 15 th day of the month immediately following the month in which Executive timely remits the premium payment. Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earlier of: (A) the eighteen (18)-month anniversary of the Termination Date; or (B) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage.

 

(d)           Termination upon Disability . If this Agreement is terminated by either party as a result of Executive’s disability, Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) continuation of Base Salary, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, for the lesser of (A) six (6) consecutive months thereafter or (B) the period until disability insurance benefits commence under the disability insurance coverage (if any) furnished by the Company to Executive; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; (iv) if the Termination Date occurs after December 31 of a performance year under the AIP but before any bonus for such performance year has been paid, such unpaid bonus under the AIP, to the extent earned, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, at the time bonuses are paid under the AIP; and (v) a payment equal to the product of (x) the target bonus under the AIP for the performance year in which the Termination Date occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is 365, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date.

 

7

 

 

(e)           Termination upon Death . If this Agreement is terminated because of Executive’s death, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term) and to reimburse Executive’s estate for expenses incurred by Executive that are reimbursable through the Termination Date pursuant to Section 4.03 .

 

(f)           Termination upon Non-Renewal of Agreement . If this Agreement is terminated for non-renewal as described in Article I hereof, then Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to one and a half (1.5) times the sum of (x) Executive’s then-current Base Salary, and (y) average annual bonus during the prior two calendar years under the AIP (or such shorter period, as applicable), subject to applicable taxes and withholdings and payable on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; and (iv) provided Executive remains employed by the Company until the last day of the then-current Term, Executive shall be paid the bonus under the AIP for the performance year ending on the last day of such Term, to the extent earned, in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, no later than the March 15 immediately following the last day of such Term. In addition, if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by Executive for himself and his dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the 15 th day of the month immediately following the month in which Executive timely remits the premium payment. Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earlier of: (A) the end of the 18-month period following the Termination Date; or (B) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage.

 

5.06         General .

 

(a)          Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of Executive under Article VI hereof that, pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement, continue in full force and effect. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all Company Group property including without limitation all writings, records, data, memoranda, contracts, orders, sales literature, price lists, client lists, data processing materials, and other documents, whether or not obtained from the Company Group, which pertain to or were used by Executive in connection with his employment by the Company or which pertain to any member of the Company Group, including, but not limited to, Confidential Information (as defined below), as well as any automobiles, computers or other furniture, fixtures or equipment which were purchased by the Company for Executive or otherwise in Executive’s possession or control.

 

8

 

 

(b)         Notwithstanding the foregoing, other than the Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (as set forth in Sections 5.05(c)(i) or (d)(i) or (f)(i) , as applicable), Executive’s right to receive amounts payable pursuant to Sections 5.05(c) or (d) or (f) (which shall be deemed, and referred to herein as, “ Severance ”) is contingent upon Executive not violating any of his on-going obligations under this Agreement and executing and delivering to the Company, and not revoking, a complete and general release, in a form acceptable to the Company, of all claims that Executive has or may have against the Company and its predecessors, successors, assigns, divisions, affiliates, the Company Group, and subsidiaries, and each of their respective past, present and future owners, directors, employees, agents and fiduciaries of employee benefit plans (the “ Released Parties ”) through the Termination Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company no later than forty-five (45) days after the Termination Date. Subject to anything to the contrary in Sections 5.05 or 9.04 , Severance, if payable, shall be paid as and when normal payroll payments are made; provided that Executive will not receive any Severance payments prior to the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date and will be paid any amounts that would have been payable pursuant to Sections 5.05(c) or (d) or (f) on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that the payment of Severance to Executive hereunder shall be liquidated damages for and in full satisfaction of any and all claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities or any kind whatsoever (upon any legal or equitable theory, whether contractual, common law or statutory, under federal, state or local law or otherwise), whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, by reason of any act, omission, transaction, agreement or occurrence that Executive ever had, now have or hereafter may have against the Released Parties relating to or arising out of:

 

(i)          Executive’s employment with the Company, the terms and conditions of that employment, and the termination of that employment;

 

(ii)         All claims of employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation under any federal, state or local statute or ordinance, public policy or the common law;

 

(iii)        All contract and quasi-contract claims, claims for promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance, claims for wages, bonuses, incentive compensation, and severance allowances or entitlements;

 

(iv)        All claims for employee benefits; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.06(b) is intended to release, diminish, or otherwise affect any vested monies or other vested benefits to which Employee may be entitled from, under, or pursuant to any savings or retirement plan of the Company;

 

(v)         All claims for fraud, fraudulent inducement, slander, libel, defamation, disparagement, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, personal injury, prima facie tort, negligence, compensatory or punitive damages, or any other claim for damages or injury of any kind whatsoever; and,

 

(vi)        All claims for monetary recovery, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, medical fees or expenses, costs and disbursements and the like.

 

9

 

 

5.07         Representations . Executive represents, warrants, and covenants to Company that (a) there is no other agreement or relationship which is binding on him which prevents him from entering into or fully performing under the terms hereof and (b) the Company may contact any past, present, or future entity with whom he has a business relationship and inform such entity of the existence of this Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

ARTICLE VI

Covenants

 

6.01         Competition/Solicitation . Ancillary to the consideration to be provided pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to the Company’s promise to provide Executive access to Confidential Information, and in order to protect the Confidential Information, during Executive’s employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group and for a period of eighteen (18) months after termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group, regardless of the reason, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, except in connection with his duties hereunder or otherwise for the sole account and benefit of the Company, whether as a sole proprietor, investor, partner, member, stockholder, employee, director, officer, guarantor, consultant, independent contractor, or in any other capacity as principal or agent, or through any person, subsidiary, affiliate, or employee acting as nominee or agent, except with the consent of the Company:

 

(a)          Conduct or engage in, or be interested in or associated with, any person or entity anywhere in the Market Area (other than the Company and its affiliates) that conducts or engages in the shale fracking business;

 

(b)          Solicit, attempt to solicit, or accept business from or otherwise service, or cause to be solicited or have business accepted from or otherwise service, any then-current customers of Company or any member of the Company Group, any persons or entities anywhere in the Market Area who were customers of the Company or any member of the Company Group within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the Termination Date, or any prospective customers of the Company or any member of the Company Group for whom bids were being prepared or had been submitted as of the Termination Date; or

 

(c)          Induce, or attempt to induce, hire or attempt to hire, or cause to be induced or hired, any employee of the Company or any member of the Company Group, or persons who were employees of the Company or any member of the Company Group within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the Termination Date, to leave or terminate his or her employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group, or hire or engage as an independent contractor any such employee of the Company or any member of the Company Group.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be prevented from (A) investing in or owning up to two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any corporation engaged in a business competitive with the Company, provided that such shares are regularly traded on a national securities exchange or in any over-the-counter market or (B) retaining any shares of stock in any corporation which Executive owned before the date of his employment with the Company, or (C) being employed by or serving as a paid consultant to a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision shall not prevent Executive from being a passive investor in a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Market Area ” shall mean the geographic areas set forth on Exhibit A .

 

10

 

 

6.02         Confidential Information . Executive acknowledges that in his employment he is or will be making use of, acquiring, or adding to the Company Group’s confidential information (the “ Confidential Information ”) which includes, but is not limited to, memoranda and other materials or records of a proprietary nature; technical information regarding the operations of the Company Group; and records and policy matters relating to finance, personnel, market research, strategic planning, current and potential customers, lease arrangements, service contracts, management, and operations. Therefore, to protect the Company Group’s Confidential Information and to protect other employees who depend on the Company Group for regular employment, Executive agrees that he will not in any way use any of said Confidential Information except in connection with his employment by the Company, and except in connection with the business of the Company he will not copy, reproduce, or take with him the original or any copies of said Confidential Information and will not directly or indirectly divulge any of said Confidential Information to anyone without the prior written consent of the Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available to and known by the public at the time of disclosure to Executive; provided that, such disclosure is through no direct or indirect fault of Executive or person(s) acting on Executive’s behalf. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6.02 does not prohibit or restrict Executive (or Executive’s attorney) from responding to any inquiry about the Agreement or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, any other self-regulatory organization or governmental entity, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Executive understands and acknowledges that he does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and that he is not required to notify the Company that he has made such reports or disclosures.

 

6.03          Inventions . All discoveries, designs, improvements, ideas, and inventions, whether patentable or not, relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) products, services, or other technology of the Company Group or relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) methods or processes used or usable in connection with the business of the Company Group that may be conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company (hereinafter “ Inventions ”), either solely or jointly with others, shall automatically become the sole property of the Company Group. Executive shall immediately disclose to the Company all such Inventions and shall, without additional compensation, execute all assignments and other documents deemed necessary by the Company to perfect the property rights of the Company or any affiliate therein. These obligations shall continue beyond the termination of Executive’s employment with respect to Inventions conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company. The provisions of this Section 6.03 shall not apply to any Invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company or any affiliate is used by Executive and which is developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless (a) such Invention relates (i) to the business of the Company Group or (ii) to the actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company Group, or (b) such Invention results from work performed by Executive for the Company Group.

 

11

 

 

6.04          Non-Disparagement . For a period commencing on the Effective Date and continuing indefinitely, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, defame, disparage, create false impressions, or otherwise put in a false or bad light the Company, its products or services, its business, reputation, conduct, practices, past or present employees, financial condition or otherwise.

 

6.05          Reformation . If at the time of enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, or area restriction of any provision hereof is unreasonable under circumstances now or then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted by the court for the stated duration, scope, or area.

 

6.06          Remedies . Executive acknowledges that any breach by him of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement shall cause irreparable harm to the Company and that a remedy at law for any breach or attempted breach of Article VI of this Agreement will be inadequate, and agrees that, notwithstanding Section 9.01 hereof, the Company shall be entitled to exercise all remedies available to it, including specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of posting any bond, in the case of any such breach or attempted breach. In the event that the Company shall file a claim alleging a breach of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement, then any time period set forth in this Agreement including the time periods set forth above, will be extended one month for each month the Executive was in breach of this Agreement, so that the Company is provided the benefit of the full restricted covenant period.

 

6.07          Immunity Notice . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement: (x) Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made: (A) in confidence to a federal (including, without limitation, the SEC or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; (y) if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation, Executive may disclose Employer’s trade secrets to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive: (i) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (ii) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order; and, (z) nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from communicating with government agencies as permitted by law. Without prior authorization of the Company, however, the Company does not authorize Executive to disclose to any third party (including any government official or any attorney Executive may retain) any communications that are covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege.

 

6.08          Return of Company Property . Upon the expiration of the Term, and at any other time upon request of the Company, Executive shall promptly surrender and deliver to the Company all documents (including electronically stored information) and all copies thereof and all other materials of any nature containing or pertaining to all Confidential Information and any other Company Group property (including any Company Group-issued computer, mobile device or other equipment) in Executive’s possession, custody or control and Executive shall not retain any such documents or other materials or property of the Company Group.

 

12

 

 

ARTICLE VII

Assignment

 

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights, benefits and obligations of Executive under this Agreement are personal to Executive, and any voluntary or involuntary alienation, assignment or transfer by Executive shall be null and void.

 

ARTICLE VIII

Entire Agreement

 

This Agreement supersedes and replaces the USWS Employment Agreement effective as of the Effective Date. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Company and Executive concerning his employment by the Company or its affiliates and supersedes any and all previous agreements between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries concerning such employment, and/or any compensation, bonuses or incentives. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges that the terms of Sections 6.02 and 6.03 of the USWS Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and such terms shall be in addition to the terms set forth herein. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only in a written instrument signed by both parties hereto.

 

ARTICLE IX

Applicable Law; Miscellaneous

 

9.01         Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. All actions brought to interpret or enforce this Agreement shall be brought in federal or state courts located in Houston, Texas. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the sole option of the Company, all controversies under this Agreement may be subject to resolution by arbitration. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following shall be considered controversies for this purpose: (i) all questions relating to the interpretation or breach of this Agreement; (ii) all questions relating to any representations, negotiations, and other proceedings leading to the execution of this Agreement; and (iii) all questions as to whether the right to arbitrate any such question exists. Any party may, without inconsistency with this Agreement, seek from a court any interim or provisional relief that may be necessary to protect the rights or property of that party, pending the establishment of the arbitral tribunal (or pending the tribunal’s determination of the merits of the controversy). The tribunal shall have authority to make the final determination of the rights of the parties, including authority to make permanent, modify, or dissolve any judicial order granting such provisional relief. The Company, if it desires arbitration, shall so notify the other parties, identifying in reasonable detail the matters to be arbitrated and the relief sought. Arbitration shall be before a single arbitrator with at least ten (10) years’ experience in commercial or employment law. The American Arbitration Association (“ AAA ”) shall submit a list of persons meeting the criteria outlined above, and the parties shall mutually agree upon the arbitrator. If the parties fail to select an arbitrator as required above within twenty (20) days after delivery of notice from the party desiring arbitration, the AAA shall appoint the arbitrator in accordance with the then-existing rules of the AAA. The arbitrator shall be entitled to a fee commensurate with his or her fees for professional services requiring similar time and effort. All matters arbitrated hereunder shall be arbitrated in, Houston, Texas, and shall be governed by Texas law, exclusive of its conflicts-of-laws rules. The arbitrator shall conduct a hearing no later than sixty (60) days after designation of the tribunal, and a decision shall be rendered by the arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the hearing. At the hearing, the parties shall present such evidence and witnesses as they may choose, with or without counsel. Adherence to formal rules of evidence shall not be required but the arbitrator shall consider any evidence and testimony that he or she determines to be relevant, in accordance with procedures that he or she determines to be appropriate. Any award entered shall be made by a written opinion stating the reasons for the award made. The arbitrator may award legal or equitable relief, including but not limited to specific performance. The arbitrator is not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each party irrevocably waives any right to recover such damages with respect to any dispute resolved by arbitration. This submission and agreement to arbitrate shall be specifically enforceable. Arbitration may proceed in the absence of any party if notice of the proceedings has been given to such party. The parties agree to abide by all awards rendered in such proceedings. Such awards shall be final and binding on all parties. Each party shall continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement pending conclusion of the arbitration. No party shall be considered in default hereunder during the pendency of arbitration proceedings relating to such default. Each party to the arbitration proceeding will bear its own costs in connection with such arbitration proceedings, except that unless otherwise paid by the Company in accordance with such section, the costs and expenses of the arbitrator will be divided evenly between the parties.

 

13

 

 

9.02         Attorneys’ Fees .

 

(a)          In the event of any action, claim or dispute to enforce the rights and obligations under this Agreement, each party agrees to bear its own costs, fees, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), regardless of the outcome of such dispute.

 

(b)          However, the Company agrees to directly pay or reimburse Executive for reasonable attorneys’ fees (without including any non-routine reimbursed expenses) incurred solely in the original negotiation and execution of this Agreement up to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00), such payment or reimbursement to be made within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date.

 

9.03         Indemnification of Executive .

 

(a)          Executive shall not be responsible for any of the actions of the Company prior to signing this Agreement (except such actions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Executive), and the Company agrees to indemnify Executive for any liability from such prior actions of the Company (except such actions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Executive).

 

14

 

 

(b)          To the fullest extent permitted under law, the Company shall indemnify Executive in the event Executive is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or contemplated action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that Executive is an officer or Board member of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a board member, or officer (or in any capacity equivalent to any of the foregoing) of another corporation, company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if Executive acted in good faith and in a manner Executive reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Executive’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or pleas of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not of itself create a presumption that Executive did not act in good faith or did not act in a manner which Executive reasonably believed to be in and not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that Executive’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(c)          The indemnification described in this Section 9.03 shall be in addition to, and is not intended to be a substitute for, any indemnification provided for by law or under the Company’s by-laws.

 

9.04        Section 409A . (a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement is intended to be interpreted and applied so that the payments and benefits set forth herein either shall either be exempt from or shall comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be exempt from or in compliance with Code Section 409A.

 

(b)          To the extent that the Company determines that any provision of this Agreement would cause Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall be entitled to reform such provision to attempt to comply with or be exempt from Code Section 409A through good faith modifications. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to Executive and the Company without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.

 

(c)          Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary, if on the Termination Date Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, any payments or benefits due upon, or within the six (6) month period following, a termination of Executive’s employment under any arrangement that constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (whether under this Agreement, any other plan, program, payroll practice or any equity grant) and which do not otherwise qualify under the exemptions under Treas. Regs. Section l.409A-1 (including without limitation, the short-term deferral exemption and the permitted payments under Treas. Regs. Section l.409A- l (b)(9)(iii)(A)), shall be delayed and paid or provided to Executive in a lump sum (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay during such period) on the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months and one (1) day after Executive’s separation from service (as such term is defined in Code Section 409A) for any reason other than death, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death, and any remaining payments and benefits shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for such payment or benefit.

 

15

 

 

(d)          Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary, 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 that constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of Executive’s employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” and the date of such separation from service shall be the termination date for purposes of any such payment or benefits.

 

(e)          Each payment under this Agreement or otherwise (including any installment payments) shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Code Section 409A.

 

(f)          In no event may Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement or otherwise which constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

 

(g)          All expenses or other reimbursements paid pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise that are taxable income to Executive shall in no event be paid later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Executive incurs such expense or pays such related tax. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, to the extent required by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, 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, and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred.

 

9.05         Waiver . No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a continuing waiver or a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party hereto which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

 

9.06         Unenforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

9.07         Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, and via facsimile or electronic mail, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

9.08         Section Headings . The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

9.09          Interpretation . This Agreement shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning. It shall not be construed strictly for or against Executive or any Released Party. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term “or” shall be deemed to include the term “and” and the singular or plural number shall be deemed to include the other.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

16

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, th e p a rt ies h ave exe cut e d this E mpl oy m e n t Ag r ee m e nt as of th e da t e fir s t w ritt e n a bo v e .

 

EXECUTIVE  
   
/s/ Nathan Houston  
   
Nathan Houston Date: 7/13/2018

 

[Signature Page to Nathan Houston Employment Agreement]

 

 

 

COMPANY  
   
/s/ David Matlin  
David Matlin Date: 7/13/2018
   
Chief Executive Officer  
   
Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation  

 

[Signature Page to Nathan Houston Employment Agreement]

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

1. The counties in the state of Texas in which any part of the Eagle Ford Shale or the Permian Basin or the Anadarko Basin or the Haynesville Shale is located;

 

2. The counties in the state of Arkansas in which any part of the Haynesville Shale is located;

 

3. The counties in the states of West Virginia and Ohio, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in which any part of the Utica or Marcellus formations is located;

 

4. The counties in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas in which any part of the Denver-Julesburg Basin is located;

 

5. The following Parishes in the state of Louisiana: Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Sabine, Red River and Lafayette; and

 

6. Any other areas that are within a twenty (20) mile radius of any location where any member of the Company Group is as of the date that the Executive is no longer employed or engaged by any member of the Company Group (i) conducting shale fracking business; or (ii) has materially developed plans to conduct shale fracking business, provided that Executive was involved with or obtained Confidential Information about any such plans to conduct shale fracking business during the period of the Executive’s employment or engagement by the Company or any other member of the Company Group.

 

19

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.9

 

Execution Version

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into the 13 th day of July 2018, by and between Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation, to be renamed as set forth in the Merger Agreement (as defined below) (the “ Company ”), and Kyle O’Neill (“ Executive ”). For purposes hereof, the “ Company Group ” means, collectively, the Company and each of its affiliates and subsidiaries.

 

RECITALS

 

The Company, MPAC Merger Sub LLC, USWS Holdings LLC (“ USWS Holdings ”), the Blocker Companies and, solely for purposes described herein, the Seller Representatives entered into that certain Merger and Contribution Agreement, dated July 13, 2018 (the “ Merger Agreement ”). All capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement;

 

This Agreement is being entered into in connection with the Merger Agreement and shall become effective as of the Closing Date (the “ Effective Date ”); and

 

Following the Closing, the Company, through USWS Holdings and its subsidiaries, will be engaged in the business of being an oilfield service provider, providing hydraulic fracturing services and other pressure pumping services to its customers. The Company desires to employ Executive, and Executive desires to accept such employment, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. Some of the services provided under this Agreement will have a direct or indirect benefit to the Company Group.

 

In consideration of the mutual promises set forth in this Agreement the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

Term of Employment

 

If the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason before the Closing occurs, Executive will not be employed under this Agreement, and none of the provisions of this Agreement will take effect and there will be no liability of any kind under this Agreement. Subject to the provisions of Article V , and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company will employ Executive from the Effective Date through December 31, 2020 (the “ Initial Term ”). After the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for subsequent one (1) year periods, unless the Company provides notice of non-renewal to Executive at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term (the Initial Term and any renewal term, the “ Term ”). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Executive understands that his employment with the Company is not guaranteed, and Executive may be terminated by the Company, with or without Cause (as defined in Section 5.03 ), at any time, subject to the termination obligations described in Section 5.05 .

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

Duties

 

2.01       The Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company subject to the terms and conditions hereof. Executive shall have the normal duties, responsibilities and authority of such position, subject to the power of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “ CEO ”) to limit such duties, responsibilities and authority and to override actions of such position. In connection with the duties to be performed pursuant to this Agreement, Executive shall report directly to the Board and the CEO. Executive will promote the interests, within the scope of his duties, of the Company and the members of the Company Group and devote substantially his full working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and Company Group.

 

2.02       Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 2.01 above to the contrary, nothing contained herein or under law shall be construed as preventing Executive from (i) investing Executive’s personal assets in such form or manner as will not require any material personal services on the part of Executive in the operation or the affairs of the companies in which such investments are made and in which his participation is principally that of a passive investor; and (ii) engaging (outside normal business hours) in any other professional, civic, or philanthropic activities, provided that Executive’s investments or engagement does not result in a violation of his covenants under Section 2.01 or Article VI hereof.

 

ARTICLE III

Base Compensation

 

3.01        Base Salary . The Company will compensate Executive for the duties performed by him hereunder by payment of a base salary at the rate of four hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($420,000.00) per annum (the “ Base Salary ”). The Company shall pay the Base Salary in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule, subject to customary withholding for federal, state, and local taxes and other normal and customary withholding items. The Base Salary may be adjusted annually, in the sole discretion of the Board, but not to be reduced unless part of a general reduction in the Company’s compensation to other executives.

 

3.02         Annual Bonus . In addition to the Base Salary:

 

(a)          For the year ending December 31, 2018, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual target bonus of 80% of Executive’s Base Salary, pursuant to the terms of the AIP (defined below), prorated based on the number of weeks Executive is employed by the Company during 2018.

 

(b)          For each year during the Term ending after December 31, 2018, Executive shall be eligible to participate in the U.S. Well Services, LLC Annual Incentive Plan or a similar or replacement annual incentive plan adopted by the Board and in which other key executive employees of the Company participate (“ AIP ”) at the discretion of the Board; provided that Executive shall have an annual target bonus under the AIP of eighty percent (80%) of the Base Salary. During the fourth quarter of each calendar year, the Board shall make good faith efforts to finalize the AIP that will be applicable for the following calendar year.

 

2

 

 

Except as otherwise provided herein, the earned and vested portion of Executive’s annual bonus shall be paid to Executive during the calendar year immediately following the performance calendar year to which the bonus relates, within 60 days following the finalization of the Company’s annual financial statements, but no later than the last day of the calendar year in which such financial statements are finalized, provided that Executive has remained continuously and actively employed with the Company through the date of payment, and provided further that the Company may delay such payment if, pursuant to its reasonable judgment, the making of the payment would jeopardize the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. If this provision is applicable, such payment (with reasonable interest thereon) will then occur in the first taxable year in which the making of the payment would not have such effect. To the extent the payments under this bonus are or become subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“ Code Section 409A ”), this provision will be administered consistent with Code Section 409A.

 

ARTICLE IV

Reimbursement and Employment Benefits

 

4.01        Health and Other Medical . Executive shall be eligible to participate in all health, medical, dental, and life insurance employee benefits of the Company or another member of the Company Group in accordance with the policies as are available from time to time for other key executive employees of the Company (and their families).

 

4.02        Vacation . Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation per year, to be taken in such amounts and at such times as shall be mutually convenient for Executive and the Company. Except as set forth in the previous sentence, the Company’s standard policies and practices regarding vacation time will apply to Executive.

 

4.03        Reimbursable Expenses . The Company shall in accordance with its standard policies in effect from time to time reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by him in the conduct of the business of the Company provided that Executive submits in writing all substantiation of such expenses to the Company on a timely basis in accordance with the Company’s standard policies.

 

4.04        Savings Plan . Executive will be eligible to enroll and participate in all savings and retirement plans of the Company or another member of the Company Group, including any 401(k) plans in accordance with the policies as are available from time to time for other key executive employees of the Company.

 

ARTICLE V

Termination

 

5.01        Events of Termination . Executive’s compensation under Articles III and IV , and any and all other rights of Executive under this Agreement or otherwise as an employee of the Company will terminate (except as otherwise provided in this Article V ) upon the earliest occurrence of the following events:

 

3

 

 

(a)          Upon resignation of employment by Executive upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Company;

 

(b)          Upon the death of Executive;

 

(c)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company or Executive due to the disability of Executive (as defined in Section 5.02 );

 

(d)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company for Cause, immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify;

 

(e)          Upon the termination of employment by Executive for Good Reason upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior notice from Executive to the Company and Company’s failure to cure the “Good Reason” within the prescribed timeframe, as provided in Section 5.04 ;

 

(f)          Upon the termination of employment by the Company without Cause immediately upon notice from the Company to Executive, or at such later time as such notice may specify; or

 

(g)          Upon the non-renewal of this Agreement, in accordance with Article I hereof.

 

5.02        Definition of Disability . Executive will be deemed to have a “disability” if, for physical or mental reasons, Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties under this Agreement for ninety (90) consecutive days, or one hundred and twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period, as determined in accordance with this Section 5.02 . The disability of Executive will be determined by a medical doctor selected by the Company. The determination of the medical doctor selected under this Section 5.02 will be binding on both parties. Executive must submit to a reasonable number of examinations by the medical doctor making the determination of disability under this Section 5.02 , and Executive hereby authorizes the disclosure and release to the Company of such determination and all supporting medical records. If Executive is not legally competent, Executive’s legal guardian or duly authorized attorney-in-fact will act in Executive’s stead, under this Section 5.02 , for the purposes of submitting Executive to the examinations, and providing the authorization of disclosure, required under this Section 5.02 .

 

5.03        Definition of “Cause .” The term “ Cause ” shall mean any of the following:

 

(a)          Executive’s failure or refusal to perform specific directives from the Board or the CEO that are consistent with the scope and nature of Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement;

 

(b)          Fraud committed against the Company, or any member of the Company Group, or embezzlement of the funds of the Company or any member of the Company Group;

 

(c)          Use of drugs or other substances, which is (x) unlawful or (y) otherwise interferes with the performance of Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement;

 

4

 

 

(d)          Executive’s commission of or pleading guilty or no contest to a felony or to any crime involving dishonesty or fraud;

 

(e)          Any gross or willful misconduct of Executive resulting in loss to the Company or any member of the Company Group or damages to the reputation of the Company or any member of the Company Group;

 

(f)          Any material breach by Executive of Executive’s covenants contained in Article VI ; or

 

(g)          Any other material breach of this Agreement by Executive.

 

No act or failure to act on the part of Executive will be deemed “willful” if it was due primarily to an error in judgment or negligence, but will be deemed “willful” only if done or omitted to be done by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.

 

5.04        Definition of “Good Reason .” The phrase “ Good Reason ” means the Executive’s resignation of employment within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the Company’s material breach of this Agreement; (ii) the assignment of Executive, by the Company or any of its direct or indirect successors, without Executive’s consent to a position, responsibilities, or duties of a materially lesser status or degree of responsibility than Executive’s position, responsibilities, or duties at the Effective Date; or (iii) any attempt on the part of the Company to require Executive to perform (or omit to perform) any act or to engage (or omit to engage) in any conduct that would constitute illegal action or inaction on the part of Executive. Executive will provide the Company a written notice which describes the circumstances in sufficient detail that is cause for the Good Reason termination within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event. The Company will have thirty (30) days from the receipt of such notice to cure the event prior to Executive exercising his/her right to terminate for Good Reason and, if not cured to Executive’s reasonable satisfaction, Executive’s termination will be effective upon the expiration of such cure period.

 

5.05        Termination Obligations . Effective upon the termination of this Agreement (the date of any such termination being the “ Termination Date ”), the Company will be obligated to pay Executive (or, in the event of his death, his designated beneficiary as defined below) only such compensation as is provided in this Section 5.05 . For purposes of this Section 5.05 , Executive’s designated beneficiary will be such individual beneficiary or trust, located at such address, as Executive may designate by notice to the Company from time to time or, if Executive fails to give notice to the Company of such a beneficiary, Executive’s estate. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company will have no duty, in any circumstances, to attempt to open an estate on behalf of Executive, to determine whether any beneficiary designated by Executive is alive or to ascertain the address of any such beneficiary, to determine the existence of any trust, to determine whether any person or entity purporting to act as Executive’s personal representative (or the trustee of a trust established by Executive) is duly authorized to act in that capacity, or to locate or attempt to locate any beneficiary, personal representative, or trustee. Additionally, Executive will retain any other rights or benefits to which Executive is entitled as a matter of law (including Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act coverage).

 

5

 

 

(a)           Termination by Executive without Good Reason . If Executive voluntarily terminates this Agreement without Good Reason, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term. The Company shall reimburse Executive for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 .

 

(b)           Termination by the Company for Cause . If this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term. The Company shall reimburse Executive for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 . Additionally and notwithstanding any language in any long-term incentive plan or award, including any profits interest awards, if this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, Executive will be treated as forfeiting all unvested award and any interests in any such awards.

 

The Board may only terminate Executive’s employment hereunder in good faith on account of Cause, or it may separately determine that any termination is on account of Cause. Prior to such determination, however, the Board shall provide written notice to Executive, including the reasons for the determination of Cause, and if curable, any actions necessary or appropriate to cure such determination. If the Cause event is curable, Executive shall have the opportunity to appear before the Board to present arguments and evidence on his behalf and , Executive shall have a reasonable period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days, to cure any such finding of Cause hereunder. Following such presentation, upon Executive’s failure to appear or upon Executive’s failure to cure, as the case may be, the Board, by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members (excluding Executive), shall confirm that the actions or inactions of Executive constitute Cause hereunder.

 

6

 

 

(c)           Termination by the Company Without Cause or Termination by Executive for Good Reason . If the Company terminates the employment of Executive prior to the end of the then applicable Term of this Agreement for any reason other than for Cause, or if Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason prior to the end of the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to one and a half (1.5) times the sum of (x) Executive’s then-current Base Salary, and (y) average annual bonus during the prior two calendar years under the AIP (or such shorter period, as applicable), subject to applicable taxes and withholdings and payable on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; (iv) if the Termination Date occurs after December 31 of a performance year under the AIP but before any bonus for such performance year has been paid, such unpaid bonus under the AIP, to the extent earned, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, at the time bonuses are paid under the AIP; and (v) a payment equal to the product of (x) the target bonus under the AIP for the performance year in which the Termination Date occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is 365, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date. In addition, if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by Executive for himself and his dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the 15 th day of the month immediately following the month in which Executive timely remits the premium payment. Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earlier of: (A) the eighteen (18)-month anniversary of the Termination Date; or (B) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage.

 

(d)           Termination upon Disability . If this Agreement is terminated by either party as a result of Executive’s disability, Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) continuation of Base Salary, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, for the lesser of (A) six (6) consecutive months thereafter or (B) the period until disability insurance benefits commence under the disability insurance coverage (if any) furnished by the Company to Executive; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; (iv) if the Termination Date occurs after December 31 of a performance year under the AIP but before any bonus for such performance year has been paid, such unpaid bonus under the AIP, to the extent earned, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, at the time bonuses are paid under the AIP; and (v) a payment equal to the product of (x) the target bonus under the AIP for the performance year in which the Termination Date occurs and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days Executive was employed by the Company during the year of termination and the denominator of which is 365, payable in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date.

 

(e)           Termination upon Death . If this Agreement is terminated because of Executive’s death, the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive under this Agreement other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term) and to reimburse Executive’s estate for expenses incurred by Executive that are reimbursable through the Termination Date pursuant to Section 4.03 .

 

7

 

 

(f)           Termination upon Non-Renewal of Agreement . If this Agreement is terminated for non-renewal as described in Article I hereof, then Executive shall be entitled to (i) Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the yet to be earned Base Salary that Executive would have earned had his employment not terminated prior to the expiration of the then applicable Term); (ii) a lump sum cash payment equal to one and a half (1.5) times the sum of (x) Executive’s then-current Base Salary, and (y) average annual bonus during the prior two calendar years under the AIP (or such shorter period, as applicable), subject to applicable taxes and withholdings and payable on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date; (iii) reimbursement for expenses incurred by Executive through the Termination Date that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 4.03 ; and (iv) provided Executive remains employed by the Company until the last day of the then-current Term, Executive shall be paid the bonus under the AIP for the performance year ending on the last day of such Term, to the extent earned, in a lump sum, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings, no later than the March 15 immediately following the last day of such Term. In addition, if Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), the Company shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by Executive for himself and his dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on or before the 15 th day of the month immediately following the month in which Executive timely remits the premium payment. Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earlier of: (A) the end of the 18-month period following the Termination Date; or (B) the date Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage.

 

5.06        General .

 

(a)          Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of Executive under Article VI hereof that, pursuant to the express provisions of this Agreement, continue in full force and effect. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all Company Group property including without limitation all writings, records, data, memoranda, contracts, orders, sales literature, price lists, client lists, data processing materials, and other documents, whether or not obtained from the Company Group, which pertain to or were used by Executive in connection with his employment by the Company or which pertain to any member of the Company Group, including, but not limited to, Confidential Information (as defined below), as well as any automobiles, computers or other furniture, fixtures or equipment which were purchased by the Company for Executive or otherwise in Executive’s possession or control.

 

(b)          Notwithstanding the foregoing, other than the Base Salary and any other accrued compensation or vested benefits owed to Executive as of the Termination Date (as set forth in Sections 5.05(c)(i) or (d)(i) or (f)(i) , as applicable), Executive’s right to receive amounts payable pursuant to Sections 5.05(c) or (d) or (f) (which shall be deemed, and referred to herein as, “ Severance ”) is contingent upon Executive not violating any of his on-going obligations under this Agreement and executing and delivering to the Company, and not revoking, a complete and general release, in a form acceptable to the Company, of all claims that Executive has or may have against the Company and its predecessors, successors, assigns, divisions, affiliates, the Company Group, and subsidiaries, and each of their respective past, present and future owners, directors, employees, agents and fiduciaries of employee benefit plans (the “ Released Parties ”) through the Termination Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company no later than forty-five (45) days after the Termination Date. Subject to anything to the contrary in Sections 5.05 or 9.04 , Severance, if payable, shall be paid as and when normal payroll payments are made; provided that Executive will not receive any Severance payments prior to the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date and will be paid any amounts that would have been payable pursuant to Sections 5.05(c) or (d) or (f) on the sixtieth (60 th ) day following the Termination Date. Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that the payment of Severance to Executive hereunder shall be liquidated damages for and in full satisfaction of any and all claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities or any kind whatsoever (upon any legal or equitable theory, whether contractual, common law or statutory, under federal, state or local law or otherwise), whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, by reason of any act, omission, transaction, agreement or occurrence that Executive ever had, now have or hereafter may have against the Released Parties relating to or arising out of:

 

8

 

 

(i)          Executive’s employment with the Company, the terms and conditions of that employment, and the termination of that employment;

 

(ii)         All claims of employment discrimination, harassment or retaliation under any federal, state or local statute or ordinance, public policy or the common law;

 

(iii)        All contract and quasi-contract claims, claims for promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance, claims for wages, bonuses, incentive compensation, and severance allowances or entitlements;

 

(iv)        All claims for employee benefits; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.06(b) is intended to release, diminish, or otherwise affect any vested monies or other vested benefits to which Employee may be entitled from, under, or pursuant to any savings or retirement plan of the Company;

 

(v)         All claims for fraud, fraudulent inducement, slander, libel, defamation, disparagement, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, personal injury, prima facie tort, negligence, compensatory or punitive damages, or any other claim for damages or injury of any kind whatsoever; and,

 

(vi)        All claims for monetary recovery, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, experts’ fees, medical fees or expenses, costs and disbursements and the like.

 

5.07        Representations . Executive represents, warrants, and covenants to Company that (a) there is no other agreement or relationship which is binding on him which prevents him from entering into or fully performing under the terms hereof and (b) the Company may contact any past, present, or future entity with whom he has a business relationship and inform such entity of the existence of this Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

ARTICLE VI

Covenants

 

6.01        Competition/Solicitation . Ancillary to the consideration to be provided pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to the Company’s promise to provide Executive access to Confidential Information, and in order to protect the Confidential Information, during Executive’s employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group and for a period of eighteen (18) months after termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group, regardless of the reason, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, except in connection with his duties hereunder or otherwise for the sole account and benefit of the Company, whether as a sole proprietor, investor, partner, member, stockholder, employee, director, officer, guarantor, consultant, independent contractor, or in any other capacity as principal or agent, or through any person, subsidiary, affiliate, or employee acting as nominee or agent, except with the consent of the Company:

 

9

 

 

(a)          Conduct or engage in, or be interested in or associated with, any person or entity anywhere in the Market Area (other than the Company and its affiliates) that conducts or engages in the shale fracking business;

 

(b)          Solicit, attempt to solicit, or accept business from or otherwise service, or cause to be solicited or have business accepted from or otherwise service, any then-current customers of Company or any member of the Company Group, any persons or entities anywhere in the Market Area who were customers of the Company or any member of the Company Group within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the Termination Date, or any prospective customers of the Company or any member of the Company Group for whom bids were being prepared or had been submitted as of the Termination Date; or

 

(c)          Induce, or attempt to induce, hire or attempt to hire, or cause to be induced or hired, any employee of the Company or any member of the Company Group, or persons who were employees of the Company or any member of the Company Group within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the Termination Date, to leave or terminate his or her employment with the Company or any member of the Company Group, or hire or engage as an independent contractor any such employee of the Company or any member of the Company Group.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be prevented from (A) investing in or owning up to two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any corporation engaged in a business competitive with the Company, provided that such shares are regularly traded on a national securities exchange or in any over-the-counter market or (B) retaining any shares of stock in any corporation which Executive owned before the date of his employment with the Company, or (C) being employed by or serving as a paid consultant to a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision shall not prevent Executive from being a passive investor in a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Market Area ” shall mean the geographic areas set forth on Exhibit A .

 

6.02        Confidential Information . Executive acknowledges that in his employment he is or will be making use of, acquiring, or adding to the Company Group’s confidential information (the “ Confidential Information ”) which includes, but is not limited to, memoranda and other materials or records of a proprietary nature; technical information regarding the operations of the Company Group; and records and policy matters relating to finance, personnel, market research, strategic planning, current and potential customers, lease arrangements, service contracts, management, and operations. Therefore, to protect the Company Group’s Confidential Information and to protect other employees who depend on the Company Group for regular employment, Executive agrees that he will not in any way use any of said Confidential Information except in connection with his employment by the Company, and except in connection with the business of the Company he will not copy, reproduce, or take with him the original or any copies of said Confidential Information and will not directly or indirectly divulge any of said Confidential Information to anyone without the prior written consent of the Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available to and known by the public at the time of disclosure to Executive; provided that, such disclosure is through no direct or indirect fault of Executive or person(s) acting on Executive’s behalf. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6.02 does not prohibit or restrict Executive (or Executive’s attorney) from responding to any inquiry about the Agreement or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, any other self-regulatory organization or governmental entity, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Executive understands and acknowledges that he does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and that he is not required to notify the Company that he has made such reports or disclosures.

 

10

 

 

6.03        Inventions . All discoveries, designs, improvements, ideas, and inventions, whether patentable or not, relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) products, services, or other technology of the Company Group or relating to (or suggested by or resulting from) methods or processes used or usable in connection with the business of the Company Group that may be conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company (hereinafter “ Inventions ”), either solely or jointly with others, shall automatically become the sole property of the Company Group. Executive shall immediately disclose to the Company all such Inventions and shall, without additional compensation, execute all assignments and other documents deemed necessary by the Company to perfect the property rights of the Company or any affiliate therein. These obligations shall continue beyond the termination of Executive’s employment with respect to Inventions conceived, developed, or made by Executive during employment with the Company. The provisions of this Section 6.03 shall not apply to any Invention for which no equipment, supplies, facility, or trade secret information of the Company or any affiliate is used by Executive and which is developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless (a) such Invention relates (i) to the business of the Company Group or (ii) to the actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the Company Group, or (b) such Invention results from work performed by Executive for the Company Group.

 

6.04        Non-Disparagement . For a period commencing on the Effective Date and continuing indefinitely, Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not, directly or indirectly, defame, disparage, create false impressions, or otherwise put in a false or bad light the Company, its products or services, its business, reputation, conduct, practices, past or present employees, financial condition or otherwise.

 

6.05        Reformation . If at the time of enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, or area restriction of any provision hereof is unreasonable under circumstances now or then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted by the court for the stated duration, scope, or area.

 

11

 

 

6.06        Remedies . Executive acknowledges that any breach by him of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement shall cause irreparable harm to the Company and that a remedy at law for any breach or attempted breach of Article VI of this Agreement will be inadequate, and agrees that, notwithstanding Section 9.01 hereof, the Company shall be entitled to exercise all remedies available to it, including specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of posting any bond, in the case of any such breach or attempted breach. In the event that the Company shall file a claim alleging a breach of the provisions of this Article VI of this Agreement, then any time period set forth in this Agreement including the time periods set forth above, will be extended one month for each month the Executive was in breach of this Agreement, so that the Company is provided the benefit of the full restricted covenant period.

 

6.07        Immunity Notice . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement: (x) Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made: (A) in confidence to a federal (including, without limitation, the SEC or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; (y) if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation, Executive may disclose Employer’s trade secrets to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive: (i) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (ii) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order; and, (z) nothing in this Agreement prevents Executive from communicating with government agencies as permitted by law. Without prior authorization of the Company, however, the Company does not authorize Executive to disclose to any third party (including any government official or any attorney Executive may retain) any communications that are covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege.

 

6.08        Return of Company Property . Upon the expiration of the Term, and at any other time upon request of the Company, Executive shall promptly surrender and deliver to the Company all documents (including electronically stored information) and all copies thereof and all other materials of any nature containing or pertaining to all Confidential Information and any other Company Group property (including any Company Group-issued computer, mobile device or other equipment) in Executive’s possession, custody or control and Executive shall not retain any such documents or other materials or property of the Company Group.

 

ARTICLE VII

Assignment

 

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights, benefits and obligations of Executive under this Agreement are personal to Executive, and any voluntary or involuntary alienation, assignment or transfer by Executive shall be null and void.

 

ARTICLE VIII

Entire Agreement

 

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Company and Executive concerning his employment by the Company or its affiliates and supersedes any and all previous agreements between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries concerning such employment, and/or any compensation, bonuses or incentives, excepting only any agreements between Executive and the Company governing confidential information, proprietary data, inventions or work product. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only in a written instrument signed by both parties hereto.

 

12

 

 

ARTICLE IX

Applicable Law; Miscellaneous

 

9.01        Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. All actions brought to interpret or enforce this Agreement shall be brought in federal or state courts located in Houston, Texas. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the sole option of the Company, all controversies under this Agreement may be subject to resolution by arbitration. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following shall be considered controversies for this purpose: (i) all questions relating to the interpretation or breach of this Agreement; (ii) all questions relating to any representations, negotiations, and other proceedings leading to the execution of this Agreement; and (iii) all questions as to whether the right to arbitrate any such question exists. Any party may, without inconsistency with this Agreement, seek from a court any interim or provisional relief that may be necessary to protect the rights or property of that party, pending the establishment of the arbitral tribunal (or pending the tribunal’s determination of the merits of the controversy). The tribunal shall have authority to make the final determination of the rights of the parties, including authority to make permanent, modify, or dissolve any judicial order granting such provisional relief. The Company, if it desires arbitration, shall so notify the other parties, identifying in reasonable detail the matters to be arbitrated and the relief sought. Arbitration shall be before a single arbitrator with at least ten (10) years’ experience in commercial or employment law. The American Arbitration Association (“ AAA ”) shall submit a list of persons meeting the criteria outlined above, and the parties shall mutually agree upon the arbitrator. If the parties fail to select an arbitrator as required above within twenty (20) days after delivery of notice from the party desiring arbitration, the AAA shall appoint the arbitrator in accordance with the then-existing rules of the AAA. The arbitrator shall be entitled to a fee commensurate with his or her fees for professional services requiring similar time and effort. All matters arbitrated hereunder shall be arbitrated in, Houston, Texas, and shall be governed by Texas law, exclusive of its conflicts-of-laws rules. The arbitrator shall conduct a hearing no later than sixty (60) days after designation of the tribunal, and a decision shall be rendered by the arbitrator within thirty (30) days after the hearing. At the hearing, the parties shall present such evidence and witnesses as they may choose, with or without counsel. Adherence to formal rules of evidence shall not be required but the arbitrator shall consider any evidence and testimony that he or she determines to be relevant, in accordance with procedures that he or she determines to be appropriate. Any award entered shall be made by a written opinion stating the reasons for the award made. The arbitrator may award legal or equitable relief, including but not limited to specific performance. The arbitrator is not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and each party irrevocably waives any right to recover such damages with respect to any dispute resolved by arbitration. This submission and agreement to arbitrate shall be specifically enforceable. Arbitration may proceed in the absence of any party if notice of the proceedings has been given to such party. The parties agree to abide by all awards rendered in such proceedings. Such awards shall be final and binding on all parties. Each party shall continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement pending conclusion of the arbitration. No party shall be considered in default hereunder during the pendency of arbitration proceedings relating to such default. Each party to the arbitration proceeding will bear its own costs in connection with such arbitration proceedings, except that unless otherwise paid by the Company in accordance with such section, the costs and expenses of the arbitrator will be divided evenly between the parties.

 

13

 

 

9.02        Attorneys’ Fees .

 

(a)          In the event of any action, claim or dispute to enforce the rights and obligations under this Agreement, each party agrees to bear its own costs, fees, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), regardless of the outcome of such dispute.

 

(b)          However, the Company agrees to directly pay or reimburse Executive for reasonable attorneys’ fees (without including any non-routine reimbursed expenses) incurred solely in the original negotiation and execution of this Agreement up to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00), such payment or reimbursement to be made within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date.

 

9.03        Indemnification of Executive .

 

(a)          Executive shall not be responsible for any of the actions of the Company prior to signing this Agreement (except such actions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Executive), and the Company agrees to indemnify Executive for any liability from such prior actions of the Company (except such actions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Executive).

 

(b)          To the fullest extent permitted under law, the Company shall indemnify Executive in the event Executive is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or contemplated action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that Executive is an officer or Board member of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a board member, or officer (or in any capacity equivalent to any of the foregoing) of another corporation, company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if Executive acted in good faith and in a manner Executive reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe Executive’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or pleas of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not of itself create a presumption that Executive did not act in good faith or did not act in a manner which Executive reasonably believed to be in and not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that Executive’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(c)          The indemnification described in this Section 9.03 shall be in addition to, and is not intended to be a substitute for, any indemnification provided for by law or under the Company’s by-laws.

 

9.04        Section 409A . (a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement is intended to be interpreted and applied so that the payments and benefits set forth herein either shall either be exempt from or shall comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be exempt from or in compliance with Code Section 409A.

 

14

 

 

(b)          To the extent that the Company determines that any provision of this Agreement would cause Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, the Company shall be entitled to reform such provision to attempt to comply with or be exempt from Code Section 409A through good faith modifications. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Code Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to Executive and the Company without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A.

 

(c)          Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary, if on the Termination Date Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, any payments or benefits due upon, or within the six (6) month period following, a termination of Executive’s employment under any arrangement that constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (whether under this Agreement, any other plan, program, payroll practice or any equity grant) and which do not otherwise qualify under the exemptions under Treas. Regs. Section l.409A-1 (including without limitation, the short-term deferral exemption and the permitted payments under Treas. Regs. Section l.409A- l (b)(9)(iii)(A)), shall be delayed and paid or provided to Executive in a lump sum (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay during such period) on the earlier of (i) the date which is six (6) months and one (1) day after Executive’s separation from service (as such term is defined in Code Section 409A) for any reason other than death, and (ii) the date of Executive’s death, and any remaining payments and benefits shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for such payment or benefit.

 

(d)          Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or elsewhere to the contrary, 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 that constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of Executive’s employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.” and the date of such separation from service shall be the termination date for purposes of any such payment or benefits.

 

(e)          Each payment under this Agreement or otherwise (including any installment payments) shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Code Section 409A.

 

(f)          In no event may Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under this Agreement or otherwise which constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A.

 

15

 

 

(g)          All expenses or other reimbursements paid pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise that are taxable income to Executive shall in no event be paid later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Executive incurs such expense or pays such related tax. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, to the extent required by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, 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, and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred.

 

9.05        Waiver . No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a continuing waiver or a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party hereto which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

 

9.06        Unenforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

9.07        Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, and via facsimile or electronic mail, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

9.08        Section Headings . The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

9.09        Interpretation . This Agreement shall be construed as a whole according to its fair meaning. It shall not be construed strictly for or against Executive or any Released Party. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term “or” shall be deemed to include the term “and” and the singular or plural number shall be deemed to include the other.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

16

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

EXECUTIVE  
   
/s/ Kyle O’Neill  
   
Kyle O’Neill Date: 7/13/2018

 

[Signature Page to Kyle O’Neill Employment Agreement]

 

 

 

 

COMPANY

 
   
/s/ David Matlin  
David Matlin Date: 7/13/2018
Chief Executive Officer  
   
Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation  

 

[Signature Page to Kyle O’Neill Employment Agreement]

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

1. The counties in the state of Texas in which any part of the Eagle Ford Shale or the Permian Basin or the Anadarko Basin or the Haynesville Shale is located;

 

2. The counties in the state of Arkansas in which any part of the Haynesville Shale is located;

 

3. The counties in the states of West Virginia and Ohio, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in which any part of the Utica or Marcellus formations is located;

 

4. The counties in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas in which any part of the Denver-Julesburg Basin is located;

 

5. The following Parishes in the state of Louisiana: Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Sabine, Red River and Lafayette; and

 

6. Any other areas that are within a twenty (20) mile radius of any location where any member of the Company Group is as of the date that the Executive is no longer employed or engaged by any member of the Company Group (i) conducting shale fracking business; or (ii) has materially developed plans to conduct shale fracking business, provided that Executive was involved with or obtained Confidential Information about any such plans to conduct shale fracking business during the period of the Executive’s employment or engagement by the Company or any other member of the Company Group.

 

19

Exhibit 10.10​
U.S. Well Services, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan
1.   Purpose; Eligibility.
1.1 General Purpose .   The name of this plan is the U.S. Well Services, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”). The purposes of the Plan are to (a) enable U.S. Well Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and any Affiliate to attract and retain the types of Employees, Consultants and Directors who will contribute to the Company’s long range success; (b) provide incentives that align the interests of Employees, Consultants and Directors with those of the shareholders of the Company; and (c) promote the success of the Company’s business.
1.2 Eligible Award Recipients .   The persons eligible to receive Awards are the Employees, Consultants and Directors of the Company and its Affiliates and such other individuals designated by the Committee who are reasonably expected to become Employees, Consultants and Directors after the receipt of Awards.
1.3 Available Awards .   Awards that may be granted under the Plan include: (a) Incentive Stock Options, (b) Non-qualified Stock Options, (c) Stock Appreciation Rights, (d) Restricted Awards, (e) Performance Share Awards, and (f) Other Equity-Based Awards.
2.    Definitions .
Affiliate ” means a corporation or other entity that, directly or through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Company.
Applicable Laws ” means the requirements related to or implicated by the administration of the Plan under applicable state corporate law, United States federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares of Common Stock are listed or quoted, and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted under the Plan.
Award ” means any right granted under the Plan, including an Incentive Stock Option, a Non-qualified Stock Option, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Restricted Award, a Performance Share Award, or an Other Equity-Based Award.
Award Agreement ” means a written agreement, contract, certificate or other instrument or document evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Award granted under the Plan which may, in the discretion of the Company, be transmitted electronically to any Participant. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
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, 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 after the passage of time. The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” have a corresponding meaning.
Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted at any time.
Cause ” means:
(a)   with respect to any Employee or Consultant, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise:, (i) if the Employee or Consultant is a party to an employment or service agreement with the Company or its Affiliates and such agreement provides for a definition of Cause, the definition contained therein; or (ii) if no such agreement exists, or if such agreement does not define Cause: (A) the Employee’s or Consultant’s failure or refusal to perform specific directives from the Company or any of its Affiliates that are consistent with the scope and nature of the Employee’s or Consultant’s duties and responsibilities; (B) fraud committed against the Company or any of its Affiliates, or embezzlement of the funds of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (C) use of drugs or other substances, which (x) is unlawful or (y) otherwise interferes with the performance of the Employee’s or Consultant’s duties and obligations;
1

(D) commission of or pleading guilty or no contest to a felony or to any crime involving dishonesty or fraud; or (E) any gross or willful misconduct of the Employee or Consultant resulting in loss to the Company or any of its Affiliates or damages to the reputation of the Company or any of its Affiliates.
(b)   with respect to any Director, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise, a determination by a majority of the disinterested Board members that the Director has engaged in any of the following: (i) malfeasance in office; (ii) gross misconduct or neglect; (iii) false or fraudulent misrepresentation inducing the director’s appointment; (iv) willful conversion of corporate funds; or (v) repeated failure to participate in Board meetings on a regular basis despite having received proper notice of the meetings in advance.
The Committee, in its absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to whether a Participant has been discharged for Cause.
Change in Control ” means:
(a)   the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than a transaction which results in the Company’s voting securities outstanding immediately before the transaction continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the Company or the person that, as a result of the transaction, controls, directly or indirectly, the Company or owns, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or otherwise succeeds to the business of the Company (the Company or such person, the “ Successor Entity ”)) directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity’s outstanding voting securities immediately after the transaction;
(b)   the Incumbent Directors cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board;
(c)   the consummation of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;
(d)   the acquisition by any Person of Beneficial Ownership of more than 50% (on a fully diluted basis) of either (i) the then outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, taking into account as outstanding for this purpose such Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants, the conversion of convertible stock or debt, and the exercise of any similar right to acquire such Common Stock (the “ Outstanding Company Common Stock ”) or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “ Outstanding Company Voting Securities ”); provided, however , that for purposes of this Plan, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition by the Company or any Affiliate, (B) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or any subsidiary, (C) any acquisition which complies with clauses, (i), (ii) and (iii) of subsection (e) of this definition or (D) in respect of an Award held by a particular Participant, any acquisition by the Participant or any group of persons including the Participant (or any entity controlled by the Participant or any group of persons including the Participant); or
(e)   the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company that requires the approval of the Company’s shareholders, whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “ Business Combination ”), unless immediately following such Business Combination: (i) more than 50% of the total voting power of  (A) the entity resulting from such Business Combination (the “ Surviving Company ”), or (B) if applicable, the ultimate parent entity that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of sufficient voting securities eligible to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Surviving Company (the “ Parent Company ”), is represented by the Outstanding Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which the Outstanding Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business Combination), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Business Combination; (ii) no Person (other than any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Company or the Parent Company) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total voting power of the
2

outstanding voting securities eligible to elect members of the board of directors of the Parent Company (or the analogous governing body) (or, if there is no Parent Company, the Surviving Company); and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of the Parent Company (or, if there is no Parent Company, the Surviving Company) following the consummation of the Business Combination were Board members at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Business Combination.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Company’s initial business combination or the transactions occurring in connection therewith constitute a Change in Control and, with respect to any Award (or portion of any Award) that provides for the deferral of compensation that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, an event shall not be considered to be a Change in Control under the Plan for purposes of payment of such Award (or portion thereof) unless such event is also a “change in ownership,” a “change in effective control” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time. Any reference to a section of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any regulations promulgated thereunder.
Committee ” means a committee of one or more members of the Board appointed by the Board to administer the Plan in accordance with Section 3.3 and Section 3.4; provided, however , that if the Board has not appointed such a committee to administer the Plan, references herein to “Committee” shall mean the Board.
Common Stock ” means the Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of the Company, or such other securities of the Company as may be designated by the Committee from time to time in substitution thereof.
Company ” means U.S. Well Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
Consultant ” means any individual or entity which performs bona fide services to the Company or an Affiliate, other than as an Employee or Director, and who may be offered securities registerable pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act.
Continuous Service ” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Consultant or Director, is not interrupted or terminated. The Participant’s Continuous Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as an Employee, Consultant or Director or a change in the entity for which the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service; provided further that if any Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, this sentence shall only be given effect to the extent consistent with Section 409A of the Code. For example, a change in status from an Employee of the Company to a Director of an Affiliate will not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. The Committee or its delegate, in its sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence approved by that party, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal or family leave of absence. The Committee or its delegate, in its sole discretion, may determine whether a Company transaction, such as a sale or spin-off of a division or subsidiary that employs a Participant, shall be deemed to result in a termination of Continuous Service for purposes of affected Awards, and such decision shall be final, conclusive and binding.
Deferred Stock Units (DSUs) ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2 hereof.
Director ” means a member of the Board.
Disability ” means, unless the applicable Award Agreement says otherwise, that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment; provided, however, for purposes of determining the term of an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to Section 6.9 hereof, the term Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. The determination of whether an individual has a Disability shall be determined under procedures established by the Committee. Except in situations where the Committee is
3

determining Disability for purposes of the term of an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to Section 6.9 hereof within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, the Committee may rely on any determination that a Participant is disabled for purposes of benefits under any long-term disability plan maintained by the Company or any Affiliate in which a Participant participates.
Disqualifying Disposition ” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.11.
Employee ” means any person, including an Officer or Director, employed by the Company or an Affiliate; provided, that, for purposes of determining eligibility to receive Incentive Stock Options, an Employee shall mean an employee of the Company or a parent or subsidiary corporation within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code. Mere service as a Director or payment of a director’s fee by the Company or an Affiliate shall not be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company or an Affiliate.
Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Fair Market Value ” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock as determined below. If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation, the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market, the Fair Market Value shall be the closing price of a share of Common Stock (or if no sales were reported the closing price on the date immediately preceding such date) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in the Wall Street Journal . In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Committee and such determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
“Fiscal Year” means the Company’s fiscal year.
Free Standing Rights ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
Grant Date ” means the date on which the Committee adopts a resolution, or takes other appropriate action, expressly granting an Award to a Participant that specifies the key terms and conditions of the Award or, if a later date is set forth in such resolution, then such date as is set forth in such resolution.
Incentive Stock Option ” means an Option that is designated by the Committee as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and that meets the requirements set out in the Plan.
Incumbent Directors ” means individuals who, on the date of the consummation of the Company’s initial business combination, constitute the Board, provided that any individual becoming a Director subsequent to such date whose election or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for Director without objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director. No individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to Directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of any person other than the Board shall be an Incumbent Director.
Non-Employee Director ” means a Director who is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3.
Non-qualified Stock Option ” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
Officer ” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Option ” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option granted pursuant to the Plan.
Optionholder ” means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.
Option Exercise Price ” means the price at which a share of Common Stock may be purchased upon the exercise of an Option.
4

“Other Equity-Based Award” means an Award that is not an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, or Performance Share Award that is granted under Section 7.4 and is payable by delivery of Common Stock and/or which is measured by reference to the value of Common Stock.
Participant ” means an eligible person to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Award.
Performance Goals ” means, for a Performance Period, one or more goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon business criteria or other performance measures determined by the Committee in its discretion.
Performance Period ” means one or more periods of time (which shall not be less than one year), as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to and the payment of a Performance Share Award.
Performance Share Award ” means any Award granted pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof.
Performance Share ” means the grant of a right to receive a number of actual shares of Common Stock or share units based upon the performance of the Company during a Performance Period, as determined by the Committee.
Permitted Transferee ” means: (a) a member of the Optionholder’s immediate family (child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships), any person sharing the Optionholder’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Optionholder) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Optionholder) own more than 50% of the voting interests; (b) third parties designated by the Committee in connection with a program established and approved by the Committee pursuant to which Participants may receive a cash payment or other consideration in consideration for the transfer of a Non-qualified Stock Option; and (c) such other transferees as may be permitted by the Committee in its sole discretion.
“Person” means a person as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
Plan ” means this U.S. Well Services, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and/or amended and restated from time to time.
Related Rights ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
Restricted Award ” means any Award granted pursuant to Section 7.2(a).
Restricted Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).
Rule 16b-3 ” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time.
Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Stock Appreciation Right ” means the right pursuant to an Award granted under Section 7.1 to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable in cash or shares equal to the number of shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Right that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of  (a) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Award is exercised, over (b) the exercise price specified in the Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement.
Stock for Stock Exchange ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
“Substitute Award” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.
Ten Percent Shareholder ” means a person who owns (or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates.
“Total Share Reserve ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
5

3.    Administration .
3.1 Authority of Committee .   The Plan shall be administered by the Committee or, in the Board’s sole discretion, by the Board. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee’s charter and Applicable Laws, and in addition to other express powers and authorization conferred by the Plan, the Committee or the Board, as applicable, shall have the authority:
(a) to construe and interpret the Plan and apply its provisions;
(b) to promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Plan;
(c) to authorize any person to execute, on behalf of the Company, any instrument required to carry out the purposes of the Plan;
(d) to delegate its authority to one or more Officers of the Company with respect to Awards that do not involve “insiders” within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act;
(e) to determine when Awards are to be granted under the Plan and the applicable Grant Date;
(f) from time to time to select, subject to the limitations set forth in this Plan, those eligible Award recipients to whom Awards shall be granted;
(g) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be made subject to each Award;
(h) to determine whether each Option is to be an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-qualified Stock Option;
(i) to prescribe the terms and conditions of each Award, including, without limitation, the exercise price and medium of payment and vesting provisions, and to specify the provisions of the Award Agreement relating to such grant;
(j) to determine the target number of Performance Shares to be granted pursuant to a Performance Share Award, the performance measures that will be used to establish the Performance Goals, the Performance Period(s) and the number of Performance Shares earned by a Participant;
(k) to amend any outstanding Awards, including for the purpose of modifying the time or manner of vesting, or the term of any outstanding Award; provided, however , that if any such amendment impairs a Participant’s rights or increases a Participant’s obligations under his or her Award or creates or increases a Participant’s federal income tax liability with respect to an Award, such amendment shall also be subject to the Participant’s consent;
(l) to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absences which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of their employment for purposes of the Plan, which periods shall be no shorter than the periods generally applicable to Employees under the Company’s employment policies;
(m) to make decisions with respect to outstanding Awards that may become necessary upon a change in corporate control or an event that triggers anti-dilution adjustments;
(n) to interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, the Plan; and
(o) to exercise discretion to make any and all other determinations which it determines to be necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
The Committee or the Board, as applicable, also may modify the purchase price or the exercise price of any outstanding Award, provided that if the modification effects a repricing, shareholder approval shall be required before the repricing is effective. Except as provided in Sections 6.2 or 12, the terms of outstanding Awards may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or to cancel outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in exchange for cash, other Options, Stock Appreciation Rights or other Awards with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Options or Stock Appreciation Rights without stockholder approval.
6

3.2 Committee Decisions Final .   All decisions made by the Committee or the Board, as applicable, pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final and binding on the Company and the Participants, unless such decisions are determined by a court having jurisdiction to be arbitrary and capricious.
3.3 Delegation .   The Committee or, if no Committee has been appointed, the Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a committee or committees of one or more members of the Board, and the term “ Committee ” shall apply to any person or persons to whom such authority has been delegated. The Committee shall have the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board or the Committee shall thereafter be to the committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and revest in the Board the administration of the Plan. The members of the Committee shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board. From time to time, the Board may increase or decrease the size of the Committee, add additional members to, remove members (with or without cause) from, appoint new members in substitution therefor, and fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee. The Committee shall act pursuant to a vote of the majority of its members or, in the case of a Committee comprised of only two members, the unanimous consent of its members, whether present or not, or by the written consent of the majority of its members and minutes shall be kept of all of its meetings and copies thereof shall be provided to the Board. Subject to the limitations prescribed by the Plan and the Board, the Committee may establish and follow such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business as it may determine to be advisable.
3.4 Committee Composition .   Except as otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors. The Board shall have discretion to determine whether or not it intends to comply with the exemption requirements of Rule 16b-3. However, if the Board intends to satisfy such exemption requirements, with respect to any insider subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Committee shall be a compensation committee of the Board that at all times consists solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors. Within the scope of such authority, the Board or the Committee may delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who are not Non-Employee Directors the authority to grant Awards to eligible persons who are not then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Nothing herein shall create an inference that an Award is not validly granted under the Plan in the event Awards are granted under the Plan by a compensation committee of the Board that does not at all times consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors.
3.5 Indemnification .   In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as Directors or members of the Committee, and to the extent allowed by Applicable Laws, the Committee shall be indemnified by the Company against the reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, actually incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding or in connection with any appeal therein, to which the Committee may be party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan, and against all amounts paid by the Committee in settlement thereof  ( provided, however , that the settlement has been approved by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) or paid by the Committee in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Committee did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Company, or in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reason to believe that the conduct complained of was unlawful; provided, however , that within 60 days after the institution of any such action, suit or proceeding, such Committee shall, in writing, offer the Company the opportunity at its own expense to handle and defend such action, suit or proceeding.
4.    Shares Subject to the Plan .
4.1 Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 11, no more than 8,160,500 shares of Common Stock shall be available for the grant of Awards under the Plan (the “ Total Share Reserve ”), and such number shall also be the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued in the aggregate pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options (the “ISO Limit” ). During the terms of the Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock required to satisfy such Awards.
7

4.2 Shares of Common Stock available for distribution under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares reacquired by the Company in any manner.
4.3 The maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards granted during a single Fiscal Year to any Director, together with any cash fees paid to such Director during the Fiscal Year shall not exceed a total value of  $500,000 (calculating the value of any Awards based on the grant date fair value for financial reporting purposes).
4.4 Any shares of Common Stock subject to an Award that expires or is canceled, forfeited, or terminated without issuance of the full number of shares of Common Stock to which the Award related will again be available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein: shares subject to an Award under the Plan shall not again be made available for issuance or delivery under the Plan if such shares are (a) shares tendered or withheld in payment of an Option, (b) shares delivered or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation, or (c) shares covered by a stock-settled Stock Appreciation Right or other Awards that were not issued upon the settlement of the Award.
4.5 Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be granted under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (“ Substitute Awards ”). Substitute Awards shall not be counted against the Total Share Reserve; provided, that , Substitute Awards issued in connection with the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding options intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options shall be counted against the ISO limit. Subject to applicable stock exchange requirements, available shares under a shareholder-approved plan of an entity directly or indirectly acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (as appropriately adjusted to reflect such acquisition or transaction) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not count toward the Total Share Limit.
5.    Eligibility .
5.1 Eligibility for Specific Awards .   Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees. Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Consultants and Directors and those individuals whom the Committee determines are reasonably expected to become Employees, Consultants and Directors following the Grant Date.
5.2 Ten Percent Shareholders .   A Ten Percent Shareholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the Option Exercise Price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Grant Date and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the Grant Date.
6.    Option Provisions .   Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 6, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or Non-qualified Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates will be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to any Participant or any other person if an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as such at any time or if an Option is determined to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the terms of such Option do not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical, but each Option shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:
6.1 Term .   Subject to the provisions of Section 5.2 regarding Ten Percent Shareholders, no Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the Grant Date. The term of a Non-qualified Stock Option granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however , no Non-qualified Stock Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the Grant Date.
6.2 Exercise Price of an Incentive Stock Option .   Subject to the provisions of Section 5.2 regarding Ten Percent Shareholders and Incentive Stock Options, the Option Exercise Price of each Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the Grant
8

Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option may be granted with an Option Exercise Price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) and/or Section 409A of the Code.
6.3 Consideration .   The Option Exercise Price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable statutes and regulations, either (a) in cash or by certified or bank check at the time the Option is exercised or (b) in the discretion of the Committee, upon such terms as the Committee shall approve, the Option Exercise Price may be paid: (i) by delivery to the Company of other Common Stock, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company, with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the Option Exercise Price (or portion thereof) due for the number of shares being acquired, or by means of attestation whereby the Participant identifies for delivery specific shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of attestation equal to the Option Exercise Price (or portion thereof) and receives a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the difference between the number of shares thereby purchased and the number of identified attestation shares of Common Stock (a “ Stock for Stock Exchange ”); (ii) a “cashless” exercise program established with a broker; (iii) by reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of such Option with a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate Option Exercise Price at the time of exercise; (iv) by any combination of the foregoing methods; or (v) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Committee. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option, the exercise price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option that is paid by delivery (or attestation) to the Company of other Common Stock acquired, directly or indirectly from the Company, shall be paid only by shares of the Common Stock of the Company that have been held for more than six months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes). Notwithstanding the foregoing, during any period for which the Common Stock is publicly traded (i.e., the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system) an exercise by a Director or Officer that involves or may involve a direct or indirect extension of credit or arrangement of an extension of credit by the Company, directly or indirectly, in violation of Section 402(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 shall be prohibited with respect to any Award under this Plan.
6.4 Transferability of an Incentive Stock Option .   An Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.
6.5 Transferability of a Non-qualified Stock Option .   A Non-qualified Stock Option may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be transferable to a Permitted Transferee, upon written approval by the Committee to the extent provided in the Award Agreement. If the Non-qualified Stock Option does not provide for transferability, then the Non-qualified Stock Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.
6.6 Vesting of Options .   Each Option may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria) as the Committee may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options may vary. No Option may be exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting and exercisability in the terms of any Award Agreement upon the occurrence of a specified event.
6.7 Termination of Continuous Service .   Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or in an employment agreement the terms of which have been approved by the Committee, in the event an Optionholder’s Continuous Service terminates (other than upon the Optionholder’s death or Disability), the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise
9

such Option as of the date of termination) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date three months following the termination of the Optionholder’s Continuous Service or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement; provided that , if the termination of Continuous Service is by the Company for Cause, all outstanding Options (whether or not vested) shall immediately terminate and cease to be exercisable. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate.
6.8 Extension of Termination Date .   An Optionholder’s Award Agreement may also provide that if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Optionholder’s Continuous Service for any reason would be prohibited at any time because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act or any other state or federal securities law or the rules of any securities exchange or interdealer quotation system, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (a)  the expiration of the term of the Option in accordance with Section 6.1 or (b) the expiration of a period after termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service that is three months after the end of the period during which the exercise of the Option would be in violation of such registration or other securities law requirements.
6.9 Disability of Optionholder .   Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event that an Optionholder’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder’s Disability, the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a)  the date 12 months following such termination or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate.
6.10 Death of Optionholder .   Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event an Optionholder’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Optionholder’s death, then the Option may be exercised (to the extent the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of death) by the Optionholder’s estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the Option upon the Optionholder’s death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of  (a) the date 12 months following the date of death or (b) the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after the Optionholder’s death, the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate.
6.11 Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation .   To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds $100,000, the Options or portions thereof which exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Non-qualified Stock Options.
7.    Provisions of Awards Other Than Options .
7.1 Stock Appreciation Rights .
(a)   Each Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7.1, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted alone (“ Free Standing Rights ”) or in tandem with an Option granted under the Plan (“ Related Rights ”).
(b)   Any Related Right that relates to a Non-qualified Stock Option may be granted at the same time the Option is granted or at any time thereafter but before the exercise or expiration of the Option. Any Related Right that relates to an Incentive Stock Option must be granted at the same time the Incentive Stock Option is granted.
(c)   The term of a Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however , no Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable later than the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date.
10

(d)   Each Stock Appreciation Right may, but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need not, be equal. The Stock Appreciation Right may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times when it may be exercised as the Committee may deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Stock Appreciation Rights may vary. No Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting and exercisability in the terms of any Stock Appreciation Right upon the occurrence of a specified event.
(e)   Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the holder shall be entitled to receive from the Company an amount equal to the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of  (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Award is exercised, over (ii) the exercise price specified in the Stock Appreciation Right or related Option. Payment with respect to the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be made on the date of exercise. Payment shall be made in the form of shares of Common Stock (with or without restrictions as to substantial risk of forfeiture and transferability, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion), cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee.
(f)   The exercise price of a Free Standing Right shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the Grant Date of such Stock Appreciation Right. A Related Right granted simultaneously with or subsequent to the grant of an Option and in conjunction therewith or in the alternative thereto shall have the same exercise price as the related Option, shall be transferable only upon the same terms and conditions as the related Option, and shall be exercisable only to the same extent as the related Option; provided, however , that a Stock Appreciation Right, by its terms, shall be exercisable only when the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right and related Option exceeds the exercise price per share thereof and no Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in tandem with an Option unless the Committee determines that the requirements of Section 7.1(b) are satisfied.
(g)   Upon any exercise of a Related Right, the number of shares of Common Stock for which any related Option shall be exercisable shall be reduced by the number of shares for which the Stock Appreciation Right has been exercised. The number of shares of Common Stock for which a Related Right shall be exercisable shall be reduced upon any exercise of any related Option by the number of shares of Common Stock for which such Option has been exercised.
7.2 Restricted Awards .
(a)   A Restricted Award is an Award of actual shares of Common Stock (“ Restricted Stock ”) or hypothetical Common Stock units (“ Restricted Stock Units ”) having a value equal to the Fair Market Value of an identical number of shares of Common Stock, which may, but need not, provide that such Restricted Award may not be sold, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of, pledged or hypothecated as collateral for a loan or as security for the performance of any obligation or for any other purpose for such period (the “ Restricted Period ”) as the Committee shall determine. Each Restricted Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Restricted Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7.2, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.
(b)   Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
(i)   Each Participant granted Restricted Stock shall execute and deliver to the Company an Award Agreement with respect to the Restricted Stock setting forth the restrictions and other terms and conditions applicable to such Restricted Stock. If the Committee determines that the Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company or in escrow rather than delivered to the Participant pending the release of the applicable restrictions, the Committee may require the Participant to additionally execute and deliver to the Company (A) an escrow agreement satisfactory to the Committee, if applicable and (B) the appropriate blank stock power with respect to the Restricted Stock covered by such agreement. If a Participant fails to execute an agreement evidencing an Award of Restricted Stock and, if applicable, an escrow agreement and stock power, the Award shall be null and void. Subject to the restrictions set forth in the Award, the Participant generally shall have the rights and privileges of a
11

shareholder as to such Restricted Stock, including the right to vote such Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends; provided that , an Award Agreement may provide that any cash dividends and stock dividends with respect to the Restricted Stock shall be withheld by the Company for the Participant’s account, and interest may be credited on the amount of the cash dividends withheld at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee. The cash dividends or stock dividends so withheld by the Committee and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall be distributed to the Participant in cash or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, if applicable, upon the release of restrictions on such share and, if such share is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividends.
(ii)   The terms and conditions of a grant of Restricted Stock Units shall be reflected in an Award Agreement. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued at the time a Restricted Stock Unit is granted, and the Company will not be required to set aside funds for the payment of any such Award. A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder. The Committee may also grant Restricted Stock Units with a deferral feature, whereby settlement is deferred beyond the vesting date until the occurrence of a future payment date or event set forth in an Award Agreement (“ Deferred Stock Units ”). At the discretion of the Committee, each Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit (representing one share of Common Stock) may be credited with an amount equal to the cash and stock dividends paid by the Company in respect of one share of Common Stock (“ Dividend Equivalents ”). An Award Agreement may provide that Dividend Equivalents shall be paid currently (and in no case later than the end of the calendar year in which the dividend is paid to the holders of the Common Stock or, if later, the 15th day of the third month following the date the dividend is paid to holders of the Common Stock). Alternatively, an Award Agreement may provide that Dividend Equivalents shall be withheld by the Company and credited to the Participant’s account, and interest may be credited on the amount of cash Dividend Equivalents credited to the Participant’s account at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee. Dividend Equivalents credited to a Participant’s account and attributable to any particular Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall be distributed in cash or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such Dividend Equivalents and earnings, if applicable, to the Participant upon settlement of such Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit and, if such Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such Dividend Equivalents.
(c)   Restrictions
(i)   Restricted Stock awarded to a Participant shall be subject to the following restrictions until the expiration of the Restricted Period, and to such other terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement: (A) if an escrow arrangement is used, the Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of the stock certificate; (B) the shares shall be subject to the restrictions on transferability set forth in the Award Agreement; (C) the shares shall be subject to forfeiture to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement; and (D) to the extent such shares are forfeited, the stock certificates shall be returned to the Company, and all rights of the Participant to such shares and as a shareholder with respect to such shares shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company.
(ii)   Restricted Stock Units and Deferred Stock Units awarded to any Participant shall be subject to (A) forfeiture until the expiration of the Restricted Period, and satisfaction of any applicable Performance Goals during such period, to the extent provided in the applicable Award Agreement, and to the extent such Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock Units are forfeited, all rights of the Participant to such Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock Units shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company and (B) such other terms and conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
(iii)   The Committee shall have the authority to remove any or all of the restrictions on the Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Deferred Stock Units whenever it may determine that, by reason of changes in Applicable Laws or other changes in circumstances arising after the date the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Stock Units are granted, such action is appropriate.
12

(d)   With respect to Restricted Awards, the Restricted Period shall commence on the Grant Date and end at the time or times set forth on a schedule established by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement. No Restricted Award may be granted or settled for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting in the terms of any Award Agreement upon the occurrence of a specified event.
(e)   Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock, the restrictions set forth in Section 7.2(c) and the applicable Award Agreement shall be of no further force or effect with respect to such shares, except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If an escrow arrangement is used, upon such expiration, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his or her beneficiary, without charge, the stock certificate evidencing the shares of Restricted Stock which have not then been forfeited and with respect to which the Restricted Period has expired (to the nearest full share) and any cash dividends or stock dividends credited to the Participant’s account with respect to such Restricted Stock and the interest thereon, if any. Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding Restricted Stock Units, or at the expiration of the deferral period with respect to any outstanding Deferred Stock Units, the Company shall deliver to the Participant, or his or her beneficiary, without charge, one share of Common Stock for each such outstanding vested Restricted Stock Unit or Deferred Stock Unit (“ Vested Unit ”) and cash equal to any Dividend Equivalents credited with respect to each such Vested Unit in accordance with Section 7.2(b)(ii) hereof and the interest thereon or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to such Dividend Equivalents and the interest thereon, if any; provided, however , that, if explicitly provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, elect to pay cash or part cash and part Common Stock in lieu of delivering only shares of Common Stock for Vested Units. If a cash payment is made in lieu of delivering shares of Common Stock, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock as of the date on which the Restricted Period lapsed in the case of Restricted Stock Units, or the delivery date in the case of Deferred Stock Units, with respect to each Vested Unit.
(f)   Each certificate representing Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan shall bear a legend in such form as the Company deems appropriate.
7.3 Performance Share Awards .
(a)   Each Performance Share Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Performance Share Award so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7.3, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock or stock-denominated units subject to a Performance Share Award granted to any Participant; (ii) the Performance Period applicable to any Award; (iii) the conditions that must be satisfied for a Participant to earn an Award; and (iv) the other terms, conditions and restrictions of the Award.
(b)   The number of Performance Shares earned by a Participant will depend on the extent to which the performance goals established by the Committee are attained within the applicable Performance Period, as determined by the Committee.
7.4 Other Equity-Based Awards .   The Committee may grant Other Equity-Based Awards, either alone or in tandem with other Awards, in such amounts and subject to such conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. Each Equity-Based Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and shall be subject to such conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.
8.    Securities Law Compliance .   Each Award Agreement shall provide that no shares of Common Stock shall be purchased or sold thereunder unless and until (a) any then applicable requirements of state or federal laws and regulatory agencies have been fully complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and its counsel and (b) if required to do so by the Company, the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company a letter of investment intent in such form and containing such provisions as the Committee may require. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to seek to obtain from each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Awards and to issue
13

and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Awards; provided, however , that this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory commission or agency the authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Awards unless and until such authority is obtained.
9.    Use of Proceeds from Stock .   Proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Awards, or upon exercise thereof, shall constitute general funds of the Company.
10.    Miscellaneous .
10.1 Acceleration of Exercisability and Vesting .   The Committee shall have the power to accelerate the time at which an Award may first be exercised or the time during which an Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.
10.2 Shareholder Rights .   Except as provided in the Plan or an Award Agreement, no Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Award unless and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Award pursuant to its terms and no adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distributions of other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such Common Stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 11 hereof.
10.3 No Employment or Other Service Rights .   Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (a) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without Cause or (b) the service of a Director pursuant to the By-laws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.
10.4 Transfer; Approved Leave of Absence .   For purposes of the Plan, no termination of employment by an Employee shall be deemed to result from either (a) a transfer of employment to the Company from an Affiliate or from the Company to an Affiliate, or from one Affiliate to another, or (b) an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the Employee’s right to reemployment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Committee otherwise so provides in writing, in either case, except to the extent inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code if the applicable Award is subject thereto.
10.5 Withholding Obligations .   To the extent provided by the terms of an Award Agreement and subject to the discretion of the Committee, the Participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under an Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Company’s right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means: (a) tendering a cash payment; (b)  authorizing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under the Award, provided, however , that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the maximum amount of tax required to be withheld by law; or (c) delivering to the Company previously owned and unencumbered shares of Common Stock of the Company.
11.    Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock .   In the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or in the capital structure of the Company by reason of any stock or extraordinary cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, an extraordinary corporate transaction such as any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, exchange, or other relevant change in capitalization occurring after the Grant Date of any Award, Awards granted under the Plan and any Award Agreements, the exercise price of
14

Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the Performance Goals to which Performance Share Awards are subject, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to all Awards stated in Section 4 will be equitably adjusted or substituted, as to the number, price or kind of a share of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Awards to the extent necessary to preserve the economic intent of such Award. In the case of adjustments made pursuant to this Section 11, unless the Committee specifically determines that such adjustment is in the best interests of the Company or its Affiliates, the Committee shall, in the case of Incentive Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 11 will not constitute a modification, extension or renewal of the Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code and in the case of Non-qualified Stock Options, ensure that any adjustments under this Section 11 will not constitute a modification of such Non-qualified Stock Options within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any adjustments made under this Section 11 shall be made in a manner which does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.
12.    Effect of Change in Control .
12.1 In the event of a Change in Control, the Committee, on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions that the Committee determines to be appropriate with respect to any Award, which may vary among individual Participants and which may vary among Awards held by any individual Participant:
(a)   Provide for the cancellation of such Award in exchange for either an amount of cash or other property with a value equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights under the vested portion of such Award, as applicable; provided that , if the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, in any case, is equal to or less than zero, then the Award may be terminated without payment;
(b)   Terminate an outstanding and unexercised Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Other Equity-Based Award that provides for a Participant elected exercise, effective as of the date of the Change in Control, by delivering notice of termination to the Participant at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of consummation of the Change in Control, in which case during the period from the date on which such notice of termination is delivered to the consummation of the Change in Control the Participant shall have the right to exercise in full such Participant’s Award (without regard to any limitations on exercisability otherwise contained in the Award Agreement), but any such exercise shall be contingent on the occurrence of the Change in Control; provided that , if the Change in Control does not occur within a specified period after giving such notice for any reason whatsoever, the notice and exercise pursuant thereto shall be null and void;
(c)   Provide that:
(i)   an outstanding Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Other Equity-Based Award shall become immediately exercisable with respect to 100% of the shares subject to such Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Other Equity-Based Award, and/or the Restricted Period shall expire immediately with respect to 100% of the outstanding shares of an award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement;
(ii)   with respect to a Performance Share Award, (A) any incomplete Performance Period in respect of such Award in effect on the date the Change in Control occurs shall end on the date of such change and the Committee shall (i) determine the extent to which Performance Goals with respect to such Performance Period have been met based upon such audited or unaudited financial information then available as it deems relevant and (ii) cause to be paid to the Participant an amount based upon the Committee’s determination of the degree of attainment of the Performance Goals, or (B) all Performance Goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions will be deemed met.
(d)   Provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor
15

corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and/or applicable exercise or purchase price, in all cases, as determined by the Committee to provide substantially equivalent value, in a manner consistent with Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder, and Treasury Regulation Section 1.424-1, to the extent applicable.
To the extent applicable and practicable, any actions taken by the Committee under the immediately preceding clauses shall occur in a manner and at a time which allows affected Participants the ability to participate in the Change in Control with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to their Awards.
12.2 The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Company and its Affiliates, taken as a whole.
13.    Amendment of the Plan and Awards .
13.1 Amendment of Plan .   The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend or terminate the Plan. However, except as provided in Section 11 relating to adjustments upon changes in Common Stock and Section 13.3, no amendment shall be effective unless approved by the shareholders of the Company to the extent shareholder approval is necessary to satisfy any Applicable Laws. At the time of such amendment, the Board shall determine, upon advice from counsel, whether such amendment will be contingent on shareholder approval.
13.2 Shareholder Approval .   The Board may, in its sole discretion, submit any other amendment to the Plan for shareholder approval.
13.3 Contemplated Amendments .   It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible Employees, Consultants and Directors with the maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options or to the nonqualified deferred compensation provisions of Section 409A of the Code and/or to bring the Plan and/or Awards granted under it into compliance therewith.
13.4 No Impairment of Rights .   Rights under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (a) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (b) the Participant consents in writing.
13.5 Amendment of Awards .   The Committee at any time, and from time to time, may amend the terms of any one or more Awards; provided, however , that the Committee may not affect any amendment which would otherwise constitute an impairment of the rights under any Award unless (a) the Company requests the consent of the Participant and (b) the Participant consents in writing.
14.    General Provisions .
14.1 Forfeiture Events .   The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain events, in addition to applicable vesting conditions of an Award. Such events may include, without limitation, breach of non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, or other restrictive covenants that are contained in the Award Agreement or otherwise applicable to the Participant, a termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service for Cause, or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company and/or its Affiliates.
14.2 Clawback .   Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, the Company may cancel any Award, require reimbursement of any Award by a Participant, and effect any other right of recoupment of equity or other compensation provided under the Plan in accordance with any Company policies that may be adopted and/or modified from time to time (“ Clawback Policy ”). In addition, a Participant may be required to repay to the Company previously paid compensation, whether provided pursuant to the Plan or an Award Agreement, in accordance with the Clawback Policy. By accepting an Award, the Participant is agreeing to be bound by the Clawback Policy, as in effect or as may be adopted and/or modified from time to time by the Company in its discretion (including, without limitation, to comply with applicable law or stock exchange listing requirements).
16

14.3 Other Compensation Arrangements .   Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to shareholder approval if such approval is required; and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
14.4 Sub-Plans .   The Committee may from time to time establish sub-plans under the Plan for purposes of satisfying securities, tax or other laws of various jurisdictions in which the Company intends to grant Awards. Any sub-plans shall contain such limitations and other terms and conditions as the Committee determines are necessary or desirable. All sub-plans shall be deemed a part of the Plan, but each sub-plan shall apply only to the Participants in the jurisdiction for which the sub-plan was designed.
14.5 Unfunded Plan .   The Plan shall be unfunded. Neither the Company, the Board nor the Committee shall be required to establish any special or separate fund or to segregate any assets to assure the performance of its obligations under the Plan.
14.6 Recapitalizations .   Each Award Agreement shall contain provisions required to reflect the provisions of Section 11.
14.7 Delivery .   Upon exercise of a right granted under this Plan, the Company shall issue Common Stock or pay any amounts due within a reasonable period of time thereafter. Subject to any statutory or regulatory obligations the Company may otherwise have, for purposes of this Plan, 30 days shall be considered a reasonable period of time.
14.8 No Fractional Shares .   No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash, additional Awards or other securities or property shall be issued or paid in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock or whether any fractional shares should be rounded, forfeited or otherwise eliminated.
14.9 Other Provisions .   The Award Agreements authorized under the Plan may contain such other provisions not inconsistent with this Plan, including, without limitation, restrictions upon the exercise of Awards, as the Committee may deem advisable.
14.10 Section 409A .   The Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Plan shall be interpreted and 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 shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless Applicable Laws require otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and 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 the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service shall instead be paid on the first payroll date after the six-month anniversary of the Participant’s separation from service (or the Participant’s death, if earlier). Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation to take any action to prevent the assessment of any additional tax or penalty on any Participant under Section 409A of the Code and neither the Company nor the Committee will have any liability to any Participant for such tax or penalty.
14.11 Disqualifying Dispositions .   Any Participant who shall make a “disposition” (as defined in Section 424 of the Code) of all or any portion of shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option within two years from the Grant Date of such Incentive Stock Option or within one year after the issuance of the shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of such Incentive Stock Option (a “ Disqualifying Disposition ”) shall be required to immediately advise the Company in writing as to the occurrence of the sale and the price realized upon the sale of such shares of Common Stock.
14.12 Section 16 .   It is the intent of the Company that the Plan satisfy, and be interpreted in a manner that satisfies, the applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act so that Participants will be entitled to the benefit of Rule 16b-3, or any other rule promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and will not be subject to short-swing liability under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, if the operation of any provision of the Plan would conflict with the intent expressed in this Section 14.12, such provision to the extent possible shall be interpreted and/or deemed amended so as to avoid such conflict.
17

14.13 Beneficiary Designation .   Each Participant under the Plan may from time to time name any beneficiary or beneficiaries by whom any right under the Plan is to be exercised in case of such Participant’s death. Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form reasonably prescribed by the Committee and shall be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Company during the Participant’s lifetime.
14.14 Expenses .   The costs of administering the Plan shall be paid by the Company.
14.15 Severability .   If any of the provisions of the Plan or any Award Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, whether in whole or in part, such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.
14.16 Plan Headings .   The headings in the Plan are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the provisions hereof.
14.17 Non-Uniform Treatment .   The Committee’s determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who are eligible to receive, or actually receive, Awards. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be entitled to make non-uniform and selective determinations, amendments and adjustments, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award Agreements.
15.    Effective Date of Plan .   The Plan shall become effective upon the consummation of the Company’s initial business combination, subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Company, which approval shall be within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. If the Plan is not approved by the Company’s shareholders, the Plan will not become effective and no Awards will be granted hereunder.
16.    Termination or Suspension of the Plan .   The Plan shall terminate automatically on the tenth anniversary of the earlier of the date the Plan is adopted by the Board or the date that the Company’s shareholders approve the Plan. No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan after such date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any earlier date pursuant to Section 13.1 hereof. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
17.    Choice of Law .   The law of the State of Delaware shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such state’s conflict of law rules.
18

 

Exhibit 10.11

 

U.S. Well Services, Inc.

Restricted Stock Award Agreement

 

This Restricted Stock Award Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of _______________, 2018 (the “Grant Date”) by and between U.S. Well Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ____________________ (the “Grantee”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company has adopted the U.S. Well Services, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to which awards of Restricted Stock may be granted; and

 

WHEREAS, the Committee has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to grant the award of Restricted Stock provided for herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

 

1.            Grant of Restricted Stock . Pursuant to Section 7.2 of the Plan, the Company hereby issues to the Grantee on the Grant Date a Restricted Stock Award consisting of, in the aggregate, _______________ shares of Common Stock (the “Restricted Stock”), on the terms and conditions and subject to the restrictions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan. Capitalized terms that are used but not defined herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the Plan.

 

2.            Consideration . The grant of the Restricted Stock is made in consideration of the services to be rendered by the Grantee to the Company.

 

3.            Restricted Period; Vesting .

 

3.1           Except as otherwise provided herein, one-third of the shares of Restricted Stock will vest on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the Grant Date; provided , however , that (i) no shares of Restricted Stock will vest on any such date unless the closing price of the Common Stock on NASDAQ (or other principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed for trading) has been $12.00 or greater for 20 trading days in any period of 30 consecutive trading days commencing after the Grant Date (the “Trading Condition”), and (ii) in the event that shares of Restricted Stock do not vest on the applicable anniversary of the Grant Date because the Trading Condition has not then been satisfied, such shares of Restricted Stock will vest upon the later satisfaction of the Trading Condition (but in no event before the applicable anniversary of the Grant Date on which such shares of Restricted Stock are otherwise scheduled to vest); and further provided , that vesting of shares of Restricted Stock on any date (a “Vesting Date”) in accordance with the foregoing will be contingent on the Grantee’s having remained in Continuous Service from the Grant Date until such Vesting Date.

 

The period over which the Restricted Stock vests is referred to as the “Restricted Period.” The Restricted Period shall expire with respect to shares of Restricted Stock at the time that such shares vest.

 

 

 

 

3.2           Notwithstanding the vesting schedule set forth in Section 3.1, if the Grantee’s Continuous Service is terminated by the Grantee’s resignation without Good Reason or by the Company or an Affiliate for Cause before all of his or her Restricted Stock has vested, the Grantee’s unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall be automatically forfeited upon such termination of Continuous Service and neither the Company nor any Affiliate shall have any further obligations to the Grantee under this Agreement with respect to such unvested shares of Restricted Stock. Notwithstanding the vesting schedule set forth in Section 3.1, in the event of the Grantee’s death or if the Grantee’s Continuous Service is terminated (i) by the Company or an Affiliate for Disability, (ii) by the Company or an Affiliate without Cause, or (iii) by the Grantee for Good Reason, 100% of the unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall vest as of the date of such termination.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Plan to the contrary, for purposes of this Agreement, (a) if the Grantee is party to an employment or service agreement with the Company or its Affiliates and such agreement provides for a definition of “Disability,” “Disability” shall have the definition contained therein; or (b) if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Disability,” “Disability” shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein or on the Plan to the contrary, for purposes of this Agreement: (a) if the Grantee is party to an employment or service agreement with the Company or its Affiliates and such agreement provides for a definition of “Good Reason,” “Good Reason” shall have the definition contained therein; or (b) if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Good Reason,” “Good Reason” means the Grantee’s resignation of employment within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the Company’s material breach of an employment or service agreement between the Company or its Affiliates and the Grantee (including this Agreement); (ii) the assignment of the Grantee, by the Company or any of its direct or indirect successors, without the Grantee’s consent, to a position, responsibilities, or duties of a materially lesser status or degree of responsibility than the Grantee’s position, responsibilities, or duties immediately prior to such assignment; or (iii) any attempt on the part of the Company to require the Grantee to perform (or omit to perform) any act or to engage (or omit to engage) in any conduct that would constitute illegal action or inaction on the part of the Grantee. The Grantee will provide the Company a written notice which describes the circumstances in sufficient detail that is cause for the Good Reason termination within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the event. The Company will have thirty (30) days from the receipt of such notice to cure the event prior to the Grantee exercising his/her right to terminate for Good Reason and, if not cured to the Grantee’s reasonable satisfaction, the Grantee’s Good Reason termination will be effective upon the expiration of such cure period.

 

- 2

 

 

4.            Restrictions . Subject to any exceptions set forth in this Agreement or the Plan, during the Restricted Period, the Restricted Stock or the rights relating thereto may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Grantee. Any attempt to assign, alienate, pledge, attach, sell or otherwise transfer or encumber the Restricted Stock or the rights relating thereto during the Restricted Period shall be wholly ineffective and, if any such attempt is made, the Restricted Stock will be forfeited by the Grantee and all of the Grantee’s rights to such shares shall immediately terminate without any payment or consideration by the Company.

 

5.            Rights as Shareholder; Dividends .

 

5.1           The Grantee shall be the record owner of the Restricted Stock until the shares of Common Stock are sold or otherwise disposed of, and shall be entitled to all of the rights of a shareholder of the Company including, without limitation, the right to vote such shares and receive all dividends or other distributions paid with respect to such shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any cash dividends and stock dividends with respect to the Restricted Stock shall be withheld by the Company for the Grantee’s account, and interest may be credited on the amount of the cash dividends withheld at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee. The cash dividends or stock dividends so withheld by the Committee and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall be distributed to the Grantee in cash or, at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, if applicable, upon the release of restrictions on such share of Restricted Stock and, if such share of Restricted Stock is forfeited, the Grantee shall have no right to such dividends.

 

5.2           The Company may issue stock certificates or evidence the Grantee’s interest by using a restricted book entry account with the Company’s transfer agent. Physical possession or custody of any stock certificates that are issued may be retained by the Company until such time as the Restricted Stock vests.

 

5.3           If the Grantee forfeits any rights he or she has under this Agreement in accordance with Section 3, the Grantee shall, on the date of such forfeiture, no longer have any rights as a shareholder with respect to the Restricted Stock and shall no longer be entitled to vote or receive dividends on such shares.

 

6.            No Right to Continued Service . Neither the Plan nor this Agreement shall confer upon the Grantee any right to be retained in any position, as an Employee, Consultant or Director of the Company. Further, nothing in the Plan or this Agreement shall be construed to limit the discretion of the Company to terminate the Grantee’s Continuous Service at any time, with or without Cause.

 

7.            Adjustments . If any change is made to the outstanding Common Stock or the capital structure of the Company, if required, the shares of Common Stock shall be adjusted or terminated in any manner as contemplated by Section 11 of the Plan.

 

- 3

 

 

8.            Tax Liability and Withholding .

 

8.1          The Grantee shall be required to pay to the Company, and the Company shall have the right to deduct from any compensation paid to the Grantee pursuant to the Plan, the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect of the Restricted Stock and to take all such other action as the Committee deems necessary to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes. The Committee may permit the Grantee to satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation by any of the following means, or by a combination of such means:

 

(a)          tendering a cash payment.

 

(b)          authorizing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable or deliverable to the Grantee as a result of the vesting of the Restricted Stock; provided, however, that no shares of Common Stock shall be withheld with a value exceeding the maximum amount of tax required to be withheld by law.

 

(c)          delivering to the Company previously owned and unencumbered shares of Common Stock.

 

8.2          Notwithstanding any action the Company takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, or other tax-related withholding (“Tax-Related Items”), the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains the Grantee’s responsibility and the Company (a) makes no representation or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with the grant or vesting of the Restricted Stock or the subsequent sale of any shares; and (b) does not commit to structure the Restricted Stock to reduce or eliminate the Grantee’s liability for Tax-Related Items.

 

9.            Section 83(b) Election . The Grantee may make an election under Code Section 83(b) (a “Section 83(b) Election”) with respect to the Restricted Stock. Any such election must be made within thirty (30) days after the Grant Date. If the Grantee elects to make a Section 83(b) Election, the Grantee shall provide the Company with a copy of an executed version and satisfactory evidence of the filing of the executed Section 83(b) Election with the US Internal Revenue Service. The Grantee agrees to assume full responsibility for ensuring that the Section 83(b) Election is actually and timely filed with the US Internal Revenue Service and for all tax consequences resulting from the Section 83(b) Election.

 

10.           Restrictive Covenants . Ancillary to the Company’s promise to grant the Restricted Stock, and in consideration of the Grantee’s receipt of the Restricted Stock and Confidential Information provided by the Company to the Grantee in connection with the Grantee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or any Affiliate, the Grantee agrees as follows:

 

10.1        During the period of the Grantee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or any Affiliate and for a period of [twenty four (24)/eighteen (18)] months after the termination the Grantee’s Continuous Service, the Grantee shall not, directly or indirectly, except in connection with the Grantee’s duties to and for the sole account and benefit of the Company or any Affiliate, whether as a sole proprietor, investor, partner, member, stockholder, employee, director, officer, guarantor, consultant, independent contractor, or in any other capacity as principal or agent, or through any person, subsidiary, affiliate, or employee acting as nominee or agent, except with the consent of the Company:

 

- 4

 

 

(a)          Conduct or engage in, or be interested in or associated with, any person or entity anywhere in the Market Area (other than the Company and its Affiliates) that conducts or engages in the shale fracking business;

 

(b)          Solicit, attempt to solicit, or accept business from or otherwise service, or cause to be solicited or have business accepted from or otherwise service, any then-current customers of Company or its Affiliates, any persons or entities anywhere in the Market Area who were customers of the Company or its Affiliate within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the termination the Grantee’s Continuous Service, or any prospective customers of the Company or its Affiliates for whom bids were being prepared or had been submitted as of the termination the Grantee’s Continuous Service; or

 

(c)          Induce, or attempt to induce, hire or attempt to hire, or cause to be induced or hired, any employee of the Company or its Affiliate, or persons who were employees of the Company or its Affiliate within the three hundred sixty five (365) days preceding the termination the Grantee’s Continuous Service, to leave or terminate his or her employment with the Company or its Affiliate, or hire or engage as an independent contractor any such employee of the Company or its Affiliate.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Grantee shall not be prevented from (A) investing in or owning up to two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any corporation engaged in a business competitive with the Company, provided that such shares are regularly traded on a national securities exchange or in any over-the-counter market or (B) retaining any shares of stock in any corporation which the Grantee owned before the date of his employment or other service relationship with the Company, or (C) being employed by or serving as a paid consultant to a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision shall not prevent the Grantee from being a passive investor in a private equity or debt investment firm that invests in a competitive business. For purposes of this Agreement, “Market Area” shall mean the following geographic areas: (i) the counties in the state of Texas in which any part of the Eagle Ford Shale or the Permian Basin or the Anadarko Basin or the Haynesville Shale is located; (ii) the counties in the state of Arkansas in which any part of the Haynesville Shale is located; (iii) the counties in the states of West Virginia and Ohio, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in which any part of the Utica or Marcellus formations is located; (iv) the counties in the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas in which any part of the Denver-Julesburg Basin is located; (v) the following Parishes in the state of Louisiana: Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Sabine, Red River and Lafayette; and (vi) any other areas that are within a twenty (20) mile radius of any location where the Company or its Affiliates is, as of the date that the termination the Grantee’s Continuous Service, (x) conducting shale fracking business; or (y) has materially developed plans to conduct shale fracking business, provided that the Grantee was involved with or obtained Confidential Information about any such plans to conduct shale fracking business during the period of the Grantee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or its Affiliate.

 

- 5

 

 

10.2         The Grantee acknowledges that in the Grantee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or its Affiliate, the Grantee is or will be making use of, acquiring, or adding to the confidential information of the Company or its Affiliates (the “Confidential Information”) which includes, but is not limited to, memoranda and other materials or records of a proprietary nature; technical information regarding operations; and records and policy matters relating to finance, personnel, market research, strategic planning, current and potential customers, lease arrangements, service contracts, management, and operations. Therefore, to protect the Confidential Information, the Grantee agrees that, at all times, the Grantee will not, except in connection with the Grantee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or its Affiliate, directly or indirectly, use or disclose any Confidential Information.

 

10.3         If at the time of enforcement of any provision of this Section 10, a court shall hold that the duration, scope, or area restriction of any provision hereof is unreasonable under circumstances now or then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under the circumstances shall be substituted by the court for the stated duration, scope, or area.

 

10.4         If the Grantee breaches any of the covenants in this Section 10, all unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall be immediately forfeited. Further, the Grantee acknowledges that any breach by the Grantee of the provisions of this Section 10 shall cause irreparable harm to the Company and that a remedy at law for any breach or attempted breach of this Section 10 will be inadequate, and agrees that the Company shall be entitled to exercise all remedies available to it, including specific performance and injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of posting any bond, in the case of any such breach or attempted breach. In the event that the Company shall file a claim alleging a breach of the provisions of this Section 10, then any time period set forth in this Section 10, will be extended one month for each month the Grantee was in breach of this Section 10, so that the Company is provided the benefit of the full restricted covenant period.

 

10.5         The covenants set forth in this Section 10 shall be in addition to, and shall not replace or supersede, any other restrictive covenants to which the Grantee may be subject as a result of the Grantee’s employment or other service relationship with the Company or its Affiliates.

 

- 6

 

 

10.6         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement: (x) the Grantee will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made: (A) in confidence to a federal (including, without limitation, the SEC or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; (y) if the Grantee files a lawsuit for retaliation, the Grantee may disclose Employer’s trade secrets to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if the Grantee: (i) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (ii) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order; and, (z) nothing in this Agreement prevents the Grantee from communicating with government agencies as permitted by law. Without prior authorization of the Company, however, the Company does not authorize the Grantee to disclose to any third party (including any government official or any attorney the Grantee may retain) any communications that are covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege.

 

11.          Compliance with Law . The issuance and transfer of shares of Common Stock shall be subject to compliance by the Company and the Grantee with all applicable requirements of federal and state securities laws and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange on which the Company’s shares of Common Stock may be listed. No shares of Common Stock shall be issued or transferred unless and until any then applicable requirements of state and federal laws and regulatory agencies have been fully complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and its counsel. The Grantee understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the shares of Common Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission or any stock exchange to effect such compliance.

 

12.          Legends . A legend may be placed on any certificate(s) or other document(s) delivered to the Grantee indicating restrictions on transferability of the shares of Restricted Stock pursuant to this Agreement or any other restrictions that the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any applicable federal or state securities laws or any stock exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are then listed or quoted.

 

13.          Notices . Any notice required to be delivered to the Company under this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal corporate offices. Any notice required to be delivered to the Grantee under this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Grantee at the Grantee’s address as shown in the records of the Company. Either party may designate another address in writing (or by such other method approved by the Company) from time to time.

 

14.          Governing Law . This Agreement will be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles.

 

15.          Interpretation . Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Agreement shall be submitted by the Grantee or the Company to the Committee for review. The resolution of such dispute by the Committee shall be final and binding on the Grantee and the Company.

 

16.          Restricted Stock Subject to Plan . This Agreement is subject to the Plan as approved by the Company’s shareholders. The terms and provisions of the Plan as it may be amended from time to time are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision of the Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the Plan will govern and prevail.

 

- 7

 

 

17.          Successors and Assigns . The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein, this Agreement will be binding upon the Grantee and the Grantee’s beneficiaries, executors, administrators and the person(s) to whom the Restricted Stock may be transferred by will or the laws of descent or distribution.

 

18.          Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan or this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, and each provision of the Plan and this Agreement shall be severable and enforceable to the extent permitted by law.

 

19.          Discretionary Nature of Plan . The Plan is discretionary and may be amended, cancelled or terminated by the Company at any time, in its discretion, in accordance with the terms of the Plan. The grant of the Restricted Stock in this Agreement does not create any contractual right or other right to receive any Restricted Stock or other Awards in the future. Future Awards, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company. Any amendment, modification, or termination of the Plan shall not constitute a change or impairment of the terms and conditions of the Grantee’s employment with the Company.

 

20.          Amendment . The Committee has the right to amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or cancel the Restricted Stock, prospectively or retroactively; provided, that, no such amendment shall adversely affect the Grantee’s material rights under this Agreement without the Grantee’s written consent.

 

21.          No Impact on Other Benefits . The value of the Grantee’s Restricted Stock is not part of his normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, retirement, welfare, insurance or similar employee benefit.

 

22.          Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Counterpart signature pages to this Agreement transmitted by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail in portable document format (.pdf), or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document, will have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing an original signature.

 

23.          Acceptance . The Grantee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and this Agreement. The Grantee has read and understands the terms and provisions thereof, and accepts the Restricted Stock subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement. The Grantee acknowledges that there may be adverse tax consequences upon the grant or vesting of the Restricted Stock or disposition of the underlying shares and that the Grantee has been advised to consult a tax advisor prior to such grant, vesting or disposition.

 

- 8

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

     
  U.S. Well Services, Inc.
     
  By:  
     
  Name:  
     
  Title:  
     
  Grantee  
     
  By:  
     
  Name:  

 

- 9

 

Exhibit 21.1

 

U.S. WELL SERVICES, INC.

SCHEDULE OF SUBSIDIARIES

 

The following is a list of the Company’s subsidiaries and includes all subsidiaries deemed significant. The jurisdiction of each company is listed in parentheses.

 

U.S. Well Services, LLC (DE)

USWS Fleet 10, LLC (DE)

USWS Fleet 11, LLC (DE)

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF USWS

 

The following table shows selected historical financial information of USWS for the periods and as of the dates indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial information of USWS as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was derived from the audited historical consolidated financial statements of USWS included in the Proxy Statement. The selected historical interim condensed consolidated financial information of USWS as of September 30, 2018 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was derived from the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of USWS included elsewhere in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

USWS’ historical results are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. The selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of USWS,” as well as the historical consolidated financial statements of USWS and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Current Report on Form 8-K and in the Proxy Statement.

 

          Nine Months Ended           Twelve months Ended              
          September 30, 2017           December 31, 2017              
    Successor     Predecessor     Successor     Predecessor  
    Nine                                      
    Months     February 2     January 1     February 2     January 1     Year     Year  
    Ended     through     through     through     through     Ended     Ended  
    September 30     September 30     February 1     December 31     February 1     December 31     December 31  
(in thousands)     2018     2017     2017     2017     2017     2016     2015  
  (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)                          
Statement of Operations Data:                                                        
Revenue   $ 530,411     $ 317,405     $ 32,867     $ 466,487     $ 32,867     $ 294,755     $ 415,131  
Costs and expenses:                                                        
Cost of services (excluding depreciation and amortization)     427,243       270,614       28,053       394,125       28,053       262,311       324,731  
Depreciation and amortization     77,547       63,014       4,920       92,430       4,920       66,084       68,084  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     14,863       12,369       1,281       17,601       1,281       9,837       6,950  
Impairment loss on intangible assets     -       20,247       -       20,247       -       -       -  
Loss on disposal of assets     7,990       8,514       201       11,958       201       6,560       11,046  
Income (loss) from operations     2,768       (57,353 )     (1,588 )     (69,874 )     (1,588 )     (50,037 )     4,320  
Interest expense, net     (21,672 )     (15,673 )     (4,067 )     (22,961 )     (4,067 )     (45,376 )     (37,364 )
Other income (expense)     331       69       1       (787 )     1       9       25  
Loss before income taxes     (18,573 )     (72,957 )     (5,654 )     (93,622 )     (5,654 )     (95,404 )     (33,019 )
Provision for income taxes     -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Net loss   $ (18,573 )   $ (72,957 )   $ (5,654 )   $ (93,622 )   $ (5,654 )   $ (95,404 )   $ (33,019 )
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):                                                        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 20,799                     $ 5,923             $ 5,192          
Property and equipment, net     276,423                       251,288               197,512          
Total assets     436,461                       407,596               246,895          
Total debt     257,062                       264,594               300,633          
Total liabilities     407,978                       363,333               369,847          
Total mezzanine equity     -                       -               159,431          
Total members' equity (deficit)     28,483                       44,263               (282,383 )        
Cash Flow Statement Data:                                                        
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities   $ 84,111     $ 20,401     $ (2,777 )   $ 47,284     $ (2,777 )   $ 22,219     $ 57,703  
Net cash used in investing activities     (50,546 )     (43,336 )     -       (71,565 )     -       (18,792 )     (94,213 )
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities     (18,689 )     26,920       1,473       26,316       1,473       1,765       26,984  
Other Financial Data                                                        
EBITDA   $ 80,646     $ 5,730     $ 3,333     $ 21,769     $ 3,333     $ 16,056     $ 72,429  
Adjusted EBITDA (1)   $ 97,915     $ 43,281     $ 4,628     $ 67,729     $ 4,628     $ 24,692     $ 85,754  

 

 

(1) EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. For a definition of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, see “— Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

 

  1  

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be considered as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other performance measure derived in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or as an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of USWS’ profitability or liquidity. USWS’ management believes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful because they allow external users of its consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies, to more effectively evaluate its operating performance, compare the results of its operations from period to period and against USWS’ peers without regard to USWS’ financing methods, hedging positions or capital structure and because it highlights trends in USWS’ business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP measures. USWS presents EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because it believes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are important supplemental measures of its performance that are frequently used by others in evaluating companies in its industry. Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income (loss) and may vary among companies, the EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA USWS presents may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. USWS defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. USWS defines Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA excluding the following: loss on disposal of assets; non-productive time; unit-based compensation; fleet start-up and relocation costs; restructuring and transaction related costs; and impairment loss.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA from net loss, USWS’ most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

 

          Nine Months Ended           Twelve months Ended              
          September 30, 2017           December 31, 2017              
    Successor     Predecessor     Successor     Predecessor  
    Nine                                      
    Months     February 2     January 1     February 2     January 1     Year     Year  
    Ended     through     through     through     through     Ended     Ended  
    September 30     September 30     February 1     December 31     February 1     December 31     December 31  
(in thousands)     2018     2017     2017     2017     2017     2016     2015  
Net loss   $ (18,573 )   $ (72,957 )   $ (5,654 )   $ (93,622 )   $ (5,654 )   $ (95,404 )   $ (33,019 )
Interest expense, net     21,672       15,673       4,067       22,961       4,067       45,376       37,364  
Income tax expense     -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Depreciation and amortization     77,547       63,014       4,920       92,430       4,920       66,084       68,084  
EBITDA     80,646       5,730       3,333       21,769       3,333       16,056       72,429  
Loss on disposal of assets (a)     7,990       8,514       201       11,958       201       6,560       11,046  
Non-productive time (b)     1,200       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Unit-based compensation (c)     2,803       3,668       -       4,546       -       -       42  
Fleet start-up and relocation costs (d)     1,717       2,542       -       4,190       -       -       1,660  
Restructuring and transaction related costs (e)     2,265       2,580       1,094       5,019       1,094       2,076       577  
Impairment loss (f)     -       20,247       -       20,247       -       -       -  
Fleet 6 fire (g)     1,294       -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                         
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 97,915     $ 43,281     $ 4,628     $ 67,729     $ 4,628     $ 24,692     $ 85,754  

 

 

(a) Represents losses on the disposal of property and equipment.

 

(b) Represents revenue shortfall associated with non-productive time due to sand mine issues with a customer. USWS is in the process of amending the customer contract to provide that the customer will reimburse for similar issues prospectively.

 

(c) Represents non-cash stock-based compensation.

 

(d) Represents non-recurring costs related to the start-up and relocation of hydraulic fracturing fleets.

 

(e) Represents non-recurring third-party professional fees and other costs including costs related to the capital restructuring and the potential sale of USWS.

 

(f) Represents a non-cash impairment loss with respect to intangible assets.

 

(g) Represents non-recurring costs related to a fleet fire.

 

  2  

 

 

E xhibit 99.2

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF MPAC

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statements of operations of MPAC for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2017 combine the historical statements of operations of MPAC and the historical consolidated statements of operations of USWS, giving effect to the following transactions (for purposes of this section, collectively, the “Transactions”) as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2017, the beginning of the earliest period presented:

 

USWS’ out-of-court debt restructuring in February 2017 (the “Restructuring”), which resulted in a significant reduction in its debt and a new basis of accounting in accordance with USWS’ election to apply pushdown accounting.

 

Crestview’s purchase from MPAC, for an aggregate purchase price of $90,000,000, 9,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and an additional 900,000 shares of Class A Common Stock related to Crestview’s agreement to provide a $90,000,000 backstop commitment pursuant to the Crestview Subscription Agreement.

 

The purchase from MPAC of 4,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock for a purchase price of $ 10.00 per share by the PIPE Investors pursuant to the PIPE Subscription Agreements.

 

The merger of each Blocker Company with and into MPAC (collectively, the “Blocker Merger”), whereupon the separate existence of each Blocker Company ceased, and MPAC continued as the surviving entity of the Blocker Merger. Pursuant to the Blocker Merger, the outstanding equity interests of the Blocker Companies were converted into the right to receive, and MPAC issued to the Blocker Stockholders, a number of shares of Class A Common Stock determined in accordance with the Merger and Contribution Agreement and the USWS Holdings LLC Agreement, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share of Class A Common Stock. Based on the assumptions described in the section entitled “Certain Defined Terms,” 13,532,334 shares of Class A Common Stock were issued to the Blocker Stockholders pursuant to the Blocker Merger. As result of the Blocker Merger, immediately after the effective time of the Blocker Merger, MPAC owned the Existing USWS Units previously owned by the Blocker Companies (the “MPAC Acquired Existing USWS Units”).

 

Immediately after the effective time of the Blocker Merger, MPAC contributed to Merger Sub (the “MPAC Contribution”), as a capital contribution in respect of the Merger Sub Interests, (i) all of its available funds, other than cash required to pay certain expenses of MPAC incurred in connection with the Business Combination, (ii) the number of shares of Class B Common Stock issued to the Non-Blocker USWS Members pursuant to the USWS Merger, (iii) 1,315,000 shares of Class A Common Stock used to retire a portion of USWS long-term debt, (iv) 509,337 shares of Class A Common Stock delivered to an advisor as compensation for services and (v) 650,000 shares of Class A Common Stock delivered to the current Chief Executive Officer of USWS Holdings, who will become the President and Chief Executive Officer of MPAC at Closing, in satisfaction of a portion of a “change in control” bonus he received at Closing as described in the Proxy Statement.

 

Immediately after the MPAC Contribution, Merger Sub was merged with and into USWS Holdings (the “USWS Merger”), whereupon the separate limited liability company existence of Merger Sub ceased and USWS Holdings continued as the surviving limited liability company of the USWS Merger. Pursuant to the USWS Merger:

 

All of the outstanding Existing USWS Units (other than the MPAC Acquired Existing USWS Units) were converted into the right to receive, and USWS issued to the Non-Blocker USWS Members, a number of New USWS Units, and an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock, determined in accordance with the Merger and Contribution Agreement and the USWS Holdings LLC Agreement, plus cash in lieu of any fractional New USWS Unit and share of Class B Common Stock. Based on the assumptions described in the section entitled “Certain Defined Terms,” 14,546,766 New USWS Units and 14,546,766 shares of Class B Common Stock were issued to the Non-Blocker USWS Members pursuant to the USWS Merger.

 

  1  

 

  

The MPAC Acquired Existing USWS Units and the Merger Sub Interests together were converted into the right to receive, and USWS Holdings issued to MPAC, (i) a number of New USWS Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that were outstanding immediately after Closing and (ii) warrants to purchase a number of New USWS Units equal to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that were issuable upon exercise of the public warrants and private placement warrants that were outstanding immediately after Closing. 50,079,676 New USWS Units and warrants to purchase 24,000,000 New USWS Units were issued to MPAC pursuant to the USWS Merger.

 

The repayment of the senior term loans and revolving credit facility of USWS.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined balance sheet of MPAC as of September 30, 2018 combines the historical condensed balance sheet of MPAC and the historical condensed consolidated balance sheet of USWS, giving effect to the Transactions as if they had been consummated on September 30, 2018.

 

The historical consolidated financial statements have been adjusted in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements to give pro forma effect to events that are: (i) directly attributable to the Transactions; (ii) factually supportable; and (iii) with respect to the statement of operations, expected to have a continuing impact on MPAC’s results following the completion of the Business Combination.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements have been developed from and should be read in conjunction with:

 

the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements;

 

the historical audited and unaudited financial statements of MPAC included in MPAC's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q;

 

the historical audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements of USWS included elsewhere in this Current Report on Form 8-K and in the Proxy Statement; and

 

other information relating to MPAC and USWS contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K and in the Proxy Statement.

 

Public stockholders redeemed, upon the closing of the business combination, 28,856,991 shares of Class A Common Stock then held by them for cash equal to their pro rata share of the aggregate amount on deposit (as of two business days prior to the closing of the business combination) in the Trust Account. For illustrative purposes, based on the fair value of marketable securities held in the Trust Account as of September 30, 2018 of approximately $329.5 million, the estimated per share redemption price would have been approximately $10.14.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements assume that 28.9 million shares of Class A Common Stock are redeemed, resulting in: (i) an aggregate payment of approximately $292.6 million out of the Trust Account to redeeming public stockholders, (ii) the purchase of 10.35 million shares of Class A Common Stock (including 9.0 million Backstop Shares and 1.35 million Drawn Shares) by Crestview pursuant to its backstop commitment under the Crestview Subscription Agreement, for aggregate proceeds of $90.0 million, (iii) the cancelation of 2,975,000 founder shares pursuant to the Sponsor Agreement (after adjustments related to the issuance of Drawn Shares to Crestview), with the remaining 5,150,000 founder shares converting into the same number of shares of Class A Common Stock at Closing, 1,609,677 of which are subject to cancellation in five years if certain market conditions are not achieved, and (iv) the issuance to the Blocker Stockholders and the Non-Blocker USWS Members of 28,079,100 combined shares of Class A Common Stock and New USWS Units (together with one share of Class B Common Stock for each such New USWS Unit) pursuant to the Merger and Contribution Agreement (after adjustment related to the issuance of Drawn Shares to Crestview), consisting of 13,532,334 shares of Class A Common Stock issued to the Blocker Stockholders and 14,546,766 New USWS Units and shares of Class B Common Stock issued to the Non-Blocker Company Members.

 

  2  

 

 

Pursuant to the Crestview Subscription Agreement, MPAC granted to Crestview an option to purchase up to an additional 10.0 million shares of Class A Common Stock from MPAC at a purchase price of $10.00 per share. The option was not exercised.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the acquisition of the USWS under the Merger and Contribution Agreement has been accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, MPAC was treated as the acquired company and USWS was treated as the acquirer for financial reporting purposes.

 

Assumptions and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments set forth in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements are described in the accompanying notes. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements have been presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the operating results and financial position that would have been achieved had the Business Combination and the other related transactions contemplated by the Merger and Contribution Agreement occurred on the dates indicated. Further, the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements do not purport to project the future operating results or financial position of MPAC following the completion of the Business Combination and the other related Transactions. The unaudited pro forma adjustments represent management’s estimates based on information available as of the date of these unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and analyses are performed.

 

 

  3  

 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2018

(in thousands)

 

                Pro Forma     Pro Forma  
    MPAC (A)     USWS (B)     Adjustments     Balance Sheet  
                         
ASSETS:                                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 154     $ 20,799     $ 34,770   (C)   $ 55,723  
Restricted cash     -       506       -       506  
Accounts receivable, net     -       71,071       -       71,071  
Inventory, net     -       11,770       -       11,770  
Prepaids and other current assets     26       13,687       -       13,713  
Total current assets   $ 180     $ 117,833     $ 34,770     $ 152,783  
Property and equipment, net     -       276,423       -       276,423  
Intangible assets, net     -       29,989       -       29,989  
Goodwill     -       4,971       -       4,971  
Deferred financing costs, net     -       7,245       (7,245 )  (D)     -  
Investments and cash held in Trust Account     329,543       -       (329,543 (E)     -  
Total assets   $ 329,723     $ 436,461     $ (302,018 )   $ 464,166  
                                 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY:                                
Accounts payable   $ 1,751     $ 134,283     $ (2,145 )   $ 133,889  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     -       16,633       (335 (D)     16,298  
Due to affiliate     90       -       (90 )     -  
Taxes payable     41       -       -       41  
Notes payable     -       5,814       -       5,814  
Current portion of long-term debt     -       12,406       -       12,406  
Current portion of long-term capital lease obligation     -       11,008       -       11,008  
Current portion of long-term debt from related party     -       8,549       (8,549 (D)     -  
Total current liabilities     1,882       188,693       (11,119 )     179,456  
Deferred underwriting commissions     10,250       -       (10,250 (F)     -  
Notes payable, less current portion     -       -       -       -  
Long-term debt     -       6,085       -       6,085  
Long-term capital lease obligation     -       889       -       889  
Long-term debt to related party     -       212,311       (212,311 (D)     -  
Deferred tax liability     -       -       19,015    (G)     19,015  
Total liabilities     12,132       407,978       (214,665 )     205,445  
                                 
Class A common stock subject to redemption     312,591       -       (312,591 (H)     -  
                                 
Stockholders' equity:                                
Members' interest     -       140,678       (140,678 (I)     -  
Class A common stock     -       -       5    (J)     5  
Class B common stock     -       -       1    (J)     1  
Class F common stock     1       -       (1 (J)     -  
Additional paid-in-capital     3,358       -       302,215   (K)     305,573  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)     1,641       (112,195 )     4,979   (L)     (105,575 )
Noncontrolling interest     -       -       58,717   (M)     58,717  
Total stockholders' equity     5,000       28,483       225,238       258,721  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 329,723     $ 436,461     $ (302,018 )   $ 464,166  

 

See notes to pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements.

 

  4  

 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

                      Pro Forma  
                Pro Forma     Statement of  
    MPAC (A)     USWS (B)     Adjustments     Operations  
                         
Revenue   $ -     $ 530,411     $ -     $ 530,411  
Costs and expenses:                                
Cost of services (excluding depreciation and amortization)     -       427,243       -       427,243  
Depreciation and amortization     -       77,547       -       77,547  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     2,336       14,863       -       17,199  
Loss on disposal of assets     -       7,990       -       7,990  
Income (loss) from operations     (2,336 )     2,768       -       432  
Interest income     4,041       -       (4,041 )  (C)     -  
Interest expense     -       (21,672 )     19,355   (D)     (2,317 )
Other income (expense)     -       331       -       331  
Income (loss) before income taxes     1,705       (18,573 )     15,314         (1,554 )
Provision for income taxes     (817 )     -       1,122   (E)     305  
Net income (loss)     888       (18,573 )     16,436       (1,249 )
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     -       -       353   (F)     353  
Net income (loss) attributable to class A shareholders   $ 888     $ (18,573 )   $ 16,789     $ (896 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic     9,386,922               40,162,758   (G)     49,549,680  
Basic net income per share attributable to class A shareholders   $ 0.09                     $ (0.02 )
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted     40,625,000               8,924,680   (G)     49,549,680  
Diluted net income per share attributable to class A shareholders   $ 0.02                     $ (0.02 )

 

See notes to pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements.

 

  5  

 

 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

          USWS
Pro
    Pro Forma     Pro Forma
Statement of
 
    MPAC (A)     Forma (B)     Adjustments     Operations  
                         
Revenue   $ -     $ 499,354     $ -     $ 499,354  
Costs and expenses:                                
Cost of services (excluding depreciation and amortization)     -       422,178       -       422,178  
Depreciation and amortization     -       100,697       -       100,697  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     875       18,882       -       19,757  
Impairment loss on intangible assets     -       20,247       -       20,247  
Loss on disposal of assets     -       12,159       -       12,159  
Loss from operations     (875 )     (74,809 )     -       (75,684 )
Interest income     2,390       -       (2,390 )  (C)     -  
Interest expense     -       (24,726 )     23,490   (D)     (1,236 )
Other income (expense)     -       (786 )     -       (786 )
Income (loss) before income taxes     1,515       (100,321 )     21,100       (77,706 )
Provision for income taxes     (757 )     -       23,913   (E)     23,156  
Net income (loss)     758       (100,321 )     45,013       (54,550 )
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest             -       17,635   (F)     17,635  
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders   $ 758     $ (100,321 )   $ 62,648     $ (36,915 )
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic     9,337,694               40,211,986   (G)     49,549,680  
Basic net income per share attributable to class A shareholders   $ 0.08                     $ (0.75 )
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted     34,225,000               15,324,680   (G)     49,549,680  
Diluted net income per share attributable to class A shareholders   $ 0.02                     $ (0.75 )

 

See notes to pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements.

 

  6  

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

The pro forma adjustments have been prepared as if the Transactions had been consummated on January 1, 2017, the beginning of the earliest period presented, in the case of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statements of operations and on September 30, 2018 in the case of the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined balance sheet.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the acquisition of the USWS under the Merger and Contribution Agreement has been accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, MPAC was treated as the acquired company and USWS was treated as the acquirer for financial reporting purposes. This determination was primarily based on no individual or group of owners having over 50% voting interest post Transactions, USWS operations comprising the ongoing operations of the combined entity, and the management team of USWS becoming the management team of the combined entity. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the acquisition was treated as the equivalent of USWS issuing stock for the net assets of MPAC, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of MPAC were stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the acquisition are those of USWS.

 

The pro forma adjustments represent management’s estimates based on information available as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K and are subject to change as additional information becomes available and additional analyses are performed. One-time transaction-related expenses incurred prior to, or concurrent with, closing the Transactions and the other related transactions are not included in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statements of operations. However, the impact of such transaction expenses is reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined balance sheet as a decrease to retained earnings and a decrease to cash.

 

Pursuant to the Merger and Contribution Agreement, the aggregate consideration received by the owners of USWS is subject to adjustment based on the Closing Adjusted Net Debt Amount, as defined in the Merger and Contribution Agreement.

 

2. Adjustments and Assumptions to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2018 reflects the following adjustments assuming the Transactions occurred on September 30, 2018:

 

A. Represents the MPAC unaudited historical condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 2018.

 

B. Represents the USWS unaudited historical condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018.

 

C. Represents the pro forma adjustment to cash and cash equivalents to reflect the following:

 

Investments held in Trust Account   $ 329,543   (E)
Proceeds from PIPE offering     135,000   (N)
Repayment of debt     (208,045 ) (D)
Net redemptions of Class A Common Stock     (202,568 ) (O)
Transaction expenses     (19,160 ) (F)
    $ 34,770  

 

  7  

 

 

D. Represents pro forma adjustments to reflect the retirement of USWS debt as follows:

 

Accrued interest   $ 335  
Current portion of long-term debt from related parties     8,549  
Long-term debt from related party     199,161  
Cash payment     208,045  
Long-term debt from related party converted to Class A Common Stock     13,150  
Total debt retired   $ 221,195  

 

The deferred financing costs asset of $7.2 million was written off in connection with the retirement of the debt and recorded to retained earnings. The total cost is not reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statement of operations because it is directly related to the Transactions and nonrecurring.

 

E. Represents the pro forma adjustment to reclassify the cash held in the Trust Account to cash and cash equivalents to reflect that the cash in the Trust Account is available for use in connection with the Transactions.

 

F. Represents payment of preliminary estimated cash transaction costs totaling $19.2 million, including $10.3 million of deferred underwriting commissions that are accrued in current liabilities, $7.9 million other costs including advisory, legal and accounting fees, and $1.0 million for the cash portion of a bonus for the current Chief Executive Officer of USWS, who became President and Chief Executive Officer of MPAC at Closing. In addition to the cash costs, the current Chief Executive Officer of USWS received a bonus of 650,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at Closing, with an estimated fair value of $5.9 million, and an advisor received 509,337 shares of Class A Common Stock at Closing as compensation for services, with an estimated fair value of $4.6 million. The fair values were calculated by applying an 11.2% discount for lack of marketability to the market price of MPAC’s Class A Common Stock. The discount for lack of marketability was determined using an option pricing method. Total transaction costs that were not previously accrued of $17.1 million reduce retained earnings but are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated combined statement of operations because they are directly related to the Transactions and are nonrecurring.

 

G. Represents the deferred income tax liability associated with the basis difference in property and equipment and intangible assets. An estimated combined federal and state tax rate of 25.4% was used in calculating the deferred tax liability.

 

H. Represents the pro forma adjustment to reclassify all common stock subject to redemption to stockholders’ equity to reflect that the redemption rights no longer exist following the Transactions.

 

I. Represents the transfer of members’ interest to additional paid-in-capital.

 

J. Represents the recapitalization of common shares between common stock and additional paid-in-capital. The adjustments are calculated by multiplying the applicable number of shares by the par value per share of all classes of common stock, $0.0001 per share.

 

K. Represents pro forma adjustments to additional paid-in-capital to reflect the following:

 

Proceeds from PIPE offering   $ 135,000   (N)
Transfer of common stock     312,591   (H)
Transfer members’ interest to additional paid-in-capital     140,678   (I)
Bonus paid in shares to Chief Executive Officer of USWS     5,862   (F)
Compensation in shares for services of advisor     4,593   (F)
Elimination of MPAC’s retained earnings     1,641   (Q)
Redemption of Class A Common Stock     (292,568 )  (O)
Issuance of Backstop Shares     90,000   (O)
Conversion of long-term debt to Class A Common Stock     13,150   (D)
Recognition of deferred tax liability     (19,015 )  (G)
Recapitalization of common shares     (5 )  (J)
Recapitalization of noncontrolling interest     (89,712 )  (M)
    $ 302,215  

 

  8  

 

  

L. Represents pro forma adjustments to retained earnings (accumulated deficit) for the following:

 

Write off of debt discount and deferred financing cost   $ (7,245 ) (D)
Transaction expenses     (17,130 ) (F)
Elimination of MPAC’s retained earnings     (1,641 ) (P)
Recapitalization of noncontrolling interest     30,995    (M)
    $ 4,979  

 

M. The noncontrolling interest represents the Non-Blocker USWS Members’ ownership of USWS Holdings at Closing. The noncontrolling interest is 22.7%.

 

N. Represents the net proceeds of $135.0 million from the private placement of 13.5 million shares of Class A Common Stock at $10.00 per share. 9.0 million of the 13.5 million shares of Class A Common Stock were issued to Crestview, and Crestview received an additional 0.9 million shares of Class A Common Stock related to Crestview’s agreement to provide the backstop commitment.

 

O. Represents the pro forma adjustment to cash to reflect the shares redeemed at closing for $292.6 million, offset by $90.0 million of proceeds from issuance of the Backstop Shares.

 

P. Represents the pro forma adjustment to eliminate the retained earnings of MPAC, the accounting acquiree.

 

3. Adjustments and Assumptions to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

A. Represents the MPAC unaudited historical condensed statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

 

B. Represents the USWS unaudited historical condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

 

C. Represents the pro forma adjustment to remove interest income on assets held in the Trust Account.

 

D. Represents the pro forma adjustment to remove interest expense associated with USWS debt that were retired in connection with the Transactions.

 

E. Represents a pro forma income tax provision at a blended federal and state statutory rate of 25.4%. This expense is adjusted for the non-taxable income attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

 

  9  

 

  

F. Represents the pro forma adjustment to reflect the elimination of noncontrolling interest in the income of USWS Holdings. The noncontrolling interest represents the Non-Blockers USWS Members’ ownership of USWS Holdings at closing. The noncontrolling interest is 22.7%.

 

G. Represents adjustments to weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding to arrive at the pro forma shares outstanding, as follows:

  

    Pro Forma  
Denominator:        
Public stockholders     3,643,009  
Sponsor     3,540,323  
Sponsor shares subject to cancellation     1,609,677  
Blocker Stockholders     13,532,334  
Long-term debt converted to equity     1,315,000  
Transaction expenses settled in equity     1,159,337  
Crestview shares     20,250,000  
Other shares issued through PIPE     4,500,000  
Pro forma basic and diluted shares outstanding     49,549,680  
Redemption adjustment to shares        
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic     9,386,922  
Pro forma adjustment     40,162,758  
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted     40,625,000  
Pro forma adjustment     8,924,680  

 

4. Adjustments and Assumptions to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

A. Represents the MPAC audited historical condensed statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

  10  

 

  

B. Represents the USWS unaudited historical pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. This pro forma statement of operations is based on the audited periods of January 1 through February 1, 2017 (Predecessor) and February 2 through December 31, 2017 (Successor). The pro forma adjustments reflect the Restructuring as if it occurred on January 1, 2017. The following table summarizes the calculation:

 

    USWS              
    Successor     Predecessor              
(in thousands)   February 2
through  
December 31
2017
    January 1
through
February 1
2017
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
    USWS
Pro
Forma
 
Revenue   $ 466,487     $ 32,867     $     $ 499,354  
Costs and expenses:                                
Cost of services (excluding depreciation and amortization)     394,125       28,053             422,178  
Depreciation and amortization     92,430       4,920       3,347 (i)     100,697  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     17,601       1,281             18,882  
Impairment loss on intangible assets     20,247                   20,247  
Loss on disposal of assets     11,958       201             12,159  
Loss from operations     (69,874 )     (1,588 )     (3,347 )     (74,809 )
Interest income                        
Interest expense     (22,961 )     (4,067 )     2,302 (ii)     (24,726 )
Other income (expense)     (787 )     1             (786 )
Loss before income taxes     (93,622 )     (5,654 )     (1,045 )     (100,321 )
Provision for income taxes                        
Net loss     (93,622 )     (5,654 )     (1,045 )     (100,321 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest                        
Net loss attributable to common shareholders.   $ (93,622 )   $ (5,654 )   $ (1,045 )   $ (100,321 )

 

 

(i) Reflects the impact to depreciation and amortization of the revaluation of property and equipment and intangible assets in purchase accounting, comprised of the following items:

 

Elimination of USWS’ historical depreciation and amortization   $ (4,920 )
Depreciation and amortization expense post-acquisition     8,267  
Pro forma adjustment to depreciation and amortization   $ 3,347  

 

(ii) Reflects the impact to interest expense of the refinancing that occurred in connection with the acquisition, comprised of the following items:

 

Elimination of USWS’ historical interest expense   $ (4,067 )
Interest expense post-acquisition     1,765  
Pro forma adjustment to interest expense   $ (2,302 )

 

C. Represents the pro forma adjustment to remove interest income on assets held in the Trust Account.

 

D. Represents the pro forma adjustment to remove interest expense associated with USWS debt that were retired in connection with the Transactions.

 

E. Represents a pro forma income tax benefit at a blended federal and state statutory rate of 38.6%. This benefit is adjusted for the non-taxable loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

 

  11  

 

  

F. Represents the pro forma adjustment to reflect the elimination of noncontrolling interest in the income of USWS Holdings. The noncontrolling interest represents the Non-Blocker USWS Members’ ownership of USWS Holdings at closing. The noncontrolling interest is 22.7%.

 

G. Represents adjustments to weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding to arrive at the pro forma shares outstanding, as follows:

 

    Pro Forma  
Denominator:        
Public stockholders     3,643,009  
Sponsor     3,540,323  
Sponsor shares subject to cancellation     1,609,677  
Blocker Stockholders     13,532,334  
Long-term debt converted to equity     1,315,000  
Transaction expenses settled in equity     1,159,337  
Crestview shares     20,250,000  
Other shares issued through PIPE     4,500,000  
Pro forma basic and diluted shares outstanding     49,549,680  
Redemption adjustment to shares        
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic     9,337,694  
Pro forma adjustment     40,211,986  
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted     34,225,000  
Pro forma adjustment     15,324,680  

  

  12  

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS

OF OPERATIONS OF USWS

 

The following discussion and analysis of USWS’ financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with USWS’ unaudited condensed financial statements and related notes included herein. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect USWS’ 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 Current Report on Form 8-K and in the Proxy Statement, particularly in “Risk Factors.” USWS and MPAC assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

USWS is a growth- and technology-oriented oilfield service company focused exclusively on hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas E&P companies. As of October 2018, USWS had 11 active fleets with total HHP of 481,050. USWS was one of the first companies to develop and commercially deploy electric powered hydraulic fracturing technology, which USWS believes is an industry changing technology. Currently, USWS provides its services in the Appalachian Basin, the Eagle Ford, and the Permian Basin; however, USWS has demonstrated the capability to expeditiously deploy its fleets to new oil and gas basins when requested by a customer. USWS’ customers include leading E&P companies, including Antero Resources, CNX Resources, EP Energy, Hawkwood Energy, Hess, Royal Dutch Shell, Southwestern Energy and Wildhorse Resource Development.

 

Since its inception in 2012, USWS has grown organically from one diesel powered (“conventional”) hydraulic fracturing fleet in April 2012 to 11 active fleets in October 2018, two of which utilize their patented electric hydraulic fracturing technology (“Clean Fleets ® ”). Based on active dialogue with its customers, USWS plans to build and deploy six new Clean Fleets ®, bringing their total asset base to 17 hydraulic fracturing fleets with approximately 800,000 HHP by early 2020. Delivery of these fleets is anticipated to occur throughout 2019 and into 2020.

 

From the fall of 2014 through the end of 2016, the oil and gas industry experienced a significant downturn, during which time many of USWS’ competitors sustained substantial losses. Due to the strength of USWS’ customer relationships and its long-term contracts, USWS maintained higher levels of utilization throughout the downturn. As a result, USWS generated approximately $86 million and $25 million of Adjusted EBITDA (Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see the section entitled “Selected Historical Financial Information of USWS” for a discussion of Non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measures.) in 2015 and 2016, respectively, allowing USWS to continue to invest in its rigorous maintenance program. Despite USWS’ ability to generate earnings during this downturn, due to low commodity prices and significant indebtedness during that period USWS was required to complete an out-of-court debt restructuring in February 2017 (the “Restructuring”), which resulted in a significant reduction in its debt and interest burden and a substantial increase in its liquidity. See Note 4 to USWS’ audited financial statements included in the Proxy Statement for further discussion of the Restructuring. In addition to significantly lowering its debt, the Restructuring provided USWS with growth capital to expand its fleet and ongoing operations.

 

Industry Trends and Outlook

 

Demand for USWS’ services is primarily driven by drilling and completion activity by E&P companies, which is generally dependent on prevailing commodity prices and the anticipated profitability of developing unconventional oil and gas resources. The rig count, drilled but uncompleted (“DUC”) well count, length of horizontal wellbores and the number of fracturing stages per well all directly impact the demand for hydraulic fracturing services. 

 

  1  

 

 

Hydraulic fracturing demand has increased significantly since the low point in the market in 2016 as a result of the recovery in commodity prices. Crude oil and natural gas prices have recovered significantly since reaching lows of $26.21 per barrel (based on the Cushing WTI Spot Oil Price) and $1.64 per MMBtu in 2016, respectively, to $73.16 per barrel and $3.01 per MMBtu on September 28, 2018. As a result of this recovery, E&P companies have expanded their capital budgets, which has led to an acceleration of drilling and completion activity. According to Baker Hughes Incorporated’s North American Rig Count, the U.S. land rig count has increased approximately 163%, from the recent low of 404 on May 27, 2016 to 1,034 rigs as of September 28, 2018.

 

In recent years, E&P companies have also become more efficient in recovering hydrocarbons from unconventional resource plays, using longer lateral lengths for horizontal wells, increasing amounts of proppant per completion stage and an increasing number of completion stages per well. Rystad Energy estimates that the average U.S. horizontal well in 2018 will be 34% longer, use 79% more proppant per lateral foot and use 52% more frac stages than the average horizontal well in 2014. Rising service intensity levels have created demand for larger hydraulic fracturing fleets in terms of hydraulic horsepower. In combination with the retirement of older generation equipment, the growing demand for large fleets has led to tightening supply and demand fundamentals and increased pricing for hydraulic fracturing services.

 

Rising service intensity is creating demand for large, efficient hydraulic fracturing fleets to keep pace with customer demands and execute completion programs. Modern hydraulic fracturing operations are focused on optimizing efficiency, often employing 24-hour operating cycles, the completion of multi-well pads and the use of zipper-frac techniques in which two parallel horizontal wells are completed concurrently. Rystad Energy estimates that in 2018, approximately 74% of all horizontal wells will be drilled on multi-well pads, with an average pad size of approximately 3.3 wells.

 

A significant portion of the U.S. hydraulic fracturing fleet came into service between 2010 and 2015, when, according to Spears & Associates, approximately 15 million HHP entered the North American market. As commodity prices declined during the recent turndown and drilling and completion activity slowed, much of this equipment was idled, and critical maintenance activity was deferred. As a result of rising operating intensity in combination with the increasing trend for longer laterals, a greater number of frac stages per well and higher proppant loadings, the U.S. hydraulic fracturing fleet is experiencing significant attrition.

 

Recently USWS has experienced higher demand for its Clean Fleets®. USWS believes the industry’s interest in all-electric hydraulic fracturing fleets is growing substantially, primarily as a result of the superior operating efficiencies, cost savings and HSE advantages relative to conventional fracturing fleets. Prior to the commercial deployment of Clean Fleet®, there were no electric powered fracturing fleets in operation, but based on its growth plans and industry announcements, USWS believes that the industry will have at least 10 electric fleets in operation by the end of 2019. Although electric fracturing fleets’ penetration of the industry is currently low, USWS believes industry penetration will increase similar to the rate that AC drive land drilling rigs displaced SCR/mechanical rigs over the last 10 years. According to Helmerich & Payne, AC drive rigs accounted for 15% of the total U.S. rig count as of October 2008 and currently make up 66% of the rig count. USWS believes it is well positioned to capitalize on the increasing adoption of electric hydraulic fracturing fleets.

 

How USWS Generates Revenue

 

USWS generates its revenue by providing hydraulic fracturing services to its customers. USWS owns and operates a fleet of hydraulic fracturing units to perform these services. USWS generally has long-term written contractual arrangements with its customers. Under these contracts, USWS charges its customers base monthly rates, adjusted for stage volumes and provision of materials such as proppant and chemicals or USWS charges a per stage amount based on the nature of the stage including well pressure, sand and chemical volumes and transportation. When USWS operates without long-term contracts, USWS either charges its customers a monthly rates, adjusted for stage volumes and provision of materials such as proppant and chemicals and transportation, or on a per-stage amount based on the nature of the stage including well pressure, sand and chemical volumes and transportation. 

 

  2  

 

 

USWS’ Costs of Conducting Business

 

The principal costs involved in conducting USWS’ hydraulic fracturing services are materials, transportation, labor and maintenance costs. A large portion of USWS’ costs are variable based on the number and requirements of hydraulic fracturing jobs. USWS manages its fixed costs, other than depreciation and amortization, based on factors including industry conditions and the expected demand for its services.

 

The following table summarizes the components of USWS’ cost of services:

 

    Successor     Predecessor  
    Nine Months     February 2, 2017     January 1, 2017              
    Ended     (inception) to     to     Year Ended     Year Ended  
(in thousands)   September 30, 2018     December 31, 2017     February 1, 2017     December 31, 2016     December 31, 2015  
Materials   $ 150,995     $ 144,492     $ 10,113     $ 102,151     $ 123,689  
Transportation     71,137       62,060       5,231       33,904       43,144  
Labor     75,703       76,436       5,083       51,934       61,593  
Maintenance     53,852       45,235       2,469       29,222       36,395  
Other     75,556       65,902       5,157       45,100       59,910  
Cost of services   $ 427,243     $ 394,125     $ 28,053     $ 262,311     $ 324,731  

   

Materials include the cost of sand proppant delivered to the basin of operations, chemicals, and other consumables used in USWS’ operations. These costs vary based on the quantity and quality of sand and chemicals utilized when providing hydraulic fracturing services. Transportation represents the costs to transport materials and equipment from receipt points to customer locations. Labor costs include payroll and benefits related to USWS’ field crews and other employees. A majority of USWS’ employees are paid on an hourly basis. Maintenance costs include preventative and other repair costs that do not require the replacement of major components of USWS’ hydraulic fracturing fleets. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.

 

How USWS Evaluates Its Operations

 

USWS uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to evaluate and analyze the performance of its business, including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. USWS views EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as important indicators of performance. USWS defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. USWS defines Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA excluding the following: loss on disposal of assets; non-productive time; unit-based compensation; fleet start-up and relocation costs; restructuring and transaction related costs; and impairment loss. For a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure, see section entitled “Selected Historical Financial Information of USWS.”

 

Results of Operations

 

USWS’ historical financial information is not directly comparable between periods due to the effects of the Restructuring on February 2, 2017. For purposes of the revenues, cost of services, and selling, general and administrative expenses discussions, USWS compared the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to the combined predecessor period of January 1 to February 1, 2017 and successor period of February 2 to September 30, 2017 (“Combined Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017”). Similarly, for the same categories, USWS compared the combined predecessor period of January 1 to February 1, 2017 and successor period of February 2 to December 31, 2017 (“Combined Year Ended December 31, 2017”) to the year ended December 31, 2016. USWS believes this presentation assists readers in understanding and assessing the trends and significant changes in its results of operations and provides a more meaningful method of comparison across categories. The Restructuring on February 2, 2017 affected USWS’ debt and the carrying value of its assets, which affected the comparability of USWS’ depreciation and amortization, loss on disposal of assets and interest expense between the predecessor and successor periods. USWS therefore compared these categories for each predecessor and successor period separately. See Note 4 to USWS’ audited financial statements included in the Proxy Statement for further discussion on the Restructuring.

 

  3  

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

                            Percentage of Revenue  
          Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
                Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
       
    Successor     Successor     Predecessor           Successor     Successor     Predecessor        
          February 2,     January 1,     Combined           February 2,     January 1,     Combined  
    Nine Months     2017     2017     Nine Months     Nine Months     2017     2017     Nine Months  
    Ended     (inception) to     to     Ended     Ended     (inception) to     to     Ended  
(in thousands except percentage of revenue data)   September 30,
2018
    September 30,
2017
    February 1,
2017
    September 30,
2017
    September 30,
2018
    September 30,
2017
    February 1,
2017
    September 30,
2017
 
Revenues   $ 530,411     $ 317,405     $ 32,867     $ 350,272       100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Costs and expenses:                                                                
Cost of services (excluding depreciation and amortization)     427,243       270,614       28,053       298,667       80.5 %     85.3 %     85.4 %     85.3 %
Depreciation and amortization     77,547       63,014       4,920               14.6 %     19.9 %     15.0 %        
Selling, general and administrative expenses     14,863       12,369       1,281       13,650       2.8 %     3.9 %     3.9 %     3.9 %
Impairment loss on intangible assets     -       20,247                           6.4 %              
Loss on disposal of assets     7,990       8,514       201               1.5 %     2.7 %     0.6 %        
Income (loss) from operations     2,768       (57,353 )     (1,588 )             0.5 %     (18.1 )%     (4.8 )%        
Interest expense, net     (21,672 )     (15,673 )     (4,067 )             (4.1 )%     (4.9 )%     (12.4 )%        
Other income     331       69       1               0.1 %     0.0 %     0.0 %        
Net loss   $ (18,573 )   $ (72,957 )   $ (5,654 )             (3.5 )%     (23.0 )%     (17.2 )%        

  

Revenues. Revenues increased by $180.1 million, or 51%, to $530.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $350.3 million for the Combined Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017. $94.1 million of this increase was due to a 24% increase in average revenue per hydraulic fracturing fleet in service. $86.0 million of this increase was due to an increase in the average number of hydraulic fracturing fleets in service from 8.1 to 9.9. These improvements resulted from an increase in the drilling activity in USWS’ markets.

 

Cost of services, excluding depreciation and amortization. Cost of services, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased by $128.5 million, or 43%, to $427.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $298.7 million for the Combined Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017. $71.1 million of this increase was due the increase in USWS’ average number of hydraulic fracturing fleets in service. $57.4 million of this increase was due to a 17% increase in average cost per hydraulic fracturing fleet in service, which primarily resulted from higher fleet utilization and associated increases in expenditures for materials, labor, maintenance, and fuel. Cost of services, excluding depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of revenues decreased from 85.3% to 80.5% over this period, primarily due to increased efficiency that resulted from an increase in fleet utilization.

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $77.5 million, $63.0 million and $4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017, respectively. Monthly depreciation and amortization increased from the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 to the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 due to the amortization expense on the intangible assets recorded in purchase accounting and additional depreciation expense resulting from the revaluation of property and equipment in purchase accounting. Monthly depreciation and amortization increased from the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 to the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to the addition of two hydraulic fracturing fleets.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.2 million, or 9%, to $14.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $13.7 million for the Combined Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017. Restructuring and transaction related costs of $2.3 million and $3.7 million were included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the Combined Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Unit based compensation of $1.3 million and $2.6 million was included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the Combined Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Excluding restructuring and transaction related costs and unit based compensation, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $3.8 million over these periods due to head count increases and higher professional fees to support USWS’ growth and increased activity.

 

  4  

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets. Loss on disposal of assets was $8.0 million, $8.5 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017, respectively, which is primarily driven by differences in operating conditions of USWS’ hydraulic fracturing equipment such as wellbore pressure and rate of barrels pumped per minute that impact the timing of disposals and amount of gain or loss recognized.

 

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net, was $21.7 million, $15.7 million and $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017, respectively. Monthly interest expense decreased from the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 to the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 due to the reduction of debt resulting from the Restructuring. Monthly interest expense increased from the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 to the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily due to an increase in debt, including the financing of two new hydraulic fracturing fleets.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

 

                            Percentage of Revenue  
    Successor     Predecessor           Predecessor     Successor     Predecessor           Predecessor  
    February 2,
2017
(inception) to
December 31,
    January 1,
2017
to
February 1,
    Combined
Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
    February 2,
2017
(inception) to
December 31,
    January 1,
2017
to
February 1,
    Combined
Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
(in thousands except percentage of revenue data)   2017     2017     2017     2016     2017     2017     2017     2016  
Revenues   $ 466,487     $ 32,867     $ 499,354     $ 294,755       100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Costs and expenses:                                                                
Cost of services (excluding depreciation and amortization)     394,125       28,053       422,178       262,311       84.5 %     85.4 %     84.5 %     89.0 %
Depreciation and amortization     92,430       4,920               66,084       19.8 %     15.0 %             22.4 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses     17,601       1,281       18,882       9,837       3.8 %     3.9 %     3.8 %     3.3 %
Impairment loss on intangible assets     20,247                           4.3 %                    
Loss on disposal of assets     11,958       201               6,560       2.6 %     0.6 %             2.2 %
Loss from operations     (69,874 )     (1,588 )             (50,037 )     (15.0 )%     (4.8 )%             (17.0 )%
Interest expense, net     (22,961 )     (4,067 )             (45,376 )     (4.9 )%     (12.4 )%             (15.4 )%
Other income (expense)     (787 )     1               9       (0.2 )%     0.0 %             0.0 %
Net loss   $ (93,622 )   $ (5,654 )           $ (95,404 )     (20.1 )%     (17.2 )%             (32.4 )%

 

Revenues. Revenues increased by $204.6 million, or 69%, to $499.4 million for the Combined Year Ended December 31, 2017 from $294.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. $148.2 million of this increase was due to a 47% increase in average revenue per hydraulic fracturing fleet in service. $56.4 million of this increase was due to an increase in the average number of hydraulic fracturing fleets in service from 7.3 to 8.4. These improvements resulted from an increase in the drilling activity in USWS’ markets.

 

Cost of services, excluding depreciation and amortization. Cost of services, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased by $159.9 million, or 61%, to $422.2 million for the Combined Year Ended December 31, 2017 from $262.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. $111.2 million of this increase was due to the increase in USWS’ average number of hydraulic fracturing fleets in service. $48.7 million of this increase was due to a 39% increase in average cost per hydraulic fracturing fleet in service, which primarily resulted from higher fleet utilization and associated increases in expenditures for materials, labor, maintenance, and fuel. Cost of services, excluding depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of revenues decreased from 89.0% to 84.5% over this period, primarily due to increased pricing and increased efficiency that resulted from an increase in fleet utilization.

 

  5  

 

  

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $92.4 million, $4.9 million and $66.1 million for the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017, the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017, and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. Monthly depreciation and amortization decreased from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 primarily due to asset disposals and certain assets becoming fully depreciated. Monthly depreciation and amortization increased from the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 to the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017 due to the amortization expense on the intangible assets recorded in purchase accounting, additional depreciation expense resulting from the revaluation of property and equipment in purchase accounting and the addition of two hydraulic fracturing fleets during the year.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $9.0 million, or 92%, to $18.9 million for the Combined Year Ended December 31, 2017 from $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Restructuring and transaction related costs of $5.1 million and $2.1 million were included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the Combined Year Ended December 31, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. Unit based compensation of $3.0 million and $0 was included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the Combined Year Ended December 31, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. Excluding restructuring and transaction related costs and unit based compensation, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $3.1 million over these periods due to increased head count and bonuses to support the expansion and increased utilization of USWS’ hydraulic fracturing fleets, partially offset by a decrease in professional fees associated with litigation and debt amendments.

 

Impairment loss on intangible assets. On April 6, 2017, USWS amended a customer contract to release two fleets for redeployment to contracts with more favorable terms, which resulted in the recognition of an impairment loss on order backlog of $20.2 million. The intangible asset for order backlog was originally established in the accounting for the Restructuring.

 

Loss on disposal of assets. Loss on disposal of assets was $12.0 million, $0.2 million and $6.6 million for the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017, the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017, and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively, which was primarily driven by differences in operating conditions of USWS’ hydraulic fracturing equipment such as wellbore pressure and rate of barrels pumped per minute that impact the timing of disposals and amount of gain or loss recognized.

 

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net, was $23.0 million, $4.1 million and $45.4 million for the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017, the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017, and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. Monthly interest expenses increased from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 primarily due to increasing levels of interest bearing obligations during this period. Monthly interest expense decreased from the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 to the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017 due to the reduction of debt resulting from the Restructuring, partially offset by interest on the financing of two new hydraulic fracturing fleets.

  

  6  

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

                Percentage of Revenue  

(in thousands except percentage of revenue data)

  Year Ended
December 31, 2016
    Year Ended
December 31, 2015
    Year Ended
December 31, 2016
    Year Ended
December 31, 2015
 
Revenues   $ 294,755     $ 415,131       100.0 %     100.0 %
Costs and expenses:                                
Cost of services (excluding depreciation and amortization)     262,311       324,731       89.0 %     78.2 %
Depreciation and amortization     66,084       68,084       22.4 %     16.4 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses     9,837       6,950       3.3 %     1.7 %
Loss on disposal of assets     6,560       11,046       2.2 %     2.7 %
Income (loss) from operations     (50,037 )     4,320       (17.0 )%     1.0 %
Interest expense, net     (45,376 )     (37,364 )     (15.4 )%     (9.0 )%
Other income (expense)     9       25       0.0 %     0.0 %
Net loss   $ (95,404 )   $ (33,019 )     (32.4 )%     (8.0 )%

   

Revenues. Revenues decreased by $120.4 million, or 29%, to $294.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $415.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. $71.4 million of this decrease was due to an 18% decrease in average revenue per hydraulic fracturing fleet in service.

$49.0 million of this decrease was due to a decrease in the average number of hydraulic fracturing fleets in service from 8.3 to 7.3. These declines resulted from a decrease in the drilling activity in USWS’ markets.

 

Cost of services, excluding depreciation and amortization. Cost of services, excluding depreciation and amortization, decreased by $62.4 million, or 19%, to $262.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $324.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. $40.7 million of this decrease was due the decrease in USWS’ average number of hydraulic fracturing fleets in service. $21.7 million of this decrease was due to a 7% decrease in average cost per hydraulic fracturing fleet in service, which primarily consisted of lower costs on materials, labor, maintenance, and fuel. The increase in cost of services, excluding depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of revenues from 78.2% to 89.0% over this period was primarily due declines in pricing that were not fully offset by declines in supplier costs.

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased by $2.0 million, or 3%, to $66.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $68.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 due to asset disposals and certain assets becoming fully depreciated.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $2.9 million, or 42%, to $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Restructuring and transaction related costs of $2.1 million and $0.6 million were included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Excluding restructuring and transaction related costs, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.4 million over these periods primarily due to an increase in professional fees incurred in 2016 related to litigation and debt amendment fees, offset by a decrease in labor costs as a result of headcount and bonus reductions.

 

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net, increased by $8.0 million, or 21%, to $45.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $37.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in interest bearing obligations and the effective interest rates on the obligations during the period.

 

  7  

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

USWS’ primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash on the balance sheet, cash flow generated from operating activities, borrowings under bank credit agreements and availability under its revolving credit facility. USWS believes that the current cash position, cash generated through operations, and its financing arrangements will be sufficient to satisfy the anticipated cash requirements associated with its existing operations for at least the next twelve months.

 

Immediately prior to closing of the Transactions, USWS expects to have $5 million in net cash available for debt service, capital investment and general corporate purposes. At Closing, USWS will use the funds contributed to it by USWS Holdings to repay in full all outstanding borrowings and other obligations of USWS under USWS’ existing credit agreement, and the credit agreement will be terminated.

 

Cash Flows from Operating, Investing and Financing Activities

 

The tables below summarize cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

 

    Successor     Predecessor  
    Nine Months     February 2, 2017     January 1, 2017  
    Ended     (inception) to     to  
(in thousands)   September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017     February 1, 2017  
Net cash provided by (used in):                        
Operating activities   $ 84,111     $ 20,401     $ (2,777 )
Investing activities     (50,546 )     (43,336 )     -  
Financing activities     (18,689 )     26,920       1,473  

 

    Successor     Predecessor  
(in thousands)   February 2, 2017
(inception) to
December 31, 2017
    January 1, 2017
to
February 1, 2017
    Year Ended  
December 31, 2016
    Year Ended
December 31, 2015
 
Net cash provided by (used in):                                
Operating activities   $ 47,284     $ (2,777 )   $ 22,219     $ 57,703  
Investing activities     (71,565 )           (18,792 )     (94,213 )
Financing activities     26,316       1,473       1,765       26,984  

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities primarily represents the results of operations exclusive of non-cash expenses, including depreciation, amortization, interest, impairment losses, gains and losses on disposal of assets, and unit-based compensation, and the impact of changes in operating assets and liabilities.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $84.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The primary driver of cash provided by operating activities was an increase in revenue and net income, excluding non-cash charges, as drilling activity in USWS’ markets increased.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $20.4 million for the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017, which is primarily driven by $36.3 million of net income excluding non-cash charges and a $15.9 million use of cash from working capital changes and payment of contingent fees incurred in the Restructuring.

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $47.3 million and $(2.8) million for the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017 and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017, respectively. The primary drivers of operating cash flows for the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017 were $55.7 million of net income excluding non-cash charges, which resulted from an increase in demand for USWS’ services due to favorable market conditions, and a $8.4 million use of cash from working capital changes.

 

  8  

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $22.2 million and $57.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in operating cash flows from December 31, 2015 to 2016 is primarily due to a decrease in USWS’ services as a result of unfavorable market conditions.

 

Net Cash used in Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities primarily relates to the purchase of property and equipment.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $50.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, $29.7 million of which related to maintaining and supporting the hydraulic fracturing equipment, $18.0 million of which related to growth, and $10.8 million of which related to the replacement of equipment damaged in a fire, partially offset by $8.0 million in insurance proceeds received for the equipment damaged in a fire.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $43.3 million for the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017, $21.0 million of which related to maintaining and supporting the hydraulic fracturing equipment and $22.3 million of which related to growth.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $71.6 million for the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017. There was no cash used in investing activities for the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017. The investment spend from February 2 through December 31, 2017 relates to the addition of two new hydraulic fracturing fleets that USWS placed into service in the second half of 2017 and maintaining and supporting the hydraulic fracturing equipment. $51.7 million of the cost of the two new hydraulic fracturing fleets was financed and therefore excluded from the net cash used in investing activities.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $18.8 million and $94.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Investment spend decreased in connection with unfavorable

market conditions from 2015 to 2016. The 2015 investment spend relates to the addition of a new hydraulic fracturing fleet and maintaining and supporting the hydraulic fracturing equipment.

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities primarily relates to proceeds from the issuance of the revolving credit facility and notes payable, offset by repayments of amounts under equipment financing arrangements and notes payable and principle payments under the finance lease obligation.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $18.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. USWS repaid $12.5 million of debt under equipment financing arrangements, $7.1 million of principal under finance lease obligations, and $3.4 million of debt to a related party during this period, which was offset by net proceeds of $4.4 million from the issuance of a note payable.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $26.9 million for the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017, which primarily resulted from the net issuance of $28.4 million on USWS’ revolving credit facility.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $26.3 million and $1.5 million for the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017 and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017, respectively. Financing cash flows for the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017 primarily relate to proceeds from the issuance of $32.6 million on USWS’ revolving credit facility and a $7.2 million use of cash for equipment related debt and capital lease payments.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.8 million and $27.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Financing cash flows in 2015 primarily relate to proceeds of $40.0 million on USWS’ senior term loans partially offset by repayments of $16.9 million.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

USWS’ business requires continual investments to upgrade or enhance existing property and equipment and to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Capital expenditures primarily relate to maintenance capital expenditures and growth capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures include expenditures needed to maintain and to support USWS’ current operations. Growth capital expenditures include expenditures to generate incremental distributable cash flow. Capital expenditures for growth initiatives are discretionary.

 

  9  

 

 

We classify maintenance capital expenditures as expenditures required to maintain or supplement existing hydraulic fracturing fleets. We budget maintenance capital expenditures based on historical run rates and current maintenance schedules.

 

Growth capital expenditures relate to adding additional hydraulic fracturing fleets and are based on quotes obtained from equipment manufacturers and our estimate for the timing of placing orders, disbursing funds and receiving the equipment.

 

USWS currently estimates, based on the latest delivery schedules and equipment orders, that its purchase of property and equipment for existing fleets and approved capacity additions during 2018 will be approximately $179.8 million in the aggregate, including (i) approximately $115.9 million for the cost to purchase newly built fleets and for down payments for additional fleets to be delivered in 2019, (ii) approximately $52.8 million for maintenance and other capital expenditures, and (iii) approximately $11.1 million for the replacement of equipment damaged in a fire. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, USWS’ purchase of property and equipment were $58.5 million, $18.0 million of which was related to growth, $29.7 million of which was related to maintaining and supporting hydraulic fracturing equipment, and $10.8 million of which was related to the replacement of equipment damaged in a fire, for which we received insurance proceeds of $8.0 million. For the remaining three months of 2018, USWS estimates its purchase of property and equipment to be approximately $121.3 million, of which approximately $97.9 million relates to the remaining cost to purchase a newly built fleet and down payments for additional fleets to be delivered in 2019, approximately $23.1 million of which relates to maintaining and supporting existing hydraulic fracturing equipment, and approximately $0.3 million of which relates to replacement of equipment damaged in a fire.

 

USWS continuously evaluates its capital expenditures and the amount it ultimately spends will depend on a number of factors, including expected industry activity levels and company initiatives. Following the Business Combination, USWS intends to finance the majority of its capital expenditures, contractual obligations and working capital needs with cash on hand, cash generated from operations and other financing sources.

 

Debt Agreements

 

Term Loan Credit Agreement and Revolver Facility

 

On February 2, 2017, USWS entered into an amended and restated senior secured credit agreement in connection with the Restructuring with a syndicate of lenders (the “Lenders”) and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative and collateral agent, to define the terms of the new loan amount of $150.0 million (the “New Senior Term Loan”) and the new terms of the revolver facility (“New Revolving Commitment”).

 

The New Senior Term Loan bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 9%, if paid in cash, and LIBOR plus 11%, if paid in kind (“PIK”). Interest is payable monthly, but USWS has the option to defer interest payments until the end of the second year anniversary of the Restructuring date. USWS elected to use this option in 2017. In the event of default in payment of interest, the interest will accrue at the default rate, which is 2.0% per year in excess of the interest rate otherwise payable. Commencing on March 31, 2018, and each quarterly date thereafter, USWS will make principal payments equal to 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the term loans outstanding as of March 31, 2018. Interest during 2017 was PIK. As of September 30, 2018, the outstanding balance was $171.2 million, which included PIK interest of $24.7 million.

 

The New Revolving Commitment is $45.0 million, with the right to expand to $65.0 million. USWS exercised this right on June 13, 2017. The annual interest rate on the revolver facility is equal to LIBOR plus 6%, payable at the end of each month. As of September 30, 2018, the outstanding principal amount of the new revolving commitment was $49.8 million.

 

At Closing, USWS will use the funds contributed to it by USWS Holdings will repay in full all outstanding borrowings and other obligations of USWS under the New Senior Term Loan and the New Revolving Commitment, and the New Senior Term Loan and the New Revolving Commitment will be terminated.

 

See Note 10 to USWS’ audited financial statements included elsewhere in the Proxy Statement for a further discussion of USWS’ debt.

 

  10  

 

 

Equipment Financing and Capital Leases

 

USWS entered into various security agreements from 2014 through 2018 with financing institutions with maturities between 2018 through 2022 for the purchase of certain fracturing equipment. During 2017, USWS received proceeds from these security agreements of $30.4 million. As of September 30, 2018, the outstanding balance for these financing agreements was $18.5 million. The weighted average interest rate for these agreements was 7.1% as of September 30, 2018.

 

During 2017, USWS entered into two capital leases that mature in 2019 and received proceeds of $21.3 million. As of September 30, 2018, the outstanding capital lease obligation balance was $11.9 million. The weighted average interest rate for these leases was 8.9% as of September 30, 2018.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

USWS enters into certain contractual obligations in the normal course of its business. The following table summarizes USWS’ known contractual commitments as of December 31, 2017.

 

(in thousands)   Total     Less than 1 year     1 – 3 years     3 – 5 years     More than
5 years
 

Senior term loan from related party

  $ 167,456     $ 6,839       20,520       140,097        
Revolving credit facility from related party     49,825                   49,825        
Equipment financing     27,081       22,767       4,314              
Capital lease obligations (1)     19,041       9,551       9,490              
Estimated interest payments (2)     97,403       26,151       69,350       1,902        
Operating lease obligations (3)     2,838       1,925       913              
Purchase commitments (4)     104,790       31,160       61,630       12,000        
Total   $ 468,434     $ 98,393     $ 166,217     $ 203,824     $  

 

 

(1) Capital lease obligations consist of USWS’ obligations on capital leases of fracturing equipment.

 

(2) Estimated interest payments are based on outstanding debt balances as of December 31, 2017.

 

(3) Operating lease obligations are related to USWS’ office space.

 

(4) Purchase commitments primarily relate to supply agreements with vendors for sand purchases. The purchase commitments to sand suppliers represent USWS’ annual obligations to purchase a minimum amount of sand from vendors. If the minimum purchase commitments are not met, the agreements generally require the shortfalls or specified penalties to be settled in cash at the end of the year. The purchase commitments disclosed represent the aggregate amounts that USWS would be obligated to pay in the event that USWS procured no additional proppant under the contracts subsequent to December 31, 2017.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

USWS does not engage in any off-balance sheet financing activities, nor does USWS have any interest in entities referred to as variable interest entities.

 

Customer Concentration

 

Antero Resources accounted for 28.9% of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, 36.5% of revenues from February 2, 2017 through December 31, 2017 and 53.5% of revenues from January 1, 2017 through February 1, 2017. Southwestern Energy accounted for 21.3% of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, 26.6% of revenues from February 2, 2017 through December 31, 2017 and 42.8% of revenues from January 1, 2017 through February 1, 2017. Hawkwood Energy, CNX Resources, and Wildhorse Resource Development accounted for 13.3%, 12.9%, and 11.3%, respectively, of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the period of February 2 through December 31, 2017 and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017.

 

  11  

 

  

Seasonality

 

Historically, USWS’ results of operations have not been significantly affected by seasonality. However, inclement weather, the capital expenditure cycles of USWS’ customers, and holidays can impact USWS’ operating results.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

USWS is exposed to market risks from interest rate and commodity price fluctuations. USWS has not entered into any derivative financial instrument transactions to manage or reduce market risk for speculative purposes. USWS’ operations are conducted entirely in the United States; therefore, USWS has no significant exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk. The consolidated financial statements are subject to concentrations of credit risk consisting primarily of accounts receivable.

 

USWS is subject to interest rate risk on its senior term loan and its revolving credit facility. USWS’ senior term loan bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 9%, if paid in cash, and LIBOR plus 11%, if paid in kind. The impact of a 1% increase in interest rates on USWS’ outstanding debt would have resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

 

USWS’ material and fuel purchases expose us to commodity price risk. USWS’ material costs primarily consist of proppants and chemicals that are consumed while providing hydraulic fracturing services. USWS’ fuel costs primarily consist of diesel fuel used by its trucks and other equipment. USWS’ material and fuel costs are variable and are impacted by changes in supply and demand. USWS generally passes along price increases to its customers; however, USWS may be unable to do so in the future. USWS does not engage in commodity price hedging activities. However, USWS has commitments in place with certain vendors to purchase sand. Some of these agreements have minimum purchase requirements. USWS could be required to purchase sand and pay prices in excess of market prices at the time of purchase.

 

The concentration of USWS’ customers in the oil and gas industry may impact its overall exposure to credit risk in that customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic and industry conditions.

USWS extends credit to customers and other parties in the normal course of its business. USWS manages its credit exposure by performing credit evaluations of its customers and maintaining an allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. USWS regularly evaluates estimates and judgments based on historical experience and other relevant facts and circumstances.

 

USWS discusses its significant estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements in the notes accompanying the financial statements. Listed below are the accounting policies USWS believes are critical to its financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved.

 

Property and Equipment

USWS calculates depreciation based on the estimated useful lives of its assets. When assets are placed into service, USWS makes estimates with respect to their useful lives that USWS believes are reasonable. However, the cyclical nature of USWS’ business, which results in fluctuations in the use of its equipment and the environments in which USWS operates, could cause USWS to change its estimates, thus affecting the future calculation of depreciation.

 

USWS continuously performs repair and maintenance expenditures on its service equipment. Expenditures for renewals and betterments that extend the lives of USWS’ 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.

 

  12  

 

  

USWS separately identifies and accounts for certain significant components of its hydraulic fracturing units including the engine, transmission, and pump, which requires USWS to separately estimate the useful lives of these components. For its other service equipment, USWS does not separately identify and track depreciation of specific original components. When USWS replaces components of these assets, USWS typically has 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

 

At September 30, 2018, USWS’ net book value of definite-lived intangible assets was $30.0 million and the related amortization reflected in its condensed consolidated statement of operations was $6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. These intangible assets are primarily related to patents, order backlog, trademarks, customer relationships and covenants not to complete acquired in a business acquisition.

 

USWS calculates amortization for these assets based on their estimated useful lives. When these assets are recorded, USWS makes estimates with respect to their useful lives that USWS believes are reasonable.

 

However, these estimates contain judgments regarding the future utility of these assets and a change in USWS’ assessment of the useful lives of these assets could materially change the future calculation of amortization

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and amortizable identifiable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When impairment is indicated, USWS determines the amount by which the assets carrying value exceeds its fair value. USWS considers a number of factors such as estimated future cash flows, appraisals and current market value analysis in determining fair value. Assets are written down to fair value if the concluded current fair value is below the net carrying value. If actual results or performance are not consistent with its estimates and assumptions, USWS may be subject to additional impairment charges, which could be material to its results of operations. For example, if USWS’ results of operations significantly decline as a result of a decline in the price of oil, there could be a material increase in the impairment of long-lived assets in future periods.

 

For the period from February 2, 2017 through December 31, 2017, USWS identified a triggering event in its impairment analysis relating to an intangible asset based on changes in a specific customer contract, which resulted in recognition of an impairment loss amounting to $20.2 million. The triggering event was caused by USWS’ negotiation of the release of two fleets under contract with one customer for redeployment to other customers.

 

Unit-Based Compensation

 

USWS sponsors a unit-based compensation program for employees and nonemployees. USWS accounts for the employee unit-based awards based on the fair value of the award, and recognizes the expense over the requisite service period, or upon the occurrence of certain vesting events.

 

Unit-based awards to nonemployees are expensed over the period in which the related services are rendered. The grant-date fair value of the awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, or probability-weighted discounted cash flow model and market valuation approaches. Each of these valuation approaches involves significant judgments and estimates, including estimates regarding USWS’ future operations or the determination of a comparable public company peer group.

 

All unvested units will vest and the unit-based compensation program will terminate upon closing of the Transactions.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 3 to USWS’ audited financial statements included elsewhere in the Proxy Statement for further discussion regarding recently issued accounting standards.

 

  13  

 

 

USWS Related Party Transaction

 

In January 2018, Joel Broussard, the Chief Executive Officer of USWS, in his individual capacity, reached verbal agreement to form a joint venture (the “JV”) with Dragon Products, LLC. (“Dragon”) to manufacture conventional hydraulic fracturing pumps in Dragon’s Lafayette, Louisiana manufacturing facility. USWS is not in the business of manufacturing pumps and, regardless, was not in a position at the time to enter into the JV. The JV was both disclosed to members of the board of USWS and permitted under the terms of Mr. Broussard’s employment contract.

 

In April 2018, USWS entered into a two-year contract with a new customer to provide the customer with a conventional hydraulic fracturing fleet. USWS conducted a bid process to acquire the pumps necessary to fulfil the contract; Dragon participated in the bid process. The results of the bid process were presented to the full board of USWS for review and discussion along with a full disclosure of the details of the JV with Dragon. USWS’ board approved the purchase of the pumps from Dragon (with the pumps to be manufactured by the JV) based on the equipment quality, price, financing terms and Dragon’s ability to deliver the pumps on schedule. USWS plans to purchase the pumps from Dragon at a total cost of approximately $39.2 million. As of September 30, 2018, total payments of $10.9 million consisting of an initial deposit of $1.6 million and an additional payment of $9.3 million were paid to Dragon for purchases of equipment. In August 2018, Dragon agreed to buy Mr. Broussard out of his interest in the JV for approximately $6.5 million (with the effective date of this transaction being May 31, 2018).

 

  14  

 

 

Exhibit 99.4

 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

U.S. Well Services, LLC

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018

 

  1  

 

 

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

    September 30,     December 31,  
    2018     2017  
ASSETS                
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 20,799     $ 5,923  
Restricted cash     506       503  
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,007 in 2018 and $438 in 2017)     71,071       74,435  
Inventory, net     11,770       12,436  
Prepaids and other current assets     13,687       12,987  
Total current assets     117,833       106,284  
Property and equipment, net     276,423       251,288  
Intangible assets, net     29,989       36,295  
Goodwill     4,971       4,971  
Deferred financing costs, net     7,245       8,758  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 436,461     $ 407,596  
                 
LIABILITIES & MEMBER'S EQUITY                
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Accounts payable     134,283       86,582  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     16,633       12,157  
Notes payable, current portion     5,814       1,446  
Current portion of long-term equipment financing     12,406       22,767  
Current portion of long-term capital lease obligation     11,008       9,551  
Current portion of long-term debt to related party     8,549       6,839  
Total current liabilities     188,693       139,342  
Long-term equipment financing     6,085       4,314  
Long-term capital lease obligation     889       9,490  
Long-term debt to related party     212,311       210,187  
TOTAL LIABILITIES     407,978       363,333  
Commitments and contingencies (NOTE 14)                
MEMBER'S EQUITY                
Member's interest     140,678       137,885  
Accumulated deficit     (112,195 )     (93,622 )
Total Member's Equity     28,483       44,263  
TOTAL LIABILITIES & MEMBER'S EQUITY   $ 436,461     $ 407,596  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  2  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor     Predecessor  
    Three months     Three months     Nine months     February 2, 2017     January 1, 2017  
    ended     ended     ended     to     to  
    September 30,     September 30,     September 30,     September 30,     February 1,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017     2017  
                               
Revenue   $ 166,173     $ 122,819     $ 530,411     $ 317,405     $ 32,867  
Costs and expenses:                                        
Cost of services (excluding depreciation and amortization)     137,452       100,556       427,243       270,614       28,053  
Depreciation and amortization     26,765       23,513       77,547       63,014       4,920  
Selling, general and administrative                                        
expenses     5,248       4,091       14,863       12,369       1,281  
Impairment loss on intangible assets     -       -       -       20,247       -  
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets     (126 )     2,829       7,990       8,514       201  
Income (loss) from operations     (3,166 )     (8,170 )     2,768       (57,353 )     (1,588 )
Interest expense, net     (7,387 )     (6,444 )     (21,672 )     (15,673 )     (4,067 )
Other income     9       35       331       69       1  
Net loss   $ (10,544 )   $ (14,579 )   $ (18,573 )   $ (72,957 )   $ (5,654 )

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  3  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

    Successor     Successor     Predecessor  
    Nine months     February 2, 2017     January 1, 2017  
    ended     to     to  
    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017     February 1, 2017  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                        
Net loss   $ (18,573 )   $ (72,957 )   $ (5,654 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities:                        
Depreciation and amortization     77,547       63,014       4,920  
Impairment loss on intangible assets     -       20,247          
Provision for losses on accounts recevable     569       -       -  
Provision for losses on inventory obsolescence     93       -       -  
Non-cash interest     7,196       12,530       3,155  
SMRF Interests present value adjustment     -       -       117  
Loss on disposal of assets     7,990       8,514       201  
Amortization of discount on debt     -       -       54  
Deferred financing costs amortization     1,569       1,262       112  
Unit based compensation expense     2,802       3,668       -  
Changes in assets and liabilities:                        
Restricted cash     (3 )     -       -  
Accounts receivable     2,794       (20,920 )     (10,175 )
Inventory     1,364       (6,427 )     (137 )
Prepaids and other current assets     (4,514 )     (6,857 )     (414 )
Other non-current assets     -       -       113  
Accounts payable     800       17,220       2,446  
Accrued liabilities     4,477       1,107       2,485  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     84,111       20,401       (2,777 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                        
Purchase of property and equipment     (58,557 )     (43,355 )     -  
Insurance proceeds from damaged property and equipment     8,011       19       -  
Net cash used in investing activities     (50,546 )     (43,336 )     -  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                        
Proceeds from issuance of revolving credit facility     -       43,825       2,500  
Repayments of revolving credit facility     -       (15,475 )     -  
Repayments of long-term debt to related party     (3,420 )     -       -  
Proceeds from issuance of note payable     6,513       4,113       -  
Repayments of note payable     (2,145 )     (2,015 )     (276 )
Repayments of amounts under equipment financing agreements     (12,484 )     (733 )     (428 )
Payment to re-acquire JMRF Interest     -       (29 )     -  
Principal payments under finance lease obligation     (7,144 )     (566 )     (5 )
Cash distribution to partners     (9 )     -       -  
Deferred financing costs     -       (2,200 )     (318 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (18,689 )     26,920       1,473  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     14,876       3,985       (1,304 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     5,923       3,888       5,192  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 20,799     $ 7,873     $ 3,888  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  4  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

    Successor     Successor     Predecessor  
    Nine months     February 2, 2017     January 1, 2017  
    ended     to     to  
    September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017     February 1, 2017  
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:                        
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized   $ 12,586     $ 1,610     $ 66  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:                        
Accrued and unpaid capital expenditures     49,199       20,646       2,251  
Assets under finance lease obligations     -       21,330       -  
Notes payable for purchases of equipment     3,893       2,020       -  
Deferred finance cost related to issuance of Class B units by Holdings     -       8,271       -  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  5  

 

   

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBER'S EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

                Total  
    Member's     Accumulated     Member's  
    Interest     Deficit     Equity  
Balance, December 31, 2017   $ 137,885     $ (93,622 )   $ 44,263  
Deemed contribution related to unit-based compensation     2,802       -       2,802  
Cash distribution to partners     (9 )     -       (9 )
Net loss     -     $ (18,573 )     (18,573 )
Balance, September 30, 2018   $ 140,678     $ (112,195 )   $ 28,483  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  6  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

On February 21, 2012, U.S. Well Services, LLC (the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “USWS”) was formed as a Delaware limited liability company. The Company is a Houston, Texas based oilfield service provider of well stimulation services to the upstream oil and natural gas industry. We engage in high-pressure hydraulic fracturing in unconventional oil and natural gas basins. The fracturing process consists of pumping a specially formulated fluid into perforated well casing, tubing or open holes under high pressure, causing the underground formation to crack or fracture, allowing nearby hydrocarbons to flow more freely up the wellbore.

 

On February 2, 2017, we completed transactions pursuant to which newly formed entity USWS Holdings LLC (“Holdings”) acquired (the “Acquisition”) all of our outstanding equity interests. Holdings, a Delaware limited liability company, was formed for the purpose of effecting the Acquisition and had no operations of its own. Holdings accounted for the Acquisition as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at fair value with the remaining purchase price recorded as goodwill (see Note 4). The Company elected to push down the effects of the Acquisition to its consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements for the periods beginning and subsequent to February 2, 2017 represent the financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries subsequent to the Acquisition and are labeled as Successor (“Successor”). The financial statements prior to and including February 1, 2017 represent the financial information of the Company prior to the Acquisition, and are labeled as Predecessor (“Predecessor”). Due to the change in the basis of accounting resulting from the Acquisition, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for these reporting periods are not comparable.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in our annual consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2017. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods.

 

Certain prior year amounts in these consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s reporting format.

 

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through November 13, 2018, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Business Combination

 

The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method, acquired assets, including separately identifiable intangible assets, and any assumed liabilities are recorded at their acquisition date estimated fair value. The excess of purchase price over the fair value amounts assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed represents the goodwill amount resulting from the acquisition. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.

 

Concurrent with the Acquisition, the Company elected to apply pushdown accounting. Pushdown accounting refers to the use of the acquirer’s basis in the preparation of the acquiree’s separate financial statements as the new basis of accounting for the acquiree. See Note 4 for a discussion of the Acquisition and the related impact of pushdown accounting on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

  7  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. We regularly evaluate estimates and judgments based on historical experience and other relevant facts and circumstances. Significant estimates included in these financial statements primarily relate to allowance for doubtful accounts, allowance for inventory obsolescence, estimated useful lives and valuation of property and equipment and intangibles, impairment assessments of goodwill and other intangibles, Level 2 inputs used in fair value estimation of senior term loans, accounting for business combination, and the assumptions used in our Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo option pricing models associated with the valuation of unit-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with an original maturity at the date of acquisition of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit with domestic banks and, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted as to withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements are recorded in restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheets. The restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheet represents cash transferred into a trust account to support our workers compensation obligations and is classified in operating activity in our consolidated statement of cash flows as it is directly related to the operations of the business.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory consists of proppant, chemicals, and other consumable materials and supplies used in our pressure pumping and related services, including our high-pressure hydraulic fracturing operations. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined principally on a first-in-first-out cost basis. All inventories are purchased and used by the Company in the delivery of its services with no inventory being sold separately to outside parties. Inventory quantities on hand are reviewed regularly and write-downs for obsolete inventory is recorded based on estimated forecast of the inventory item demand in the near future. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company has established inventory reserves of $543 and $450, respectively, for obsolete and slow-moving inventory.

 

On certain contracts with our proppant vendors, we take ownership of proppant as it leaves the sand mines. These in transit inventories are recognized as part of Inventory in our balance sheets. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, in transit inventories amounted to $1,327 and $1,163, respectively.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost, with depreciation provided on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. Expenditures for renewals and betterments that extend the lives of the assets are capitalized. Amounts spent for maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the life of the related asset, are charged to expense as incurred. An allocable amount of interest on borrowings is capitalized for assets and equipment during their construction period.

 

Long-lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and amortizable identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When making this assessment, the following factors are considered: current operating results, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. We determine recoverability by evaluating whether the undiscounted estimated future net cash flows of the asset or asset group are less than its carrying value. When impairment is indicated, we proceed to Step 2 of the impairment test and measure the impairment as the amount by which the assets carrying value exceeds its fair value. Management considers a number of factors such as estimated future cash flows, appraisals and current market value analysis in determining fair value. Assets are written down to fair value if the concluded current fair value is below the net carrying value.

 

  8  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment annually as of December 31, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Judgements regarding indicators of potential impairment are based on market conditions and operational performance of the business.

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

Costs incurred to obtain financing are capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the debt. At the balance sheet date, deferred financing costs related to the senior term loans are presented as a direct deduction from the debt liability, while deferred financing costs related to the revolver facility are presented as deferred financing costs, net.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value is defined under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurement , as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a three-level hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

Level 1–inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2–inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3–inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability.

 

The following is a summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. These carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments or because the carrying value is equal to the fair value of those instruments on the balance sheet dates.

 

Senior Term Loans . The estimated fair value of the Senior Term Loans amounted to $189,452 and $167,417 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and was estimated using discounted cash flow methodology based on Level 2 inputs.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues are recognized as services are completed and collectability is reasonably assured. With respect to our hydraulic fracturing services, we recognize revenue upon the completion of each fracturing stage and invoice our customers either on a per stage or per well basis. We have certain contracts with fixed monthly service revenues that are recognized and invoiced monthly. We also have a certain contract that requires a minimum number of stages, measured quarterly, with the Company recognizing additional revenue for any shortfall in stages completed. Revenues on consumables such as sand and chemicals that we use in the performance of our services are also recognized upon the completion of each fracturing stage. We typically complete multiple fracturing stages per day during the course of a job. Revenues are recognized as we meet our performance obligations in accordance with such contracts.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable are recorded at their outstanding balances adjusted for an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined by analyzing the payment history and credit worthiness of each debtor. Receivable balances are charged off when they are considered uncollectible by management. Recoveries of receivables previously charged off are recorded as income when received. The Company recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts amounting to $1,007 and $438 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

  9  

 

   

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

Major Customer and Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The concentration of our customers in the oil and natural gas industry may impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic and industry conditions. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and do not generally require collateral in support of our trade receivables.

 

The following table shows the percentage of revenues from our significant customers for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Successor), and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (Successor), the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 (Successor), and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 (Predecessor):

 

    Successor     Successor     Successor     Successor     Predecessor  
    Three months     Three months     Nine months     February 2, 2017     January 1, 2017  
    ended     ended     ended     to     to  
    September 30,     September 30,     September 30,     September 30,     February 1,  
    2018     2017     2018     2017     2017  
Customer A     30.5 %     28.2 %     28.9 %     41.2 %     53.5 %
Customer B     17.9 %     30.5 %     21.3 %     28.4 %     42.8 %
Customer C     10.6 %     11.4 %     11.3 %     *       *  
Customer D     15.1 %     *       13.3 %     *       *  
Customer E     15.7 %     *       12.9 %     *       *  
Customer F     *       10.5 %     *       *       *  
Customer G     *       11.0 %     *       *       *  
Customer H     10.1 %     *       *       *       *  

 

An asterisk indicates that revenue is less than ten percent

 

The following table shows the percentage of trade receivables from our significant customers as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

    September 30,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 
Customer A     24.8 %     21.5 %
Customer B     25.9 %     30.5 %
Customer C     *       10.6 %
Customer D     20.2 %     15.8 %
Customer E     14.3 %     *  

 

An asterisk indicates that revenue is less than ten percent

 

Unit-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for unit-based awards issued to employees and nonemployees in accordance with the guidance on share-based payments. Accordingly, employee unit-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period, or upon the occurrence of certain vesting events. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. Certain unit-based awards only vest if there is a liquidation or exit event which results in a distribution to all of the Company’s equity units, where the value of the equity of the Company falls within certain predetermined levels, and subject to the holder remaining continuously actively employed with the Company through the date of the qualifying event. The Company does not recognize any compensation expense on these awards until the qualifying event is deemed probable. The Company does not deem the qualifying event probable until it occurs. Additionally, unit-based awards to nonemployees are expensed over the period in which the related services are rendered. The grant-date fair value of the awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, or probability-weighted discounted cash flow model and market valuation approaches. The Class G Units of Holdings (Successor) and the Company’s Series D Units (Predecessor) are not publicly traded and have not been traded privately, therefore the values were determined based on inputs that are estimated based on similar entities with publicly traded securities.

 

  10  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company is a limited liability company and is treated as a partnership for federal and certain state income tax purposes. No provision or benefit for federal or certain state income taxes is included in the financial statements of the Company because the results of operations are allocated to the members for inclusion in their income tax returns. In certain state jurisdictions the Company may be subject to income-based taxes. In such instances, the Company accounts for state income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Company is responsible for franchise tax in Texas. This amount is reflected as selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there are no deferred tax assets or liabilities, pertaining to state income-based taxes that we are required to disclose.

 

NOTE 3 – ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic842): Targeted Improvements”, which provides entities with an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new leases standard. Under this new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Consequently, an entity’s reporting for the comparative periods presented in the financial statements in which it adopts the new leases standard will continue to be in accordance with current GAAP (Topic 840, Leases). The amendments also provide lessors with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component and, instead, to account for those components as a single component if the non-lease components otherwise would be accounted for under the new revenue guidance (Topic 606) and certain criteria are met: If the non-lease component or components associated with the lease component are the predominant component of the combined component, an entity is required to account for the combined component in accordance with Topic 606. Otherwise, the entity must account for the combined component as an operating lease in accordance with Topic 842. The new guidance will be effective for non-public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases”. The amendments affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in the amendments in ASU 2016-02 including those regarding residual value guarantees, rate implicit in the lease, lessee reassessment of lease classification, lessor reassessment of lease term and purchase option, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, investment tax credits, lease term and purchase option, transition guidance for amounts previously recognized in business combinations, certain transition adjustments, transition guidance for leases previously classified as capital leases under Topic 840, transition guidance for modifications to leases previously classified as direct financing or sales-type leases under Topic 840, transition guidance for sale and leaseback transactions, impairment of net investment in the lease, unguaranteed residual asset, effect of initial direct costs on rate implicit in the lease, and failed sale and leaseback transactions. The new guidance will be effective for non-public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

  11  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which eliminates the second step of the previous two-step quantitative test of goodwill impairment. Under the new guidance, the quantitative test consists of a single step in which the carrying amount of the reporting unit is compared to its fair value. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the amount of the impairment would be limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The guidance does not affect the existing option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine whether the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The new guidance will be effective for non-public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-1, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business”, which clarifies the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance will be effective for non-public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash”, which requires companies to include in their cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted and restricted cash equivalents. The guidance will be effective for non-public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), which modifies certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income taxes, classification of awards, and classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-9 will be effective for non-public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-2, “Leases (Topic 842).” The new guidance, among other things, requires lessees to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (i) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis and (ii) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2016-2 will be effective for non-public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application is permitted for all entities upon issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and subsequent amendments thereto. This pronouncement requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09. Accordingly, this standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. Since the original issuance of ASU 2014-09, the FASB has issued several amendments and updates to this guidance. We are currently determining the impacts of the new standard. Our planned approach includes performing a detailed review of key contracts representative of our different pricing structures and comparing historical accounting policies and practices to the new accounting guidance. Our preliminary assessment has not identified any expected material impacts on the timing and measurement of revenue from the adoption of the standard. However, this assessment is preliminary and could change based on the detailed analysis that we have yet to complete. We plan on adopting this standard utilizing the modified retrospective approach.

 

  12  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

NOTE 4 – ACQUISITION

 

On February 2, 2017 (“Acquisition date”), Holdings acquired all of the Company’s outstanding equity interests. The purchase price was $275,068, which consisted of noncash consideration in the form of New Senior Term Loan (see Note 10) amounting to $150,000 and equity issued by Holdings amounting to $125,068. Also on the Acquisition date, Holdings also issued Class B units to the lenders of the new revolving commitment (see Note 10) for providing commitment to the revolver. These Class B units were valued at $8,271 and recorded as deferred financing costs (see Note 10).

 

The Acquisition resulted in a new basis of accounting for the Company, and in accordance with the Company’s election to apply pushdown accounting, the impact of the Acquisition has been recognized in the Successor period of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

    As of February 2,
2017
 
Assets acquired:        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 3,888  
Restricted cash     500  
Accounts receivable     39,156  
Inventory     9,014  
Prepaids and other current assets     5,634  
Property and equipment     224,318  
Intangible assets     65,479  
Goodwill     4,971  
Deferred financing costs     318  
Total assets acquired     353,278  
Liabilities assumed:        
Accounts payable     40,299  
Accrued liabilities     19,407  
Notes payable     1,397  
Current portion of long-term debt     1,216  
Long-term debt     387  
Revolving credit facility     15,475  
JMRF Interest     29  
Total liabilities assumed     78,210  
Net assets acquired   $ 275,068  

 

As a result of the Company pushing down the effects of the Acquisition recorded by Holdings, certain accounting adjustments are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, as discussed below.

 

The Company recorded goodwill of $4,971 in the Successor consolidated balance sheet.

 

The fair value of order backlog was estimated using the multi-period excess earnings method. This method evaluates the present worth of the future economic benefits that accrue to a hypothetical owner of the order backlog by accounting for all other contributions to earnings. The benefits of future earnings are discounted at a rate of return that is commensurate with the asset’s particular risk level. The fair value of order backlog acquired as a result of the Acquisition was $37,736.

 

The fair value of covenants not to compete was estimated using the with-and-without method, which is an incremental income method under the income approach. This method assumes that the value of the intangible asset is equal to the difference between the present value of the prospective cash flows with and without the intangible asset in place. The fair value of covenants to compete acquired as a result of the Acquisition was $1,524.

 

  13  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

The fair values of trademarks and patents were estimated using the relief from royalty method. In this method, the subject intangible asset is valued by reference to the amount of royalty income it could generate if it was licensed in an arm’s length transaction to a third party. The fair values of trademarks and patents acquired as a result of the Acquisition were $3,132 and $22,955, respectively.

 

The fair value of customer relationship was estimated using cost approach, whereby we assume that all customer relationships are suddenly lost, and the fair value is the cost associated with the Company’s salesforce acquiring a new set of customers equivalent to those lost. The fair value of customer relationship acquired as a result of the Acquisition was $132.

 

The deferred financing costs consist of $318 of professional fees related to the New Senior Term Loan.

 

Based on the nature and period when incurred, the Company recorded various professional and legal fees related to the Acquisition of $53 and $841 in the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 (Successor) and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 (Predecessor), respectively in the consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, professional fees incurred of $2,051 that were contingent upon the success of the Acquisition are not reflected in the results of operations in either the Successor or Predecessor periods but are recorded “on the line”. The Company considers any costs that are a direct consequence of the consummation of the Acquisition as contingent and recognizes these amounts in neither the Successor nor the Predecessor periods, but instead “on the line.”

 

As part of the Acquisition, $118,411 of the predecessor Senior Term Loans as of the Acquisition date were exchanged for Class A Units of Holdings, and the predecessor revolver facility was paid off in full through the new revolver commitment (See Note 10). As of the Acquisition date, the unamortized discount of $13,599 and unamortized deferred financing costs of $2,384 related to the senior term loans were eliminated as part of the Acquisition.

 

Of the 99,485 unvested Series D Units at December 31, 2016 (Predecessor), 81,226 units were forfeited at the Acquisition date in accordance with the termination agreements of the unitholders. There was no previously recognized compensation expense associated with the forfeited units. The remaining 18,259 units were vested at the Acquisition date, which is the triggering event for such vesting in accordance with the grant agreements. Because vesting was contingent on the occurrence of a liquidation or exit event, the $565 of associated unit based compensation expense is not reflected in the results of operations in either the Successor or Predecessor periods but are recorded “on the line” consistent with the election noted above. As part of the Acquisition, all vested Series D Units were then exchanged for Class F Units in Holdings. Since Holdings was obligated to replace the vested Series D Units, the fair value of the Class F Units was included as part of the purchase price consideration.

 

As part of the Acquisition, due to anti-dilution provisions granted to the holders of warrants in the Predecessor period, 85,000 warrants which entitled the holder to the purchase of Series B units (Predecessor) were exchanged for warrants that entitle each holder to receive 3.4167 Class F Units at an exercise price of $0.01 per unit, representing approximately 290,420 Class F Units in aggregate. The Company recorded an aggregate fair value of the warrants amounting to $210 as Member’s Interest as of the effective date of the Acquisition. The fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, assuming an expected life of 2.1 years, risk-free rate of 1.21%, a volatility factor of 54.3% and dividend yield of 0%. The warrants became exercisable upon completion of the Acquisition on February 2, 2017 and will expire on February 21, 2019. The Company has granted the holders of the warrants certain “piggyback” registration rights for the resale of the Class F Units underlying the warrants. As of September 30, 2018, none of these warrants had been exercised.

 

  14  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

On the Acquisition, the Company’s equity is 100% owned by Holdings. Holdings has seven classes of membership interest, designated as Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units, Class D Units, Class E Units, Class F Units, and Class G Units. Class A Units and Class B Units have voting rights and combined can elect the majority of the Company’s Board of Managers. All classes of units share in Holding’s distributions based on percentages as outlined in the Holding’s operating agreement. At times determined by Holdings, the Board shall issue Class G Units to any manager, officer, employee, consultant, or other party. Each Class G Unit issued is intended to be a “profits interest” within the meaning of Revenue Procedures 93-27 and 2001-43.

 

NOTE 5 – PREPAIDS AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

 

Prepaids and other current assets include the following:

 

    September 30,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 
Iron   $ -     $ 3,904  
Prepaid insurance     5,798       2,270  
Recoverable costs from insurance     3,385       2,977  
Other receivables     1,913       2,244  
Other current assets     2,591       1,592  
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets   $ 13,687     $ 12,987  

 

In the normal course of our business, we purchase iron from vendors for use in our fracturing operations. We also rent iron from another vendor for use in some of our fleets. The purchased iron is recorded as iron as part of prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and amortized over a period of six months to repair and maintenance as part of cost of services in the consolidated statement of operations. After which, it is sold to another vendor in exchange for credits to be applied to future rentals of iron. The credit received at the time of sale is recorded as other receivables as part of prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. On July 1, 2018, due to operational changes in how we manage iron, we now intend to utilize iron through the end of its useful life, which we estimate to be more than one year. As a result, effective June 30, 2018, we reclassified certain iron strings to auxiliary equipment as part of property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

In March 2017, some of our turbine equipment that we use to operate our electric fleets was damaged in an accident. As a result, we incurred costs primarily to rent replacement equipment in order to continue our operations. Recoverable costs from insurance included costs of $2,935 and 2,977 we incurred as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, that we can recover from the insurance company.

 

In June 2018, we experienced a fire on one of our hydraulic fracturing fleets operating in Pennsylvania, damaging a portion of the hydraulic fracturing equipment. The net book value of equipment lost in the fire amounted to $3,866. In August 2018, we received insurance reimbursement amounting to $8,011 to cover the majority of the costs of replacement equipment. The excess of insurance proceeds over net book value of equipment lost was recorded as part of loss (gain) on disposal of assets in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

  15  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

NOTE 6 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

A summary of intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

    Estimated
Useful Life
(in years)
  Gross
Carrying
Value
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Book
Value
 
As of September 30, 2018                            
Order backlog   3   $ 15,345     $ 9,207     $ 6,138  
Trademarks   10     3,132       522       2,610  
Patents   20     22,955       1,913       21,042  
Covenants not to compete   2     1,524       1,325       199  
Customer relationship   1     132       132       -  
        $ 43,088     $ 13,099     $ 29,989  
As of December 31, 2017                            
Order backlog   3   $ 15,345     $ 4,604     $ 10,741  
Trademarks   10     3,132       287       2,845  
Patents   20     22,955       1,052       21,903  
Covenants not to compete   2     1,524       729       795  
Customer relationship   1     132       121       11  
        $ 43,088     $ 6,793     $ 36,295  

 

The intangible assets are amortized over the period the Company expects to receive the related economic benefit. Amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was $2,098 and $2,131 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Successor), respectively. Amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was $6,306, $6,805, and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (Successor), the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 (Successor), and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 (Predecessor), respectively. Amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets is included as part of depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations. On April 6, 2017, as a result of changes in customer contracts, the Company recognized an impairment loss on order backlog of $20,247. The net book value of order backlog immediately before the impairment was $35,592.

 

The estimated amortization expense for future periods is as follows:

 

Fiscal Year   Estimated
Amortization
Expense
 
Remainder of 2018   $ 2,099  
2019     6,064  
2020     1,461  
2021     1,461  
2022     1,461  
Thereafter     17,443  
Total   $ 29,989  

 

  16  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

NOTE 7 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

 

    Estimated Useful
Life (in years)
  September 30,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 
Fracturing equipment   1.5 to 10 years   $ 379,830     $ 315,183  
Light duty vehicles   5 years     5,913       4,849  
Furniture and fixture   5 years     212       171  
IT equipment   3 years     4,641       3,317  
Auxiliary equipment   2 to 20 years     14,662       2,845  
Leasehold improvements   Term of lease     246       244  
          405,504       326,609  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization         (129,081 )     (75,321 )
Property and equipment, net       $ 276,423     $ 251,288  

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $24,667and $21,382 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Successor), respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense was $71,241, $56,209, and $4,920 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (Successor), the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 (Successor), and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 (Predecessor), respectively.

 

The Company did not capitalize interest for any of the periods presented herein.

 

Capital leases . In August and September of 2017, we entered into two capital leases. The total amount capitalized under these capital leases was $23,660, presented as part of fracturing equipment in property and equipment, and the related accumulated depreciation was $12,709 and $4,383 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company paid $2,330 in cash as an advance on the capital leases. The future minimum lease payments related to these capital leases as of September 30, 2018 amounts to $10,223, of which total payments of $2,655 and $7,568 are due in the remainder of 2018 and in 2019, respectively.

 

NOTE 8 – ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:

 

    September 30,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 
Accrued payroll and benefits   $ 8,777     $ 7,368  
Accrued taxes     6,076       4,142  
Other current liabilities     1,780       647  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   $ 16,633     $ 12,157  

 

NOTE 9 –NOTES PAYABLE

 

Successor Notes Payable

 

On March 15, 2017, the Company obtained insurance for its general liability, workers' compensation, umbrella, auto and pollution coverage needs. The Company made an initial down payment and entered into a premium finance agreement with a credit finance institution to pay the remainder of the premiums. The aggregate amount of the premiums financed is $4,113 at an interest rate of 5.0%. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company has agreed to pay 15 equal monthly payments of $283 beginning April 15, 2017 through maturity on June 15, 2018. The payments included interest expense of $114. The note had an outstanding balance of $0 and $1,446 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

  17  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

On January 31, 2018, the Company obtained insurance for its directors and officers liability coverage needs. The Company entered into a premium finance agreement with a credit finance institution to pay the premiums. The aggregate amount of the premiums financed is $304 at an interest rate of 5.2%. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company has agreed to pay 9 equal monthly payments of $35 beginning February 28, 2018 through maturity on October 28, 2018. The payments included interest expense of $7. The note had an outstanding balance of $34 as of September 30, 2018.

 

On March 15, 2018, the Company obtained insurance for its workers' compensation and pollution coverage needs. The Company entered into a premium finance agreement with a credit finance institution to pay the premiums. The aggregate amount of the premiums financed is $1,090 at an interest rate of 4.2%. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company has agreed to pay 15 equal monthly payments of $75 beginning April 15, 2018 through maturity on June 15, 2019. The payments included interest expense of $31. The note had an outstanding balance of $661 as of September 30, 2018.

 

On September 15, 2018, the Company obtained insurance for its general liability, workers' compensation, umbrella, auto and pollution coverage needs. The Company entered into a premium finance agreement with a credit finance institution to pay the premiums. The aggregate amount of the premiums financed is $5,119 at an interest rate 5.5%. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company has agreed to pay 9 equal monthly payments of $582 beginning October 15, 2018 through maturity on June 15, 2019. The payments included interest expense of $118. The note had an outstanding balance of $5,119 as of September 30, 2018.

 

NOTE 10 – DEBT

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

    September 30,
2018
    December 31,
2017
 
Senior Term Loans from related party   $ 171,232     $ 167,456  
Revolving credit facility from related party     49,825       49,825  
Equipment financing     18,491       27,081  
Capital leases     11,897       19,041  
Total debt     251,445       263,403  
Unamortized discount on debt and debt issuance costs     (197 )     (255 )
Current maturities     (31,963 )     (39,157 )
Net Long-term debt   $ 219,285     $ 223,991  

 

Term Loan Credit Agreement and Revolver Facility

 

On February 2, 2017, the Company entered into an amended and restated senior secured credit agreement (the “New Term Loan Credit Agreement”) in conjunction with the Acquisition (See Note 4), with a syndicate of lenders (the “Lenders”) and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative and collateral agent, to define the terms of the new loan amount of $150,000 (the “New Senior Term Loan”) and the new terms of the revolver facility (“new revolving commitment”). The Lenders hold equity interests in Holdings, making them related parties to the Company. Holdings is a guarantor of the New Senior Term Loan and new revolving commitment.

 

The New Senior Term Loan bears interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 9%, if paid in cash, and LIBOR plus 11%, if paid in kind. Interest is payable monthly; however, the Company has the option to defer interest payments until the end of the second year anniversary of the Acquisition date. In the event of default in payment of interest, the interest will accrue at the default rate, which is 2.0% per annum in excess of the interest rate otherwise payable. Commencing on March 31, 2018, and each quarterly date thereafter, the Company shall make principal payments equal to 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the term loans outstanding as of March 31, 2018. Interest was paid-in-kind (“PIK”) during the 2017 Successor period through February 2018, and from August 2018 to September 2018. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, total PIK interest added to principal was $24,652 and $17,457, respectively, and presented as part of long-term debt from related party in the consolidated balance sheets. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $197 and $255 related to the New Senior Term Loan are recorded as a reduction to debt as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

  18  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

The New Senior Term Loan mature(s) on the earlier of (i) February 2, 2022, (ii) the date the New Senior Term Loan become due and payable in full, whether by acceleration or otherwise, or (iii) the date that is 90 calendar days (or such earlier or later date as may be determined in writing, provided the extension of the 90 day period is made before the maturity date) after any failure to pay the required principal installments. As of September 30, 2018, the maturity date is February 2, 2022.

 

The new revolving commitment is $45,000, with the ability to expand to $65,000. We exercised this ability on June 13, 2017. The interest rate per annum on the revolver facility is equal to LIBOR plus 6%, and is payable at the end of each month. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the outstanding principal amount of the revolving loans was $49,825, with available borrowing capacity under the terms of the new revolver facility of $15,175. The loan matures on February 2, 2022. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $7,245 and $8,758 related to the revolver facility are recorded in non-current assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

The financial and performance covenants are effective beginning in the first quarter of 2019. The Company shall not permit the Total Coverage Ratio (as defined in the New Term Loan Credit Agreement) as of the last day of any fiscal quarter set forth below to be greater than the ratio set forth below opposite of such fiscal quarter:

 

Each Fiscal Quarter Ending on the Following Dates   Total Leverage Ratio
March 31, 2019 and each Fiscal Quarter thereafter through the Fiscal Quarter ended December 31, 2019   6.00:1.00
     
March 31, 2020 and each Fiscal Quarter thereafter   5:00:1:00

 

Equipment Financing and Capital Leases

 

On September 12, 2017, the Company entered into a security agreement with a financing institution for the purchase of certain fracturing equipment. The total amount financed is $2,020 and bears effective interest rate of 5.7%. The Company is required to pay 48 equal monthly payments of $47, including interest, beginning October 20, 2017 through maturity on September 20, 2021. As of September 30, 2018, the financing agreement had a balance of $1,560, of which $490 is due within one year. As of December 31, 2017, the financing agreement had a balance of $1,909, of which $470 is due within one year.

 

On October 1, 2017, the Company, through one of our special purpose entities (“SPEs”), entered into a security agreement with a vendor for the purchase of certain fracturing equipment. The total amount financed is $24,026 and bears effective interest rate of 8%. The Company is required to pay 14 equal monthly payments of $1,300, including interest, beginning October 31, 2017 through November 30, 2018, and a balloon payment of $7,407, including interest, upon maturity on December 31, 2018. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the financing agreement had a balance of $9,835 and $20,584, respectively.

 

The Company entered into other security agreements with financing institutions from 2014 through 2018 for the purchase of certain fracturing equipment with maturities through 2022. As of September 30, 2018, these financing agreements had a total balance of $7,096, of which $2,081 is due within one year. The weighted average interest rate for these agreements was 6.3% as of September 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, these financing agreements had a total balance of $4,588, of which $1,713 is due within one year. The weighted average interest rate for these agreements was 6.0% as of December 31, 2017.

 

In the 2017 Successor period, the Company, through one of our SPEs, entered into equipment financing leases classified as capital leases (see Note 7). As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the outstanding capital lease obligation was $11,897 and $19,041, respectively.

 

  19  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

Payments of Debt Obligations due by Period

 

Presented below is a schedule of the repayment requirements of long-term debt as of September 30, 2018:

 

    Principal Amount  
    of Long-term
Debt
 
Remainder of 2018   $ 16,340  
2019     18,824  
2020     9,335  
2021     9,160  
2022     197,786  
Total   $ 251,445  

 

NOTE 11 – MEMBER’S INTEREST

 

Pursuant to the Acquisition (See Note 4), Holdings became the sole member of USWS. All of the equity holders (including all preferred equity holders) of the Predecessor entity contributed their membership interests in USWS to Holdings in exchange for new membership units in Holdings. All Senior Term Lenders of USWS agreed to exchange a portion of their debt from USWS for new membership units in Holdings. Holdings then cancelled all of the membership units in exchange for 100% membership interest in USWS by issuing new classes of units.

 

NOTE 12 – UNIT BASED COMPENSATION

 

During the 2017 Successor period, Holdings entered into various Class G Unit Agreements pursuant to which 85,800 Class G Units were granted to directors, officers, and key employees of the Company as performance incentives and are generally subject to a four year vesting period. Each Class G Unit issued is intended to be a “profits interest” within the meaning of Revenue Procedures 93-27 and 2001-43. These Class G Unit grants are classified as equity awards, and are subject to vesting and forfeiture under circumstances set forth in the agreements between Holdings and each such directors, officers, and key employees. The fair value of each award is determined using an option pricing model, which is then adjusted for a discount due to lack of marketability. Of the total number of Class G Unit grants, there were 15,000 Class G Units granted to an officer that vested immediately on grant date. The Company recognizes the compensation expense related to these grants from Holdings to its employees in its consolidated statement of operations with a corresponding credit to equity, representing a deemed capital contribution from Holdings. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the grant. For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, compensation expense of $895 and $828 was recorded, respectively, of which $494 and $483 are presented as part of cost of services, and $401 and $345 are presented as part of selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively, in the consolidated statement of operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and for the period of February 2 to September 30, 2017, compensation expense of $2,802 and $3,668 was recorded, respectively, of which $1,518 and $1,095 are presented as part of cost of services, and $1,284 and $2,573 are presented as part of selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively, in the consolidated statement of operations.

 

Of the total number of Class G Unit grants, a total of 20,000 Class G Units were granted to two officers, for which units remain unvested until the satisfaction of a performance condition, which is the sale of the Company, and satisfaction of a market condition. The market condition requires the Enterprise Value, as defined in the grant agreements, to be greater than $450,000 and $500,000, respectively, for the two officers at the effective date of sale of the Company. The Company will not recognize any compensation expense on these awards until the performance condition is deemed probable. The Company does not deem the performance condition probable until it occurs.

 

As of September 30, 2018, the unrecognized compensation cost relating to unvested awards amounted to $10,922, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years.

 

  20  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

The following table summarizes the transactions related to the unit based awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

 

          Weighted-average  
    Unvested     grant-date fair value  
Units at beginning of period     70,800     $ 225.69  
Granted     -       -  
Vested     (13,683 )     244.93  
Forfeited     -       -  
Units at end of period     57,117     $ 221.08  

 

NOTE 13 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

 

On March 1, 2013, the Company established the U.S. Well Services 401(k) Plan. We match 100% of employee contributions up to 6% of the employee’s salary, subject to cliff vesting after two years of service. Our matching contributions were $897 and $707 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Successor), respectively, and $2,535, $1,632, and $125 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (Successor), the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 (Successor), and the period of January 1 through February 1, 2017 (Predecessor), respectively. Our matching contributions are included in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

NOTE 14 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Litigation

 

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties, and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

 

Sand Purchase Agreements

 

The Company entered into agreements for the supply of proppant for use in its hydraulic fracturing operations. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company is subject to minimum purchase quantities on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis at fixed prices or may pay penalties in the event of any shortfall.

 

The following is a schedule of the contracted volumes in dollars and minimum commitments under the proppant supply purchase agreements as of September 30, 2018:

 

          Minimum  
    Contracted     Commitments  
Remainder of 2018   $ 24,815     $ 15,574  
2019     100,036       32,648  
2020     59,953       18,998  
2021     46,485       14,448  
2022     9,186       9,333  
Thereafter     2,625       2,667  
Total   $ 243,100     $ 93,668  

 

The minimum commitments represent the aggregate amounts that we would be obligated to pay in the event that we procured no additional proppant under the contracts subsequent to September 30, 2018.

 

  21  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

Operating Lease Agreements

 

The Company has various operating leases for facilities with terms ranging from 24 to 36 months.

 

Rent expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (Successor) was $557 and $354, respectively, of which $488 and $287 are recorded as part of cost of services and $69 and $67 are recorded as part of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Rent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (Successor), for the period of February 2 through September 30, 2017 (Successor), and for the period of January 1 to February 1, 2017 (Predecessor) was $1,563, $833, and $84, respectively, of which $1,360, $656, and $64 are recorded as part of cost of services and $203, $177, and $20 are recorded as part of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The following is a schedule of minimum future payments on non-cancelable operating leases as of September 30, 2018:

 

Remainder of 2018   $ 516  
2019     1,420  
2020     608  
2021     423  
2022     237  
Thereafter     40  
Total minimum future rentals   $ 3,244  

 

Self-insurance

 

Beginning June 2014, the Company established a self-insured plan for employees’ healthcare benefits except for losses in excess of varying threshold amounts. The Company charges to expense all actual claims made during each reporting period, as well as an estimate of claims incurred, but not yet reported. The amount of estimated claims incurred, but not reported as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $276 and $608, respectively, and was reported as accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. We believe that the liabilities we have recorded are appropriate based on the known facts and circumstances and do not expect further losses materially in excess of the amounts already accrued for existing claims.

 

NOTE 15 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Our Lenders hold equity interest in Holdings, therefore we consider transactions related to the New Term Loan Credit Agreement as related party transactions. See Note 10 for a discussion of these transactions and impact on the consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

In January 2018, Joel Broussard, the Chief Executive Officer of USWS, in his individual capacity, reached verbal agreement to form a joint venture (the “JV”) with Dragon Products, LLC. (“Dragon”) to manufacture conventional hydraulic fracturing pumps in Dragon’s Lafayette, Louisiana manufacturing facility. USWS is not in the business of manufacturing pumps and, regardless, was not in a position at the time to enter into the JV. The JV was both disclosed to members of the board of USWS and permitted under the terms of Mr. Broussard’s employment contract.

 

In April 2018, USWS entered into a two-year contract with a new customer to provide the customer with a conventional hydraulic fracturing fleet. USWS conducted a bid process to acquire the pumps necessary to fulfil the contract and Dragon participated in the bid process. The results of the bid process were presented to the full board of USWS for review and discussion along with a full disclosure of the details of the JV with Dragon. USWS’ board approved the purchase of the pumps from Dragon (with the pumps to be manufactured by the JV) based on the equipment quality, price, financing terms and Dragon’s ability to deliver the pumps on schedule. USWS plans to purchase pumps from Dragon at a total cost of approximately $39.2 million. As of September 30, 2018, total payments of $10.9 million consisting of an initial deposit of $1.6 million and an additional payment of $9.3 million were paid to Dragon for purchases of equipment. In August 2018, Mr. Broussard sold all of his interest in the JV to Dragon.

 

During the 2017 Successor period, Holdings granted 85,800 Class G Units to certain directors, officers, and key employees of the Company. See Note 12 for a discussion of these transactions and impact on the consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

  22  

 

  

U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLC

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

During the 2017 Predecessor period, the Company made purchases of silica dust control solutions amounting to $244 from a vendor which is in part owned by one of the member of our Board of Managers (“board member”). The board member is no longer serving in any capacity at the Company post Acquisition.

 

NOTE 16 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On November 9, 2018, Holdings and Matlin & Partners Acquisition Corporation (“MPAC”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, completed a business combination. At closing, the combined company was organized in an umbrella partnership corporation (“UP-C”) structure, and MPAC changed its name to U.S. Well Services, Inc. (“USWS Inc.”). USWS Inc. trades its Class A Common Stock and public warrants on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “USWS” and “USWSW”, respectively. The business combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization with Holdings treated as the acquirer for financial reporting purposes.

 

As a result of the business combination, on November 9, 2018 all unvested Class G units (see Note 12) became fully vested in accordance with the Class G Unit Agreements, and all related party debt (See Note 10) was paid in full.

 

  23